Academic Advisor - Undergraduate Academic Advising Center at InsideHigherEd

Description

Governors State University invites qualified candidates to apply for consideration to the position of Academic Advisor in the Undergraduate Academic Advising Center. They are directly involved in academic advising of undergraduate students and advising activities. They will monitor students' academic records, assist with course selection, inform students about academic policies, make students aware of study abroad programs, discuss transfer credit, articulate academic majors and career interests' equivalencies, integrate, explain academic standing (including Early Alert Warnings via GSUStar (Starfish), academic probation and suspension), discuss degree programs, (including changing majors, graduate programs, and minors); explain degree audit, and graduation clearance. This position is classified as an Academic Support Professional (ASP) and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between UPI-GovState.

Essential Responsibilities

_85_% primary advising from pre- admission through graduation for undergraduate students Advises students about content and structure of postsecondary programs including graduation and/or transfer requirements for a particular program of study to degree completion to earn a bachelor's degree. Communicate with students in-person, by phone, e-mail, GSU Star, or other forms of electronic communication to answer questions and requests for information. Document student contact in GSUStar including results of advising appointments, responses and clearing for flags and student requests for assistance. Maintaining availability for students in GSU Star. Inform new students about the requirement of the new virtual student orientations. Assist with the development of virtual orientations and advising website when requested to discuss program requirements with newly admitted students when requested. Review with new and continuing students the degree audit and provide them with information regarding course sequencing.

Determine student eligibility to register for various courses requiring prerequisites and inform them of the proper sequence of courses. Place and release advising holds, review applications for transfer of college, change of majors, SAP appeals, and process GI Bill Verification forms. Ensure that each graduating student's file is current, verify that all requirements have been met, and process graduation applications accurately and timely. Communicate with students placed on academic probation. Communicate via e-mail with students throughout the semester to inform them of various university activities, deadlines, and important information. Scholarships and tuition waivers are promoted through e-mail periodically each year. Consult with chairs regarding schedule by providing the student data needed. Speak with current students about minor requirements and how they support the academic major. Promote the programs by participating in either on-campus or off-campus recruitment activities when requested. Advisors are required to work 2 open house events per academic year and no more than 2 late nights per week. Review portal, website, and program handbooks for accuracy, updates, and inform the Colleges and faculty of required changes.

An advisor's workload will be distributed as shown and may be adjusted according to Section 16.9 b.3 of the UPI-GovState CBA in any term, based on the census and needs of academic programs. An Advisor's load will be considered confirmed as displayed in the Advisor Load Report made available three weeks after census date for the current academic term. Adjustments to an advisor's workplan may be made according to section 16.9.c as needed based on enrollment fluctuation or other extenuating circumstances. Full-time effort shall be defined as a flexible work week averaging 37.5hours per week over the Academic Support Professional's period of appointment, as approved by the supervisor.

15% Attend UAAC meetings, meet with program coordinators, faculty and other advisors to keep up to date on curriculum and division related matters. Participate indivision meetings, all college meetings and committees as approved by Director.

Other Responsibilities

Stay well informed in industry standards.

Participating in university open houses (2/academic year)

Work a late-night schedule no more than 2 times/ week.

Works well without close supervision and demonstrates initiative in a proactive manner.

Assists with questions and problems courteously and promptly.

The Academic Advisor must be knowledgeable about the university mission and vision,

and requirements associated with the assigned programs. The Advisor must be able to

interact in a professional manner with students, faculty, staff and administration. This

requires strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).

All aspects of the advising position interrelate to other matters within the university.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Problem solving/Analyzing, Knowledge of work, teamwork, and self-development.

Effective communication skills and customer service focused.

Technical reporting functions are completed in a timely manner and accurately, and

in accordance with established policies and federal and state regulations.

Visitors and telephone calls are courteously and professionally addressed.

Good public relations exist with outside contacts.

Ability to multitask.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required

•Previous experience with advising counseling or student support services in an academic environment.

• Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff and other

higher educational institutions

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with flexible hours

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to use a variety of Microsoft Office Products, accurately and efficiently to create/produce letters, reports, flyers, and other documents; ability to learn and successfully use new software programs and ERP systems to fulfill job requirements.

• Experience working successfully with diverse populations; able to demonstrate an understanding of sensitivity to and appreciation for academic, ethnic, socio-economic, disability, age and gender diversity of students and staff attending or working at GSU.

• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, handle projects and prioritize based on program goals and objectives

• Demonstrated ability to work with little supervision, make decisions, and demonstrate good judgment.

Desired Education and Experience

• One year experience in university-level academic advising

• Knowledge of Student Information Systems (Colleague or related product)

• Experience working with a variety of students at diverse entry points into the University (e.g., Freshmen-Senior; traditional and non-traditional; adult learners)

• Ability to help students with understanding pathways to complete graduate education.

Supplemental Information

Please attach the following to your application:

• Cover letter of interest, detailing how you are qualified for this role
• Resume
• Transcripts

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until this position is filled. For priority consideration you complete application with attachments should be submitted by November 30, 2025.