Lead Academic Advisor
Aurora University

Job Info

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Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples' lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found here.

Position Purpose:

The Lead Advising position at Aurora University embodies a pivotal role within the academic advising team, serving as a seasoned resource and advocate for students navigating their educational journey. With a focus on fostering a supportive environment and facilitating student success, Lead Advisors leverage their experience and expertise to provide personalized guidance, empower students to overcome challenges, and foster a culture of academic excellence within the university community.

Essential Job Functions:

Academic Advising

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior academic advisors.
• Stay informed about changes in academic policies, curriculum updates, and institutional procedures.
• Assist with student concerns and provide junior academic advisors with the appropriate resources for additional support.
• Collaborate with other lead advisors and assistant directors to foster a supportive and cohesive academic advising leadership environment.
• Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current with best practices in academic advising.
• Contribute to program development and enhancement of academic advising programs, policies, and procedures.
• Possess a strong understanding of requirements and policies as stated in the University Catalog including, but not limited to, information on general education, university requirements, major requirements, and academic policies and procedures.
• Deliver presentations and advise students on course selection during new student orientation.
• Conduct individual academic advising sessions and small group sessions with new and continuing students.
• Provide students with the resources to become knowledgeable about, and comfortable with, the online registration process.
• Review academic transcripts, placement exams, and student files in preparation for student appointments and new student orientation.
• Proactively communicate information to students that is relevant to their academic success.
• Demonstrate expertise in Self-Service, Student Planning, and Colleague.

Mentoring

• Assist students in confirming major/minor selection in support of their educational and professional interests and goals.
• Assist students through the process of vocational discernment by discussing their strengths, values, and interests and encouraging vocational exploration.
• Intentionally focus on moving students toward increased independence by the conclusion of the first college year.
• Listen to, advocate on behalf of, and build positive working relationships with students.
• Build positive working relationships with parents, as appropriate.
• Strategically mentor at-risk students.
• Refer students to appropriate university resources.

University Partnerships

• Establish and maintain relationships with assigned department chairs to understand and clarify departmental expectations to assist in maintaining current knowledge of assigned degree programs.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs to review academic materials for accuracy (e.g. degree audits, academic catalog, online resources) and provide feedback regarding course offerings.
• Collaborate with university departments (registrar, student accounts, financial aid, admission, athletics, etc.) to help facilitate student retention and academic progress.

Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.

Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. We empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.

Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.

Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:

• Master's degree required.

Experience:

• Full-time, professional experience in higher education, and two years advising experience.

Skills:

• *Strong communication skills.
• *Must be detail-oriented.
• *Knowledge of student data and communication systems.
• *Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and parents.
• *Flexibility with evening and Saturday work hours.

Physical Requirements:

• *Ability to use a computer terminal.
• *Ability to move about campus.
• *Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references including name, telephone, and email address.

If you were referred by a current employee of Aurora University please include the name of the employee in your submission.

Aurora University
Human Resources
347 South Gladstone Ave
Aurora, IL 60506
jobs@aurora.edu - email

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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