Academic Adviser

University of Chicago•Hyde Park, IL

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The College Academic Advising Office (CAAO) is situated in the Office of the Dean of Students in the College, which has broad responsibility for the success of all undergraduate students and reports to the Dean of the College. The College Academic Advising Office provides student-centered support for undergraduates to explore their individual academic and co-curricular interests and plan a path to graduation through a rigorous liberal arts education. CAAO staff assists students in self-reflection and making meaning of their UChicago experience, in addition to navigating University policies and connecting to campus resources. The Dean of Students staff needs to understand and communicate with students about University policies and the College curriculum. They also interact with faculty, parents, and partner offices. The Office of the Dean of Students in the College and the College Academic Advising Office are committed to enriching the working environment for all staff by promoting a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to apply.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree, with a 5-year minimum gap between date of college graduation and appointment.
Professional work experience in higher education.
Specialized knowledge of college student development.
Proficiency in Mac and PC environments.
Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and online organizational tools.
Familiarity with Adobe graphic design/web development environments.
Proficiency with web and social media platforms.
Learn new software and database tools.
Strong verbal and written communication skills including excellent editing/proofreading ability in English.
Handle multiple concurrent projects in a competent and professional manner while also managing details and meeting deadlines.
Work effectively with supervision and as a part of a team, individually, or in concert with other offices and campus partners.
Maintain confidentiality/discretion at all times.
Handle stressful situations.
Critical thinking skills.
Problem solving skills.
Decision making skills.
Reasoning skills.
Attention to detail.
Creativity.

Responsibilities

Supports undergraduate student progress on academic programs across all years and areas of study.
Conducts regular one-on-one meetings with students to discuss academic programs, choice of major, academic progress, long-term goals, and making meaning of their UChicago experience.
Meets with incoming and transfer students during the summer months to support their successful transition by building supportive relationships and initial course planning for Autumn Quarter.
Employs counseling and relational skills for assisting students in distress and establishes good working relationships with a diverse student population.
Manages an advising caseload by using University databases to run lists and queries of assigned students, record notes on student interactions, and monitor students’ progress towards completion of their degrees.
Maintains collaborative relationships with campus partners and makes timely referrals as needed to connect students to resources and support services.
Develops deep knowledge of Core curriculum and programs of study outlined in the College Catalog.
Remains informed on study abroad programs, internships, campus jobs, student activities, and joint-degree/4+1 graduate programs.
Serves as a liaison to one or more academic departments and updates staff on developments to majors and minors.
Understands and interprets University policies and deadlines and communicates them effectively to students.
Documents and processes special approvals to students’ degree programs as necessary.
Provides guidance on student petitions as needed.
Responds in a timely manner to student, staff, faculty, and parent communication.
Participates in staff development trainings, class visits, and weekly meetings.
Assists senior staff members on voluntary projects.
Advises students with minor academic difficulties and counseling while responding to queries from faculty, staff and parents.
Writes letters of recommendation for students for jobs, scholarships, and graduate schools.
Performs other related work as needed.