Academic Advisor for Graduate Programs, Division of Arts

Description

Governors State University is a predominantly Black institution (PBI), a minority-serving institution (MSI), and an emerging Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) seeking nominations and applications for the position of Academic Advisor for Graduate Programs, Division of Arts & Letters.This position is classified as an Academic Support Professional (ASP) and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between academic professionals and GovState. Reporting to the Division Chair, the Academic Advisor will be housed in the Division of Arts and Letters, in the College of Arts and Sciences. They are directly involved in academic advising for students in graduate degree programs. 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. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and first-generation college graduates are especially encouraged to apply.

Governors State University is the only regional public comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving more than 4,500 students annually. Since its founding in 1969, GovState has offered accessible, high-value educational opportunities to a culturally diverse student body of first-generation students, returning adults, and veterans. With among the lowest undergraduate tuition in Illinois, GovState offers accredited programs that have earned high praise from national accrediting agencies. In 2014, GovState accepted its inaugural class of first-year students as it transitioned from an upper-division and graduate institution into a regional comprehensive university with a state-of-the-art general education program. New faculty at GovState must demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to work with students at all levels, from first-year to graduate. Through its strategic plan, Strategy 2025, GSU emphasizes excellence, access, and innovation. Students benefit from the university’s academic quality, range of convenient class times, increasingly numerous hybrid and online offerings, and outstanding educational value. Our innovative lower-division program uses high-impact practices to foster student engagement with ethics, citizenship, and innovative thinking. Every first-year class is taught by a full-time faculty member to ensure that students have a strong foundation for their studies. GovState is a national leader in successful transfer of community college students to universities, and is leading through the Kresge-supported Dual Degree Program, with features such as tuition lock-in at GovState for academically eligible community college students who commit to earn an Associate Degree and attend college full-time. GovState offers a wide variety of master’s programs and several applied doctoral degrees in health, counseling fields, and Interdisciplinary Leadership.GovState’s 750-acre campus encompasses the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park yet is conveniently located within easy reach of Chicago and surrounding communities with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly diverse region GovState serves has a number of high-performing schools and engaged communities as well as struggling urban, suburban, and rural communities. GovState serves as a public square, working to foster educational opportunities for all populations.It is the policy of Governors State University, in its role as educator, employer, and purchaser of goods and services, to provide equal opportunity and affirmative action. Discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status is strictly prohibited.Salary and benefits package are commensurate with education and experience.
Essential Responsibilities

80%Student SupportAssist enrolled students in developing an academic plan based on full-time enrollment at GOVSTATE.Consult with students from admission to graduation, providing regular follow-up to monitor their academic progress and make necessary adjustments.Communicate with students primarily on-site at GOVSTATE, supplementing face-to-face meetings with mail, email, social media, virtual meetings, and telephone.Establish and maintain a comfortable environment for students to receive honest, accurate advising in a timely manner.Offer referrals to appropriate resources at GOVSTATE, such as tutoring services, mental health counseling, and career services.Develop a rapport with students, create and share resources, act as a student liaison to the university, and support students’ transition to GOVSTATE.Provide excellent student service and advise students on all degree requirements in their major.Collaboration and ComplianceCollaborate closely with other administrators, staff, and faculty, participating in weekly meetings and project teams.Adhere to campus policies and procedures.Expertise DevelopmentDevelop expertise in Division of Arts & Letters graduate programs by liaising with Division Chair, program coordinators, and GOVSTATE program literature.Develop expertise in GOVSTATE policies and procedures related to graduate education by liaising with the Graduate College, Registrar, and College of Arts and Sciences.Reporting and RecordkeepingDevelop and provide a monthly analysis report of students advised to the Division Chair, including metrics on student progress, advising interactions, and any issues encountered.Maintain appropriate forms to facilitate recordkeeping and track student data using specified tools and systems.Maintain data for all assigned students.20%Liaison and RepresentationAct as a liaison for committees or as a representative for special projects. This includes GOVSTATE recruitment (participation in open houses, information sessions, personal phone calls/notes, and special initiatives), technology, professional development, or other assignments by the Division Chair.Represent the program at various events and functions.Coordinate services with other college programs at GOVSTATE.Recruitment and Retention InitiativesProactively contribute to enhancing the institution’s recruitment and retention initiatives.Track and report on recruitment and retention efforts, challenges, and successes, using defined metrics and benchmarks.Program Operations and AssessmentAssist in program operations and assessment, participating in continuous improvement processes and contributing to the development and accomplishment of the unit strategic plan.Professional DevelopmentParticipate in professional development related to advising, such as relevant workshops, courses, and certifications.Additional DutiesPerform other duties as assigned, such as assisting with departmental projects or events.Other duties as assigned.Required and Preferred Qualifications

Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree.Experience working collaboratively in a team environment with flexible hours.Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills.Excellent oral and written communication skills.Proficiency in using Microsoft Office tools (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, PowerPoint) to create/produce letters, reports, flyers, and other documents. Ability to learn and use new software programs and ERP systems effectively.Proficiency in using Customer Relation Manager (CRM) software. Slate preferred.Experience working successfully with diverse populations, demonstrating sensitivity to and appreciation for the academic, ethnic, socio-economic, disability, age, and gender diversity of students and staff at GOVSTATE.Ability to multi-task, handle projects, and prioritize tasks based on program goals and objectives.Ability to work independently, make decisions, and demonstrate good judgment.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree.Experience working in an academic environment.Experience in academic advising.Experience with graduate-level academic programs.Experience advising or mentoring returning adult students. Supplemental Information

Please attach the following to your application:

• Letter of interest
• Resume or CV
• Transcripts

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For Priority consideration, complete applications should be submitted by October 20, 2024.

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