Academic Adviser

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago seeks an Academic Adviser in the College Academic Advising Office to support undergraduates with pathway planning, course selection, and progress toward graduation within a liberal arts framework.

You will maintain a caseload across years, conduct regular meetings, refer to campus resources, and collaborate with faculty and partner offices to promote student success and inclusive practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 2–5 years related experience.
• Master’s degree preferred with 5-year gap rule.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Knowledge of college student development preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload across first to fourth year students.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings about majors and progress.
• Support Summer onboarding for Autumn planning.
• Refer students to campus resources as needed.
• Collaborate with campus partners and departments.
• Provide letters of recommendation.

Skills

Mac & PC

Word/Excel/Outlook

Adobe design

Web platforms

Learn new software

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Department

College Academic Advising

About the Department

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.

Job Summary

Academic advisers serve as generalists in advising a caseload of first-year through fourth-year students across all academic major and minor programs of study. Advising responsibilities include maintaining supportive relationships with students through one-on-one and group meetings. Beginning in the summer before matriculation, advisers consult with students on course selection, curricular choices, academic programming, making progress towards meeting graduation requirements, study abroad planning, and connecting students to opportunities which match their interests. Academic advisers also help students navigate challenges and regularly make referrals to partner offices and resources as needed. Employees in this role also participate in College initiatives and serve as a liaison to the academic programs of study. Advisers must be knowledgeable about the curriculum, University policies, multiple systems for tracking student information, University resources for students, while also having a strong relational focus for building relationships with students.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: —

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree, with a 5-year minimum gap between date of college graduation and appointment.
• Experience: Professional work experience in higher education.
• Experience: Specialized knowledge of college student development.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• 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.

Preferred Competencies

• 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.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.
• Some evening and weekend work.
• Fast-paced environment.
• Sit at a computer for 4-6 hours.
• Periodic walking to other campus locations.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, to include interest in position (required)
• References Contact Information (3) (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$58,656.00 - $61,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.