Academic Advisor

Paralegal Studies Association at Harper College; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Harper College is seeking an Academic Advisor to provide educational planning for new and current students in the Student Affairs division.

The role focuses on creating individualized academic maps, proactive outreach, and collaboration with Counseling Services to support retention and student success. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, with bilingual abilities preferred.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, communications or related area; Master’s preferred.
• One year of experience in student advising function or related area in an educational setting.
• Demonstrates excellent oral, presentation, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Bilingual preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide educational planning for new and currently enrolled students by developing an academic map.
• Manage case load with proactive outreach to monitor progress toward goals.
• Explain placement scores and sequencing to support degree plans.
• Assist with transfer planning and course transfer differences between institutions.
• Collaborate with Counseling Services and Hawks Care per guidelines.
• Assist with scheduling, registrations, and student transactions.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Bilingual preferred

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, communications or related area

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Student Information System

Degree audit/planner

Appointment scheduler

Job description

We are Harper College… the college in your community.

The College was established by referendum in 1965 and opened September 1967. It is named for Dr. William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the first president of the University of Chicago.

Harper College is now one of the nation’s premier community colleges and one of the largest, serving approximately 29,000 students annually in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. The College’s academic programs prepare students for rewarding careers and for transfer to four-year universities. Harper offers associate degree and certification programs, advanced career programs, workforce training, professional development, continuing education classes, accelerated degree options for adults and developmental education programs.

Requirements

At Harper College, we are committed to fair and equitable compensation for all employees. In compliance with Illinois state law, we prioritize transparency in salary information. Our salary ranges reflect our dedication to attracting and retaining top talent while ensuring equitable pay practices. We encourage open discussions about compensation and invite you to reach out with any questions you may have regarding salary details. Harper College typically offers compensation up to the median market rate for this position. We aim to ensure our pay is competitive while aligning with both the role's requirements and the candidate's experience.

To review all benefit information visit us at:

https://www.harpercollege.edu/about/directory/hr/index.php

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, communications or related area. Master’s preferred.

Experience: One year of experience in student advising function or related area in an educational setting, preferably at the post-secondary level. Demonstrates excellent oral, presentation, written and interpersonal communication skills. Bilingual preferred.

General Function

This role provides educational planning for new and currently enrolled students by developing an academic map that meets the specific needs of each individual. Advisors in this classification are responsible for case management of assigned students designed to proactively monitor their progress toward completing educational goals. This role also provides general guidance for students that support advising, transfer, and career development.

Characteristic Duties

• Provides educational planning for new and currently enrolled students. Assists them by creating semester-by-semester academic course schedules that meet the requirements of their intended major and, if applicable, transfer school. Documents all educational planning interactions on appropriate forms.


• Responsible for case management of assigned students in which a meaningful rapport is developed. Conducts proactive outreach and monitors assigned students’ progress toward completing their educational goals.


• Interprets placement scores, explains developmental course sequencing and recommends appropriate courses for students’ intended plan of study.


• Helps students with their transfer planning and explains course transfer differences between institutions.


• Explains stackable career pathways.


• Collaborates closely with Counseling Services and Hawks Care per established guidelines, determines when students need to be referred to Counselors.


• Assists students with educational transactions (i.e., schedules, drop/adds, withdrawals, waivers, etc.).


• Answers questions about College policies, procedures, academic programs of study and support services provided by the College. Helps students resolve issues by clarifying protocols and directing them to appropriate offices/personnel.


• Instructs students on how to use online and self-service academic planning and career development tools. Interprets degree audit reports.


• Serves as lead to assist walk-in traffic to the Center and demonstrates how to utilize software, programs, websites and Center library/lab resources. Creates users’ manuals.


• Develops and maintains advising and career resources in print and online including web, portal and social media.


• Conducts outreach (e.g., phone calls, campus “walk-abouts”) to students in support of retention-based programming efforts like early alert, summer bridge, etc.


• Works with a variety of technology tools (i.e., Student Information System, appointment scheduler, degree audit/planner, etc.) and is able to use these tools effectively to assist students.


• Represents the Student Affairs division at student outreach events (i.e., open houses, activity fairs, information sessions, etc.) as necessary.


• Serves as lead contact to receive and respond to incoming Center alias emails. Answers those that fall within Academic Advisor purview and refers others to Counselors as needed.


• Makes referrals to faculty, academic program chairs/coordinators, campus support services, or other resources as needed.


• Maintains professional rapport with students, parents, faculty and staff throughout the College.


• Stays current with training and professional development related to academic advising, student success/retention, multicultural competencies, and related topics.


• Assists with various projects and programs as needed and participates in College and Divisional Committees as appropriate.


• Performs related duties as assigned. Academic Advisors associated with specific support centers (i.e., Women’s Program, Center for New Students, etc.) may have duties and expectations specific to that center.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily indoors and sedentary in nature.

Equipment/Tools Used

Utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, in order to perform the duties of the job.

Supervision

Under the general supervision of the Director of Advising Services or Director of New Student Programs. Receives oral and written instructions as needed.