First-Year Success Advisor — Academic Planning

Millikin University; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Millikin University seeks a Professional Advisor to provide academic advising to first‑year students within one of Millikin’s academic units. The role focuses on transformative advising, helping students plan courses, set goals, and navigate degree requirements with proactive, student‑centered support.

This on‑site position collaborates with faculty and staff, delivers workshops to build academic skills, and guides students through registration, study techniques, time management, and referrals

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and contribute to departmental tasks and goals.
• Ability to lead or contribute to planning or organizing projects.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive professional relationships across diverse backgrounds.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, Outlook Calendar, and Office 365.

Responsibilities

• Deliver transformational academic advising experiences for all assigned students.
• Provide supplemental advising and registration assistance to all 1st year students as needed.
• Proactively communicate and build relationships with assigned students.
• Co-create with assigned students an academic plan.
• Maintain accurate and detailed notes from advising meetings in the case management system.
• Collaborate with the assigned college’s faculty, school directors, and the academic dean.
• Ensure students understand and navigate the class registration process, degree and general education requirements.
• Address all areas of academic concerns with students, including tutoring, study skills, and time management.
• Make referrals to other campus services such as counseling, financial aid, career services, student life, disability services, and Title IX.
• Participate in professional development opportunities.
• Remain current in high-impact practices related to academic advising and student success.
• Respond timely to Academic Alert forms submitted by faculty and staff members.
• Provide active support, follow-up, and strategies for success, as well as general walk-in/appointment times for students.
• Supports students on individual course articulations/transfers with the Registrar’s office and the academic school.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Time management

Student-focused advising

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook Calendar

Student information systems

Job description

Millikin University seeks a Professional Advisor to provide academic advising to first‑year students within one of Millikin’s academic units. The role focuses on transformative advising, helping students plan courses, set goals, and navigate degree requirements with proactive, student‑centered support.

This on‑site position collaborates with faculty and staff, delivers workshops to build academic skills, and guides students through registration, study techniques, time management, and referrals