Graduate Academic Advisor

Aurora; Aurora, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora University is seeking a Graduate Academic Advisor to empower students through goal-setting, accountability and targeted advising. You will conduct sessions, orientation, and collaborate across departments to enhance student success and retention.

The role includes mentoring, reviewing transcripts, and guiding students through registration and available resources to support academic and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of higher education experience required.
• Master’s degree in relevant field and professional advising experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver academic advising sessions and orientations for new students.
• Conduct individual and small group advising to support retention.
• Collaborate with departments to review degree programs and materials.
• Mentor at-risk students and promote access to university resources.

Skills

Communication

Detail-oriented

Student data systems

Diversity engagement

Evening/weekend hours

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Self-Service

Student Planning

Colleague

Job description

The Graduate Academic Advisor supports learning by fostering a culture of empowerment by promoting goal-setting, responsibility, and accountability. Staff members serving in this role will engage in a variety of activities designed to achieve, maintain, and improve student success and retention and provide students with access to the information and resources necessary for the attainment of academic success, professional development, and personal goals.

Core Competencies

1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
2. Upholds the Mission Statement: At Aurora University, our singular goal is to empower students to achieve lasting personal and professional success. We do this by being an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and purposeful lives.
3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities and events.

Academic Advising

• Possess a strong understanding of requirements and policies as stated in the University Catalog including, but not limited to, information on general education, university requirements, degree requirements and academic policies and procedures.
• Deliver presentations and advise students on course selection and academic policies during new student orientation.
• Conduct individual academic advising sessions and small group sessions with new and continuing students.
• Participate in various committees and assigned Innovation Team.
• Provide students with the resources to become knowledgeable about, the online registration process.
• Review academic transcripts and student files in preparation for student appointments and new student orientation.
• Proactively communicate information to students that is relevant to their academic success.
• Demonstrate expertise in Self-Service, Student Planning, and Colleague.

Mentoring

• Assist students in confirming degree and program selection in support of their educational and professional interests and goals.
• Assist students through the process of vocational discernment by discussing their strengths, values, and interests and encouraging vocational exploration.
• Intentionally focus on moving students toward increased professionalism by the conclusion of their program.
• Listen to, advocate on behalf of, and build positive working relationships with students.
• Strategically mentor at-risk students.
• Encourage students to utilize appropriate university resources.

University Partnerships

• Establish and maintain relationships with assigned department chairs to understand and clarify departmental expectations to assist in maintaining current knowledge of assigned degree programs.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs to review academic materials for accuracy (e.g. degree audits, academic catalog, online resources) and provide feedback regarding course offerings.
• Collaborate with university departments (registrar, student accounts, financial aid, admission, athletics, etc.) to help facilitate student retention and academic progress.

Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of higher education experience required.
• Master’s degree in relevant field and professional advising experience preferred.

Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• Must be detail-oriented.
• Knowledge of student data and communication systems.
• Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and parents.
• Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to use a computer terminal.
• Ability to move about campus.