Senior Academic Advisor

Loyola University Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Loyola University Chicago is seeking a Senior Academic Advisor for the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. This role aims to advise and support students, ensuring academic success and timely graduation. Responsibilities include developing workshops, collaborating with department personnel, and maintaining accurate student records. A master's degree in a relevant field and three years of experience in academic advising are required. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, with a commitment to student-centered services.

Join our team in fostering an enriching environment that values academic excellence and diversity.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling or related field required.
• Three years of experience academic advising, transfer-student support, and orientation at a four-year institution.

Responsibilities

• Advise students and provide support toward timely graduation.
• Organize workshops and develop advising programs.
• Maintain detailed and updated student records.
• Assist with retention and progression initiatives.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Data management

Empathy

Education

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Overview

The Senior Academic Advisor serves the academic, administrative, and developmental needs of assigned students in the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing (MNSON). The Senior Academic Advisor supports assigned students toward a timely graduation, integrating career, and post‑graduate goals into their academic planning. The Senior Academic Advisor also supports the mission and values of the University, as well as the mission and strategic plan of the MNSON. In addition, the Senior Academic Advisor oversees administrative projects that advance the mission of the academic advising and student affairs programs, including the training and development of Academic Advisors.

Responsibilities

• Advise assigned students, including specialized populations (e.g., transfer students), as determined by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.
• Meet with prospective students and families, as needed, to provide program/curriculum information.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of Loyola University Chicago and MNSON curriculum requirements, including knowledge of the University Core and MNSON program tracks.
• Present workshops on various topics, including fingerprinting, strategies for success, and transfer student transition.
• Care for students through individual and group academic advising sessions, providing a working knowledge of degree requirements and opportunities while supporting students in achieving their academic, career, and life goals.
• Assist, challenge, and support students in identifying and clarifying academic, career, and life goals and offer appropriate motivation and encouragement.
• Serve as a liaison to selected departments and schools as assigned; collaborate with department chairs, program track directors, and administrative staff to ensure accurate and consistent communication of program requirements.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of advising programs and outreach initiatives, including orientation, probation advising, and academic alerts.
• Be a proactive and collaborative member of an advising team dedicated to student success.
• Prepare, review, and deliver graduation audits for assigned students.
• Assist with the evaluation and awarding of credit for coursework completed at other institutions, including transfer credit, study abroad, and external summer coursework.
• Assist with onboarding internal and external transfer students to MNSON.
• Understand, convey, and implement academic policies, procedures, and protocols for students, parents, faculty, and other stakeholders while upholding FERPA requirements and the highest ethical standards.
• Assist students in resolving administrative issues related to their academic records, including responsibilities associated with registration processes.
• Maintain and update student records, including meeting notes, documentation related to degree progress, correspondence, and other records as appropriate.
• Identify, monitor, and provide guidance to students on probation.
• Lead the academic actions process at the end of each semester.
• Refer students to appropriate campus and off‑campus resources to support their academic success.
• Assist with retention and progression initiatives at the departmental and interdepartmental levels.
• Actively assist in the training and mentoring of new student affairs staff, including academic advisors, project coordinators, administrative assistants, etc.
• Articulate and support the vision and the mission of the MNSON and University to students.
• Develop and demonstrate expertise in academic programs and requirements.
• Design and implement intentional onboarding programs for assigned students.
• Assist in planning and execution of events such as Orientation, Open House, Dedication to the Profession, Honors and Pinning, Commencement, etc., which may require occasional evening and weekend work.
• Serve on school committees, as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Educational Requirements

• Master's degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling or related field required.
• Three years of experience academic advising, transfer‑student support, and orientation at a four‑year institution.

Qualifications

• A commitment to academic excellence, social justice and service, values‑based leadership, global awareness and diversity.
• Ability to embrace, promote and articulate the University's Jesuit Catholic identity.
• Ability to work effectively with assigned students in a holistic manner with an enthusiasm for providing student‑centered services in the Ignatian tradition.
• Ability to work effectively with assigned students, parents, peers, faculty and deans.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills that enable the Senior Academic Advisor to adequately assess students’ academic needs and guide them to the appropriate university resources.
• Ability to readily provide empathic, compassionate, consistent, accurate, developmental, student‑focused and honest advising.
• Excellent attention to detail and proficiency in keeping accurate student records.
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively in teams and alone.
• Proficiency in programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, e‑mail, Internet.
• Familiarity with student information systems and articulation resources is preferred.
• Data management ability to produce reports.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Loyola University Chicago adheres to all applicable federal, state, and/or local civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Please see the University's Nondiscrimination Policy.