College Advisor

COLLEGE ADVISOR
TRUMAN COLLEGE

Consider becoming a College Advisor at Truman and contribute to the success of our students while enjoying competitive compensation and outstanding benefits in a collegial environment. Harry S Truman College is conveniently located just steps from the CTA’s redline on the North side of the city in the Uptown community. Truman is one of the largest of the City Colleges of Chicago, with a yearly enrollment of more than 23,000 students, and has the largest English as a Second Language and GED program in Illinois with more than 12,000 students annually.

The Student Development and Engagement Center (SDEC) at Truman College was designed to enhance our student experience with an intentional focus on closing equity gaps and supporting first-year students. The candidate hired for this role will work directly with student-athletes and first-year students. In addition to monitoring the success of each student, this position is responsible for assisting with the development, coordination, and implementation of Student Support Services and activities to increase recruitment and retention rates, course completion rates, graduation and transfer to a 4-year university.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advises students on establishing academic and career goals; identifies the educational and career options appropriate for each student; and assists with the analysis of each option, including possible outcomes and their implications.
• Establishes an action plan for students to explore alternative careers and related majors.
• Identifies options for students to satisfy degree requirements; evaluates and make recommendations on petitions and amendments to student's program of study; assists students in successful completion of degree/program requirements.
• Provides academic, personal, and career advising for students.
• Utilizing available technology, monitors academic progress of students toward degree and/or certificate completion; identifies current and potential academic needs; and refers students to appropriate campus resources for additional assistance.
• Maintains student files and records; documents all pertinent student information and updates in PeopleSoft regarding changes to student status.
• Interprets and explains college and District policies and procedures; participates in preparation of orientations; presents academic information to new students and parents/family during orientation.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations on students’ petitions for re-admission in addition to explaining placement test score and evaluating transcripts. 
• Assists in recruitment of potential students by advising them of general academic requirements for specific degree/certificate program; describes courses; and disseminates information regarding enrollment procedures.
• Utilizing available technology, maintains thorough daily, weekly, and semester records/logs concerning students to compile appropriate narrative statistical enrollment, retention, and matriculation reports.  
• Makes referrals to partnering social service agencies when appropriate.  Refers students to appropriate human services and assists with locating other referral sources as needed.  
• Participates in professional activities including NACADA (National Academic Advising Association), ILACADA (Illinois Academic Advising Association), IACAC (Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling), and other professional organizations which encourages continuous professional growth and development as an Advisor.
• Maintains confidentiality of information exposed to in the course of business regarding students and others who may obtain advising services.
• Performs related duties as required.

  QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required with coursework in Education, Human Relations, Psychology, Human Services or College Student Personnel. Master’s degree preferred. 
• Three years of experience in a higher education student services environment; or supplemented by six years of related experience in a higher education environment.
• Knowledge of academic and occupational programs, articulation agreements, transfer guides, assessment and academic career advisement.
• Experience overcoming barriers similar to those faced by the target population.
  Must be self-directed with the ability to work independently within changing deadlines.
• Financial aid knowledge a plus.
• Ability to analyze and address the educational and personal needs of students.
  Knowledge of the career development process and of available career development resources.
• Demonstrated experience with computers and database related software. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Experience in advising both traditional-aged students and adults in a higher education setting desirable.

This position is represented by the Local 1600 Professional Employee Union.

WE OFFER: Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website.

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire.
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Thank you for your interest in CCC!