Academic Advisor- College of Science & Health, School of Education

Academic Advisor- College of Science & Health, School of Education


Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community, inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition and Benedictine values. We seek employees who will contribute to the advancement of our mission by helping students shape lives of meaning and purpose as engaged citizens who care for the Earth, welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures, and promote the common good.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Job Title: College of Science & Health/ School of Education Academic Advisor

Department: Advising Center

Reports to: Director of Advising

Position Summary: The College of Science & Health/ School of Education Academic Advisor in collaboration with the faculty members will provide comprehensive academic guidance to undergraduate traditional students through the functions of academic advisement to assist with retention and graduation.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Provide quality academic advising services for incoming transfer and current College of Science & Health in addition to the School of Education students within the standards set by the University’s Statement on Academic Advising. Demonstrate knowledge of the University’s Liberal Arts curriculum, major requirements, and Illinois teaching certification standards while assisting students in developing an academic plan.

This advisor will work with and maintain a caseload of students who intend to pursue a major within the College of Science & Health in addition to the School of Education but have not yet met the pre-requisites.

Collaborate with College of Science & Health in addition to the School of Education faculty to become knowledgeable of overall program requirements for all traditional undergraduate majors within the college.

Create a comprehensive awareness campaign which includes programming, event planning and various resources for advising and registration (i.e. major checklists, program plans, etc.)

Responsible for various retention efforts and reporting of data for the College of Science & Health in addition to the School of Education which includes but is not limited to outreach to students who have various holds (academic & financial) or who are not registered in a timely manner.

Serve as an alternate Academic Advisor in the event the faculty advisor is unavailable.

Other Functions:

Handle all change of major requests for students within the college. This may include re-evaluation of transfer credit and updating major checklists as needed.
Provide updates once registration has commenced on students who have not yet registered for the term.
Collaborated with the other college advisors to create and update advising resources, program and website updates.
Conduct exit or leave of absent interviews. Responsible for continued connection with students on a leave to ensure smooth transition back to the University.
Collaborate with Department Chairs to forecast course needs and graduation progression.
Collaborate with other departments (Financial Aid, Athletics, Academic Success Center, Career Center) to assist with retention and success of students.
Represent the department at University events.
Serves as a backup advisor when necessary if another Advising Center advisor is unavailable.
Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:



Education: Bachelor's Degree Required, Master's Degree Preferred

Experience: Minimum 3 years work experience in an advising role at the college level.

Specific Skills: Clear communication skills and the ability to multi-task in a collaborative environment is required. Dedication to student success and customer service. Microsoft Office experience is necessary.

Specific Knowledge, Licenses, Certifications: Yes. Valid Driver’s License, Computer skills required- word processing, spreadsheets, email, experience with CRM systems (Salesforce and PeopleSoft experience a plus); Must be personable, outgoing, and professional in demeanor.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. Use of computer screen, phone and customer service. May require bending, or sitting for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The following of campus specific guidelines for pandemic protocols are required.

Travel (If applicable): N/A

Supervisory Responsibility (if applicable): N/A

Working Conditions: Office environment, occasional remote work, and some nights & weekend work to assist at events.

Training: Must complete all trainings required by Benedictine University.

Benedictine University does not discriminate in its admissions or educational policies, programs or activities; scholarship and loan programs; athletic and other University administered programs or employment practices on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The laws applicable to Benedictine University include constitutional and statutory protections of the University's rights as a religiously sponsored institution. This policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all employment and personnel practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, promotion, training and compensation.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Per Gov. Pritzker’s Executive Order proof of vaccination or weekly COVID-19 testing is required.

Benedictine University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.