Overview
The Academic Advising Center at Northern Illinois University (NIU) provides developmental academic advising for first-year students as well as students who are undecided or exploring majors. It is housed within the Office of Undergraduate Studies in the Division of Academic Affairs.
Hope Chicago is a Chicago-based not-for-profit organization that creates pathways to success for multiple generations of Chicagoans through equitable access to higher education. Founded in 2021, the organization works to ensure Chicago Public School graduates have the financial and wraparound supports necessary to be successful in attaining a postsecondary credential and/or degree. Hope Chicago partners with Chicago Public Schools high schools, not-for-profit organizations, higher education institutions, and funders to advance its mission. |
Position Summary
The Hope Chicago Scholars Coordinator will be a staff member of the NIU Academic Advising Center. Under the direction of the Director of the Academic Advising Center, the Coordinator provides direct, holistic academic support for the development and assessment of student success and retention initiatives for Hope Chicago Scholars attending Northern Illinois University. As a staff member within the Academic Advising Center, this position will maintain an academic advising caseload, participate in new student orientation as well as campus recruitment events (i.e. Preview Days, Admitted Student Days, etc.). |
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary academic advisor for first year, Hope Chicago Scholars, assisting students in developing a meaningful academic and co-curricular plan. Continuing to provide academic support to students after they have progressed beyond their first year at NIU.
- Directly advise students through one-on-one appointments, in-person and virtually, as well as interacting frequently via email, text or phone.
- Provide additional support to students in academic distress or on probation in accordance with academic policies; refer students needing additional support to appropriate campus offices and resources.
- Present academic enrichment workshops on various topics, such as registration, campus resources, degree requirements, and learning strategies.
- Maintain accurate records of interactions with students; facilitates and follows-up with campus referrals in the NAVIGATE system. Maintains confidential and accurate student records; processes and responds to academic inquiries according to established institutional and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policies.
- Participate in Academic Advising Center signature programs, events, and activities, including but not limited to: New Student Orientation, Week of Welcome, Preview Days, Admitted Student Days and other student celebrations.
- Develop advising resources promoting student success and retention in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Communicate degree requirements, academic policies (including FERPA) to students, parents, and faculty.
- Conduct outreach efforts with high school students at partnering Chicago Public Schools.
- Serve as a point-of-contact for incoming students during their orientation and first-year; conduct routine and targeted outreach and identify opportunities that ensure a smooth transition experience.
- Coordinate a well-rounded student success approach to enhance student achievement and promote connections to vital campus resources.
- Present to students, families, guests, and alumni on program requirements and expectations; deadlines for financial aid, applications, declaration of enrollment intentions, and student success requirements as outlined in they Hope Chicago Scholarship Acceptance Form.
- Work in close partnership with campus units at NIU to strengthen the student experience.
- Develop activities, resources, and presentations/workshops promoting student success, enrichment, and retention in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist in the creation, maintenance, execution, and evaluation of curricula, schedules, structures, and policies for outreach activities and programs.
- Collaborate with the AAC Director to establish and maintain effective collaboration with campus partners and internal constituencies to ensure efficient operations of all programs, including: academic departments/schools, Orientation and First Year Programs, Athletics, Undergraduate Admission Office, Student Financial Aid Office, Career Services, Disability Resource Center, Huskie Academic Success Center, Center for Student Assistance, Bursar Office,
- Registration & Records, campus academic and cultural diversity centers, and Student Affairs.
- Understand and adhere to FERPA, HIPPA, Title IX, Northern Illinois University, and confidentiality guidelines.
- Possess cultural sensitivity awareness and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Assist with marketing and promotions including social media and outreach materials and websites.
- Provide financial advising and wrap-around support to Hope Chicago Scholars, enabling them to succeed in their pursuit of post-secondary education.
- Stay informed about the evolving landscape of education and actively contribute insights to enhance program effectiveness.
- Serve as one of the institutional representatives on the NIU Hope Chicago Oversight Committee.
- Represent the Academic Advising Center on University-wide committees and events as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Track and report on student progress data.
- Collaborate with internal and external campus stakeholders to create and execute initiatives aimed toward bolstering academic success, persistence, and sense of belonging for Hope Chicago Scholars. These areas initiatives include term-to-term retention and persistence, Satisfactory Academic Progress, maintenance of scholarship requirements, etc.
- Liaise with academic advisors, faculty, and campus administrators to identify students in need of academic intervention. Draw upon research-based best practices to recommend a measured and student-centered response that encourages self-advocacy and persistence.
- Use term-to-term academic performance data to identify students in need of academic and socio-emotional support. Create and implement programs and outreach for Hope Chicago Scholars focusing on academic support, student development, and career exploration.
- Participate in NIU Hope Chicago Scholars program assessment, research, and evaluation activities.
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Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)
- Bachelor's degree.
- Four (4) years (48 months) of academic advising related experience in higher education, or experience related to the functions of the hiring unit.*
*Note: A Master's degree may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of professional experience related to the functions of the hiring unit. |
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)
Class Specific KSAs:
- Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing quality educational guidance. This includes student needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of student satisfaction.
- Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in the presentation and delivery of academic programs, strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, recruitment methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Knowledge of educational, evaluation, and measurement principles, practices, methods, and techniques, university policies and procedures.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively; ability to develop a rapport with students.
- Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with students, faculty, and staff
Position Specific KSAs:
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Superior interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality and other ethical standards.
- Clearly student-centered in philosophy and purpose.
- Ability to manage stress well and be flexible in a changing, fast paced environment.
- Demonstrated experience working with first-generation, Pell-eligible and/or Limited-income students to help them succeed academically.
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Specialty Factors (Civil Service)
None |
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)
- Master's Degree in Higher Education, Leadership, Education, Counseling, College Student Personnel, Student Affairs, Academic Advising, or related field preferred.
- Successful experience working with a student retention or achievement program in higher education preferred.
- Collaborative and team-oriented working style.
- Demonstrated appreciation for and experience working with diverse and underrepresented student populations.
- Bilingual/Spanish-speaking
- Availability to work some evenings, weekends, and off-campus assignments based on critical advising cycles.
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Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)
N/A |
Additional Requirements (SPS)
N/A |
Preferred Qualifications (SPS)
N/A |
Physical demands/requirements
- General office requirements
- Limited travel may be required
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