Job Description

Job Summary
The Academic Advisor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences provides academic advising and student support to an assigned caseload of students across multiple academic programs at Illinois State University. The position guides students in meeting degree requirements and navigating university policies and procedures to support academic success and timely degree progression.

The Advisor is expected to have knowledge of Family and Consumer Sciences programs and a strong understanding of university academic requirements, including general education, teacher education, and major and minor plans of study. The position also supports student recruitment and retention, enrollment management, course scheduling, and departmental operations through collaboration with faculty, staff, and campus partners. The Academic Advisor reports directly to the Department Chairperson.

Student Advising and Success:

1. Provide comprehensive academic advising and support to an assigned caseload of students regarding course selection, registration, degree requirements, internships, professional practice experiences, career planning, and other academic and personal concerns that may affect student success.
2. Meet with students through scheduled appointments and walk-in advising sessions to address academic needs and connect students with appropriate resources.
3. Interpret and communicate university academic policies, procedures, and requirements, including general education, teacher education, and major and minor plans of study.
4. Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records, monitor academic progress, and document advising contacts, departmental communications, and related issues to ensure continuity of student support.
5. Advise and support transfer students through the Transfer Registration Program and provide accurate information regarding degree requirements and academic progress.
6. Identify students who may benefit from additional support and develop or implement interventions to promote academic success, persistence, and retention.
7. Provide student success support to students and other constituents who visit the departmental office during regular business hours.

Course Scheduling and Enrollment Support:

1. Coordinate and support course scheduling to meet student, faculty, and departmental needs.
2. Prepare and maintain reports related to course scheduling, including classroom utilization, faculty course loads across the academic year, and student enrollment by major and academic level.
3. Collaborate with program coordinators, the graduate coordinator, faculty members, professional staff, and campus partners to assess enrollment data and ensure course offerings align with student needs and program requirements.

Recruitment, Retention, and Enrollment Management:

1. Contribute leadership and support to departmental recruitment, retention, and enrollment management initiatives.
2. Represent the department at recruitment and retention events, including departmental award ceremonies, graduation receptions, University Open Houses, Redbird Receptions, and departmental showcases.
3. Deliver presentations to prospective students and families during Preview events and other campus recruitment activities.
4. Engage with prospective students and families, coordinate departmental tours, and arrange meetings with appropriate faculty members.
5. Identify and support students participating in special programs, including Honors and student-athlete programs.
6. Develop and implement strategies and initiatives to strengthen student engagement, persistence, and retention.

Departmental Administration and Institutional Service:

1. Serve on the Family and Consumer Sciences Department Curriculum Committee and other relevant institutional committees.
2. Support internal application processes, student evaluations, and curriculum administration.
3. Compile, prepare, and submit required internal and external reports.
4. Participate in professional development and training opportunities to maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills.