Lead Graduate Advisor

The Lead Graduate Advisor position at Aurora University embodies a pivotal role within the graduate academic advising team, serving as a knowledgeable resource and advocate for students navigating their graduate educational journey. With a focus on fostering a supportive environment and facilitating student success that leads to greater retention and student engagement. Lead Graduate Advisors leverage their experience and expertise to provide personalized guidance, empower students to overcome challenges, and foster a culture of academic excellence within the university community.

• Manage student caseload that includes doctoral and terminal degree students.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior academic advisors.
• Take on and lead projects as assigned
• Stay informed about changes in academic policies, curriculum updates, and institutional procedures.
• Assist with student concerns and provide junior academic advisors with the appropriate resources for additional support.
• Collaborate with other lead advisors and assistant directors to foster a supportive and cohesive academic advising leadership environment.
• Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current with best practices in academic advising.
• Contribute to program development and enhancement of academic advising programs, policies, and procedures.
• Possess a strong understanding of requirements and policies as stated in the University Catalog including, but not limited to, information on general education, university requirements, major requirements and academic policies and procedures.
• Deliver presentations and advise students on course selection and academic policies during new student orientation.
• Conduct individual academic advising sessions and small group sessions with new and continuing students.
• Provide students with the resources to become knowledgeable about, and comfortable with, the online registration process.
• Review academic transcripts and student files in preparation for student appointments and new student orientation.
• Proactively communicate information to students that is relevant to their academic success.
• Demonstrate expertise in Self-Service, Student Planning, and Colleague.

• Assist students in confirming degree and program selection in support of their educational and professional interests and goals.
• Assist students through the process of vocational discernment by discussing their strengths, values, and interests and encouraging vocational exploration.
• Intentionally focus on moving students toward increased professionalism by the conclusion of their program.
• Listen to, advocate on behalf of, and build positive working relationships with students.
• Strategically mentor at-risk students.
• Encourage students to utilize appropriate university resources

• Establish and maintain relationships with assigned department chairs to understand and clarify departmental expectations to assist in maintaining current knowledge of assigned degree programs.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs to review academic materials for accuracy (e.g. degree audits, academic catalog, online resources) and provide feedback regarding course offerings.
• Collaborate with university departments (registrar, student accounts, financial aid, admission, athletics, etc.) to help facilitate student retention and academic progress.

• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree in a relevant field preferred.

• Two years of higher education work experience.
• Two years of advising experience in higher education required.