Academic Support Specialist & Advisor

Department

Crown Master's Program DOS

As one of the first schools of social work in the United States, the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice has shaped the field for more than 100 years. As part of the University of Chicago, the Crown Family School shares the University's core values and distinctive intellectual culture. Crown Family School faculty, staff, and students focus on identifying solutions to complex social problems through research, training, and direct community engagement.

Guided by an interdisciplinary tradition, Crown Family School scholars conduct innovative research to address interconnected social challenges such as educational inequality, health disparities, crime and violence, poverty, and child and family welfare—working at multiple scales, from individual to policy-level interventions. More than 10,000 Crown Family School graduates in the US and globally hold leadership positions in academia, at nonprofits, in business, and at governmental agencies.

The Crown Family School is the home of three academic centers:
These include the Susan and Richard Kiphart Center for Global Health and Social Development, the Kersten Institute for Urban Education, and the Center for Climate, Health, and Society (CHAS). More information may be found at https:/crown school.uchicago.edu/.

The Office of the Dean of Students supports students throughout their life cycle at the Crown Family School, in contribution to the school’s mission of working toward a more just and humane society. In our work with students, we believe in a student-first philosophy, an identity-conscious approach, and offer intentional and collaborative educational experiences that foster student success through career development, academic support, student engagement, and student advocacy efforts.

Our office oversees: academic advising and support services, career development, leadership development, orientation, graduation, student organizations, and a host of administrative and community engagement opportunities for all students at Crown.

The Academic Support Specialist & Advisor position involves advising Social Work students within the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. These advising responsibilities include meeting with students as they make their course selection and plans for degree completion. During matriculation, the Advisor meets with students to provide advice on course selection, choice of pathway, planning academic programs, and making progress towards meeting graduation requirements.

An Advisor also provides students with advice about personal challenges and regularly makes referrals to professionals elsewhere in the University. An Advisor participates in Crown initiatives, such as orientation and graduation. Advisors must be knowledgeable about the curriculum, University policies, multiple systems for tracking student information, and University resources for students. Assists the Dean of Students as needed.

The categories of job responsibilities and approximate percentages are as follows:

• Advising, Student Support, & Administration: 50%
• Student Engagement, Record Management & Retention: 30%
• Graduation: 20%

• Serves as primary academic advisor to 1st year students, advanced standing, and part‑time students in social work program.
• Provide individualized academic advising to students on course selection, degree requirements, academic policies, and graduation planning.
• Support students in developing academic plans that reflect their goals, strengths, and areas for growth.
• Offer guidance on academic challenges, time management, study strategies, and navigating institutional structures, etc., etc.
• Refer students to appropriate campus services, including tutoring, writing support, counseling, financial aid, disability services, and student success offices.
• Conduct outreach to students experiencing academic difficulty, probation, or personal challenges affecting their coursework.
• Assist students in understanding curriculum options, program structures, prerequisite sequences, and pathways to completion.
• Advise on add/drop, withdrawals,…