University of Illinois Chicago – Native American Network – Academic Advisor and Program

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting‑edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities.

UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The Academic Advising and Program Specialist will develop and implement student recruitment and retention strategies for Native American students. This position participates in recruitment activities, pathways to enrollment, advising/educational activities, and career exploration throughout the student’s undergraduate experience. This position creates holistic educational plans for students, supporting their academic, career, and life goals. Implements and monitors first‑year student success programs, as well as programs designed to support Native American and other program‑affiliated students at various levels in order to increase graduation rates.

• Coordinate recruitment visits to high schools, two‑year colleges, tribal colleges, and community agencies to increase our presence and networking opportunities.
• Disseminate UIC information at campus open house events; local and national college fairs; local events in the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community, such as powwows; and day/night/weekend events related to the recruitment of AI/AN students.
• Advise prospective students (undergraduate, transfer, and non‑traditional students) on academic and other matters, such as applying to UIC, financial aid, and scholarships.
• Create and lead activities to increase the yield of AI/AN students who are admitted to UIC. Assist in the UIC orientation of new freshmen and transfer students and their families.
• Establish a network with outside communities to improve educational opportunities. For example, through preparing and conducting presentations at K‑12 schools and community organizations on the importance of higher education for the AI/AN community.
• Maintain up‑to‑date familiarity with national and local reports on trends and best practices on AI/AN recruitment to steer recruitment efforts in the appropriate direction.
• Create holistic educational plan for students supporting their academic, career and life goals. Monitor satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion.
• Provide advising to students regarding college policies/procedures and general academic program requirements; describe courses and prerequisites and disseminate information regarding registration procedures.
• Provide resources to students to help them understand college culture, how universities are organized, the policies that will affect them, and how to work with faculty, staff, and administrators to address challenges.
• Implement and monitor student success programs as well as programs designed to support the success of AI/AN and NASP‑affiliated students.
• Participate in the recruitment and training of peer success coaches and monitor their performance. Assist students with application forms for programs, financial aid and scholarships. Participate in…