Lead Academic Advisor - Computer Science

Lead Advisor

The Lead Advisor will provide strategic responsibility for ensuring the professional and overall development of the advising team. In consultation with the Director(s) of Undergraduate Studies and Department Head, executes the vision of Academic Advising. Provides direction and guidance based on service models and student success programmatic offerings.

Provides direct service to students from their orientation through graduation. Provides academic advising expertise and guidance to students and the broader advising team on degree requirements and programs; academic and professional planning;
University, College and Campus policies and procedures; course selection and registration and available resources and opportunities.

A Lead Advisor follows best practices based on national research and shares with relevant stakeholders. Handles and may oversee complex student cases including but not limited to protected categories, academic grievance cases, academic standing, course articulation, petition processes, etc. Mentors and assists with the training of new Academic Advisors.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists in providing strategic direction on academic policies guiding students' degree progress.
• Regularly meets with students to determine degree progress, provide assistance with regard to academic, co-curricular and professional progress. Provides guidance and support to other advisors in delivering advising to their caseloads.
• Acts as a resource for advisors, career counselors, faculty and students with regard to college academic programs.
• Reviews and understands current research in student support to provide best practices for college advising.
• Reviews and assists in articulating courses that transfer students bring in from other community colleges or universities.
• Chairs or participates on committees (internal and external), task forces and teams. Leads related workshops, and new and transferring student orientations.
• Serves as a College representative for campus committees that provide strategic direction in academic and student affairs.
• Creates and provides training and professional development opportunities for academic advisors in the college.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience providing academic advising or student support services in a college or university setting; experience within a four‑year institution preferred
• Demonstrated ability to deliver student‑centered advising while upholding institutional academic standards, policies, and degree requirements
• Demonstrated knowledge of research‑based best practices in academic advising and student success
• Experience participating in student success initiatives or retention‑focused programs
• Demonstrated proficiency with campus information technology systems, including student information systems, advising or student tracking platforms, and reporting tools
• Familiarity with data‑informed and predictive analytics approaches used to assess and support student success initiatives preferred
• Demonstrated leadership experience, which may include chairing or serving on committees or task forces, leading functional work groups, or contributing to the development and implementation of advising initiatives or programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree required; in education, student personnel, college counseling or a related field preferred
• Experience developing and delivering training or professional development for advising or student services staff preferred
• Knowledge of UIC policies, procedures, regulations, and standards of practice preferred