What are the responsibilities and job description for the Graduate Student Advisor position at Dominican University?
Job Title: Graduate Student Advisor
Department: Student Success and Engagement (SSE)
Department: Student Success and Engagement (SSE)
Reports To: Executive Director of Student Care and Retention
Location: On campus (River Forest, IL)
This is a grant-funded position; as such, the position will also be accountable to the PPOHA Grant Pathways to Wellness, supporting the achievement of the grant project objectives (2024–2029).
Position Summary
The Graduate Student Advisor provides comprehensive academic and professional guidance to graduate students, supporting their academic success, research endeavors, and career development. This position plays a crucial role in fostering student growth while ensuring compliance with institutional policies and degree requirements.
The position is grant-funded through the Title V Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans – Pathways to Wellness: Empowering Hispanic and Low-Income Scholars to Build Successful Careers in Healthcare Grant #P031M240005: 2024 – 2029.
Duties and Responsibilities
Academic Guidance and Support
Academic Guidance and Support
- Provide expert academic advising to graduate students regarding course selection, degree requirements, and academic pathways
- Monitor student progress toward degree completion, maintaining detailed records of student milestones and achievements
- Develop and implement academic success strategies for students facing academic challenges
- Collaborate with faculty and department chairs to resolve academic issues and ensure program requirements are met
- Guide students through the preparation for post-graduate career readiness
- Coordinate licensure exam preparation support services for program-specific needs
Professional Development
- Design and facilitate workshops and seminars
- Connect students with research opportunities, internships, and networking events aligned with their career goals
- Provide guidance on conference presentations, publication opportunities, and grant applications
- Assist in developing individual development plans for academic and career progression
- Organize career development events and maintain relationships with industry partners and alumni
Administrative Duties
- Maintain accurate student records and degree audit information
- Process academic forms and petitions, including leave of absence requests and degree requirement modifications
- Coordinate academic support and licensure test preparation for various specialized graduate programs in health science
- Participate in graduate student recruitment and orientation activities
- Prepare reports on student progress, retention rates, and program outcomes
Student Support and Advocacy
- Serve as a primary point of contact for graduate students seeking guidance or assistance
- Provide referrals to appropriate university resources (counseling services, writing center, career services, etc.)
- Advocate for student needs while maintaining academic standards and institutional policies
- Support diverse student populations and promote an inclusive academic environment
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in higher education, counseling, or related field
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in academic advising or student affairs at the graduate level
- Extensive knowledge of graduate education policies, procedures, and best practices
- Proficiency with student information systems and academic tracking software
- Availability of evening hours at least 2 evenings per week
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with thesis/dissertation advising
- Knowledge of grant funding and research opportunities in higher education
- Background in career counseling or professional development
- Familiarity with international student regulations and support services
Performance Expectations
- Maintain high levels of student satisfaction and retention
- Meet regularly with assigned student caseload
- Provide timely and accurate guidance on academic and professional matters
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of advising services and programs
- Participate in professional development and stay current with advising best practices
Physical Demands
- Ability to spend long durations of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at a time
Salary and FLSA Status
- Salary: $54,739 - $57,717 annually
- FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-time, 37.5 hours
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
- Professional development opportunities
- Tuition remission for employees and their dependents
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Generous paid time off (PTO)
Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.
About Dominican University
Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.
Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families’ level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.
Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit www.dom.edu.
Expectations for all Dominican Employees:
To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.
Institutional Statement
Dominican University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal and state employment regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need accommodations due to a disability, you may contact us at opc@dom.edu for assistance.
Salary : $54,739 - $57,717
