Academic Advisor - PACK Program

Academic AdvisorAcademic Success CenterEastern Illinois University is seeking an Academic Advisor for the PACK Program. The Academic Advisor is responsible for advising students assigned to the Academic Advising Services in the areas of curricula, career opportunities, and academic development. The advisor must be well informed of the University's academic curriculum, regulations, policies, procedures, and university resources. The advisor has a direct line relationship with the Director, Academic Advising Services.Position DetailsDepartment: Academic Advising Services - Student Success Center Division: Academic AffairsClassification: Academic Support Professional (ASP)Employment: Full-time, per Article 6.2.a.(1) of the UPI Agreement; flexible work schedule averaging 37.5 hours per weekSalary Range (dependent on experience): $3343.00-$3400.00Benefits: Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals. This position is eligible for the following benefits:Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.For more information on our employee benefit programs, please visit EIU Employee Benefits webpage.About the PACK ProgramEastern Illinois University has a rich tradition of preparing students to accomplish their life goals through a great combination of quality academics and personal relationships. College degrees unlock rich and rewarding lives; at EIU, we know that ability is not always reflected by the numbers. Our Pathways to Achievement, Confidence & Knowledge (PACK) program looks beyond the GPA and ACT/SAT scores to discover the true potential of a student.Our focus in the PACK program is to provide students with individualized attention during their first year at Eastern. We believe that students who may not have the standard academic credentials can find a pathway to success. Our team of academic advisors, along with the Academic Success Center, are dedicated to helping students develop the skills necessary to graduate from EIU.The Academic Advisor for the PACK program is a key member of the Academic Advising Services team, serving as the primary point of contact for provisionally admitted students as they navigate their transition to university life. This position is grounded in an asset-based, relationship-rich approach to student support-recognizing that every student brings strengths, and that the institution's role is to build confidence, belonging, and self-efficacy from the very first interaction.Description of Duties and ResponsibilitiesPACK Academic Advising (80%)1. Conduct ongoing outreach and hold recurring appointments with PACK students to build sustained, trust-based advising relationships.2. Collaborate with students to set educational, personal, and career goals, considering both immediate academic needs and long-range objectives.3. Advise PACK students in educational planning for upcoming semesters, in person and/or virtually.4. Assist students in course selection as it relates to General Education requirements, the academic program, and the educational goals of each student.5. Assist students in exploring their major and/or minor by interpreting printed or web information, making referrals to other campus offices or programs, recommending extra class activities, internships, or part-time work experiences to clarify their options of prospective majors/minors.6. Instruct and facilitate new student registration and mitigate any registration errors.7. Interpret and explain transcripts, standardized test scores, high school records, Eastern's placement examinations, and various departmental placement guidelines as needed.8. Encourage engagement with other university personnel related to student success, making appropriate referrals to campus resources and support services.9. Communicate important semester reminders and success strategies to the PACK caseload.10. Assist students with completing SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) requirements and related documentation.11. Maintain academic advising record keeping and manage the electronic file system.12. Deliver PACK overview presentations to students and guests in person and/or virtually.13. Determine the timeline of students' transition to departmental advisors using PACK guidelines.14. Support PACK students returning to Academic Advising Services, both in person and/or virtually. Demonstrate a personal interest in students by encouraging and creating a supportive environment, empowering students to make their own choices after the limitations, alternatives, and consequences involved in the decision are discussed.15. Provide academic advising for prospective EIU students referred to Academic Advising Services.16. Provide walk-in academic advising for students who come to Academic Advising Services, unscheduled, seeking advice.17. Correspond with students and/or parents regarding academic concerns while maintaining the confidentiality of student records.18. Abide by FERPA guidelines and restrictions.19. Explain degree plans and university policies and procedures.Other Professional Duties (10%)20. Coordinate the educational experiences of the student, communicating and collaborating with academic department chairs, faculty, and other support professionals as appropriate.21. Design and present new student orientation programs for parents and/or students.22. Serve on University committees where professional advising expertise is needed.23. Conduct research and/or evaluate services to further the aims of Academic Advising and the University.24. Attend all meetings scheduled by the Director of Academic Advising.25. Maintain a schedule of approved office hours, including remote work, as approved by the Director, Academic Advising Services.26. Participate in campus informational events.27. Learn new campus technologies as they are implemented.28. Other duties as assigned.Professional Development (10%)29. Pursue professional and/or personal development related to the Academic Advising profession or the advisor's overall professional or self -improvement.30. Participate in the Academic Advising Symposium and other sponsored events for professional and faculty advisors on campus.Minimum QualificationsA bachelor's degree is required.Demonstrated experience working with students in academic advising, counseling, or student support capacity.Knowledge of academic support strategies and an understanding of barriers facing first-generation, at-promise, and provisionally admitted students.Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, social work, or a related field.Experience with holistic, asset-based advising models.Experience working with provisionally admitted, first-generation, or at-promise student populations.Familiarity with academic success tools such as Navigate360, DegreeWorks, or Banner.Demonstrated commitment to student retention and completion.ApplicationsPlease send a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts to Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/185831. Inquiries about the position may be directed to Screening Committee Chair Dr. Amber Webb at ajwebb.eiu.edu. Review of applications will begin May 29, 2026, and will continue until position filled.The University and CommunityCelebrating more than 130 years of excellence, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a fully accredited, comprehensive regional residential institution located in Charleston, Illinois-ideally positioned between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The University is known for its individualized attention, supportive relationships, and exceptional outcomes, including high graduation, retention, and career placement rates. Academically, EIU combines personalized learning with nationally respected programs. Small class sizes allow for close mentorship from distinguished faculty, while innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and firsthand opportunities prepare students for meaningful professional and personal growth. Campus life at EIU is vibrant and community oriented.The University features more than 50 buildings within walking distance, extensive recreational facilities, and more than 200 student organizations including NCAA Division I athletics, and 20+ fraternities and sororities. Cultural life thrives at the world-renowned Doudna Fine Arts Center and the Tarble, which bring exceptional artistic and performance experiences to campus and the region. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of a classic college town with convenient access to shops, dining, and outdoor recreation-alongside robust service opportunities coordinated through EIU's Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism. With its strong alumni network, sustainability efforts, and deep commitment to student success, Eastern Illinois University offers an exceptional environment to live, learn, and work.Nondiscrimination/EEO/AAEastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.Eastern Illinois University provides equal opportunity in education and employment for all students, applicants for employment, and employees. Discrimination based upon race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis of discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes, is strictly prohibited.The University further commits to a program of affirmative action as prescribed by statute to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with a disability and qualified protected veterans (disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active-duty wartime veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans).Apply Now →Permalink