Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor - Division of Exploratory Studies

Campus Center for Advising and Academic Services

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking applications for an Academic Advisor in the Division of Exploratory Studies. This position provides developmental academic advising for undeclared undergraduate students as they explore their personal and professional interests and the curricular and co-curricular opportunities available at the University of Illinois.

Exploratory Studies enrolls the third largest class of freshmen every year and is the academic home for approximately 2,000 first and second-year undeclared students. The EXP student population is diverse; students come from a variety of backgrounds and have a variety of academic interests and talents. Approximately 32% of students in EXP are from historically underrepresented backgrounds and 17% are international students. This position will join a team of 9 other Undeclared Academic Advisors.

Learn more about working in Exploratory Studies.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide developmental academic advising services and support the recruitment, retention, and delivery of educational and career development services to undergraduate students who are undeclared in the Division of Exploratory Studies.
• Through in-person and virtual appointment modalities, engage in purposeful discussion with students to learn about course performance and interests, assess qualifications for entry into specific courses or majors, and gauge student adjustment to the University.
• Assist students in understanding the structure and requirements of campus degree and pre-professional programs.
• Apply judicious interpretations of Illinois program requirements based on individual circumstances and within the framework of policy guidelines established by the campus.
• Provide advice and counsel regarding viable alternatives in academic, personal, and career options.
• Participate in the 6-8 week New Student Registration program in June and July for the advisement and registration of new EXP freshmen and transfer students entering the University of Illinois
• Provide ongoing advising support for students with increased availability at critical and high-volume advising times such as mid-semester deadlines, priority course registration periods, and other designated times throughout the academic year.
• Contribute as a member of an advising team serving an assigned roster of students, working collaboratively with team members to conduct targeted outreach and host group advising programs or other initiatives aimed at meeting the needs of the assigned roster
• Provide support and resources for students on academic warning as part of the EXP Program for Academic Support and Success (PASS).
• Create a welcoming environment that is inclusive of students from a variety of backgrounds.
• Respond to queries from students, faculty, staff, and parents/families as appropriate (within the parameters of FERPA).
• Provide referrals for campus and academic resources for additional support.
• Responsible for thorough record-keeping of all student contacts.
• Teach two fall semester sections of EXP 101, a First-Year experience course for new students in Exploratory Studies.
• Serve as a liaison with department and college colleagues on academic advising issues to ensure accuracy of information.
• Participate in activities that facilitate the mission and goals of the Division of Exploratory Studies such as involvement with EXP committees, workgroups, staff development, and on-going training.
• Other relevant duties as assigned; minimal evening and weekend work required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• One year of full-time professional experience or two years of related graduate-level experience working with college students in academic advising, counseling, career development, student affairs, or teaching.
• Outstanding presentation and/or teaching experience.
• Experience working effectively both independently and in collaborative groups.
• Experience supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, college student personnel, counseling, education, or closely related field.
• Experience with and understanding of the needs, concerns, and strengths of undeclared and exploring students at the college level.
• Demonstrated ability to apply inclusive practices that identify and reduce barriers to student success.
• Involvement in professional development activities such as interaction with NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising or other unit, campus, local, state, regional or global organizations.
• Experience with and understanding of the academic policies, procedures, and systems at the University of Illinois.
• Experience with and understanding of college student development theory, academic advising theory, and the college environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to collaborate and work with students, staff, faculty, and families from a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to understanding of the needs of a broad student population, including students from underrepresented backgrounds

• Exceptional interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Exceptional time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to focus on details and specific information.
• Ability to understand and clearly explain complex processes, procedures, and program requirements.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary for this position is $52,000 - $55,000 annually. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position reports to the Associate Director for Advising & Student Success. Academic Professionals at UIUC are responsible for a minimum of 40 hours per week, generally 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on April 28, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and transcripts or proof of degree(s). Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities and requirements of this role.

Applications not submitted through will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

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 University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].

Requisition ID : 1035907

Job Category : Education & Student Services

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