Academic Advisor

Description

Eastern 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.

About the PACK Program:

Eastern 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 Responsibilities:

• PACK Academic Advising (80%)
• Other Profesional Duties (10%)
• Professional Development (10%)

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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A 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
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population.
• Proficiency with student information systems and standard office technology.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master'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.

Application Instructions

Please send a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcipts to Interfolio at (link). Inquiries about the position may be directed to Screening Committee Chair Dr. Amber Webb at ajwebb2.eiu.edu. Review of applications will begin May 29, 2026, and will continue until position filled.

The University and Community: Celebrating 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.