Academic Advising Coordinator
Status: Full-time academic professional; 12-month position
Reports to: Associate Dean for Academic Achievement, Educational Assessment, and Bar Preparation
Start Date: No later than June 1, 2019
Salary: Based on experience.
Other Information: The John Marshall Law School is in the process of being acquired by the University of Illinois at Chicago. It is anticipated that this process will be completed in August 2019. The successful candidate will become an employee of the University of Illinois at Chicago after the transaction closes.
General Overview:
The Academic Advising Coordinator will coordinate various aspects of the Law School’s Academic Advising program and will fulfill the specific job duties below, including holding individual meetings with law students, and providing academic counseling and guidance by helping students navigate the curriculum, plan course schedules, understand academic policies and standards, and connect with professionals and resources in other departments. The Coordinator will be expected to learn the ABA Standards, the AALS bylaws, Higher Learning Commission policies, Law School and University academic policies, and the Law School curriculum.
The Academic Advising Coordinator may also have opportunities to perform functions of an academic support specialist by teaching the first-year Expert Learning or upper-level bar-preparation courses and providing academic support counseling along with the Academic Achievement/Bar Preparation department.
Specific Job Responsibilities:
v Collaborate with various departments and law school administrators to coordinate the various aspects of the Law School’s academic advising program.
v Conduct individual meetings with law students regarding academic matters; advise students on graduation requirements and the curriculum; help students design course schedules to meet the Law School’s requirements and the student’s career goals; advise students about education opportunities, such as concentration programs and dual-degree programs; and refer students to other departments and resources as needed (e.g., career advice, dual-degree programs, lawyer assistance programs, personal counseling, etc.).
v Inform students about requirements related to academic dismissal, readmission, academic probation, and mandate program.
v Respond to student inquiries and resolve problems related to curriculum and course prerequisites, referring to catalogues, written course descriptions, and other appropriate sources.
v With the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, the Registrar, and others, conduct informational sessions for students regarding course registration.
v Develop and maintain a webpage related to academic advising, including a published list of FAQs related to academic matters.
v Develop other ways to ensure that students understand the Law School’s curriculum, academic and graduation requirements, and academic advising resources.
v Help the Law School continue enhancing its program of legal education, including educational assessment and emphasis on key non-cognitive factors.
v Train Academic Achievement and Career Services staff, other staff, and potentially faculty about aspects of the Law School’s academic advising program.
v With the Registrar’s Office, develop processes and protocols to ensure that students are progressing toward graduation.
v Collect data related to academic advising and ensure that appropriate documentation is maintained for each student (e.g., through an advising portfolio or another method).
v Help ensure continued compliance with ABA Standard, AALS membership rules, and HLC policies with respect to academic advising.
v Potentially serve as a member of the Student Support and Emergency Team.
v Monitor and stay current with applicable policies, laws, and procedures (e.g., FERPA).
v Perform supplemental administrative activities related to academic advising, such as scheduling meetings and interviews, securing requested information, verifying and maintaining computerized data files, and preparing summary reports.
v On an as-needed basis, teach the first-year Expert Learning or upper-level bar-preparation courses and provide academic support counseling along with the Academic Achievement/Bar Preparation department.
v Other projects as assigned.
Requirements:
v J.D. degree from an ABA-approved law school.
v Minimum of three years' experience in legal education or legal practice.
v Excellent oral, written, and technological skills.
v Ability to work in a multicultural environment; strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
v A collaborative spirit.
v Superb organizational skills and a strong attention to detail.
v A high level of judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
v Ability to work independently, yet to seek guidance when needed.
v Accessible beyond normal business hours to be responsive to time-sensitive matters.
v Prior adjunct or full-time teaching experience is a plus.
How to Apply:
Submit (1) your cover letter summarizing your reasons for applying for this position and your qualifications, (2) your resume detailing relevant experience, and (3) a list of at least three professional references to: Rodney Fong, either by mail to: The John Marshall Law School, Attn: Associate Dean Rodney Fong, 315 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, Illinois 60604 or by email to rfong@jmls.edu.
Questions should be directed to Associate Dean Rodney Fong at rfong@jmls.edu or 312-427-2737 ext. 312.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The John Marshall Law School, finding any invidious discrimination inconsistent with the mission of free academic inquiry, does not discriminate in admission, services, or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
