at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, United States
Job Description
The Program Support Specialist of Academic Support Communities, within University College provides holistic support to students during their initial academic transition and continued enrollment at Illinois State University. This position is responsible for delivering programming and providing individualized services to student participants in academic support communities, including but not limited to Hope Chicago, Phoenix Pact, One Goal, Bottom Line, and SOAR Scholars. This position serves as the secondary point of contact for the Hope Chicago Program, supporting communication, coordination, and student engagement efforts. They join a team that serves as a primary liaison, mentor, and consultant for students participating in community groups.
Student Support & Advising
Provides individualized services, including consistent one-on-one interaction and hands-on academic coaching.
• Conducting academic needs assessments
• Developing individualized student success plans
• Identifying and addressing academic and socio-emotional barriers through proactive outreach
• Monitoring student progress using student information systems
• Engaging in consultation and making appropriate referrals
• Providing guidance related to retention and academic success
• Supporting personal development and student well-being
Programming & Curriculum Development
• Co-develops, coordinates, and facilitates large workshops for college transition and academic excellence
• Plans and executes campus events from start to finish, ensuring meaningful student engagement and program effectiveness
• Collaborates with various university stakeholders
Equity, Advocacy, & Partnership Building
• Demonstrates commitment to equitable academic services
• Advocates for student access and inclusion
• Builds campus and community partnerships
• Creative, organized, and committed to inclusive pathways
Supervision & Leadership
• Supervises graduate assistants and student employees, providing guidance and professional development
University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time
Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
