Senior Undergraduate Academic Advisor & Success Coach
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

---

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

SMU's Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering, founded in 1925, is one of the oldest engineering schools in the Southwest. The school offers eight undergraduate and 29 graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, through the departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; and Operations Research and Engineering Management. Lyle students participate in programs in the unique Deason Innovation Gym, providing the tools and space to work on immersion design projects and competitions to accelerate leadership development and the framework for innovation; the Hart Center for Engineering Leadership, helping students develop nontechnical skills to prepare them for leadership in diverse technical fields; the Caruth Institute for Engineering Education, developing new methodologies for incorporating engineering education into K-12 schools; and the Hunter and Stephanie Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity, combining technological innovation with business expertise to address global poverty.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

This position will provide the additional support needed for students that are at a higher risk of dropping out or not graduating on time as well as program support and advising for special programs such as, but not limited to, the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, Thrive Scholars, etc. The senior advisor will serve as the academic advisor to students identified as being in a first-generation, low income, and/or underrepresented student group, transfer student, or veteran student who are interested in a degree in the Lyle School of Engineering.

Essential Functions:

• One-on-one academic advising for engineering pre-major students for students identified as being in a first-generation, low income, and/or underrepresented student group, transfer students, veteran students, and grand challenge scholars in Lyle. Meets with each student at least 2 times per year. Works with individual students to develop 4-year plans.
  
• Prepare and conduct academic advising components of Mustang StartUp virtual orientation (formerly AARO) including: virtual enrollment workshops and individual appointments. Virtual orientation is for transfer, first-year and International students and it occurs during summer months.
  
• Work with SMU in Four initiative to review and analyze data regularly to identify at-risk students in need of additional support or intervention. Reach out to students identified as at-risk and provide resources and referrals as needed.
  
• Partner and collaborate with organizations such as Thrive Scholars, National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Hispanic Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Transfer Student Services, and Veteran Services to connect students to appropriate resources and opportunities.
  
• Track Academic Progress - Track advisees' progress towards major declaration and completion of the Common Curriculum. Review progress at each advising session with students and conduct a transcript review at the conclusion of fall and spring terms. Review early and mid-term grade reports of advisees. Discuss grades and options with students. Provide referrals as needed for academic counseling, tutoring, supplemental instruction, peer mentoring, career services, leadership services, and more.
  
• Forms and Petitions - Assist students with forms and petitions. Provide students with correct form(s), assist students with preparation of the form and supporting documentation, direct students to appropriate offices for signatures and answer students' follow-up questions.
  
• Plan and execute the logistics for annual networking events, projects, and programs for the Lyle Grand Challenge Scholars Program.
  
• Other Duties as Assigned - Assist with academic records maintenance of declared engineering majors as needed. Answer questions from engineering majors and faculty advisers as needed.
• Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required for special events.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree and five years work experience or a Master's degree and 3 years work experience in an academic setting, preferably records or advising, is required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, event planning, and project management skills. Must have strong presentation skills to conduct meetings, enrollment workshops, presentations and individual appointments.

Candidate proficiency in Microsoft Office and internet applications are essential.

Candidate knowledge of databases and analyzing data is preferred.

Candidate familiarity with PeopleSoft is a plus.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

This job has expired.