Student/Academic Success Counselor
Southern Methodist University Inc

Dallas, Texas

This job has expired.


Description

Salary Range:

Mid 40's
Job Summary:

The Success Counselor, as part of the office of Student Success and Retention, will help undergraduate students navigate campus resources and resolve issues as part of a coordinated effort to improve students' experience and persist to graduation.

The counselor will practice data-driven outreach and pro-active resource referral to meet the needs of students. This position will help with a range of initiatives focused on the academic success of students, including first-years, transfers, those on academic probation, and others identified as at-risk.

The position will also generate data and reports to help identify barriers to student satisfaction, academic progression, and retention. The counselor will provide mentorship and daily academic counseling to students in support of their academic pursuits.

The person in this role will assist with many efforts in partnership with Student Affairs, University Advising, Academic Affairs, and other campus areas.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide day to day academic counseling and problem solving for students. Analyzing data such as early and midterm progress reports, emails from concerned faculty/staff, and other communications where students' retention and progress is of concern. This will involve meeting with students individually and discussing options on how they can remain at SMU and progress toward graduation.
  • Identify and counsel students who are at risk of leaving the University and intervene utilizing appropriate contacts and counseling methods to enhance the likelihood of successful problem resolution toward retaining students. Assist in the development of proactive programs and outreach for students with limited affiliation or connection to the campus community.
  • Provide leadership and active participation in supporting outreach and services to transfer, under-represented and underprepared student populations. Assist in the development of strategies to improve retention among students from underrepresented groups while building a strong relationship with other campus offices. Assist the Assistant Director to research best practices at other institutions.
  • Counsel and advise students who do not meet academic program progression standards as to their academic program options at the University. Utilize other areas' expertise to assist the student in remaining at SMU through graduation.
  • Serve on University committees. Review materials sent from Advising, University Curriculum/General Education Office, and other campus areas in order to provide accurate and updated information to students. Provide information identifying common barriers or challenges to Assistant Director in order to determine appropriate intervention as well as to develop proactive means to minimize similar future problems.


Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Master's degree is required, preferably in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related area.

A minimum of two years of professional work experience is required which may include graduate assistant positions. Required experience may be in counseling, advising, or student success-related areas in a higher education setting (4 year or 2 year).

Experience in meeting the academic support needs of a wide variety of students, including first generation, low Income, transfer, academically at risk or any other underrepresented group of students is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must also demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing. Strong listening skills and the ability to empathetic to student needs are essential.

Candidate must have strong time management, organizational and planning skills with the ability to prioritize, and manage competing priorities. Must also demonstrate the ability to adhere to and enforce university policies and guidelines. A strong commitment to confidentiality and professionalism is essential, as the person in this role will be called on to handle confidential information with discretion.

Candidate must possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to be an innovative thinker and suggest creative solutions. The ability to utilize data to inform decisions is essential.

Candidate must be open-minded and optimistic to effectively support and guide students. Strong coaching and counseling skills with the ability assist students in setting and accomplishing goals are required.

Candidate must have basic computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office is strongly preferred. Experience with and or knowledge of software utilized in data collection (Excel, PeopleSoft, Qualtrics) is a plus.

Familiarity with academic advising, student success research, and understanding of factors that drive retention is preferred. Specialized training or certification in goal setting, academic or life coaching is highly desirable.
Deadline to Apply:

August 13, 2021

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by August 4, 2021.

For full consideration a cover letter, a resume, and contact information for three current professional references is required.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
  • Sit for long periods of time
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.


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