Senior Advisor (Lyle School of Engineering)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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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 90 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities - from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About Lyle School of Engineering:

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 masters 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:

The Senior Advisor provides academic advising and maintenance of academic records for 300 - 400 undergraduate Computer Science students which begins with preparing new student orientation in the summer and continues through graduation. The Senior Advisor provides advising and Computer Science records maintenance for declared Computer Science undergraduate students and assists/consults with faculty advisors as needed. This position is key to providing one-on-one academic advising to undergraduate Computer Science majors, retaining students throughout the program, and helping students achieve their academic goals as well as providing information and support for students to apply to the accelerated pathways program offering. The Senior Advisor will also serve as the staff lead to support Computer Science students interested in participating in study abroad opportunities by working with the SMU Study Abroad office. Candidates must possess strong interpersonal communication skills, strong written skills, including proper usage of grammar and punctuation, as well as demonstrate the ability to produce error-free communication.

We seek a Senior Advisor who shares our values of a diverse and equitable workplace based on collaborative teamwork, personal initiative, and a commitment to consistency and excellence.

Essential Functions:

• One-on-One Academic Advising - Provide one-on-one academic advising to approximately 300 - 400 declared Computer Science undergraduate students. Meet with each student at least two times per year. Work with individual students to develop robust plan to ensure degree completion and graduation. Support and encourage students to explore additional majors/minors, internships/co-op, and/or study abroad opportunities.
  
  AARO (New Student Orientation) - Collaborate closely with the Undergraduate Advising and Student Records Office as needed to assist with the advising of incoming computer science pre-majors and transfer students during summer orientation (Mustang Start-up). These sessions are currently held virtually and occur in June, July, and August each summer.
  
  Academic Progress Tracking - Track advisees' progress toward degree completion of the University's Common Curriculum and the requirements for a Computer Science degree. Review progress at each advising session with students and conduct a transcript review at the conclusion of the fall and spring terms. Review early and mid-term grade reports of advisees to ensure academic progress is being made. Discuss grades and options with students.
  
  Paperwork and Student Progress Tracking - Collaborate closely with the Undergraduate Advising and Student Records Office to ensure that graduation degree plans for each student are completed. Ensure that graduating seniors participate in the senior exit survey with the department chair.
  
  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, as needed.
  
  Other Duties as Assigned - Collect enrollment data each semester. Prepare enrollment reports and run queries to collect data for the Computer Science department, as needed. Assist with updates to the SMU catalog for Computer Science as needed. Special projects, as needed.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree is required. Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field is preferred.

Three years' work experience is required. Prior experience with academic advising, academic records, or student services in higher education is preferred.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required.

PeopleSoft experience is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must have outstanding oral and written communication skills, including the proper use of spelling, grammar and punctuation, with the ability to produce error-free communications.

Candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills and work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.

Must have outstanding organizational and time management skills. Must be able to manage concurrent projects.

Candidate must be a problem solver with strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Must be able to uphold institutional policies and procedures.

Candidate must have the ability to build trust, maintain confidentiality, and deal with sensitive information.

Must be highly accurate and attentive to details.

Candidate must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with others.

Occasional evening and weekend work is required for advising, graduation activities, and other events within the Lyle School of Engineering

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Stand

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 23, 2022.

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.

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