Title: Senior Academic Counselor

Employee Classification: Senior Academic Counselor

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Education

Department: UNT-Education-Student Advising-132200

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience, lower $50,000's

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview:

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year. We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an inclusive environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team. Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

The College of Education (COE) prepares professionals and scholars who contribute to the advancement of education, health, and human development. The mission of the Student Advising Office is to:

• Support the University of North Texas and the College of Education by providing developmental academic advising.
• Assist students in the development of academic plans in accordance with their life goals.
• Partner with students to assist them in their pursuit of academic success in their chosen fields.

Position Overview

Provide guidance to students by reviewing their interests, and abilities to develop a career path and degree fit. Connects students with available resources for academic success and personal/professional development. Take a leadership role in training and mentoring other advisors and a team, participating in outreach/recruitment activities, managing special projects and/or serving as a subject matter expert knowing degree requirements and providing student guidance using interests, abilities, and degree, career path and resources. Implements programs for student success and retention.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Degree and four years' of experience in student affairs, student services, counseling, professional academic advising, or related experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of University policies and procedures related to functional area (or ability to rapidly assimilate).
• Current knowledge of student development and counseling theory.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Strong counseling skills including career development and group facilitation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations verbally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work independently. Remains active in professional development.

Preferred Qualifications

The preferred candidate will possess the following additional qualifications:

• Use and have strong presentation, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong counseling skills.
• Experience working with the public and/or students.
• Enjoy working with students and colleagues with a focus on active engagement for all parties.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

None

Job Duties:

Student Tracking and Academic Success

• Review orientation records looking for patterns and monitor academic progress looking for patterns and suggesting points of contact. Developing and implementing student achievement strategies using assessments, UNT programs and working with the Assistant Dean/Director.

Counsel Students Regarding Choices and Goals

• Actively engage and assist students in the development of their life and academic plans. Suggest career and personal resources, options and interests, and assist in the development of their acceptance of personal responsibility and their ability to participate in the design of their future academic plan. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all regulations.

Events and Workshops

• Work with staff and advisors to coordinate agendas, handouts, presentations for FTIC, transfers, and prospective students, oversee training and meet with all orientation leaders at the start of each session to discuss and review tasks, issues and next steps.

Teamwork

• Create, support and maintain operational processes. Participate and develop training sessions for advisors, be flexible to accommodate changes, volunteer to help others when needed. Participate in Orientations, Graduations, Previews days, prospective session and related departmental events as required. Share ideas and suggestions in an open and communicative manner. Participate in special projects to support efficient operations and the benefit of students, staff and faculty.

Coordination of Advisor and Counselor Activities

• Work with department personnel to train new advisors, make training assignments, monitor and evaluate progress, Consult with Assistant Dean/Director and advisors as needed regarding issues evaluations and exceptions. Coordinate with team/individuals, and departments, in the development and publication of annual degree plan, 4-year plans, and transfer guides, and submission of updated changes to audits to registrar.

Special Populations

• Advise and counsel special populations including FTIC, Transfers, sophomores, students on actions, undecided students and students needing specialized guidance and support. Assess situations, develop programs and events to address issues and concerns, support retention and promote timely graduation.

Data and Reporting

• Collect and compile data, share reports as requested. Conduct assessments on all advising services appointments, orientations, prospective sessions and collect and synthesize data. Stay updated on all computer systems and programs. Provide ongoing feedback to be used for departmental enhancement.

Advising, Coaching and Teaching

• Support and demonstrate advising tools, EagleConnect, transfer guides, gpa calculators to support student competence. Advise students on resources and options to support their academic endeavors and success. Counsel students with more difficult cases.

Programs, Advising Practices and Communication

• Use expertise in producing and articulating plans and audits, effectively evaluating using all credit, communicating policies and procedures supporting student academic success and timely graduation. Work with advisors and team member to enhance their advising techniques, strengthen retention techniques and develop ideas to address difficult situations. Attend, participate, and present at professional development trainings and be active in professional advising organizations such as NACADA.

Effective Self-Management

• Use effective self-management of time and resources to maintain student access, availability for advisement, completing record and note keeping, and accomplish assigned tasks and goals. Updating calendars for appointments and walk-ins, anticipating and planning for cyclical events and reports, such as participating in orientation and graduation preparation, ceremonies and processes.

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with occasional flexible schedule to work weekends or evenings as needed.

Driving University Vehicle:

No

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Please upload a cover letter, along with your resume.

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System immediately investigates complaints of discrimination and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.