About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The College of Music, at the University of Houston, is searching for a Senior Academic Counselor to join our Undergraduate Advising department. This post will be responsible for advising all undergraduate student and assisting them in making semester by semester plans towards the completion of their respective degrees.

Position Overview

Advises all undergraduate students, assisting them in making semester by semester plans towards the completion of their respective degrees. Evaluates students transcripts and updates their degree audits as necessary. Processes graduation applications, updating students degree audits and following up with students to ensure all degree requirements have been met. Represent office on advising technology initiatives and training for music advising staff on existing and new software. Assist Director of Undergraduate Advising with supervision of student assistants and front desk operations.

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 populations verbally and in writing. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to work independently. Remains active in professional development.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters Degree and four years of experience in student affairs, student services, counseling, professional academic advising and a background in Music.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Job Duties

• Maintain detailed familiarity with aspects of all music degree plans and specializations. 
• Maintain current knowledge of generally accepted and innovative advising and counseling practices. 
• Maintain current knowledge of all academic changes taking place within the university and communicating new information to students. 
• Participate in professional development opportunities related to academic counseling and advising in higher education, such as NACADA, UCAN, etc. 
• Prepare for freshmen and transfer orientations. Advise freshmen and transfer students during orientations, give Guidebook and music presentations to orientation groups as needed. Advise all newly accepted and continuing undergraduate music students on degree plan requirements based on transcript and degree audit evaluations. 
• Coordinates group advising sessions for FTIC and new transfer students 
• Enter advising case notes in appointment software, and keep hard copies of the advising record in students files. Coordinate and maintain other academic records for undergraduate students. Record and post proficiency results and degree milestones for undergraduate students. 
• Assist with development, tracking, and notification of At Risk music majors. Provide academic counseling to students who are on probation, academic alert, or COM At Risk, maintaining thorough knowledge of relevant policies, procedures, and resources.
• Advises returning students on readmission process and degree requirements/changes regarding different catalogs. Advise prospective music majors, music minors, transfer students and MUND students concerning degree requirements and alternative degree options. 
• In consultation with the Director of Advising and/or faculty, determine transfer equivalency from other institutions and update data in U.achieve. Complete degree audits and for those intending to graduate. Process exceptions approved by faculty, Director of Undergraduate Studies, and Director of Advising to U.achieve audit. 
• Work with UNT Registrar and community colleges regarding transfer students, transfer guides, and answering questions to ease the transition for transfer students. 
• Update and revise degree plans and any other inhouse forms. Report website changes to appropriate contact. 
• Graduation Preparation. Advise students regarding progress toward degree and review remaining courses and requirements necessary for a timely graduation. Notify students of graduation procedures. Process electronic graduation applications, communicating with students, faculty and other advisors as needed. Maintain database of graduating students. 
• Serve as primary contact and lead appointment software superuser. Represent college on university planning, training and task forces, maintain current knowledge of software updates and integration with other software. Provide training as necessary to users in college. Serve as lead U.achieve user and primary contact with Registrars Office and campus committees regarding yearly catalog updates and programming of requirements, and other ongoing maintenance to the degree audit system. Communicate new processes to Academic Counselors. Provide training as necessary. 
• Help with planning and organization of other Music Advising Office special events, the operation of graduation ceremonies, providing support as needed. Assist UNT Orientation Transition Programs by training summer student orientation leaders assigned to college. Assist with the planning and organization for the College of Music Audition Days. Coordinate and supervise student volunteers. Attend prospective student/parent functions (NT Preview Day, Eagle Landings, College Nights, etc.), to assist in presenting information concerning music programs and to answer questions. 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday -Friday 8:00 to 5:00pm

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

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, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration 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 a related investigation or proceeding.