Academic Advisor

We are the University of St. Thomas, the Catholic University in the heart of Houston. We are committed to the Catholic intellectual tradition and the dialogue between faith and reason. By pursuing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service, we embody and instill in our students the core values of our founders, the Basilian Fathers: goodness, discipline, and knowledge. We foster engagement in a diverse, collaborative community.

The University of St. Thomas is a comprehensive university, grounded in the liberal arts. Committed to the unity of all knowledge, we offer programs in the traditional liberal arts, professional, and skill-based disciplines. Graduates of the University of St. Thomas think critically, communicate effectively, succeed professionally, and lead ethically.

JOB SUMMARY: The Academic Advisor supports the efforts of the Director of Academic Advising and the Academic Advising Center in a plan to enhance student satisfaction and retention through personal service, superior guidance, and academic planning. The Academic Advisor will assume advising responsibilities for sophomores who have not declared a major, supporting course scheduling and guidance focused on self-discovery and major selection. The Academic Advisor will support all functions of the Academic Advising Center, including degree planning, advising and registration for new and continuing students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advise new students and direct course selection in conjunction with major options.
• Regularly call and email new undergrads to UST to assist in retention efforts.
• Serve as lead academic advisor for pre-nursing students.
• Guide advisees through a process of academic self-discovery that culminates in a major selection appropriate for students' personal goals.
• Assist Director of Academic Advising with event planning and group functions.
• Manage office phone calls by taking and forwarding messages and providing students with phone support.
• Provide students with increased support through extended electronic communications such as Blackboard and Skype.
• Schedule advising appointments for new and returning students.
• Assist in the support of faculty advisors.
• Assist the Director of Academic Advising in the continuing creation and implementation of services that increase student persistence and success.
• Provide artistic and creative direction when assisting in the development of advising resources and materials.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with students in an academic advising setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to a philosophy of service to students and faculty.
  
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  
• Comprehensive knowledge of degree planning and course scheduling.
  
• Working knowledge of UST degree programs and core requirements (preferred).
  
• Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment with ability to work well under pressure and with frequent interruptions.
  
• Proficiency working with computer-based systems including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and Microsoft Outlook; PeopleSoft experience a plus.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Occasional weekend work is necessary.

The University of Saint Thomas is committed to the religious, ethical, and intellectual traditions of Catholic higher education. As permitted by law, practicing Catholics who will advance the mission of the school are preferred for this position. However, the University invites all qualified applicants to apply.