Academic Support Program Specialist (HR Title: Program Specialist)

**Salary Range: **

Low-mid 50's.

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

The Academic Support Program Specialist will be a part of the Academic Skill Development staff, a group of academic counselors/learning specialists who work with all undergraduate students and provide academic support services. ASD is a department within Student Academic Engagement and Success (SAES).

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Academic Support Program Specialist specializes in supporting the implementation of academic support initiatives for academically at-risk students. This role coordinates communication strategies and designs and implements programming that promotes students’ academic progress. The Academic Specialist maintains thorough and accurate records and prepares and distributes annual reports. In addition, the position collaborates with Student Affairs to support new student orientation programs and partners with the University Advising Center and Hegi Career Center to plan events that increase student awareness and declaration of SMU majors and minors that lead to purpose and career exploration.

Essential Functions:

• Manage an academically at-risk student group. With the support of the ASD director, create summer communication efforts for students and families. Design and implement programs and services intended to facilitate these students' academic progress including summer programming.

• Reporting: Develop and utilize dashboards and queries to monitor student progress throughout the semester. Maintain accurate student records and notes for academically at-risk students in MyHilltop and use referrals. Create and distribute annual reports with recommendations.

• Support the implementation of additional academic support initiatives as identified by ASD Director or SAES leadership. Host academic workshops as needed.

• Partner with Student Affairs Orientation and Transition Department for the design and implementation of academic explorations for first year and transfer students each fall and spring semester. Assist with marketing the Red, Blue, and You podcast series to incoming students and families. Represent ASD at tabling and admissions events.

• Plans and executes programming/events by managing logistics, coordinating with speakers, reserving spaces, catering, and arranging other accommodations. Creates and posts marketing materials. Oversee an academic event in collaboration with the University Advising Center and academic schools to ensure students are aware of their four-year degree plan and increase exposure to SMU majors and minors.

• Communication: Communicate with students about academic concerns. Monitors ASD departmental email account. Maintain regular communication with students and parents who were identified at-risk within their first-year at SMU.

• Serve on at least 1 SAES committee and perform all other duties as directed by ASD Director.