Academic Advisor

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 36 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

Academic Advising is a developmental process assisting students in the clarification of their educational goals and the implementation of an educational plan to realize these goals. Advisors play a key role in student retention, advising new and continuing students throughout their tenure at Mount Royal University.

The position requires collaboration with University staff and faculty to keep abreast of programs and services through presentations, individual consultation, assessment and referral. Advisors act as advocates for students throughout their enrolment process/attendance at the University. Advisors must be knowledgeable about all aspects of University programs, policies, procedures, services, dates and deadlines related to a student’s educational career. The incumbent must constantly balance an advising load that consists of one-to-one, group and distance advising in addition to tracking advisee records and operational project work. Professional development is encouraged through regular participation and attendance in team meetings and campus advising meetings. In addition, the incumbent is encouraged to maintain membership in NACADA – the Global Community for Academic Advising and/or the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS) and adhere to those Professional Advising Standards.

The majority of an advisor’s time will be spent advising students. Advising may occur in one-to-one appointments, through distance delivery methods or group advising sessions. The creation and support of self-help resources is another method advisors use to advise students. Special student populations have multiple, and sometimes competing, needs that add complexity to advising conversations. In any setting, the advisor must establish rapport, accessibility/boundaries and confidence in the relationship. Advising is a process that is fundamentally related to student retention and success. Specifically, advising helps students build solid educational plans and assists them in executing those plans. Advising helps and empowers students to approach their education in an organized and meaningful way.

This position will be housed in the Central Advising Office which works with students in University Entrance Option, Open Studies, and Academic Upgrading, as well as any current MRU student looking to switch programs.

This is a full-time replacement term position ending July 31, 2025.

• Meet with students to provide developmental advising that enables them to define and develop realistic educational and career goals, and plan an educational program consistent with their abilities, interests and resources.
• Monitor students’ progress toward meeting their educational goals and proactively contacting students at critical points in their academic development.
• Coordinate and participate in advising events.
• Provide students with information related to University policies and procedures.
• Teach students how to understand and use advising tools and help students interpret and understand policy and program requirements.
• Participate in professional development and training to keep informed and current on advising theories, trends and approaches.
• Participate in university student success and retention programs, as well as departmental planning, implementation, and evaluation of the academic advisement program goals and objectives.
• Actively engage in the campus advising community through contributions to institutional advising policy and procedure development, participation in cross-campus advising initiatives, and the sharing of tools and information applicable to other campus advisors.
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation of advising conversations to support team members with future student appointments.
• Maintain a high level of knowledge of Banner as it relates to admissions, transfer credit and record keeping.
• Use, test and recommend changes to University systems (Banner, Degreeworks).
• Other duties as required by the Manager, Academic Advising Services.
  

• Three or four year Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 2 - 3 years of related experience working with clients on a one-to-one basis.
  • Experience in a post-secondary environment, particularly in academic advising is strongly preferred.
• Understanding and familiarity with Enrolment Services, specifically Admissions and Recruitment, Academic Advising, Transfer Credit, Credit Registration and Records is extremely valuable.
• Knowledge of post-secondary environments, especially within the Canadian context.
• Must have excellent communication, presentation, problem-solving and organization skills.
• Ability to work co-operatively in a variety of settings, exercising tact, diplomacy, confidentiality, and the ability to manage stress in all settings.
• Possess a strong knowledge of Microsoft office and Google.
  • A familiarity with degree audit systems and Banner is an asset.
• Ability to use sound judgement in making decisions and to work independently.

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions.  

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre.

Our campus offers the convenience of a medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public.  

Salary:              $56,262 - $71,196 per annum (RT)

Closing Date:    June 4, 2024 

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently eligible to work in Canada will be given priority. Recent Mount Royal graduates who are foreign nationals may be eligible to work on campus.  Please refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website under Post-Graduation Employment at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp .