Academic Advisor

Primary Purpose: Academic Advisors play a critical role in the drive to support the academic success and overall experience of undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Science. Academic Advisors provide academic advising, coaching, and administrative support to undergraduate students, and in doing so, they enhance retention, persistence, and graduation rates.

Nature of Work: The Academic Advisor will implement and maintain the policies, procedures, and protocols of the University of Saskatchewan in general, and the College of Arts and Science in particular. In the course of advising and coaching students, the Academic Advisor will evaluate undergraduate students’ academic records, explore academic options and alternatives, coach students to develop strategies for academic success and monitor student progress.

The Academic Advisor is a member of the Undergraduate Student Office (UGSO) and contributes to the wider work of the UGSO, which includes graduation checks, transfer credit assessments, reviews of academic appeals, and promotion and recruitment activities. As a member of the UGSO, the Academic Advisor also supports the Learning Communities, the College of Arts and Science Recruitment team, the University of Saskatchewan Transition Entrance Program (USTEP), and the Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP). 

The Academic Advisor reports to the Manager of Undergraduate Academic Advising and works in consultation with the Manager of Academic Policies and Outreach in the College of Arts and Science. The Academic Advisor may be asked to provide the director and managers with guidance, expert counsel and analysis on issues and programs that have a direct impact on the unit or undergraduate student success based on defined processes and established procedures. 

This is a high-volume position and requires the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced team environment while balancing competing deadlines and multiple tasks. The Academic Advisor has daily contact with students, staff, and many other on-campus and off-campus service providers. They demonstrate effective decision-making and sound judgment while following established procedures and guidelines. The Academic Advisor must work effectively in a team environment, giving and receiving advice and support in a timely, open, and forthcoming manner. Given the complex nature of the institutional processes and programs involved, the impact of error is significant for both the unit and the students involved. The work environment is complex, diverse, and subject to shifting priorities, frequent interruptions, and ongoing change.

 Accountabilities

• Provides one-on-one and group advising to undergraduate students;
• Interprets and communicates degree requirements and academic policies of the College of Arts and Science;
• Assists students with course selection, major selection, prerequisite checking, and information on course registration and withdrawal;
• Provides support to students as they transition into the post-secondary learning environment;
• Helps students to develop a plan of action for academic success and degree completion;
• Participates on the Academic Appeals Committee in the review and assessment of student academic appeals;
• Assists students in identifying and addressing barriers that hinder their academic success;
• Helps students to identify and understand their aspirations and aptitudes as they connect their degree to their career goals;
• Works closely with other student support specialists at the University of Saskatchewan;
• Provides strategic referrals to students who require additional support from other on-campus and off-campus support specialists;
• Participates in the development of best practices for holistic advising as a value-added resource for student success;
• Participates in the recruitment and retention of students in the College of Arts and Science;
• Provides the director and managers with expert counsel on issues that impact the unit and/or student success;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: An undergraduate degree in an Arts & Science discipline. A degree in a human service area (education, counselling, social work) would be an asset.

Experience: A minimum of two years of experience working with students in a service-related role within an adult education setting. Preference will be given to applicants who have a minimum of two years of experience in an academic advising or counselling role. Knowledge and awareness of current University support services are essential.

 Skills

• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Intercultural competency in engaging with a diverse campus community;
• Ability to exercise good judgment in solving problems, managing conflict, and setting priorities;
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing student success and persistence with a positive attitude toward service delivery;
• Highly motivated with the ability to work collaboratively with a team;
• Strong relationship-building skills;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high volume environment;
• Ability to interpret and understand complex policies and procedures;
• Ability to manage data and track outcomes;
• Effective organizational skills;
• General knowledge of marketing and recruitment principles;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint);
• Proficient use of technology as a service delivery mechanism.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Catherine Todd-McCoy at [email protected].

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in this position.

Department: Undergraduate Student Office
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday 
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $50,780.00 - 79,344.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 3/5/2024
Closing Date: 3/18/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines