Access Support Advisor

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University has grown from  a vibrant college in the 1930s to become  a mid-sized university in 2009. We offer  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 situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis. 

A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, we are known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. Learn more at mru.ca/AcademicPlan .

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/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply.

Creating an accessible, equitable, and inclusive learning environment, Mount Royal University is committed to access, equity, and inclusion. Students who identify as belonging to one of the protected categories as defined by the Alberta Human Rights Act  (AHR Act) are entitled to receive reasonable academic accommodations up to the point of undue hardship. 

Our department assists the University in creating an accessible learning environment that encourages full participation in academic courses for students who are eligible for academic accommodations under the provincial human rights legislation. Reasonable accommodations are tailored to the individual, flexible, and determined by considering the barriers within the unique environment of a post-secondary institution. We encourage student development and educate Mount Royal University about becoming a more accessible, equitable and inclusive learning environment.

The role of the Access Support Advisor is to provide additional support to students in receiving access to timely service including accessing federal, provincial, University, and technology grants/funding or disability-related services. Due to the increased demands and needs for disability-related services, the Access Support Advisor is also responsible for providing additional academic strategy and assistive technology support to minimize delays in service.

Provide support to students by identifying and developing non-content based learning strategies to assist in reducing or eliminating disability-related learning barriers. Provide basic skill building in some or all of the areas of metacognition and organization, reading skills, active learning, writing, test preparation, memory, self-advocacy, attention and concentration, communication, and critical thinking skills. The goal is to provide an equal opportunity learning environment for students.

The Access Support Advisor will provide direct services to students by helping to conduct comprehensive assessments of students’ disability-related needs pertaining to assistive technology for use in academic programs of study or directed field study, practicum, or clinical placements when needed, and navigating barriers on campus. The Access Support Advisor will make recommendations for technology-related accommodation, provide training in the use of assistive technology, and coordinate the provision of alternate format materials. Additionally, the Access Support Advisor will prepare government funding requests for assistive technology, supports, and services, and provide additional assistive technology support and troubleshooting to the Accommodated Exam Centre and its satellite locations during final exams.

• Provide academic strategy support and services throughout the semester to support students in navigating learning materials and the learning environment
• Review student’s documentation to identify specific barriers related to their diagnosed disability
• Schedule regular and ongoing meetings with students to gain a full understanding of the learning barriers faced by the student in order to develop specific strategies and assessments to address student needs
• Determine appropriate strategies based on the student’s strengths and learning barriers
• Identify priority learning areas each semester for a student based on the results of the assessment and in collaboration with the student
• Provide information and facilitate additional support for funding and accommodated services to reduce or eliminate interruption to services offered by Access and Inclusion Services to students
• Maintain knowledge of ongoing changes to federal and provincial student grant funding policies, processes, and procedures
• Collaboration during Final Exams to plan, develop, and implement technology services, processes, and procedures to minimize or eliminate disruption in assistive technology services during exams
• Collaborate with the Access and Inclusion Services team to maintain timely uninterrupted service to students

• Three or Four Year Bachelor Degree or Equivalent in Disabilities Studies, Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field
• Experience in assessing post-secondary students and understanding the unique needs of adult learners in individual and group settings
• Experience working with students who experience disability-related barriers
• Knowledge of learning barriers resulting in disability-related challenges and familiarity with available resources in Calgary
• Experience with assistive technology and funding applications
• Experience in a relevant position

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 full 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, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments, and certifications for students, employees, and the public. 

Salary:  $ 55,982.00 - $70,841.00 per annum

Closing Date:     June 18, 2024

Note: There is a strong internal Candidate for this position

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