Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor - (3145)

Job Title: Academic Advisor

Job Type: Permanent

Union: MRSA

Position Classification: SAC07 Academic Services VII

Salary Grade: $55,982.00 - $70,841.00

FT or PT: Full-time

Hybrid Work: This position is eligible

About the Department of Academic Advising

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.

About the Role

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 contact 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Salary: $55,982 - 70,841 per annum

Closing Date: February 27, 2025

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).

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify erecruiter@mtroyal.ca and we will work together on your accommodation request.