Description
The Werklund School of Education is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Student Advisor.
The Werklund School of Education (Werklund School) has more than 2500 students currently enrolled in BEd, MA, MEd, MC, PhD and EdD degree programs supported by more than 160 academic and support staff. There are more than 27,000 alumni of the Werklund School that can be found in 148 countries around the world. Research informs all our programs. In exploring how we learn and how to create conditions that enable learning, the work of our students and researchers provides a better understanding of the broad range of educational issues within our communities.
This position reports to the Manager, Undergraduate Programs in Education, and works closely with the Senior Program Specialist on advising processes. Student Advisors work in a team environment, and provide advising and program support for a diverse range of student populations (current, prospective, and alumni) within the scope of the various Bachelor of Education (BEd) programs currently offered through the Werklund School of Education.
Student Advisors perform highly complex functions that require a strong level of knowledge and concentration as actions can result in a high impact of error. There is a high volume of work with peak periods during admission cycles, registration, and graduation/certification; therefore, efficient time management skills and teamwork are critical in order to ensure all deadlines are met and processes are carried out effectively.
This is a Full-Time position within Undergraduate Programs in Education (UPE). Regular hours are 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, with occasional overtime required. This position experiences periods of high stress.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Ensures that knowledgeable, student-focused service is central to providing exceptional advising services to students
- Provides students with a full complement of services from initial contact, application, admission, and ongoing program support
- Conveys in-depth accurate information of the BEd programs and requirements for admission to prospective students, the academic community and external stakeholders, as well as progression through each of the UofC BEd programs
- Develops and maintains rapport with students, faculty, and campus staff to ensure open and collaborative relationships
- Monitors student progression through program on a proactive and continuing basis to ensure requirements are met
- Ensures student completion of all requirements for the BEd program for eligibility to apply for teacher certification with Alberta Education
- Strives for consistency and integrity of information provided to students and advises with discretion and tact to avoid misunderstandings or difficult encounters
- Collaborates with Enrolment Services and other student services units across campus to provide effective and cohesive student support
- Manages time effectively to accomplish difficult tasks and meet tight deadlines
- Shows a strong desire to work in a team-based environment to meet team goals and to maintain a collaborative, efficient team dynamic
- Attends events/activities as appropriate, such as Orientation and Graduation, to support students and represent Werklund
- Identifies professional development needs and skill priorities; continues own personal development, learning and training; keeps current with post-secondary developments
- Adheres to all University policy and regulatory requirements, including FOIP legislation.
Program Advising
- Advises students and serves their needs with respect to documentation, regulations, processes, criteria, alternatives, issues, approvals for deferrals, extensions, and exceptions, and/or provides referrals to other university services or agencies as appropriate
- Provides accurate information on the BEd programs to prospective and current students, as well as other diverse clientele, with regards to eligibility, admission, progression, graduation, and certification
- Responds effectively to a high volume of telephone, email, virtual, and in-person inquiries from a wide variety of sources, working together with other Student Advisors to ensure inquiries are addressed in a timely and accurate manner
- Advises current and prospective students, one-on-one and in group settings in person and online, regarding degree requirements and university policies and procedures.
Program Administration
- Evaluates complex student files with regards to admission to the programs, progression throughout, academic review, accurate registration, verification of graduation criteria, and recommendations for certification
- Monitors student academic progress toward degree completion
- Resolves student program conflicts as they arise
- Advises students regarding petitions for exceptions to departmental and University policies and procedures
- Liaises with other departments and faculties to keep current with changes in policy and procedures, as they may affect BEd students
- Maintains records and files to ensure that information is as up-to-date as possible, recognizing that this information must be kept accurate and current
- Provides assistance on behalf of graduates to Alberta Education, Teacher Qualification Service, and other agencies, including completion of forms and/or providing letters verifying program requirements, number of courses taken, practicum hours completed, grade point average equivalencies in support of applications to graduate programs, program descriptions for out-of-province/country and certification
- Participates in cross-training to assist in other areas when needed and to meet UPE priorities
- Participate and attend campus-wide Student Advising training and meetings
- Participate on working groups and committees as they pertain to the Student Advisor role, and Undergraduate Programs office as assigned
- Mentor and support new colleagues
Qualifications / Requirements:
- A minimum of an undergraduate degree in a related field is required
- 1-3 years of directly related experience in post-secondary student services, student affairs, and/or program advising is an asset
- Understanding of the undergraduate programs and requirements for admission, progression, and graduation/certification would be an asset
- Ability to successfully handle a large workload with competing priorities and deadlines with a positive student-focused attitude and show demonstrated commitment to exceptional, proactive student service
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a confidential setting and demonstrate critical thinking, good judgment, and decision making skills in dealing with sensitive and complex situations
- Outstanding interpersonal communication, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent computer skills including experience using technical advising tools (such as student information management systems like People Soft, Synergize, and Elevate)
- Demonstrated high proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, e-mail (Outlook), and internet navigation
- Ability to maintain and foster valuable professional relationships with other student academic offices across the University, building strong networks with other faculties/departments, and external agencies
- Knowledge of University values, practices, policies, and requirements including the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is an asset
Application Deadline: April 09, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist / Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we 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. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
