Description
The Indigenous Student Access Program in Student Experience and Support is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Program Coordinator.
The Program Coordinator, Indigenous Student Access Program (ISAP) reports to the Specialist, Indigenous Student Success and Retention in Writing Symbols Lodge. This is a regular full-time position, with a general workweek schedule from Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. This position is responsible for the coordination of the Indigenous Student Access Program, including student support, ISAP admissions advising, financial advising, program orientation, and referral for additional student support services, both on and off campus.
This role supports the continued indigenization of the University of Calgary. Click here to see more job opportunities with an Indigenous scope.
Projected Peak periods are:
February-June: Recruitment and Admissions/ Registration of New Student Cohort;
August-September: Semester preparation and Orientation; and
December-January: Final Exams, Fall Semester Review and Winter Semester Start-Up.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Administration
- Collaborate with appropriate University faculties and staff in the offering of Indigenous Student Access Program core courses, namely ENGL 251, INDG 201 and INDG 397 (e.g. consulting with Department Heads to select appropriate instructors for core courses and any outreach courses, working with Department administrative staff in ensuring instructional contracts are generated, funds are transferred, etc.).
- Develop Fall and Winter timetables for Indigenous Student Access Program core courses and mandatory workshops, in consultation with relevant faculties, instructors, and the Scheduling office under Enrolment Services.
- Work with SES MarComm in the development of recruitment and marketing materials.
- Work with the Recruitment and Admissions Office on the recruitment of prospective students to the program as well as the conversion (applicant retention) of Indigenous applicants who may not be eligible for direct admission to degree programs.
- Coordinate and develop survey tools for annual program evaluations.
- Compile, in consultation with the Specialist, an annual program report that includes enrolment and retention figures as well as overall program evaluation, based on feedback.
- Assist with the management of the program budget by monitoring program-related expenses and annual budget projections, based on course scheduling and student support services.
- Ensure that program information available to the public is accurate and up to date, including the online calendar, program brochures, and related websites.
- Work with other members of the Writing Symbols Lodge team and volunteers in activities involving the larger Indigenous student population and other related university / student events.
- Maintain up-to-date on best practices for Indigenous access programs across Canada.
- Actively participate on internal and external committees relevant to the position and in consultation with the Specialist.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the Specialist.
Student Support (specific to ISAP cohort)
- Maintain up-to-date, confidential files on student intake and advising in compliance with FOIP regulations.
- Respond in a timely manner to program enquiries.
- Provide admission advising to potential program applicants, as required.
- Work in consultation with Enrolment Services on the smooth facilitation of program registration activity and enrolment figures.
- Provide financial advising and support for students seeking educational funding (e.g., such as liaising with First Nations funders and providing information on loans, scholarships and bursaries).
- When appropriate, work closely with students and the university (primarily Student Accounts Receivable and the Bookstore) on third-party sponsorship to ensure appropriate processes (university and community) run smoothly.
- Provide ongoing transitional student advising to assist cohort students in selecting program courses and transitioning into degree programs.
- Track and monitor cohort student advising, progress, cumulative student data, and attrition.
- Meet regularly with program instructors as a means to monitor student retention in specific courses, and refer, when appropriate, student concerns to instructors or department heads.
- Meet regularly with staff from Student Experience and Support units, Recruitment and Admissions, Enrolment Services, and faculty advising offices; make referrals when appropriate.
- Maintain strong relationships with, and when necessary, refer students to external cultural support agencies.
- Coordinate one-on-one peer and group tutorial support services for students.
- Work with Writing Symbols Lodge staff in planning and offering activities related to student experience and Orientation Week, specific to the cohort.
- Work closely with Writing Symbols Lodge staff on the planning of workshops and support services associated with Indigenous student support and retention initiatives.
- Work closely with Writing Symbols Lodge staff on the hosting of annual Indigenous graduation event.
- Understand and comply with UCalgary OHS standards.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Must have four-year undergraduate degree.
- Three to five years of relevant work experience, preferably in the area of Indigenous post-secondary education.
- Basic knowledge of upgrading, transition, and university degree programs is essential.
- Experience in coordinating academic programs and working with Indigenous people within education systems is essential.
All candidates should be prepared to demonstrate the following:
- Strong affiliation with Indigenous communities across Western Canada, and extensive knowledge on Indigenous cultures.
- Knowledge of current issues and best practices in the Canadian context for Indigenous education and support services for Indigenous students.
- Familiarity with adult upgrading and university college entrance programs.
- Understanding of general admissions procedures to post-secondary programs.
- Advising skills, preferably in an educational setting and/ or with regional Indigenous people/communities.
- Coordination skills within a multifaceted organization, academic institution and /or program.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Refined facilitation and presentation skills.
- Familiarity with institutional software systems is an additional asset.
- Ability to speak an Indigenous language is an additional asset.
Application Deadline: April 30, 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.
