Academic Program Advisor

Competition 1364

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta in the past 18 months will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: Faculty & Staff Benefits.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department

The Alberta School of Business is one of the world's leading institutions in business education and research and is the first and longest continually accredited business school in Canada. We're positioned to help shape the future of business with over 140 tenured, tenure-track faculty and full and part-time academic teaching staff members who are at the forefront of cutting-edge research and innovative teaching. With 3400 students in our undergraduate program and 950 students in our graduate programs (including 58 PhD students), we are dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. We equip our faculty and students with the latest insights and tools to ensure students receive a transformative learning experience that prepares them for success in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Since 1916, the innovative ideas, entrepreneurial spirit and leadership of the school's more than 33,000 alumni have strengthened businesses and communities worldwide. We actively foster partnerships with local businesses, organizations and government agencies, allowing our students and faculty to address real-world challenges and contribute directly to the local and global economy. Our outreach programs extend beyond the classroom, empowering students to use their skills for the betterment of society.

At the Alberta School of Business, you'll be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking community that values collaboration, inclusivity and continuous growth, making it an exceptional place to contribute your talents and expertise.For more information about the school, please visit our website at: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/business/index.html

Position 

What comes to your mind when you think of an entrepreneurial leader? Do you imagine the impact you and your ideas can have in the world? Do you think about people's problems and how they might be solved? Do you envision the systems and process in place to support organizational success and how they might be organized to better serve others?

The Alberta School of Business is looking for community-minded thinkers to help us deliver excellent student service. The Academic Program Advisor (APA) is a powerful role that helps to shape the undergraduate student experience.

The APA is often the first point of contact for our BCom students and helps these students in navigating the complexities of their academic programs and university environment while supporting their overall success as a student. The APA is a key communicator, policy navigator, student champion and program advocate.

If you are interested in supporting student success and wellness, and creating a fair, consistent, and positive student experience, we would love to meet you.

Duties

• Collaborates within the unit, School and University to promote student success.
• Advises continuing undergraduate Business students about University and Faculty policies and procedures to provide accurate information to assist students in making academic program decisions.
• Resolves student academic issues using the interpretive judgment of University and Faculty regulations in standard and non-standard situations; the incumbent must not only be knowledgeable about regulations but must also enforce them with forethought and prudence to ensure students are treated in a fair and equitable manner.
• Participates in situational leadership within the academic advising team.
• Assesses situations and identifies at-risk students, referring students as appropriate.
• Evaluates applicants for admission to the program, determining eligibility and transfer credit.
• Reviews academic standing each term and evaluates and approves or denies applications for graduation.
• Exercises full signing authority to grant or deny deferred examination requests, evaluating each case individually using established faculty policies and standards.
• Works closely with Campus Saint-Jean to ensure the needs of the students in the Bilingual Bachelor of Commerce program are met.
• Serves as the administrative contact between the Peter Lougheed Leadership College, School of Business, and Faculties with students in the certificate program; balancing the academic needs of multiple stakeholders with Faculty policies and procedures.
• Works with the Program Coordinator to build, update, and maintain the Academic Advisement module in PeopleSoft and will support the training of internal staff members.
• Promotes the Bachelor of Commerce programs through recruitment activities (Open House) and student orientation programs (Dean's Welcome and Orientation).
• Contributes to the overall effective operation of the Undergraduate Program Office and interacts in a manner that positively contributes to a cooperative office atmosphere.
• Creates how-to communications (including videos) for students.
• Supports the Manager, Undergraduate Office as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum completion of post-secondary education.
• Minimum 2 years of directly related student advising experience at a post-secondary institution; University of Alberta student services experience is an asset.
• Ability to work well under pressure, handling large volumes of work at times throughout the year and the ability to meet deadlines without compromising quality and accuracy of work.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of an integrated team.
• Demonstrated superior customer service and interpersonal skills; tact, initiative and a positive attitude.
• Excellent organizational, communication (verbal and written), intercultural and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and handle difficult/complex situations with diplomacy and sensitivity.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality when working with highly sensitive information.
• Excellent computer knowledge including Microsoft Excel is required; experience with PeopleSoft, Alfresco and SLATE is considered an asset.
• Knowledge and experience using social media platforms is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree preferred; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Training in responding to students at risk, including Mental Health First Aid, QPR, ASIST, Working Mind, or similar is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of Faculty and University of Alberta regulations, policies, and procedures is preferred.
• Proficiency in French is an asset.