Academic Advisor

Job Title

Academic Advisor

Requisition #

997075

Job Type

Permanent (for any group)

Position End Date (if applicable)

Location:

MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)

Posting

Please note: There is a strong internal candidate applying for this role.

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 38 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

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 minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

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. In addition, the incumbent is encouraged to maintain membership in NACADA – the Global Community for Academic Advising and/or the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS) and adhere to those Professional Advising Standards

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 through 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. Advising helps and empowers students to approach their education in an organized and meaningful way.

This position will be housed in the Central Advising Office which works with students in the University Entrance Option, Open Studies, Academic Upgrading, as well as any current MRU student looking to switch programs.

This position is a full-time role working 35 hours per week.

Responsibilities

meeting 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;

monitoring students' progress towards meeting their educational goals and proactively contact students at critical points in their academic development;

coordinating and participating in advising events, which may include Open House, New Student Registration, New Student Orientation, New Student Advising workshops, and others;

providing students with information related to University policies and procedures, including guiding students to help them interpret and understand academic policies, procedures, and admission and program requirements;

teaching students how to understand and use advising tools (mruGradU8, program planning pages, MRU calendar, website) and helping students interpret and understand policy and program requirements as it relates to their individual situations;

participating in professional development and training to keep informed and current on advising theories, trends and approaches;

participating in university student success and retention programs, as well as departmental planning, implementation, and evaluation of the academic advisement program goals and objectives;

actively engaging 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;

maintaining accurate, confidential documentation of advising conversations to support team members with future student appointments;

maintaining a high level of knowledge of Banner as it relates to admissions, transfer credit and record keeping;

using, testing and recommending changes to University systems (Banner, Degreeworks); and

other duties as required by the Manager, Academic Advising Services.

Qualifications

Three or Four Year Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Previous experience in academic advising is preferred

Experience with Banner and MRU systems is an asset

What We Offer

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, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public.

MRU supports full immunization as the best way to protect yourself and our campus community and strongly recommends vaccination against COVID-19.

Union: MRSA

Classification: SAC07 Academic Support VII

Salary: $54,473 - $68,932 per year

Closing Day: Open until suitable candidate found

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).

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Mount Royal University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to fostering diversity as a source of excellence, intellectual and cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome applications from those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, faculty and their scholarship including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual or gender identity, ethnic, national or socio-economic background, religion or age.