Academic Advisor – Mount Royal University

Title of the Job: Academic Advisor

Location: Calgary, AB

Job Description: Job TitleAcademic AdvisorRequisition #997075.2Job TypeLimited Term (for any group)Union or Employee GroupMRSAClassificationSAC07 Academic Services VIIPosition End Date (if applicable)4/7/2025LocationMRU Main Campus – Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)PostingAbout MRUFounded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University has grown from a vibrant college in the 1930s to become a mid-sized university in 2009. We offer smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 14 bachelor degrees and 38 majors.Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis.A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, we are known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. Learn more at .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/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply.About the Department of Academic AdvisingAcademic 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 RoleThe 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. 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 University Entrance Option, Open Studies, and Academic Upgrading, as well as any current MRU student looking to switch programs.Please note: This is a limited term role ending on April 7, 2025.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 contacting 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 cooperatively 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 judgment in making decisions and to work independently.

What We OfferTalented 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 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.Salary: $55,982 – 70,841 per annumClosing Date: October 22, 2024A 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 [email protected] and we will work together on your accommodation request.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. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally eligible to work in Canada will be given priority. Recent Mount Royal graduates who are foreign nationals may be eligible to work on campus. For more information, please refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website under Post-Graduation Employment at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp.

Company Name: Mount Royal University

Salary: $55982 – 70841 per year

Apply for the job!