Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students

University of Saskatchewan

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and is proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to reflect the community we serve. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Only Indigenous candidates will be considered for this position. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship with documentation is a condition of employment and a requirement to hold this position and the successful candidate must maintain those conditions throughout their employment. Primary Purpose: The Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students plays a critical role in the drive to improve the academic success, retention and persistence rates, graduation rates, and overall quality of the student experience for Indigenous students, as well as other student cohorts, in the College of Arts and Science. The Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students also provides support to students participating in Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP), and they participate on the ISAP Committee. In pursuit of these aims, the Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students provides academic advising and coaching, mentoring, and administrative support for current and prospective students in the College. The successful candidate will implement, uphold, and maintain College and University policies and procedures. Nature of Work: In the course of advising and mentoring students, the Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students evaluates student academic records and past academic experiences; explores academic options and alternatives; coaches students to develop solutions, strategies, and plans for academic success; and follows up periodically to assess how the students are progressing towards achieving their academic goals. The Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students reports to the Director of Undergraduate Student Advising through the Manager of Undergraduate Student Academic Advising in the College of Arts and Science and is a member of the Undergraduate Student Office (UGSO), which includes the Trish Monture Centre for Student Success. The Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students may also be asked to provide guidance, expert counsel, and analysis of issues to the Director, as well as the Team Lead for ISAP. At the discretion of the Director, the Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students may also be asked to undertake an outreach and advocacy role for students through partnerships and consultation with external agencies and organizations, including Indigenous organizations, stakeholders, and secondary schools. This is a high-volume position and requires the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced team environment, while balancing competing deadlines and multiple tasks. The Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students will have daily contact with students, staff, and many other on-campus and off-campus support and service providers. The Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students will exercise independent decision making and judgment within a carefully delineated framework determined by the Director. It is imperative that the Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students also work effectively in a team environment, giving and receiving advice and support in a timely, open, and forthcoming manner. The work environment is complex, diverse, and subject to shifting priorities, frequent interruptions, and ongoing change

Requirements

An undergraduate degree in an Arts & Science discipline is preferred. As the University seeks to develop STEM pathways, a degree in the areas of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics would also be considered an asset.
A minimum of two years of experience working with undergraduate students in a service-related role within an adult education setting. Preference will be given to applicants who have a minimum of two years of experience in an advising, counselling, or advocacy role. Knowledge and awareness of current University support services is essential.
Strong interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
Intercultural competency.
Ability to exercise good judgment in solving problems, managing conflict, and setting priorities.
Demonstrated commitment to enhancing student success and persistence with a positive attitude toward service delivery.
Highly motivated with the ability to work collaboratively with a team.
Strong relationship-building skills.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast paced, high-volume environment.
Ability to interpret and understand complex policies and procedures.
Ability to manage data and track outcomes.
Effective organizational skills.
General knowledge of marketing and recruitment principles.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and PowerPoint);
Proficient use of technology as a service delivery mechanism.

Responsibilities

Advises and coaches current and prospective Indigenous students as well as other student cohorts.
Provides one-on-one and group advising to students.
Liaises with postsecondary counselors from Indigenous funding sources to set up funding and support services for students.
Interprets and communicates degree regulations and requirements, and academic policies of the College of Arts and Science, and the University.
Assists students with admissions, course selection, major selection, prerequisite checking, course registration and withdrawal, and funding information.
Provides support to students as they transition into the U of S learning environment.
Helps students to develop a plan of action for academic success and degree completion.
Participates on the Academic Appeals Committee in the review and assessment of student academic appeals.
Assists students in identifying and addressing barriers that hinder their academic success.
Helps students to identify and understand their own aspirations and aptitudes as they connect their degree to their career goals.
Works closely with other student support specialists at the University of Saskatchewan.
Provides strategic referrals to students who require additional supports from other on campus and off-campus support specialists.
Contributes to the gathering of service delivery data
Provides the Director, Manager, and the Team Lead for ISAP with guidance and analysis on issues and programs that have a direct impact on the unit or student success.
Other duties as assigned.