Academic Advisor, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

Brock University • St. Catharines, ON

7d • CA$62,115 - CA$99,384 • Hybrid

About The Position

Brock University is seeking an Academic Advisor for the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. This role reports to the Dean's Office and provides specialized academic guidance to undergraduate students in programs like Recreation and Leisure Studies and Therapeutic Recreation. The advisor will interpret policies, assess student needs, develop academic plans, and resolve complex advising situations. They will also contribute to service delivery, decision-making, and the improvement of academic programs and student support systems through collaboration and participation in various initiatives.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in related disciplines
• Experience with academic advising in a post-secondary environment
• Knowledge of academic advising principles, models, and counselling approaches
• Understanding of undergraduate curriculum, course requirements, prerequisites, and scheduling within the Faculty
• Knowledge of university policies, regulations, strategic priorities, programs, services, and systems
• Knowledge of privacy legislation (e.g., FIPPA)
• Ability and willingness to learn and adapt to emerging technologies, including AI tools and platforms
• Promotes and embodies inclusiveness and respect within the workplace and the broader community
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening and clear written/verbal communication
• Ability to coach, mentor, and motivate students, including identifying risk and making appropriate referrals
• Demonstrates empathy, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive or confidential situations

Nice To Haves

• Having experienced a non-linear path or challenging experience with academics
• Familiarity with Recreation and Leisure Studies, Therapeutic Recreation, and/or other programs in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized academic advising to undergraduate students across diverse populations (current, prospective, transfer, and international), integrating knowledge of academic regulations, program structures, and student development.
• Assess individual students’ needs and independently develop, recommend, and adjust academic plans, ensuring alignment with program, Faculty, and University requirements.
• Interpret and communicate complex policies (e.g., prerequisites, progression rules, exceptions), exercising judgment to resolve non-routine issues and support informed decision-making.
• Develop retention strategies and identify at-risk students through analysis of academic progress and determine appropriate interventions, referrals, and follow-up actions to improve outcomes.
• Deliver advising services across multiple channels, managing caseloads, documentation, and student interactions with accuracy, discretion, and professionalism.
• Analyze and coordinate academic processes such as degree audits, program adjudication, transfer credits, letters of permission, and exception requests, applying established policies while identifying when escalation or interpretation is required.
• Evaluate complex or non-standard student situations (e.g., course overloads, re-sequencing, progression challenges), providing recommendations to academic leadership and supporting decision-making.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of academic records and advising practices through detailed documentation and adherence to institutional policies and timelines.
• Monitor advising trends and student data, contributing insights and reports that inform operational decisions and continuous improvement of academic processes and student supports.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, academic leaders, and campus partners to coordinate student support, exchange information, and resolve issues impacting student progression.
• Represent advising services through orientations, workshops, recruitment, and registration activities, translating academic requirements into accessible guidance for diverse audiences.
• Contribute to committees, curriculum discussions, and advising communities of practice by providing front-line insights on student experience, policy application, and program effectiveness.
• Identify gaps or inefficiencies in curriculum, processes, or student supports, and recommend practical improvements to enhance student success, retention, and service delivery.

Benefits

• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan.
• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work schedule available.
• Professional Development: Eligibility for the Brock Tuition Waiver Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level