Co-operative Education Navigator

University of Guelph•Guelph, ON

About The Position

The Experiential Learning Hub collaborates with industry and community partners in identifying experiential learning opportunities that serve as vehicles for the application of formal learning in real-world contexts, while addressing their priorities. The Co-operative Education program formally integrates a student's academic studies with periods of work experience. Over 7000 co-op students participate in over 65 co-op majors at the University of Guelph. The Co-op Navigator supports student success within the Co-operative Education program and contributes to the overall profile of the University of Guelph. The role will guide students through the co-op program, supporting their progression and success, advising students on the co-op admission process, maintaining their eligibility, and navigating co-op policies and procedures. The Co-op Navigator will also organize co-op-specific recruitment and orientation sessions and perform work-term check-ins with co-op students and employers.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three (3) years of experience working in a post-secondary environment or a related field.
Experience in academic advising, student services, or a related field, preferably within a co-op or internship program.
Applicants should demonstrate the ability to coach, advise and solve problems with various stakeholders.
Skilled in building and maintaining cooperative relationships with colleagues.
Demonstrated sound judgment and diplomacy.
Proven ability to interpret and communicate policies and procedures clearly and consistently.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and have experience supporting diverse communities, including Indigenous people, women, newcomers, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.
Proven capability to manage multiple tasks and follow up on details.
Strong administrative and organizational skills, with a keen eye for detail.
Ability to adhere to existing operational processes within a team.
Experience building and maintaining effective, cooperative relationships with colleagues.
Experience consulting with various university academic, non-academic, and administrative departments and staff.
Experience delivering presentations to promote programs, opportunities and/or initiatives.
Proficient utilizing Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Teams, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Thorough knowledge of Co-operative Education operations and EL Hub programs and services would be an asset.
Familiarity with Experience Guelph (Orbis) or similar data management system is an asset.

Responsibilities

Advising students on their entry and progression through the co-op program, including but not limited to the co-op admissions process, appropriate academic and work sequences for their program of study, meeting co-op eligibility standards, transfers and withdrawals, and the consequences of academic decisions upon their co-op status.
Responding to inquiries and providing detailed and accurate information on co-op programming via email, one-on-one meetings, and larger group sessions.
Assisting students with understanding and adhering to co-op policies; guiding students through the Accommodation and/or Appeals process as needed.
Organizing and conducting E-Check-ins and Co-op work term visits to monitor the work term experience for both students and employers.
Identifying and communicating issues or conflicts during work terms to the student's Co-op Coordinator.
Following up on incomplete Co-op Work Term Records and overdue Work Performance Evaluation submissions to support the administration of the co-op process.
Developing strong relationships and networks within the EL Hub and broader campus to fully understand program administration, course selection and graduation requirements for programs within the assigned portfolio.
Recruiting students to join the Student Advisory Committee; identifying projects and initiatives to engage the committee; organizing and facilitating monthly meetings.
Participating in orientation and recruitment events, sharing knowledge about the co-op admission process, programming and co-op experience with potential students and their supporters.
Providing support to the Co-op Program, as needed, in the areas of policy development, creating content for co-op program materials, reviewing academic calendar information, and ensuring external co-op-related websites are up to date.