Program Advisor, Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program

UBC's Strategic Plan and Inclusion Action Plan lay out the University's commitment to actively recruit, support, retain, and advance students from historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized communities. This includes the revision, renewal and replacement of recruitment and admissions processes to actively consider equity issues; reducing financial barriers to studying at UBC, particularly for marginalized students; and supporting mentorship, peer support, extracurricular programming and professional development opportunities that help build inclusive communities.

A new initiative, the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program is a program that will recruit and retain local Black students at the institution with intentional components that mirror existing UBC programs serving diverse student populations. The Program Advisor, Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program, under the guidance of the Program Manager, is responsible for the day-to-day provision of comprehensive wrap- around programs and services to ensure scholars are well supported in meeting the goals associated with their academic degree and overall UBC experience. The Program Advisor is responsible for the development, planning and implementation of programming to support Scholar's career, professional, leadership and community-based learning. The Program Advisor works strategically with campus partners, specifically within academic advising, Centre for Accessibility, Housing, Enrolment Services, and Student Health and Wellbeing and leads an integrated approach to supporting Scholar's ability to succeed as they work towards completing their degree. The Program Advisor also provides ongoing, one:one advising and case management support for Beyond Tomorrow Scholars.

The Program Advisor is responsible for supporting and coordinating programs, services, and projects which advance and sustain strong connections to Black student communities and organizations on and off campus. The position supports the Program Manager in maintaining partnerships with Black communities and organizations and develops a strong understanding of and connection to the Black student experience at UBC. The Program Advisor identifies the systemic barriers and works in consultation with the Program Manager and other stakeholders to advocate for institutional changes and reforms for a successful student experience of all Black students.

This position is based at UBC Vancouver and the incumbent collaborates with units across both campuses (UBC Vancouver & Okanagan) to coordinate and implement services, supports and programs to support the success of Black students.

Organizational Status
The Program Advisor reports to and works under the direction of the Program Manager, Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program. The Program Manager liaises and works collaboratively with staff at UBC V and UBC O. The Program Advisor works closely and collaboratively with advisors and other staff who support the wellbeing, success, and retention of students across the Vice-President Students and Associate Vice-President Students Portfolios, Enrolment Services, Student Recruitment and Advising, Admissions, Residence and Housing, Academic departments and schools, and Faculty Academic Advising Offices. The Program Advisor supervises student staff and volunteers on a range of projects and events.

Work Performed

• Oversees the advisory function and provides ongoing one: one advising and case management support for Beyond Tomorrow Scholars, tailored to their specific year level, faculty, major of study, and individual needs. Identifies issues impacting their success and overall UBC experience. Supports students' access to academic, wellbeing, and social supports on campus and beyond. Refers students to targeted resources and consults the Program Manager regarding complex or consequential cases.

• Participates in the planning and provision of pre-arrival, orientation and transition support services for newly admitted Beyond Tomorrow Scholars. Liaises with the Faculties and with advisors and student support staff across both campuses to provide transitional support.

• Implements programming to support Scholars in meeting goals associated with their academic degree and overall UBC experience including their wellbeing, leadership capacity, career, mentorship, professional development and community engagement.

• Coordinates resources, communications, support networks and participation in enriched learning opportunities for Beyond Tomorrow Scholars such as Community Based Learning, Undergraduate Research, Internships, Work Learn/Study, Co-op, Study Abroad etc.

• Plans and delivers initiatives to foster strong sense of community among Beyond Tomorrow Scholars and stakeholders including welcome events, workshops, orientation sessions, and graduation receptions. Designs, plans, organizes and conducts special events at each campus including special topic events and development and networking events for former and current Scholars as required. Participates in the planning and delivery of on-campus activities targeted to Black students.

• Updates the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars website to ensure an accurate digital reflection of the program.

• Implements evaluation strategies for the program including data collection, record keeping and reporting on goals and outcomes of UBC's Beyond Tomorrow Scholars program. Leads the assessment and evaluation of current offerings and provides recommendations in re-designing current programs and services.

• Identifies systemic barriers and works in consultation with the Program Manager and other stakeholders across both campuses to advocate for institutional changes and reforms for a successful student experience of all Black students.

• Carries out research and reports on comparative programs and best-practices across other post- secondary institutions.

• Works proficiently with the different student and data management systems (e.g. Student Information System) to obtain information on the status of a student's inquiry for advising purposes. Works proficiently within SISC to monitor student progress.

• Participates in the hiring of student staff and leads the hiring, training and supervision of student assistants and volunteers.

• Undertakes other advising and program development activities as required, in keeping with the terms of the position. May represent the unit on cross-unit projects or on other University committees as assigned.

• Adheres to UBC's policies on safeguarding security of data and electronic devices; adheres to Freedom of Information and Privacy policies with regard to student advising. Exercises sound judgment and follows departmental protocols for travel safety and communication with the home office, and stewards the University's property and resources responsibly in carrying out advising services when at home and on off-campus assignments.

• Performs other duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position is responsible for providing effective advising services and delivering accurate information about services and supports available to Beyond Tomorrow Scholars across both UBC campuses. The dissemination of inaccurate information, exercise of poor judgment, without due tact and sensitivity would result in the loss of confidence in UBC by the student, the student's parents and school counselors and could jeopardize the student's relationship with UBC. Poor performance in carrying out development and advising services would damage the University's reputation.

Inadequate or inappropriate support given to students may result in significant distress for students and an inability for them to continue their studies. Inability to plan and carry out programs and activities in a well-organized and professional manner could result in damaged relationships with internal and external stakeholders, lost opportunities and cost overruns. Poor performance would reflect negatively not only on the VP Students' Portfolio, but on the University as a whole and would deter Black students from choosing UBC thus jeopardizing the University's ability to meet its commitment to actively recruit, support, retain, and advance students from historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized communities

Lack of cross-cultural sensitivity can also cause serious misunderstanding and/or hardship for students, faculty and staff. Poor management of staff or volunteers may lead to inefficiency, discontentment or grievances.

Supervision Received

Works independently, in close consultation with the Program Manager, Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program. Works closely and cooperatively with other student support and advising staff across both campuses to meet the goals and objectives of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program. Exercises initiative, diplomacy, tact, resourcefulness and sound judgment when representing the University. Must employ tact and diplomacy in interactions with prospective and current students, with counselors and institutional representatives, as well as with faculty and staff at UBC.

Position is subject to annual performance reviews.

Supervision Given
Supervises student staff and volunteers. Responsible for hiring, supervision, evaluation and termination of student staff and volunteers. Responsible for on-going mentoring and professional development of student leaders.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of one to two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferably at a post-secondary institution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience supporting, advising and case managing students at the post-secondary level.

• Experience in program development, delivery and assessment. Expertise in designing and delivering workshops, events and other community building programs and initiatives.

• Experience working with Black people, organizations and communities.

• An understanding of Black student experiences, particularly as they relate to post-secondary education, and an appreciation of the complexity and range of Black people and communities within the context of Canada.

• Must have a strong commitment to advancing the educational aspirations of Black students and/or other students from historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized communities.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills - planning and managing programs and events from inception to follow-through.

• Experience and knowledge of university policies and procedures, academic programs and student services is essential.

• Must have excellent, interpersonal and written and oral communications skills.

• Strong organizational, administrative, and supervisory capabilities, as well as effective problem-solving and analytical abilities are required.

• Must be able to take initiative and exercise judgement, and work positively and effectively under pressure to manage multiple priorities.

• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise resourcefulness.

• Experience using UBC's in-house Student Information System, or experience using similar management information systems is preferred. Proficiency in using Excel, Outlook, and other standard office software required.

• Though not frequently required, must be able to travel within British Columbia, and to other national, and international locations and to work at times in evenings and on weekends.