Academic Advisor

**Job Description**:
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**About the Department of Academic Advising**:
While the Academic Advisor reports centrally through the Manager, Academic Advising, they work in collaboration with their assigned Faculty to ensure their advising practices align with both institutional standards and Faculty-specific needs. Advising is delivered in partnership with academic departments, and success in this role requires strong, trust-based relationships with Deans, Associate Deans, Chairs, and other Faculty leaders. The Academic Advisor must demonstrate respect for the values, priorities, and academic integrity of the Faculty, and adapt advising practices to support shared goals for student success. This collaborative approach ensures consistency in advising quality while remaining responsive to the unique contexts of each academic area.

**About the Role**:
Academic 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. Advisors must be knowledgeable about all aspects of University programs, policies, procedures, services, dates and deadlines related to a student’s academic journey. Advisors engage in proactive, holistic, and inclusive advising practices that reflect professional standards and contribute to a consistent advising experience across the University. Advisors are expected to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate personal accountability to deliver highly effective academic advising. 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.

**Responsibilities**:
1. Advising Students (75%)

The majority of an advisor’s time will be spent advising students in their Faculty, as well as prospective students currently in other MRU programs. Advising may occur through one-on-one appointments, group sessions, distance delivery, or the creation and maintenance of self-directed student resources. 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. Academic advising is a developmental process that plays a critical role in student retention and success. Through proactive, student-centred conversations, advisors empower students to make meaningful decisions, build personalized academic plans, and approach their education with clarity and confidence. To effectively advise students, the advisor must engage in a number of tasks, which may include:

- Deliver proactive, developmental advising that supports student retention and success.
- Provide a wide scope of developmental advising and using different approaches support students through admissions, program selection, degree requirements and graduation.
- Establish rapport and trust through active listening, appropriate questioning, and supportive relationship-building.
- Help students clarify their academic, personal, and career goals and build personalized educational plans.
- Support student decision-making through guided exploration of alternatives, evaluating trade-offs and possible consequences.
- Use developmental advising strategies tailored to the needs of each student, incorporating a holistic and learner-centred approach.
- Assist students in understanding and navigating institutional policies, procedures, and graduation requirements.
- Teach students how to access and interpret key advising tools (e.g., mruGradU8, program planning guides, academic calendar, MRU website).
- Perform degree audits and monitor academic progress with a focus on proactive measures.
- Identify and proactively follow up with students at critical points in their academic journey (e.g., new students, those in difficulty, nearing graduation).
- Problem-solve unique and complex student situations (e.g., curriculum transitions, reinstatement, graduation exceptions) and recommend appropriate actions.
- Refer students to campus supports and services (e.g., Access and Inclusion Services, Student Learning Services, Financial Aid, Wellness) to address barriers to success.
- Maintain a deep and current understanding of academic programs, admission requirements, and curriculum structures.
- Maintain a collaborative relationship with the faculty and administrators within their Faculty to ensure seamless support to students, limit negative implications of curriculum changes, and to observe opportunities to enhance academic pr