Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students

**Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students**:
**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 Student Advising and Academic Services 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 Vice-Dean Indigenous, 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.

**Accountabilities**:

- Advises, coaches and mentors current and prospective Indigenous students as well as other student cohorts, using a holistic advising model.
- 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.
- Participates in the development of best practices for holistic advising.
- Participates in the recruitment and retention of students in the College of Arts and Science.
- Provides the Director, the Vice-Dean Indigenous, and the Team Lead for ISAP with guidance, expert counsel and analysis on issues and programs that have a direct impact on the unit or student success.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Education**: An undergraduate degree in an Arts & Science discipline is preferred. A degree in a human service area (education, advocacy, counselling, social work) would be an asset. 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.

**Experience**: 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.

**Skills**:

- 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.

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

**Department**: Undergraduate Student Office
**Status**: Term 12 months with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
**Employment Group**: ASPA
**Full Time Equivalent (FTE)**: 1.0
**Salary**: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $49,301.00 - 77,033.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and expe