Academic Advisor

**Classification & Regular Hours**:
Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: 13

**About Western**:
**About Us**:
The Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) Undergraduate Student Services (UGSS) unit, provides a wide-ranging suite of services to support the operations and administration of all undergraduate programs in FIMS in the areas of undergraduate curriculum, student engagement, student recruitment, as well as any initiatives focused on outreach, engagement and retention of future students, current students, and alumni. The unit is responsible for providing high quality academic advising and career services, programs and supports to enrich the quality of the undergraduate student experience in the Faculty. We strive for excellence in delivering the best student experience through a student-centric, supportive, caring, accessible and knowledgeable student services environment, helping students design, modify and achieve their academic and career goals, from admission through to graduation.

**Responsibilities**:

- The Academic Advisor is the main connection point for future students, current students, and FIMS graduates, and/or to any external students seeking expert guidance on FIMS undergraduate programs. This role is the principal means through which students in the Faculty are provided with assistance from the beginning to the end of their academic career. By fostering a trusting and productive relationship, the Advisor:
- Assists students to explore and define their educational and career goals, while also helping students make responsible decisions about their current academic program and degree requirement, interests and future goals
- Ensures that students are aware of opportunities and resources that can assist them in achieving their academic and career goals
- Facilitates resolution of academic challenges, conflicts, and concerns
- Connects and refers students to appropriate support professionals, who can provide students with timely assistance before their academic performance and persistence are adversely affected
- Supports post-graduate academic and career development, and employment preparation
- Assists students with planning internship opportunities and encouraging students to prepare for meaningful careers beyond the university
- Promotes a sense of belonging to FIMS community and providing leadership support and mentorship to student leaders

**Qualifications**:
**Education**:
**Experience**:

- 3 years' experience advising/counselling students in a post-secondary educational setting
- Experience facilitating sessions and workshops at the undergraduate level
- Experience supporting a diverse population of students with diverse interests
- Previous experience working with an undergraduate student population preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Understanding of theory, approaches, strategies, and best practices relevant to academic advising in higher education
- Demonstrated ability to create rapport and build trusting advising relationships to meet the needs of diverse student populations
- Well-developed public speaking/communication, effective listening, and interviewing skills across a diverse spectrum of stakeholders (e.g., staff, faculty, students, parents, future students)
- Emotional intelligence, including self-knowledge, self-management, and empathy, as Advisor will often be the first contact for students who are in psychological distress; ability to remain impartial, and withhold judgment when assessing challenging student cases
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to be able to deal with students in difficulty, high risk students, or students dealing with medical, psychological, or compassionate issues that are affecting their ability to complete their academic responsibilities
- Exceptional organizational skills, including managing multiple competing priorities and an ability to adapt quickly to emerging priorities
- Ability to engage in ongoing assessment and development of self and the advising practice
- Organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple initiatives to completion, and meet deadlines in a busy, time-sensitive environment
- Ability to establish effective routines for effective communication with all members of the team to maximize productivity
- Demonstrated record of working on a collaborative team with the motivation and ability to work independently with mínimal supervision
- Knowledge of and ability to manage social media platforms, communication, and enrolment strategies for undergraduate students
- Interest and commitment to ongoing learning and professional development in academic advising
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
- Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred

**Western Values Diversity**:
**Please Note**:
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.