Academic Advisor

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Position Summary

The Margaret-Ann Armour Student Advising Centre is the home of the Science undergraduate Student Services team, offering support to approximately 8000 undergraduate students.

From the 1st day of class to the moment our students cross the stage at graduation, our Faculty of Science Student Service team is dedicated to guiding students through their programs, supporting them through challenging times and ensuring access to experiential learning opportunities that enhance their campus experience.

We are in search of an Academic Advisor to join our team. We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about academic advising, experienced in student support and interested in a career in academic advising.

Reporting to the Team Lead, the Academic Advisor is part of a team that advises students on all queries with respect to their academic program. The Advisor is also responsible for academic decision-making such as program progression and course selection; academic standing, academic deadlines, and the acceptability of exchange and/or transfer credit. It is common for the Advisor to also be called on to assess student life issues and refer students to other resources or escalate issues to a supervisor which may affect the success of a student.

The College of Natural and Applied Sciences brings together scientific expertise from across disciplines to foster interdisciplinary research and innovative teaching at the University of Alberta. Home to some of the world's most comprehensive research infrastructure and advanced teaching facilities, the college is at the forefront of shaping the future through rigorous academic programs and groundbreaking discovery.

The college comprises the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Science. Together, these faculties are supported by over 625 faculty members and serve more than 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students, advancing knowledge and driving solutions to complex global challenges.

• Advises continuing and prospective students on program-related matters such as academic standing, degree progression, program changes, transfer credit, experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities (e.g. coop, student abroad).
• Identifies, assesses, refers, and advocates for students at risk.
• Monitors the progress of students.
• Interprets and communicates calendar regulations.
• Approves/denies program decisions such as: course-overload applications, requests for program interruption or deceleration, change of route, deferred examination applications, transfer credits, requests for student abroad and exchange programs.
• Handles tasks and projects assigned on an ad hoc basis by the Associate Dean (Undergraduate) or Manager (Undergraduate Programs), sometimes acting on their behalf - such as the transfer process for the BSc/BEd Combined degree program or tracking and evaluating Education Abroad participation results.
• Develops and leads information sessions for students and others as necessary, and represents the Faculty of Science at public outreach and information events such as Registration Workshops, Orientation and University Open House.
• Acts as an expert resource to stakeholders across campus.

• Completes convocation clearing for graduates to ensure full degree requirements are met.

• Bachelor's degree

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a post-secondary, student service-centred environment. (UofA experience working with students, and knowledge of the academic cycle, academic regulations and policies is preferred.)
• Excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal and organizational skills (Proven ability to communicate effectively with students and staff who may be in crisis and refer to appropriate services)
• Ability to work independently and to build and maintain professional working relationships as a trusted team member and positive representative of the Faculty of Science.
• Proven ability to multitask, prioritize, and develop strategies to solve problems while maintaining superior accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite and file management systems.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.