Central Academic Advisor

Provides advice to students with respect to education planning, academic goals and course selection.  Provides instruction on admissions and registration processes to current and prospective students through interviews, assessment, on-line and group facilitation.  Provides academic advising, including course approval, for all students in preparation for the completion of certificate, diploma and degree programs.  Provides central support for advising practices including specific student populations, system best practices and acts as advising liaisons with program advisors in the faculties and schools.  Supports and provides advice to the university's recruitment, conversion and retention activities. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develops education plans for students from culturally diverse backgrounds connecting academic standing to education or career goals, while assessing academic and work history, factoring in life, multicultural experience and financial resources. 
2. Provides advising of international and probationary students with responsibility for final course approval. 
3. Provides advice and support for developing processes for application, registration and time-tabling.  
4. Identifies at risk students, either academically or personally, develops action plans, provides appropriate retention strategies and advocates on behalf of students as required.  
5. Provides supports for specific student populations including mature students, transfer students, former youth in care, athletes, Indigenous students, international students, first generation students and more.
6. Researches, verifies and disseminates best advising practices and systems including being developmental advising liaisons.
7. Researches, verifies, and applies detailed knowledge of educational programs, services, and transfer agreements established by TRU and other post-secondary institutions for incoming and transfer students. 
8. Provides advice and support to the university's recruitment, conversion and retention activities.
9. Develops, promotes and presents orientations and workshops, both in person and through web-based technology. 
10. Establishes and maintains liaison and referral services with educational institutions, professional and community organizations, and other TRU departments.  
11. Responds to a variety of internal requests from faculty and administration for consultation regarding new programs, courses, and institutional policies.
12. Participates on institutional committees. 
13. Creates and collaborates on projects that support student success, academic engagement and retention.
14. Maintains currency in advising theory and best practices, student development theory and culturally relevant praxis.
15. Travel off-campus to conduct individual advising in support of TRU recruitment and applicant conversion.  

REPORTS TO

Manager, Central Advising

EDUCATION

• Four-year Undergraduate University degree 

EXPERIENCE

• Three (3) years' related work experience within a post-secondary institution or related educational environment, including one-year of Educational Planning, as defined by working on an individual basis with a student/client assessing previous education, skills, cultural background, to identify future goals, aspirations, and needs, while being accountable for the development of an individualized educational strategy for that student/client

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITIES RELATED TO THE JOB

• Ability to communicate effectively to a culturally diverse audience, both verbally and in writing, including strong interviewing, listening and interpreting skills
• Ability to use multiple computer software packages (i.e. Microsoft Office)  
• Effective research, analytical, problem-solving and planning skills 
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
• Ability to prepare and deliver oral presentations
• Hold current B.C. class 5 driver's license

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sitting at desk and computer for periods of time
• Regular student contact
• Some off campus travel
• General office conditions 
• Set up of computer/audio visual equipment and tables and chairs at off-site locations (on an infrequent basis)
• Ability to lift loads in excess of 20 kg