Graduate Program Advisor, Professional Programs, Faculty of Science

Job ID: 38904

Location: Main Campus

Updated October 19, 2026

Description

The Graduate Science Centre within the Faculty of Science is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Graduate Program Advisor, Professional Programs for approximately 12 months.

The Faculty of Science is seeking a Graduate Program Advisor, Professional Programs to facilitate student success by defining and implementing proactive strategies that help students stay on track to fulfil their educational goals. This includes building supportive and personalized relationships with students, supporting student's day-to-day academic programs and advising students on university policies, programs, degree requirements, procedures, and related matters. The Graduate Student Advisor will ensure that program and Faculty of Graduate Studies policies and practices are met at all stages of a Professional Graduate Program.

This position reports to the Manager, Graduate Student Services.

Work Context:

• This is a full-time role working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, typically between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Work is based on campus with access to shared offices and meeting rooms.
• Includes both independent tasks and collaborative work with faculty, staff, and students.
• Communication may occur in person, by email, video conference (Teams/Zoom), and phone.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Program Advising (70%)

• Advise current/prospective students in both a one-on-one and group setting regarding professional graduate program requirements, and university policies and procedures.
• Develop and deliver proactive communications to keep students informed of key milestones, progression requirements and important deadlines.
• Assist students in making informed decisions, setting short- and long-term goals, and fulfilling the requirements of their program choice.
• Proactively monitor student progression through their professional program to graduation to ensure requirements are met and provide advice and assistance to students on all aspects of their academic experience.
• Use a thorough knowledge of program requirements as detailed in the University of Calgary calendar to advise on course registration and degree progression that will allow students to successfully meet their goals.
• Resolve student program conflicts as they arise.
• Provide guidance on complex academic situations by analyzing individual circumstances and presenting students with options aligned with program and Faculty of Graduate Studies policies.
• Identify students with a low GPA or progress problems, advises students, and collaborate with program directors to recommend an appropriate course of action (e.g., academic probation, dismissal).
• Monitor student academic progress toward program completion.
• Develop rapport with advisees, faculty and campus staff to create and maintain open and collaborative relationships.
• Foster and maintains cooperative and trusting relationships with the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Enrolment Services, International Student Services and other student affairs and service offices across campus to provide seamless and efficient student support processes.
• Refer students to appropriate university services and advocate for student needs when appropriate.

Program Coordination (30%)

• Communicate continually with and for the program directors and assistant dean in sharing ideas, providing analysis and advice in relation to program matters and students.
• Coordinates the review of requests for exceptions to departmental and university requirements from students.
• Provide enrolment controls on student accounts regarding course registration and ensure compliance with program requirements and prerequisites.
• Coordinate and oversee the process for clearing graduate students for graduation and confirming degree completion eligibility.
• Maintain student records and electronic files (PeopleSoft Advising Notes) to ensure that information is up to date, recognizing that this information must be kept accurate and current for use by others.
• Update and maintain program communications, webpages, and published advising materials to ensure information is current and accessible.
• Coordinate and provide support for various Professional Graduate Programs-related events (e.g. orientation, onboarding).
• Professionally represent the programs at functions both internal and external to the campus.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret program data to provide actionable insights and recommendations to Program Directors, relevant committees, and academic leadership in support of decision-making.
• Develop, implement and streamline existing administrative processes.

Other