Academic Advisor

The School of Nursing requires an Academic Advisor to provide academic advising to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) students. Reporting to the Program Manager, BScN Program, the incumbent will be responsible for provision of advising services from admission to degree conferral. The Academic Advisor will frequently work as a conduit between faculty and students. The Academic Advisor will also contribute to special projects in the BScN Program office and have accountability for admissions and enrolment.

Job Summary

Provide accurate and informed academic advice to students by ensuring a thorough knowledge of Faculty and University regulations as it pertains to judging appropriate applications and adapting to changes to course and program requirements. Responsible for recruiting academically strong students, assessing admission applications, and scrutinizing and approving registrations for a large, multi-disciplinary Faculty.

Purpose and Key Functions

Advise registered students of program options and requirements which requires maintaining knowledge of course and program curriculum.

Make independent admission decisions for applicants to University programs based on established requirements, requisites, University guidelines, and enrolment numbers.

Recommend students who do not meet requirements to Faculty Review Committee and provide sufficient information to warrant a consideration for acceptance.

Provide guidance and information to students regarding appropriate procedures and policies for the submission of Petitions for Special Consideration, Senate Student Appeals, and other processes.

Develop customized strategies to assist students who are not academically eligible to continue in their program.

Assess the student’s academic, career, and personal stage of development and promote student growth by determining suitable developmental tasks.

Conduct formal reviews and evaluations of students’ academic records to ensure eligibility to continue and to graduate from a program.

Create, modify, and maintain accurate master and customized degree audits to reflect current and past degree requirements.

Produce list and ensure accuracy of eligible graduates for each convocation.

Review, assess, and make judgment decisions regarding requests for the accommodation for missed academic work.

Review and rank supplementary applications for the purpose of applicant selection.

Counsel students to ensure they understand that course and program selections adhere to established academic, prerequisite, and graduation requirements.

Evaluate transcripts of students requesting transfer from other academic institutions for equivalencies and applications to degree programs.

Assess the legitimacy of claims for additional transfer credits made by applicants from a wide range of national and international educational institutions.

Liaise with faculty and staff to advocate on behalf of students.

Develop and implement an integrated recruitment plan, and represent the faculty at various events including, but not limited to, information sessions and fairs.

Act as a resource to Chairs, Associate Chairs and faculty members on all matters related to undergraduate education, students, and issues where precedents and best practices are relevant.

Assess student priority for limited registration in courses and provide suitable alternatives if degree requirements cannot be met because of lack of availability.

Make independent judgment decisions to provide students with access to courses and programs and complete necessary follow-up using various in-house and web-based computer systems and tools.

Coordinate grade submissions, authorize grade changes, and maintain accurate records for Faculty-based courses.

Write a variety of documents including, but not limited to, correspondence, meeting minutes, forms, professional accreditation certification, certifications letters, and guidelines.

Prepare various standardized reports as required.

Develop and present academic advising and registration sessions to new students.

Schedule, plan, and coordinate events such as, supplementary application review sessions, examinations, University fairs, and course conferences.

Respond to inquiries regarding programs, admissions, course selection, registration, and correspond with faculty and other University departments regarding curriculum requirements.

Refer students to appropriate resources, information, and services across the University.

Select, train, and prepare students and staff who participate in recruitment events to ensure that potential applicants are accurately informed of program options and admission criteria.