Academic Advisor

Hours per Week: 35 Salary Grade 14 The base salary will be $67,680 - $96,590 per annum. Starting salary will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.

Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities.

The Western Science Academic Advising unit is committed to providing superior academic advice and support to undergraduate students – promoting Western’s commitment to providing the best student experience. Our atmosphere is welcoming, supportive and inclusive to encourage real dialogue and strong connections with students to guide their transition to university life and empower them to achieve their academic goals.

The Academic Advisor provides academic advising services and support to students within the Faculty of Science. The role provides sound and consistent support to students virtually, by email, telephone and in-person for both one-on-one and group sessions and offers referrals to relevant university services when necessary, as part a holistic response to students at risk.

The Academic Advisor assists students to achieve their degree objectives by providing academic advice, support for program planning and course selection, and by adjudicating students for admission, progression and graduation. The role interprets and accurately administers University and Faculty regulations, waiving such regulations if warranted.

The Academic Advisor contributes to the development of academic programs within their assigned scope and ensures programs are accurately represented in University publications.

Education

Undergraduate Degree in a relevant discipline Mental Health First Aid and Safe Talk training preferred Courses and/or training related to equity, diversity and inclusion would be an asset Experience: 3 years’ experience in an academic advising or student affairs environment Relevant experience working with sensitive and confidential information Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of courses, programs and policies related to the Faculty preferred Familiarity with University policies, procedures and resources would be an asset Knowledge of, and ability to manage, social media platforms, communication and engagement strategies for student populations Discretion, tact, compassion, and maturity to deal with highly confidential and potentially emotional or distressing subjects or issues and the ability to ensure confidentiality and privacy is maintained through the appropriate retention and destruction of information Ability to act on new information and effectively contribute in a changing environment Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit Communication skills to listen to the complete message, solicit more information as required, and give feedback on the message received, as well as to translate information into easily understood terms, summarize information, and provide a rationale for action Ability to effectively present information, and conduct training sessions and workshops Ability to apply critical thinking to evaluate information and make appropriate decisions or recommendations Capacity and compassion to understand and respect equity issues including but not limited to cultural and gender issues and apply this to daily work and to consider issues from the perspective of others Ability to be objective and to fairly evaluate situations and make ethical decisions taking all components into account Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy Commitment to ongoing professional development with a desire to take on new challenges Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s events and activities Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to learn and use new software programs Interpersonal skills to liaise with prospective and current students, staff, faculty and other members of the Western community Judgement, analytical and problem-solving skills with a consultative and collaborate approach to addressing issues and opportunities

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.