Graduate Program Assistant

General Purpose

The Department of Integrative Biology is a large, research‑intensive unit supporting more than 30 faculty members, more than 100 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff. The Graduate Program Assistant reports to the Administrative Officer and coordinates the graduate programs, including course‑based Masters, interdisciplinary graduate programs, and support to faculty and graduate students.

• Provide guidance to graduate students on academic policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Maintain database record‑keeping; monitor student progress and provide program statistics as required.
• Coordinate qualifying examinations and thesis defences, including scheduling and logistics.
• Support graduate recruitment, admissions, and onboarding activities.
• Liaise with faculty and central administrative units on graduate program matters.

• Provide general administrative support to faculty, staff, and students.
• Administer and record final grades for graduate courses.
• Assist with departmental operations including office space allocation and logistics.
• Publish public communications (monthly newsletter, e‑mail blasts, graduate webpages, social media).
• Act as backup support within the administrative team.
• Participate on departmental and university committees as required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and a high standard of service delivery.

• Completion of a 2‑year community college diploma (undergraduate degree preferred) and 2 years of work experience, preferably in an academic environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Maintain high levels of confidentiality, especially with regards to sensitive matters.
• Professionalism, diplomacy, judgement.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize while maintaining high quality, accurate work.
• Attention to detail, strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Understanding of complex policies, procedures, and systems that apply in an academic environment, especially relating to graduate students; experience providing student support.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced environment with constant interruptions.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and with a team.
• Excellent communication (written and oral), organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills including sensitivity to issues, concerns and needs of students, staff and faculty.
• Proficiency in computer systems, particularly Microsoft Office, e‑mail & calendaring, social media, website software. Proficiency in University systems such as Colleague and Experience Apps is an asset.

Employee Type:
Regular
Position Number:
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary:

Band 4
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date:06/08/2026