Admissions Officer

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Primary Purpose The Admissions Officer is one of a team of such positions responsible for the processing of all non-Ontario secondary school, out-of-province and international applications for undergraduate studies. The Officer aids in the Ontario Secondary School applications, recruitment activities and offer processing. The Officer acts as a liaison for the Registrar’s Office while providing specialized knowledge of admissions and related operations to the Faculties through the appropriate Admissions Committee.

The incumbent has direct impact on the university’s success, reputation, mandate and successful implementation of enrolment targets. The mission critical work done in this position has a direct effect on Waterloo’s ability to meet enrolment targets, and in turn, the University and Faculties’ budget. The incumbent works as a member of the Faculty Admissions Committee and with the Faculty, University Colleges’ and Registrar’s Office recruitment specialists.

The incumbent is accountable for decisions which commit the University to a binding agreement of admission. The incumbent is required to oversee and maintain consistent and equitable assessment and decision making. The incumbent is accountable for the application of constructive, critical and independent unbiased judgment and must recognize the need for departures from established policies and procedures and the ability to deal with such appropriately.

The incumbent undertakes research and provides critical recommendations for progressive improvements in policies, regulations, and procedures necessary to meet both an informed and assertive society in a competitive academic environment.

Assess Applications & Communicate with Applicants The Officer determines eligibility for consideration which includes the assessment of complicated and diverse education backgrounds from education systems worldwide. Responds to inquiries from applicants, their family and campus clients, regularly and builds individual connections with applicants. Responsible to communicate both positive and negative decisions. Presents special cases for consideration by Faculty Admissions Committees. Ensures accuracy and consistency in assessment processes.

Determines admissions conditions, scholarship levels and transfer credits as appropriate to each individual application. Develops highly specialized communications for segmented audiences and individuals. Trains new Admissions Officers and assists with training of other Admissions and Recruitment staff.

Research & Policy Development Provides reports, research, historical analysis and identifies trends internal to Waterloo, system wide in Ontario, Canada and internationally. Tracks details on applicant pool during and after an admissions cycle. To inform future admissions policy changes, undertakes activities to assess validity, equity and transferability of secondary and post-secondary credentials of educational and English language credentials from systems in Ontario, other regions of Canada and other Countries.

Defines project goals, activities, timelines, deadlines, deliverables and accountabilities. Anticipates the impact of policy driven changes and external factors. Challenges policy, identifies and provides viable…