Research Assistant - Student Experience Evaluation Scan

Position: Research Assistant - Student Experience Evaluation Sector Scan
Position Information

Position Number P02646 Position Title Research Assistant - Student Experience Evaluation Sector Scan Supervisor Department Supervisor Mary Stewart Butterfield, Mehgan Cabrera, James Coble Location Kelowna Other Flexible Work Options Your Opportunity

In accordance with Letter of Understanding #3 - Research Projects, and under the direct supervision of the College Professor, the Research Assistant assists and supports the supervisor with research-related activities pertaining to the professor's professional background and within the supervisor's research areas of interest and expertise.

Functions and Duties

The Research Assistant will assist the supervisor by performing the following duties:

1. Assists with research for educational purposes.

2. Assists in identifying perspective subjects for research.

3. Assists in researching information for grants, research grants and research papers.

4. Searches literature sources pertaining to the relevant areas of research.

5. Assists in collecting, recording, compiling, summarizing data, and disseminating information.

6. Participates in research activities related to the subject area being investigated such as events, interviews, reading articles, listening to speakers.

7. Performs other duties as assigned

Position Specific Functions

The Research Assistant would be expected to undertake a sectoral scan related to how post-secondary institutions measure or assess their progress toward enhancing the student experience, a commitment usually expressed as a standalone strategy or as part of a larger institutional strategic plan.

The scan may require reviewing institutional websites, emailing, calling, or meeting virtually with relevant institutional leads when possible.

Ideally, the findings would identify:

* the tools commonly used to gather student input/feedback (e.g., questionnaires, focus groups, social media, student engagement apps, etc.);

* whether findings are made available to the public and in what way (e.g., dashboards, reports, info graphics, etc.);

* the frequency with which input/feedback is obtained (ongoing, once per year, etc.);

* how responsibility for enhancing the student experience is delegated (e.g., committee, office, position);

* any unique approaches to or methods for gathering student input/feedback (e.g., themed questionnaires tied to the student life cycle rather than one large questionnaire); and

* any additional useful feedback or insights obtained from institutional leads (e.g., cautionary tales, pros and cons of their respective approach, recommendations).

The deliverable should be a report that can be used to inform how OC might measure or assess its commitment to enhancing the student experience.

This position is co-supervised by the Dean of Students, Director of Strategic Enrollment Management, and the Director of Applied Research.

Education and Experience

Students with a minimum of one-year post-secondary education in the specified educational program listed below.

Prior work experience is an asset.

Skills and Abilities

Current knowledge in research methodology for educational purposes.

* Excellent research skills with the ability to synthesize data/information and develop/deliver findings and recommendations.

* Proficiency in the use of a variety of computer software applications.

* Works effectively both independently and as part of a team

* Well-developed organizational skills.

* Detail-oriented.

* Excellent communication skills to maintain effective correspondence with professors and partners

* Excellent time management skills to coordinate research and academic activities

Position Specific

Education and Experience

To be eligible for the funding that supports this position, applicants must be a current Okanagan College student or a recent graduate (within 6 months) of Okanagan College.

Successful Applicant:

* Must be comfortable reaching out to contacts and speaking on the phone.

* Exhibits experience gathering and synthesizing information from a variety of sources.

Desired Start Date 01/19/2026 Position End Date 03/31/2026 Schedule

The hours of work can be discussed and decided between the research assistant and the supervisor(s).

This position is funded for 50 hours of work between the hire date and March 31, 2026.

Hourly Rate  Appointment Type Support Non-Regular Student