Indigenous Student Advisor

Job Summary
Develops, provides, evaluates and assesses student advising services, programs and projects for the UBC Okanagan campus in order to support the academic success, personal development and retention of all undergraduate degree students with a particular focus on First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students. Additional responsibilities for this position include: the creation and dissemination of print and electronic information related to all programs, assists in the development and use of information technology as it relates to student advising and Indigenous Programs and Services, development and implementation of recruiting and retention activities that support student success;

participates in the administration of the office.

Organizational Status
Indigenous Student Advisors report to the Manager, Indigenous Student Advising. The incumbent works independently, with initiative and considerable autonomy under the general supervision of the Manager, Indigenous Student Advising. The position contributes directly to the development of policy and priorities of the unit. The incumbent interacts regularly and consults with faculty and university members, departmental advisors, Student (Peer) Advisors, Work-Study students, and student service personnel elsewhere on campus.

Work Performed

Develops and assesses student advising services:

• Evaluates and makes strategic recommendations for areas of potential improvement and growth in Indigenous Programs and Services and develops programs and policies to suit.

• Conducts research and prepares briefs, data and reports related to Indigenous Programs and Services and the development and application of information technologies.

• Maintains current knowledge of student advising standards and best practices by attending and presenting at conferences and workshops and maintaining membership in student advising organizations.

• Develops and maintains a knowledge base of worldwide educational systems in order to advise students participating in exchange programs or considering taking courses outside of UBC and to advise students coming from other global educational systems.

• Collaborates on student development projects with other campus units.

• Researches and implements liaison initiatives between other faculties and campus units.

• Evaluates programs and recommends improvements.

• Evaluates and recommends promotion and continuation requirements.

Supports the academic success, personal development and retention of students:

• Directs students to develop a holistic view of academic and career plans in order to balance academic, professional, social and personal demands.

• Assesses and interprets student's academic and personal goals and identifying appropriate programs.

• Provides advice on University degree and certificate program requirements and admission criteria, alternate and/or additional educational options.

• Assists students with course selection to ensure they meet degree requirements and selected program prerequisites.

• Investigates and resolves complex student program issues.

• Evaluates and approves student requests to study outside UBC.

• Interprets and advises on University policies and procedures and regulations.

• Evaluates student requests for academic concession and providing appropriate advice, action and follow-up.

• Identifies students in crisis, either personal or academic, and advises on available academic options and personal support services on campus.

• Advises and educates students about development of career plans and providing referrals to other appropriate campus units for further exploration.

• Advises undergraduate students about all Faculties at the University including Science, Management, Health and Exercise Sciences, Graduate Studies, Nursing, etc.

• in support of university-wide recruitment and retention strategies.

• Adjudicates student records to determine graduation eligibility and degree standing.

• Evaluates domestic and international transcripts and course outlines to determine appropriate transfer credit and year level.

• Evaluates applications and assists with the declarations of majors and minors.

• Investigates and evaluates discrepancies in student records. Authorizes changes where appropriate.

• Contributes, interprets and applies University admission policies.

Develops and implements recruiting and retention activities:

• Develops, writes, edits and oversees the design, publication and distribution of advising materials (print and electronic).

• Consults and collaborates on the design, development, and editing of other promotional materials.

• Plans and prepares multimedia materials for publicity initiatives to promote academic programs at recruitment and orientation events.

• Evaluates promotional planning strategy on a regular basis.

• Participates in advising and orientation events for other campus units.

• Participates in education/career fairs, welcome sessions and participating in on-campus recruitment initiatives.

• Participates in outreach events for prospective students, high school counselors, college…