Academic Advisor, First Year Engineering

Overview:
Term: 18 months

The incumbent is responsible for academic advisement of first year undergraduate students in the Faculty of Engineering and for the interpretation and guidance of University and Faculty academic policies as they relate to current students. The incumbent also provides assistance and support to the Director of First Year Engineering (FYE) and the First Year Advisors, as well as to the first year engineering teaching team and members of the Engineering Undergraduate Office (EUGO).

Responsibilities:
Supervision

The incumbent supervises the Scheduling Specialist & First Year Engineering Assistant (SSFYEA)

Manages recruitment, supervision, coaching, training/skills development and performance to meet first year engineering goals and objectives

Reviews and updates job duties and description

Supports the SSFYEA with non-routine tasks and during periods of heavy volume

Assists with course scheduling issues and conflicts when necessary

Student Advising

Provides academic advice on degree requirements, options and enrolment/course selection

Identifies students in academic jeopardy and provides guidance on their options

Advocates on behalf of students requiring special accommodations/allowances or non-standard arrangements

Exhibits understanding of crisis management for students experiencing personal difficulties, and provides advice and referrals when appropriate. (i.e. Counselling Services)

Provides assistance to students who are absent due to extenuating circumstances

Provides guidance to students resuming their studies after an extended absence

Approves and handles student schedule changes and course override requests (drop/add electives, online courses)

Provides assistance to students in the preparation of petitions

Arranges non-degree programs, Reduced Load Program, Qualifying Program for Re-admission and Voluntary Strengthening terms

Provides information and updates for the first year website

Manages student records as required by Policy 46 (Information Management)

Provides support for stream change requests for both current and incoming students

Administration

Reviews and analyzes academic progression reports for accuracy and codes student records. (i.e. assign SUPPS, clear failures, promotion decisions, DNW’s, milestones)

Performs the following tasks in conjunction with the SSFYEA:
Attends divisional and organizational meetings and records minutes

Maintains progress charts for students in special programs (i.e. RRTs, QPRs, etc.)

Updates and maintains the First Year Engineering database

Assists with electronic marks processing as needed

Makes alternate arrangements for midterm conflicts and special exam sittings

Processes grade revision forms, including coding of term decisions

Assists the admissions team with the review of on-line applications of prospective students

Communications

Provides current and prospective students with an informed representation of the policies, processes and objectives of First Year Engineering

Communicates regularly with first year students on a variety of topics by way of the website, group email, information sessions and in-class announcements. (i.e. course enrolment/selection, CSE’s, options)

Notifies instructors of medical or extenuating student circumstances. (i.e. deferred exams, students with disabilities)

Provides recommendations to the Admissions Specialist on course exemptions for internal transfers

Responds to a wide range of inquiries from prospective and current students

Director Support

Informs the directors of special developments involving student issues

Arranges and attends meetings when required and records minutes

Updates student issues on First Year Engineering database for record keeping and Examination and Promotion purposes

Attends Examination and Promotions meetings with the Assoc. Director of First Year Engineering and advocates on students behalf as needed

Assists with student hiring for special projects

Screens telephone and e-mail inquiries from current and prospective students

Other Office Operations

Performs other duties and assists with special projects as assigned

Qualifications:
Post-secondary degree/diploma or equivalent education and/or experience

Minimum of three years of academic advising preferably in an undergraduate setting

Supervisory experience required

High degree of knowledge of UW academic progression rules

Customer service focused (students and faculty)

Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions and solve problems

Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills

Competency in exhibiting compassion, particularly with students under stress or in emotional crisis

Resolve conflict actively and constructively, engaging in difficult conversations to find collaborative solutions

Excellent strategic thinking, sound judgment, tact, diplomacy, ability to manage confidential and sensitive issues

Proficient with the needs and concerns of students and commitment to student engagement and success

Proven ability to manage a large volume of work, conflicting priorities and deadlines

Good understanding of the coop system

Proficient in Microsoft Office and ACCESS

Working knowledge of Quest, LEARN, ASIS/OAT is an asset

Some weekend work is required for open house activities throughout the year

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