Primary Purpose: The Undergraduate Programs Advisor plays a critical role in the drive to improve the academic success, recruitment, retention/persistence rates, graduation rates, and overall quality of the student experience for Edwards School of Business students at the Prince Albert Campus. In pursuit of these aims, the Undergraduate Programs Advisor will provide specialist academic advising and coaching, mentoring, and administrative support for current and prospective students in the College. In addition, this role will engage in developing and supporting relationships with business and community stakeholders in the Prince Albert area and Northern Saskatchewan. The incumbent will implement, uphold, and maintain College policies, procedures, and protocols relating to all students and Edwards School of Business in general.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Manager, Student Services, this is one of several positions offering student advising and support for current and prospective undergraduate students. Building and maintaining relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders is critical for this position, requiring the incumbent to be flexible and adapt their methods of communication accordingly. This position functions independently and efficiently in a high-volume environment with competing and shifting demands. 

Flexibility in working hours is necessary as there will be some evening and weekend commitments on occasion. Occasional travel is required to a variety of locations, including but not limited to, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Northern Saskatchewan.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Retention & Advising Student Support:

Responsible for academic advising, interpretation, maintenance and communication of program requirements, academic regulations, graduation standards, and academic policies Advises and mentors students through evaluating student academic records and past academic experience; exploring academic options and alternatives; coaching students to develop solutions, strategies, and plans for academic success; and following up periodically to assess students’ progress towards achieving their academic goal(s) Coordinates retention initiatives for Indigenous Edwards students to increase engagement, including but not limited to Bannock Chats and cultural workshops Provides administrative support and liaises with Edwards departments and faculty, as well as other USask Colleges, for specialized programs in Edwards, including Co-op and dual degree programs Connects Indigenous Edwards students with support services provided by Rawlinson funding, including but not limited to scholarships and awards, co-curricular funding, tutoring, emergency financial assistance, and referrals Coordinates with the Undergraduate Retention Advisor on Edwards Learning Community implementation and provides support to Peer Mentors Participates as an active member on relevant College and University working groups Provides on-going support to the other academic advisors, Manager of Student Services, Director of Indigenous Business Education and Engagement, and Rawlinson Centre Coordinator

Recruitment, Engagement & Outreach:

Supports and participates in Indigenous, Prince Albert, and northern Saskatchewan community recruitment plans, activities and initiatives targeted at prospective direct entry and transfer students including domestic and international students (e.g., community and high school visits, stakeholder familiarity visits, campus tours, select fairs, expos) to Prince Albert Campus Participates in building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous communities in rural, remote and urban environments Assists in developing and supporting relationships with business and community stakeholders in the Prince Albert area and Northern Saskatchewan Conducts monthly tracking, analysis and reports outcomes and statistics related to undergraduate and certificate student recruitment for the Prince Albert campus Supports Edwards marketing and communications in social media campaigns and promotions specific to the Prince Albert campus

General

Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience, as well as non-traditional career paths, community experience, and recognition of prior learning may be considered. 

Education: An undergraduate degree is required. A Bachelor of Commerce degree is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of university level experience working with undergraduate students and in the educational process is preferred. Experience working with university personnel from various academic and non-academic units is also desirable. Knowledge of and experience working with Indigenous and Northern Saskatchewan communities is considered an asset. A knowledge of diverse Indigenous social, cultural, and economic contexts is valued.

Licenses: Must hold and maintain a valid Saskatchewan class 5 driver's license and an acceptable driving record

Skills:

Ability to establish partnerships and working relationships with diverse teams of people internal and external to Edwards, especially within Indigenous communities Excellent oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting to groups of all sizes Demonstrated event planning skills and experience managing multiple projects simultaneously Self-motivated with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Demonstrated ability to work effectively in informal and formal teams with people from diverse communities, cultures, and perspectives Proficient working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite, and Zoom Experience with Banner/SiRIUS would be an asset; however, a demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems is valuable Knowledge of the Bachelor of Commerce program would be considered an asset

Indigenous candidates are encouraged to apply and are preferred for this position.