Academic and Career Advisor in Kelowna

Academic & Career Advisors work on a centralized team that serves all students at UBC Okanagan. The Advisors are either generalists or are assigned to a specific faculty as a specialist advisor. Advisors are responsible for delivering and evaluating student services to support student learning based on the specific and unique student needs. Through relationship building beginning in the student’s first year, the Advisor works closely with students throughout their degree to encourage success and retention. This position is responsible for not only providing academic support but also student engagement programming to enhance academic and career outcomes. Advisors will work with students in all faculties to provide general advising and they must also be knowledgeable enough to have a broad knowledge of Vancouver campus programs.

Job Summary

• Assists students in determining their academic, personal and professional goals and identifying appropriate academic courses and programs that support attaining those goals.
• Advises students on work integrated learning and skill building opportunities that enhance their career readiness.
• Discusses job search strategies, provides labour market information, and student career outcomes information to current students and alumni.
• Assists students with course selection to ensure they meet degree requirements, program prerequisites, and career goals.
• Interprets and advises on University policies and procedures.
• Aids both faculty and students with issues related to academic progression (full and blocked classes, waivers, transfer credit, academic concessions, late withdrawals and additions), and other issues as they arise.
• Annually evaluates student performance to ensure students are meeting requirements and, as needed, adjudicates student records for graduation eligibility.
• 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's Okanagan campus.
• Identifies students in crisis, either personal or academic, and provides support as well as advice on academic options and personal support services on campus.
• Acts as liaison between students and faculty/departments to facilitate appropriate resolution of disputes.
• Advises students on developing career plans and provides referrals to other appropriate campus units for further exploration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of three to four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with the student population, including domestic, international, aboriginal, and disabilities is an asset.
• Ability to deal with a diverse population in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing is critical.
• Ability to be a team player.
• Ability to effectively adopt and successfully use technologies that enhance the student experience and overall advisor efficiency.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with initiative.
• Ability to take the lead within a team environment.
• Ability to handle stress within a varied work environment.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Must provide willingness to learn and continually upgrade skills and knowledge.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.