Student Advisor, MA Leadership

Position Purpose and Summary

In support of TWU’s mission to Equip Students for Life through the tenets of being Christ Centered, Student Focused, and Globally Engaged, the MA LEAD Student Advisor supports MA LEAD students, beginning with onboarding through to graduation. The Student Advisor is an integral part of the support network and provides high-touch care for students. This role is primarily student-focused and interactive, with some administrative responsibilities.

Key Areas of Accountability

Program and Student Services

• Provide guidance to MA LEAD students (including on-line students who are enrolled in the program) throughout all the stages of the program, including pre-arrival, orientation, PLP (Personal Learning Plan) changes leading up to graduation.
• Provide one-on-one support (including online) for students regarding their workload, life balance and other academic transition needs.
• Respond to emails and Team Dynamics tickets in a timely manner.
• Monitor student progress, ensuring students follow their PLP through to graduation.
• Caring for students who require additional academic support.
• Acts as a mentor to the MA LEAD students during their time in the program.
• Refer students to TWU services such the Wellness Centre, Center for calling and career, Housing, Student Life, Hub, Financial Aid, and the Learning Commons as needed.
• Supports students who are experiencing academic or personal distress.
• Facilitate small group discussions with students on various topics of need such as study strategies, self-management, working in Canada and understanding cultural expectations.
• Participate in Orientation activities and assist new students as they adjust to their new environment in Canada.

Internal Liaison Support

• Liaise with related offices including the Office of the Registrar (OTR), Financial Aid, TWU GLOBAL, International Cultural Programs, (ICP), and the Learning Commons.
• Liaise with MA LEAD professors.
• Liaise with Writing Coaches for feedback and concerns related to student success.

Administrative Support

• Assist the Associate Dean, MA LEAD or designate
• Track and manage cohort list as assigned by the Associate Dean, MA LEAD or designate

The Person

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft software (including Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Adobe, and other software programs as required
• People-oriented, caring, and willing to work with and support students from all cultures
• Detailed-oriented and organized
• Collaborative with the various members of the Advisory team to deliver results
• Fluent in English (oral and written)
• Professional in communication and behavior
• Able to learn and follow policies and procedures
• Able to work independently but also ask for help when needed
• Able to confidently seek advice as well as to voice needs and concerns as necessary
• Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy

Personal

Driven and inspired by the idea of positively impacting the various marketplaces of life through the development of godly Christian leaders by serving the Trinity Western University community.

A dedicated and mature evangelical Christian with an earnest desire to serve in family, church, work, and community. Affirm and support TWU’s mission, values, Statement of Faith, and Community Covenant. Strength of character and reputation, integrity, focused. A winsome personality with a positive and friendly attitude.

Servant-Leader Way of Life: Act in a manner that exemplifies Jesus Christ in all on and off-campus contacts thereby living out the servant leadership mission of the university and contributing effectively towards achieving the institutional and Kingdom goals of the organization.

Key Internal Interactions

Reports: n/a

Reports to: Associate Dean, MA LEAD or designate, TWU GLOBAL

Standards & Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in education or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in academic advising ore related experience required.
• Experience working with international students together with understanding cultural diversity is preferred.
• Experience work one-on-one with students is preferred (such as tutoring, counseling, advising, mentoring)

Duties and responsibilities that do not constitute a major change may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of the supervisor either orally or in writing.

Updated: April 2023

Salary Classification: 7

Agreed to by: Dean, TWU GLOBAL, VP Innovation & Global Partnerships, and Human Resources

Benefits Of Working at TWU:

• A comprehensive benefits package which includes extended health, dental, and insurance and an RRSP matching program.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• Tuition Benefit for TWU undergraduate and graduate level courses to enhance knowledge and professional competency.
• Torch tuition scholarship for dependents of eligible employees attending TWU.
• Free access to TWU’s fitness/gym facilities and the Norma Marion Alloway Library.
• Discounts and perks for the on-site Trinity Western Outfitters bookstore and cafeterias, as well as shops and restaurants in Fort Langley.
• Wellness benefits (i.e., counselling, sick days, personal days, and reimbursement for annual wellness/recreation related purchases).
• Free recreational equipment rentals (e.g., paddle boards, snowshoes, kayaks, etc.).
• Free employee parking on campus.
• Special community events throughout the year.
• A positive Christian fellowship environment.

Trinity Western University encourages applications from all eligible candidates who are able to commit to the University’s mission, values, and Christian identity as articulated in its Statement of Faith and Community Covenant. We are committed to an ethic of inclusion and to the equal treatment of all persons without discrimination in accordance with human rights law.

We particularly invite applications from indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations during the application process should contact Human Resources.

Trinity Western University is located on the traditional ancestral territory of the Sto:lo people.