Transfer Student Support Specialist

Purpose :

The Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students (ACMAPS) was established to provide a pan-university physical and philosophical home for mature and part-time students. ACMAPS has developed a wide range of student supports, including annual Orientation events, the Mature Student First-Year Experience Program, a Peer Mentor program, and various student success workshops. An emerging focus is on supporting York's large population of transfer students. Our activities are informed by research and current data on mature and part-time students at York. ACMAPS is committed to supporting the success of mature students from admission through graduation and is excited to be part of York University's ongoing commitment to accessibility.Reporting to the Director, Academic Success and Transition Programming, and working closely with campus partners, the Transfer Student Support Specialist is responsible for conducting research and consultations that lead to the development of transfer student specific resources at York University. The role will compile and revise student success materials that will be used in presentations and peer-to-peer programming and in online resources. They will also support the facilitation of student success programming that is geared toward Transfer Students. The role will work with Division of Students Communications team to host various resources online. They will also support and coordinate the work of work study students In addition, the role will design, implement, and assess learning modules and / or training workshops and support the implementation of peer-to-peer programming among the workstudy team. This role will have responsibility for researching, planning, executing, and assessing the impact of transfer student programming and resources, and supporting ACMAPS in fostering a hub for transfer students at York. The role will be responsible for the coordination of work, assisting with recruiting, and training work study students. Additionally, the role will assemble educational design materials and assessment data to furnish reporting to the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer, the external agency funding this role and this project. The role will support the drafting of policies and procedures at York for the continuation of Transfer Student support beyond the life of the grant and the duration of the role.

Education : Experience :

One to two years related experience with organizing / leading student success programming. Experience with compiling information and conducting research and evaluations is required. Knowledge of post-secondary institutions and experience working with transfer students and mature / adult student populations would be preferred. Some proficiency with teaching and learning principles and an introductory knowledge of universal accessible design requirements. Knowledge of student success and engagement practices are required to understand the issues that challenge Transfer Student populations in transitioning and being academically successful at post-secondary education. Knowledge of accessibility frameworks, policies & guidelines preferred. Knowledge of Peer mentor training principles / concepts and, coaching methodology.

Skills :

Broad knowledge of York University student service resources and programs, or experience in another university office with a similar level of interdependence with multiple university offices and programs.

Effective oral communication skills to obtain and provide accurate information clearly and concisely both in person and over the telephone.

Research, critical thinking and data analysis skills particularly related to consultations, focus groups, environmental scans and literature reviews.

Effective interpersonal skills

Effective customer service skills

Work effectively as a member of a team.

Exercise tact, diplomacy and discretion when dealing with others.

Maintain confidentiality.

Attention accurately to detail.

Excellent organizational skills including setting priorities and multi-tasking.

Exercise initiative and good judgment.

Technical :

Intermediate level of Microsoft Office Word and Excel for document and spreadsheet creation, updating, etc.

Knowledge of course management software and facility with electronic mail, list-serves, and on-line record system (SIS), including data entry and retrieval.

Experience updating content and organizing websites using appropriate software such as WordPress.

Experience with various social media platforms, policies and guidelines (, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter).