Indigenous Student Advisor

Job Summary

Develops, provides, evaluates and assesses student advising services, programs and projects for the UBC Okanagan campus in order to support the academic success, personal development and retention of all undergraduate degree students with a particular focus on First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students. Additional responsibilities for this position include: the creation and dissemination of print and electronic information related to all programs, assists in the development and use of information technology as it relates to student advising and Indigenous Programs and Services, development and implementation of recruiting and retention activities that support student success; participates in the administration of the office.

Organizational Status
Indigenous Student Advisors report to the Manager, Indigenous Student Advising. The incumbent works independently, with initiative and considerable autonomy under the general supervision of the Manager, Indigenous Student Advising. The position contributes directly to the development of policy and priorities of the unit. The incumbent interacts regularly and consults with faculty and university members, departmental advisors, Student (Peer) Advisors, Work-Study students, and student service personnel elsewhere on campus.

Work Performed

Develops and assesses student advising services:

• Evaluates and makes strategic recommendations for areas of potential improvement and growth in Indigenous Programs and Services and develops programs and policies to suit.

• Conducts research and prepares briefs, data and reports related to Indigenous Programs and Services and the development and application of information technologies.

• Maintains current knowledge of student advising standards and best practices by attending and presenting at conferences and workshops and maintaining membership in student advising organizations.

• 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 and to advise students coming from other global educational systems.

• Collaborates on student development projects with other campus units.

• Researches and implements liaison initiatives between other faculties and campus units.

• Evaluates programs and recommends improvements.

• Evaluates and recommends promotion and continuation requirements.

Supports the academic success, personal development and retention of students:

• Directs students to develop a holistic view of academic and career plans in order to balance academic, professional, social and personal demands.

• Assesses and interprets student's academic and personal goals and identifying appropriate programs.

• Provides advice on University degree and certificate program requirements and admission criteria, alternate and/or additional educational options.

• Assists students with course selection to ensure they meet degree requirements and selected program prerequisites.

• Investigates and resolves complex student program issues.

• Evaluates and approves student requests to study outside UBC.

• Interprets and advises on University policies and procedures and regulations.

• Evaluates student requests for academic concession and providing appropriate advice, action and follow-up.

• Identifies students in crisis, either personal or academic, and advises on available academic options and personal support services on campus.

• Advises and educates students about development of career plans and providing referrals to other appropriate campus units for further exploration.

• Advises undergraduate students about all Faculties at the University including Science, Management, Health and Exercise Sciences, Graduate Studies, Nursing, etc.

• in support of university-wide recruitment and retention strategies.

• Adjudicates student records to determine graduation eligibility and degree standing.

• Evaluates domestic and international transcripts and course outlines to determine appropriate transfer credit and year level.

• Evaluates applications and assists with the declarations of majors and minors.

• Investigates and evaluates discrepancies in student records. Authorizes changes where appropriate.

• Contributes, interprets and applies University admission policies.

Develops and implements recruiting and retention activities:

• Develops, writes, edits and oversees the design, publication and distribution of advising materials (print and electronic).

• Consults and collaborates on the design, development, and editing of other promotional materials.

• Plans and prepares multimedia materials for publicity initiatives to promote academic programs at recruitment and orientation events.

• Evaluates promotional planning strategy on a regular basis.

• Participates in advising and orientation events for other campus units.

• Participates in education/career fairs, welcome sessions and participating in on-campus recruitment initiatives.

• Participates in outreach events for prospective students, high school counselors, college counselors and parents as requested.

• Designs, develops, and implements web technologies pertinent to the communication, outreach, and success of students in all programs.

Participates in the administration of the office:

• Reports on applied information technologies pertaining to Aboriginal Student Advising to evaluate the usage, functioning and communication success of technologies in student advising, recruitment, retention, and development.

• Participates in the recruitment, hiring and training of professional advisors and other staff as needed.

• Participates in development of operating policy to improve efficiency.

• Works collaboratively with units across the Okanagan campus in supporting the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan and UBC Okanagan’s declaration of truth and reconciliation commitments to recruit, retain, and promote the academic success of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students.

• Participates in the ongoing development of University wide student information systems and services, and contributing to the ongoing development of UBC's vision as it pertains to advising services.

• Acts as liaison between students and faculty/departments to facilitate appropriate resolutions of disputes between faculty and students.

• Performs other tasks related to the support and development of student advising and the operation of the Indigenous Programs and Services unit.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Misinterpretation of University policies could cause students serious difficulty in attaining their educational objectives. Advising decisions directly affects the quality of student undergraduate experience. Poor performance in this position would contribute to inefficient operation and low-quality service being provided by Indigenous Programs and Services. This in turn affects the reputation and credibility of the University thereby affecting the recruitment and retention of students. Not considering the intercultural aspects of communication with and commitment to students can adversely affect the advisor's ability to function in a culturally diverse arena. Errors affect the quality of published materials and have negative financial implications.
Administration decisions directly affect the Indigenous Programs and Services Office's ability to operate efficiently. Errors in decision making have a serious negative affect on the Office's ability to carry out its program and service responsibilities.

Supervision Received
Advisors work independently under the general direction of the Manager, Indigenous Student Advising.

Supervision Given
This position may supervise clerical staff and/or student workers (peer advisors, co-op students, work-study students). Other student development staff regularly consult with the Indigenous Student Advisors and assists in the hiring and training other advisors.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of four to five 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

• Graduate degree in a related discipline preferred.

• Minimum of four to five years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Three to five years’ experience in post-secondary advising or counselling and administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience working with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students an asset.

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills creative, diplomatic, inter-culturally sensitive, patient, tactful, etc..

• Demonstrated oral and written communication, time management and organizational skills.

• Ability to make thoughtful, informed, and thorough decisions

• Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.

• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and within a team environment.

• Ability to handle stress within a multi-faceted work environment.

• Ability to travel outside UBC.

• Ability to effectively use MS Office at an intermediate level. Knowledge of SIS/SISC an asset.