Academic Advisor

About us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacyof innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

University College is the founding college of the University of Toronto. Our welcoming community is built on traditions of openness, inclusivity and diversity. Our student programs address issues of social justice from a variety of perspectives and help students develop the skills to apply what they learn in the classroom to the world around them. We are also home to professors committed to undergraduate education froma range of disciplines, who are leading researchers in their fields. Students, faculty, staff and alumni at University College work together to ensure that all thrive in our vibrant community.

Your opportunity:

The Academic Advisor serves as a key member of the student advising team in the University College Academic Advising & Registrar’s Office (AARO).

Reporting to the Associate Registrar, First Year Experience, the Academic Advisor provides academic advising services to UC students and assists them in making decisions affecting their academic progress in the Faculty of Arts & Science from admission to graduation. The Academic Advisor advises students on admissions, program and course enrolment, fees and finances, student records, petitions and requests for special consideration, and general Arts & Science policies and procedures. The Academic Advisor assists students with a wide range of academic issues and concerns, including interpretationof University policies and procedures, selecting courses and programs, meeting degree requirements, managing personal or health issues which impact their academic progress, and planning pathways for their future. The incumbent provides referrals to students who require specialized services to other supports on campus, including the UC Success Commons, Accessibility Services, the Career Education & Exploration Centre, the Academic Success Centre, the Centre for International Experience, and Student CrisisResponse/Student Academic Progress. The work of the Academic Advisor is accomplished through both scheduled and drop-in appointments, as well as group sessions and seminars.

The Academic Advisor works as a highly collaborative member of the academic advising team assisting with balancing the advising work schedule and supporting the work of the team in the AARO. The incumbent contributes to the development of enhanced services for students to promote retention and improve the overall student experience at University College.

The incumbent also assists with the planning and delivery of events for newly admitted students, as well as the provision of front-line advising services in the AARO.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising students on the development of their educational plans
• Advising students on program and/or course matters by providing options and consequences incorporating personal circumstances impacting academic success and an understanding of an individual's background
• Keeping well-informed on University programs, policies and procedures
• Interpreting academic regulations, program and degree requirements
• Advising on the appropriateness, precedents and process for petitions and appeals, and suggesting alternative course of action as necessary
• Developing content for instructional workshops
• Leading seminars and/or workshops
• Providing proactive support to individuals in distress and making referrals to specific university services

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience
• Minimum four (4) years of recent and related experience in student advising working in a high volume environment, preferably at a post-secondary Registrar’s Office
• Experience advising students on undergraduate academic requirements, policies and procedures
• Experience working with and advising academically at-risk students
• Experience advising on and supporting students with petitions, appeals, and requests for special consideration
• Demonstrated experience facilitating presentations and/or workshops
• Proficiency in the use of a University student information system (ROSI and Degree Explorer) and MS Office, with the ability to learn and use new applications
• Excellent interpersonal skills using maturity, judgment and tact
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated organizational and administrative skills with the ability to deal with a heavy workload, to handle multiple tasks, and to prioritize to meet deadlines.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and an ability to function with sensitivity and respect in a multicultural/international environment
• Demonstrated skills and ability to provide effective guidance and advice to students in a responsive, empathetic, and thoughtful manner
• Demonstrated commitment to working as a team player with a commitment to quality student service

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience working in a College Registrar’s Office
• Knowledge of University College, its students, and its academic programs
• Knowledge of Faculty of Arts & Science academic requirements, policies, and procedures

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Communicator
• Motivated self-learner
• Problem solver
• Resourceful
• Team player

Note: This is a term position that ends October 17, 2027.