Academic Advisor

Location: Borden, Ontario

Support Staff employees, as defined by the Full-Time Support Staff Collective Agreement, will be given first consideration.

Note: This is for 1 Regular Full-Time vacancy. This position requires you to work in person at the Base Borden Campus. This position is deemed a critical replacement vacancy.

Payband: This position is paid at Payband J, $44.48 - $51.40 per hour.

Why this Role is Important

Reporting to the Operations Manager, CAF – Fanshawe, the Academic Advisor (AA) supports the academic lifecycle of students by offering academic and personal advising to students grounded in developmental, proactive advising and lifecycle approaches; actively participates in college retention and student success initiatives; and completes a wide variety of administrative, data-tracking and reporting duties in support of student success.

As a vital link between the Academic Schools and other College services, the AA provides support to program areas where they are assigned to provide advising services. The AA actively participates as a team member in meetings and regular day-to-day operations of their assigned Academic Schools and Programs.

Responsibilities

As a key point of contact for students in their respective Academic Programs or target populations, the AA must be able to respond to, investigate and resolve a diverse number of inquiries from students, staff, faculty, and other departments. Responsibilities include:

Advising - Advising students via individual, group, online, social media, and presentation formats;

Support - Identifying barriers to a students’ success and offering the student choices/options that will assist them in overcoming these barriers;

Outreach - Implementing outreach strategies for students deemed ‘at-risk’ in cooperation with academic faculty, student services staff, and counterparts in other schools and service areas of the college;

Intervention & Retention – using student success processes and practices, conducts student success activities such as following up with students who do not attend class, or are deemed “at-risk” of leaving early (by faculty) to intervene and provide support and resources that promote retention (i.e. accessing remediation and learning resources);

Referrals - Listening to student concerns, assessing the issue/concern brought forward by the student, and taking action by providing educational support (i.e., note taking skills, how to study for an exam, etc.) and making appropriate referrals (i.e. Counselling and Accessibility Services, learning services, Fanshawe International Centre, faculty, peer tutors, security, Ombuds etc.).

Facilitate Problem Solving - Using College information systems and resources to investigate problems and provide advocacy in response to student requests, concerns, or complaints; advise and support students in the development and implementation of their own success plans guided by course requirements and availability; assist students and other staff in making changes to the courses the student is taking (i.e., adding or dropping a course or withdrawing the student from a course or courses or by creating a revised progression plan for the student).

Transition & Orientation – working collaboratively with members of the respective schools and other college departments to provide support to prospective students and confirmed applicants for the purpose of recruitment, marketing, admissions, as well as, similar transition and orientation activities to ensure a strong program choice, career clarity and overall smooth transition to college;

Answering Questions - Answering a wide variety of inquiries from staff, students, other departments about college programs and services related to student success (i.e. programs of study, exemptions, PLAR, pathways to other institutions, and graduation);

About

Presentations & Knowledge Transfer - Preparing and disseminating general information about College services, and programs of study, through presentations to small and large groups of students; presenting college designed materials fostering student learning and development (i.e. study tips, time management); encourage student engagement in academic life through recreation programming, special events; sharing information, advice and strategies related to student success with faculty, academic managers and staff:

Data Tracking & Reporting - Collecting, tracking, recording and reporting data specific to student success performance and related trends. Reporting will include departmental data specific to student retention and success.

Skills

The Academic Advisor (AA) effectively communicates with students, understands and interprets policies and procedures, follows institutional protocols, maintains student records, utilizes technology and engages in problem-solving. These activities are categorized into three distinct skill sets of interpersonal, operational, and analytical skills:

Interpersonal Skills are used throughout the advising interaction by; 1) demonstrating caring (i.e., ask student about successes, challenges, and adjustment to academic life). 2) Inquire and validate the student’s experience and perceptions based on developmental theory and AA’s experience using open-ended questions to increase understanding. 3) Provide support and encouragement to reduce anxiety about academic concerns (offer congratulations, support a good decision, or offer supports for challenging programs such as tutoring). Sensitivity, compassion, patience and respect for confidentiality are required.

Operational Skills are required to investigate complaints from students who describe having completed a task that is identified as being incomplete (i.e., having submitted a request). Strategies include; assisting the student to complete the necessary documents, sending email to another area in the college, calling to invite others to a meeting to resolve an issue, 4) elevating the challenge to the Manager or Executive Director as appropriate. The AA uses college information systems and best practices for accessing student data and develops an organized system to categorize issues and provide follow-up,

Analytical Thinking is required to provide links to resources, reference material and policies. The AA maximizes the student experience by anticipating their needs, understanding the organizational system, and problem-solving on behalf of the student. Advisors will investigate situations to understand underlying causes, which may contribute to the current situation, and provide comprehensive information to the student. When issues are identified at a system level the advisor is responsible to forward these items to administration.

How You’ll Make An Impact

Academic Advising & Student Support

• Provide individual, group, and drop-in academic advising through in-person, phone, email, and virtual formats, supporting students with course planning, registration changes, withdrawals, GPA interpretation, and academic decision-making
• Deliver proactive support to applicants, first-year students, and at-risk students, helping them navigate academic challenges, identify success strategies, and determine appropriate academic pathways
• Coordinate and facilitate advising workshops, information sessions, and outreach initiatives based on emerging student needs, collaborating with academic and support departments as required
• Guide students through college processes and services, including referrals to specialized supports, re-admission, program progression, financial aid, pathways, PLAR, and part-time studies
  
  

Student Retention, Collaboration & Operational Support

• Identify and support at-risk students through outreach, intervention, and retention initiatives aimed at improving student success and persistence
• Maintain accurate advising records, reports, and documentation, including tracking student concerns, barriers, and outcomes in accordance with college policies
• Collaborate with faculty, academic leaders, and student service departments to address student issues, contribute to progression discussions, and support informed decision-making
• Participate in college committees, events, orientations, and student success initiatives that enhance the student experience and retention efforts
  
  

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned by academic leadership in support of student success, retention, and departmental objectives
  
  

Professional Knowledge & Development

• Maintain current knowledge of college policies, programs, services, advising practices, and student lifecycle processes to ensure accurate and effective student support
  
  

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor of Education; or a three-year post-secondary diploma/degree in a related field such as Education, Student Affairs/Services or Counselling Techniques
• Minimum of 3 years of practical experience advising students, preferably in a post-secondary educational setting. Working knowledge of student academic and personal advising theories, approaches and best practices.Good judgment and problem solving when advising students, faculty and staff; understanding of academic operations; and knowledge of college post-secondary, continuing education, and apprenticeship programs. Demonstrated experience in working with and supporting a diverse student/client population including an understanding of rules related to advising, privacy, and confidentiality
• Strong communication and writing skills; demonstrated interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively in a team environment; ability to manage multiple tasks, projects and issues at the same time
• Proficiency in/experience with business computer applications (i.e. word processing and information management software), plus Internet researching skills and basic familiarity with office procedures is required. Ability to learn and adapt to new software applications
• Knowledge or experience with case management would be an asset
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills
  
  

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to strengthen our student experience and contribute to something bigger - we’d love to hear from you. Submit your application by the specified closing date.

Fanshawe College uses Workday to manage recruitment and hiring processes.

Educational Credentials

While transcripts are not required for the interview, they are mandatory as a condition of employment.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Fanshawe College is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equity, value diversity, and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Accommodation

Fanshawe College provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, the hiring manager and the recruiter leading the recruitment will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant’s accommodation needs. Accommodation requests per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act can be emailed to: askhr@fanshawec.ca

Land Acknowledgement

Fanshawe College would like to acknowledge and honour the Anishinaabe, Lotinuhsyuní and Lenape people of southwestern Ontario as the traditional owners and custodians of the lands and waterways where Fanshawe College is located.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.