ABOUT WESTERN

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the “Western Experience” - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

ABOUT US

Student Experience (SE) fosters equitable learning environments in which all students can thrive to their full potential. Through our commitment to integrating research, theory, and practice across all of the programs, resources, and supports we provide, Student Experience leads an ecosystem of people, places, and spaces that empower student thriving. Our vision is for all Mustangs to discover their personalized pathway through Western’s rich, holistic learning environment; engage in brave conversations with our diverse community on and off campus, and develop the courage to be uncomfortable without fear of failure in order to thrive throughout their degree and after graduation

Key Goals of the Unit:

• To provide tailored, comprehensive supports within inclusive spaces in which studentsbecome critically-engaged, self-determined learners
• To help students discover and develop their strengths, establish their academic identity, engage in leadership and learning opportunities, and build the confidence and the competence they need to thrive
• To support students’ academic, personal, and professional growth through Accessible Education; Learning Development & Success; Transition, Leadership & Enrichment; and the Writing Support Centre
• To help students navigate academic and life transitions, remove barriers to full participation in all aspects of campus life, and contribute to the retention of Western students
• To offer strengths-based programs and supports that are individualized and that support the entire Western community from prospective students through to postdoctoral scholars and faculty
• To help students create a university experience that helps them thrive

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES

• Understanding of community engagement and leadership development theory, principles and best practices
• Strong commitment to enhancing student services and programs, with skills in needs assessment, evaluation and continuous improvement
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Effective listening, observation and facilitation skills to effectively support students in one-on-one and group settings and provide appropriate consultation
• Proven ability to provide supervision and training
• Verbal communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner, and adapt communication style to suit the situation and audience
• Ability to apply creativity, innovation and resourcefulness to daily work
• Ability to understand customer needs and expectations and provide excellent service to directly and indirectly satisfy expectations
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Commitment to ongoing professional development with a desire to take on new challenges
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations of students
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s events and activities
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to investigate defined issues, solicit input, and suggest remedies and alternative approaches that meet the needs of the situation
• Project management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and perform well under pressure

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree, in Business Management/Administration preferred

Experience:

• Experience supporting the development and delivery of programs and services
• Experience providing administrative support and coordination in a large complex organization
• Experience in a higher education institution; experience with academic policies and cedures

• Designs, delivers, manages and evaluates large programs offered by Student Experience, as assigned (e.g. Society of Off-Campus Students, Faculty Soph Program, Leadership Education Program (LEP), etc.)
• Maintains and enhances the curriculum of programs and workshops to engage students and enhance their overall student life at Western
• Develops strategies to address the programming needs of students that support transitions, provide academic supports and facilitate the development of various competencies (e.g. strengths-based programming, leadership development)
• Participates in the continual improvement of programs and workshops to best support the needs of Western’s diverse Undergraduate population
• Assesses feedback, and prepares related reports and analytics to guide decision making
• Coordinates the scheduling, administrative and logistical functions of programs
• Promotes programming and participates in the design and dissemination of marketing materials
• Manages a programming budget of $22,000, in collaboration with the Associate Director and Orientation campus partners
• Coordinates the recruitment, training, assessment and performance evaluation of student volunteers (approximately 1000) for various programs (e.g. Faculty Soph Program, Society of Off Campus Students, Fall Orientation) o Approves event programming and logistics as part of the Orientation Operations team and participates in risk assessment of events and activities
• Ensures event planning and logistics is in line with larger Student Experience missions and objectives
• Coaches student volunteers/mentors on event development and implementation
• Provides support for students in distress, referring to campus and community supports as appropriate
• Collaborates with Housing colleagues to ensure that similar approaches for programming and support are available for off campus students
• Provides letters of support for academic appeals, letters of reference for volunteers, and advocates on behalf of students as appropriate
• Participates as an active member on various University committees and helps to implement the long term focus and strategies of various campus-wide programs (e.g. Fall orientation, Summer Academic Orientation)
• Supports the Summer Academic Orientation program implementation, such as assisting students in establishing their academic goals and objectives, facilitating training for student leaders, maintaining accurate records and conducting information sessions
• Provides a consistent point of contact for information regarding policies, procedures and processes related to the programs
• Establishes partnerships and collaborates with campus partners to promote opportunities
• Engages in ongoing professional development, and researches and implements best practices for increasing engagement and for program development