DIRECTOR, ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND BIORESOURCES

Primary Purpose: The Director of Academic and Student Affairs provides leadership and expertise in the strategic development and management of services that enhance and support the student experience. In addition, this position provides expertise and advice to the college’s senior management (dean, associate deans) in the formulation of policies and procedures regarding student affairs. The director implements and manages projects related to academic programs management.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Associate Dean (Academic), the Director works closely with college leadership to collaboratively engage students, faculty, department heads, central resources, and other university units to accomplish the college teaching and learning mission. The position is responsible for the efficient administration of six undergraduate degree programs, four diploma programs, four certificate programs, and provides support for academic oversight of non-credit programs. The Director is a resource to college faculty and students, and a liaison with administrative units within the Teaching, Learning, and Student Experience portfolio, as well as counterparts in other colleges and institutions. In addition to working collaboratively with college and university colleagues, the Director establishes working relationships with industry and partner groups outside of the university, as well as supports college actions toward Indigenization and Reconciliation.
The work is unstructured and involves a high volume of work, complex problems, tight deadlines and a need for accuracy. This position requires discretion, a high level of integrity and independent judgement. The Director must deal with emerging and unpredictable events in a sensitive and timely manner. The position requires a commitment to accountability, a high standard of service and continuous improvement.
The Director makes creative decisions on a variety of issues and exercises discretionary decision making which impacts academic decision-making, individual students and policy development. Working conditions can be stressful given the high volume of work, the complex and sensitive nature of problems, tight deadlines and the need for accuracy and creativity.
The Director is responsible for the supervision of the Recruitment and Advising Officer, the Academic Program Advisor, and the Academic Program Assistant.

ENHANCING STUDENT EXPERIENCE:

• Ensure guidance and support to a diverse student population: Responsive to their academic needs, facilitates the pursuit of their educational goals and works to ensure a positive university experience.
• Plan, develop and implement initiatives and projects to effectively support student success and retention. This includes developing and maintaining advising practices and policies, and proactively encouraging, supporting and empowering all students to assume responsibility for their education.
• A first contact for students and faculty seeking help for students in distress; a liaison to Student Affairs and Outreach, Student Wellness Centre, and Access and Equity Services.
• Ensure accuracy of faculty advising and conformity of academic programs, providing support and training as appropriate; provide direct student advising to support to college advising team when necessary;
• Establish collaborative and mutually beneficial working relationships with student organizations;
• Foster activities that support student participation in experiential and exchange programs within the college and university;
• Implement information gathering on the student experience through surveys, and develop reports and recommendations based on gathered information;
• Manage projects that enhance the student experience, and work as a member of college project teams.