Program Advisor, Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics

at  Thompson Rivers University

Provides advice to students with respect to education planning, academic goals and course selection. Provides instruction on admissions and registration processes to current and prospective students through interviews, assessment, on-line and group facilitation. Provides mandatory academic advising, including course approval, for all International students in preparation for the completion of certificate, diploma and degree programs. Supports and provides advice to the university’s recruitment, conversion and retention activities.

EDUCATION:

• Four-year Undergraduate University degree

EXPERIENCE:

• Three (3) years’ related work experience within a post-secondary institution or related educational environment, including one-year of Educational Planning, as defined by working on an individual basis with a student/client assessing previous education, skills, cultural background, to identify future goals, aspirations, and needs, while being accountable for the development of an individualized educational strategy for that student/client

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITIES RELATED TO THE JOB

• Ability to communicate effectively to a culturally diverse audience, both verbally and in writing, including strong interviewing, listening and interpreting skills
• Ability to use multiple computer software packages (i.e. Microsoft Office)
• Effective research, analytical, problem-solving and planning skills
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
• Ability to prepare and deliver oral presentations
• Hold current B.C. class 5 drivers license
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines, maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work well under pressure and to manage a complex and high student volume
• Ability to apply knowledge of TRU policies and procedures to problem solve day to day issues

• Develops education plans for students from culturally diverse backgrounds connecting academic standing to education or career goals, while assessing academic and work history, factoring in life, multicultural experience and financial resources.
• Provides mandatory advising of International and Probationary Students with responsibility for final course approval.
• Provides advice and support for developing processes for application, registration and time-tabling.
• Identifies at risk students, either academically or personally, develops action plans, provides appropriate retention strategies and advocates on behalf of students.
• Researches, verifies and applies detailed knowledge of educational programs, services and transfer agreements established by TRU and other post-secondary institutions for incoming and transfer students.
• Provides advice and support to the university’s recruitment, conversion and retention activities.
• Develops, promotes and presents orientations and workshops, both in person and through web-based technology.
• Establishes and maintains liaison and referral services with educational institutions, professional and community organizations, and other TRU departments.
• Responds to a variety of internal requests from faculty and administration for consultation regarding new programs, courses, and institutional policies.
• Participates on institutional committees.
• Travel off-campus to conduct individual advising in support of TRU recruitment and applicant conversion.
• Processes transfer credit assessments for new students by consulting subject matter experts to assess course content; communicates with the Transfer Credit team; guides students as to transfer credit course program applicability.
• Performs graduation audits to facilitate timely program completion for TRU Gaglardi students.
• Maintains the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics transfer credit database and serves as the contact with the TRU transfer credit team.
• In constant contact with TRU World and ISAs; must maintain accurate and updated knowledge of study permits for international students and projected enrolment and student numbers.
• Approves and prepares letters of permission for program students to take non-TRU courses.
• May provide training to other staff relating to course and program advising and/or systems management.