Program Advisor - Science

at  Thompson Rivers University

The Program Advisor - Science provides advice to students about education planning, academic goals and course selection. The Program Advisor – Science provides instruction on admissions and registration processes through interviews, assessment, group facilitation, both in-person and online. This position provides mandatory academic advising, including course approval, for all international students in preparation for the completion of certificate, diploma, and degree programs. The Program Advisor – Science supports and provides advice to the university’s recruitment, conversion, and retention activities.

EDUCATION:

• Four-year Undergraduate University degree; content knowledge in a scientific field is highly desirable

EXPERIENCE:

• Three (3) years’ related work experience within a post-secondary institution or related educational environment, including one-year of Educational Planning; defined as working on an individual basis with a student/client in assessing previous education, skills, and cultural background, in order, 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 prepare and deliver oral presentations
• Ability to use standard computer software packages and platforms (i.e. Microsoft Office, Excel, Student Systems such as Banner, etc.)
• Effective research, analytical, problem-solving, and planning skills
• Ability to work independently and effectively - as part of a team
• 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, high volume caseload of students
• Ability to apply knowledge of TRU policies and procedures to solve issues
• Possession of current class 5 driver’s license

• Develops education plans for students from culturally diverse backgrounds by connecting academic standing to education and/or career goals, while assessing academic and work history, factoring in life situations, multicultural context and financial resources.
• Provides mandatory advising of International and Probationary Students with responsibility for final course approval.
• Provides advice and support for developing processes related to steps of 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.
• Travels off-campus to conduct individual advising in support of TRU recruitment and applicant conversion.
• Supports transfer credit assessments for new students by consulting subject matter experts to assess course content; communicates with the Transfer Credit team; guides students through transfer credit and program applicability.
• Performs graduation audits to facilitate timely program completion with the Faculty of Science at TRU.
• Maintains the Faculty of Science transfer credit database and serves as the contact with the TRU transfer credit team.
• Stays in steady contact with TRU World and International Student Advisors; maintains 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.
• Provides training to other staff, as needed, about course and program advising and/or systems management.