Academic Advisor & Consideration Coordinator

Reporting to the Associate Director, (Advising, Appeals and Academic Consideration), the Academic Advisor and Consideration Coordinator is responsible for providing academic advising for undergraduate students on all Faculty programs, regulations and policies, and participates as a member of the advising team of the Student Services Division of the Faculty of Arts and Science. The Academic Advisor and Consideration Coordinator also administers the policies, procedures and/or practices related to student requests for academic consideration within the Faculty of Arts and Science. The Academic Advisor and Consideration Coordinator works closely with key stakeholders [e.g., the Associate Dean (Academic), the Director, the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning), Faculty of Arts and Science academic advisors, instructors and administrators in the Departments, other Faculties and Schools] to coordinate and facilitate academic consideration requests for students facing extenuating circumstances, and liaises with Student Wellness Services and the Chaplain's Office as required to ensure the timely and professional provision of student support services.

The incumbent will ideally apply lived experience of completing a university degree while advising and supporting students.

This position acts as a first point of contact to students facing personal extenuating circumstances impacting their ability to achieve academic objectives. This position receives and reviews straightforward requests for academic considerations or student disability accommodations, identifies and reviews available options using established protocols, and ensures proper documentation. This position consults with faculty members on student's behalf regarding accommodations, and implements the accommodation plan. This position also conducts regular data analysis of accommodation requests to identify trends, concerns, or issues.


What you will do

  • Acts as a first point of contact to students facing personal extenuating circumstances impacting their ability to achieve academic objectives.
  • Receives and reviews straightforward requests for academic considerations or student disability accommodations, identifies and reviews available options using established protocols, and ensures proper documentation.
  • Consults with faculty members on student’s behalf regarding accommodations, and implements the accommodation plan.
  • Conducts regular data analysis of accommodation requests to identify trends, concerns, or issues.
  • Builds relationships with students, parents, faculty and other university departments and services to facilitate accommodation consideration requests.
  • Communicates requirements relating to policies, procedures and practices to faculty and undergraduate assistants.
  • Shares best practices, identifies opportunities to improve services, and implements changes.
  • Participates in annual recruitment activities such as prospective student visits, Ontario Universities Fair, Fall Preview, March Break Open House, and SOAR program.
  • Other duties as required in support of the department and/or unit.

Required Education

  • Three-year Community College Diploma or Three-Year Bachelor Degree, or equivalent. In addition, requires trade certification, qualification, or on-going learning to remain ahead of changes in technology or emerging fields.

Required Experience

  • More than 3 years and up to and including 5 years of experience.
    • Experience working at a post-secondary education institution considered an asset.
    • Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, standards and/or guidelines considered an asset.
    • Experience advising students considered an asset.
    • Familiarity with medical terminology considered an asset.
    • Experience working with diverse populations/equity deserving groups considered an asset.

Required Licenses and Certifications

  • Satisfactory Criminal Records Check required.
  • Vulnerable Sector Screening required.

Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Knowledge and Requirements

  • Practical and applied knowledge of specialized methods and processes that are typically acquired through a combination of technical or academic qualification and/or work experience.
  • Provide consultation and advice on non-straightforward and/or complex issues.
  • Interaction with others typically requires interpersonal skills and the ability to understand and influence.
  • Adapt messages to meet the needs of the intended audience.
  • Build relationships, trust and credibility.
  • Manage own work and may train and review the work of casual employees, work study students and/or volunteers, to see commitments through to completion.
  • Contribute to setting work priorities and direction, supporting the team in achieving goals and objectives.
  • Participate in project team meetings and develop individual project plans.
  • Lead procedural or technological change within a unit.
  • Identify new problems and seek information and input to fully understand the cause of problems.
  • Identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of work processes.
  • Draw logical conclusions and provides opinions and recommendations.
  • Research equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion resources and best practices relevant to the job and unit operations in order to inform evidence-based planning.
  • Commitment to principles of equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusion, Indigenization and human rights for equity deserving groups.