Job Description

Academic Advisor - Biomedical Sciences

The Biomedical Sciences (BMSC) is the foundation of knowledge and discovery that improves patient care. The Biomedical Sciences Undergraduate Program is a partnership between the Arts and Science and the College of Medicine. The BMSC programs include majors in Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology; Cellular, Physiological and Pharmacological Sciences; and Biomedical Neuroscience. One thousand students are approximately enrolled in the BMSC program.

Primary Purpose: This position provides academic program specialist support to the to the BMSC Department Heads, undergraduate committee and academic leaders and supports everything needed to run a successful academic program. The position also functions as the advisor to all the current and prospective students of the BMSC programs. In pursuit of these aims, the Academic Officer will participate in planning and implementing of an annual course offering, advise on and update internal policies, participate in the student career fairs, and provide academic advising and administrative support for current and prospective students.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Manager of Finance and Administration, Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, the Academic Program and Advising Officer collaborates with the BMSC undergraduate chairs and participates in the annual course offering by sharing valuable insight and information obtained through student interactions and various events such as declare major and course override activities. This position works closely with prospective students in the application stage and is responsible for activities promoting the conversion of applicants to registered students. Using a developmental advising model, the advisor will work with current students to choose a major and to promote their effective use of Degree Works and other university supports and tools available to them, such as the Course and Program Catalogue and Career Services, so that students can gather the information they need to make their own decisions. Responsibilities also include planning student information events, and group and individual advising events. The advisor works collaboratively with the Arts and Sciences advising office and follows University and A&S academic policies.

This position performs administrative functions related to undergraduate student services including, but not limited to, processing course overrides, program changes, and major/minor declarations; maintaining and updating student records on DegreeWorks; maintaining and updating student files; sending communications to students via PAWS; overseeing class build and convocation as required.

The individual in this position must demonstrate an ability to build professional relationships with a cross-section of administrators, faculty, students and external stakeholders. Working in a complex environment, the position requires discretion, tact, professionalism and a commitment to continuous improvement. Requires time management, attention to detail, the ability to understand and accurately communicate college academic programs, and the need to prioritize to meet deadlines. The position work independently to manage responsibilities, and has an opportunity for mentorship from the A&S advising office and the BMSC faculty leaders. The position focuses on future planning and long-term goal achievement.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Accountabilities:

• Participate in various academic program committees to bring forward valuable information, including student course feedback course registration interests, to enhance annual course planning and offering.
• Work with BMSC key stakeholders to plan and coordinate recruitment events, campus-wide (Open House, Orientation).
• Liaise with the external community and educators to communicate college programs.
• Develop and distribute communication messages to students, via email, website and other USask communication channels.
• Coordinate departmental participation in recruitment and promotional events.
• Propose and update internal academic policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance to faculty leaders on issues, policies, regulations and processes that have a direct impact on students and the academic program.
• Support student experience by liaising with student groups.
• Accurate communication of university and BMSC programs regulations and requirements and academic policies, including admission requirements, course selection, major selection, academic counselling, prerequisite checking, schedules, funding and scholarships.
• Timely and effective communication with student and parents seeking registration and program assistance.
• Support students as they resolve student issues, making necessary referrals to link students with existing campus services, and working with students experiencing academic difficulty to develop student action plans for success.
• Encourage and empower students to assume responsibility for their academic career.
• Effectively identify, participate in, adopt, implement and monitor best practice student life, advising services and supports.
• Collaborate with the administration team during course build, course overrides share annual course plans and changes to enchance academic administration activities.
• Model a high standard of performance and outcomes; ensure positive, diverse and respectful work environments.
• Maintain a commitment to professional participation and development.

Education and Experience: A university degree is required. Three years of related academic advising experience or other relevant teaching, mentoring or social program work is required. Must have demonstrated experience in program management. Knowledge of USask student support services.

Skills: Excellent interpersonal communication, presentation and listening skills; must possess the aptitude to plan strategically, in consultation with others; effective planning and organizational skills; must be flexible and responsive to an evolving and dynamic work place; proactive, persuasive, versatile and self-directed; ability to build collaborative relationships and facilitate within groups; ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. The work requires creativity, collaboration, issues management, strong initiative and follow-through. A keen interest to mentor and encourage other to achieve their goals.

Department: Biomedical Sciences Departments
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $49,301.00 - 77,033.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 9/7/2023
Closing Date: 9/21/2023 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where \'Yes\' is indicated below. Further information is available at:

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver\'s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan\'s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the M\xc3\xa9tis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and M\xc3\xa9tis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

University of Saskatchewan