Job Description

Duties:This position is part of the Faculty of Management Graduate Programs Office (GPO) at Vancouver Island University. The GPO administers a portfolio of graduate programs. The focus of the Graduate Programs (GP) Advisor is to provide support and assistance to approximately 300 graduate students regarding program requirements.The GP Advisor participates in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution. More specifically, the GP Advisor:

• provides clear and accurate information policies, deadlines, procedures as well as program entrance, progression and completion requirements;
• obtains relevant information to track student progress in order to identify broad trends and students who are either excelling or at risk of falling out of sequence;
• creates degree completion plans for students who fall out of sequence;
• meets one-on-one with students to advise and coach them towards successful program completion;
• processes graduating student documentation, advises the Records office on students\' status, and ensures final transcripts are accurate;
• refers students to Chairs, and other support services as required;
• consults with and makes recommendations to faculty, Chairs, the Associate Dean Graduate Programs, and other personnel as required to promote student success;
• works with the Registrar\'s Office, Admissions Office, Finance Office, and other appropriate departments to answer questions and resolve student issues;
• resolves problems as they arise, or recommends how problems can be resolved, by working closely with the Associate Dean, Graduate Programs;
• vets petitions for exception or academic leave before forwarding to the Associate Dean, Graduate Programs for approval; and
• assists with student recruiting as required.

Successful candidates will participate in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution.Required Qualifications:A relevant Master\'s Degree from an appropriately accredited institution. A candidate in the process of attaining their Master\'s with advising experience may be considered. Experience in administrative work with an emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail, and a strong ability to work independently without supervision. Experience in client service.

• Excellent listening, interpersonal and communication skills, both orally and written.
• Excellent critical thinking skills using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Responsiveness to diverse cultural and academic backgrounds and learning styles.
• Coordination, planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recent experience in post-secondary education advising.
• Familiarity with degree audit programs.
• Coaching experience and/or qualifications.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.Note:

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

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Vancouver Island University