Graduate Academic & International Specialist, Faculty of Graduate Studies

Description

The Dean's Office in the Faculty of Graduate Studies is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Graduate Academic & International Specialist.

The University of Calgary is a research intensive university with a focus on graduate education. Currently there are approximately 8,000 registered graduate students across 65+ programs; approximately 40% are international. The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) is the faculty of registration for all graduate students and is accountable for administration and support of graduate student affairs.

This position has day-to-day accountability to and guidance from the Associate Deans (Student Experience), while reporting to the Manager, Graduate Student & Program Support. The Graduate Academic and International Specialist works to support student success through developmental advising and support services that meet the needs of the diverse student cohorts served by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. This is a senior advising position that requires a high degree of initiative, independent decision-making and problem solving on complex issues.

Programming schedules may require some work hours outside of the normal work week.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Maintain direct contact with and advise a caseload of students including thesis- and course-based, and academically at-risk students, with particular focus on more complex cases. This includes meeting with individuals on an ongoing basis for varying advising needs such as supervisory issues, interpretation of the university calendar, degree requirements, and regulations, identification of barriers to success, goal setting and action plans for academic success.
• Employ best practices in receiving and managing highly sensitive student concerns - including student distress - with professionalism, care, and confidentiality.
• Closely monitor students to proactively identify at-risk scenarios and opportunities to develop, implement, measure and improve academic success strategies.
• Assist students in identifying progression/success obstacles as well as concrete plans to assist students in overcoming these to move forward toward degree completion. Determine barriers, distractions, and complications affecting a student's academic success, and make appropriate referrals for additional counseling and/or assistance from other units.
• Manage more complex student requests, such as retroactive leaves of absence, second (and beyond) program extensions, and complex student situations. Approve requests or refer to Associate Deans, Manager and/or Senior Director for approval where required.
• Support Associate Deans and students with policy and resource information during academic review meetings.
• Develop excellent knowledge of programming currently available for graduate students and identify any gaps.
• Work with other University partners to develop and deliver appropriate programming, including development, review and delivery of content for Graduate Orientation (GradO) as well as Grad Success Week sessions, and other programs that will support the successful completion of degree and raise the bar for a positive student experience.
• Lead the ongoing review and enhancement of the GRADTIPS program and related processes in collaboration with the Student Success Centre.
• Liaise with other units on campus to build linkages between FGS and the broader University community.
• Work closely with the Associate Deans (Student Experience), FGS functional teams, and the Manager, Student & Program Support to ensure that students are being appropriately informed and supported.
• Track student support activities, and contribute to the development and analysis of reports and statistics, which will inform planning for student support resources focusing on academically at risk and international student groups.
• Participate as a member of the FGS Exceptional Requests Review Committee (ERRC).
• Work closely with the Team Lead & Manager to ensure the student caseload is effectively triaged and distributed between all relevant staff.
• Create an environment where knowledge sharing, support, training tools, coaching and staff development ensure service levels meet or exceed expectations.
• Contribute information and expertise to the team and keep up to date on relevant current trends and developments with colleagues at other Canadian universities, professional organizations and government department and agencies.
• Represent FGS on internal and external committees and working groups as required.
   

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Minimum of a Master's degree, in a thesis-based program, PhD preferred.
• Experience with advising graduate students, including international students, and students from other under-represented groups is required, as is knowledge of University of Calgary policies, regulations and procedures related to graduate student education.
• Demonstrated success in the use of best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion when working with students from diverse populations, including indigenous, international, neurodiverse, with disabilities, etc.
• Demonstrated success in knowledge translation with evidence of the ability to collect data, using survey applications such as Qualtrics, analyze it and propose local solutions.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in managing SharePoint modules.
• Demonstrated superior strength in interpersonal communication skills, including written, oral, one on one and group.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake effective professional interactions through engaging, respecting, involving, supporting, and listening.
• Demonstrated collaborative approach, proven in building connections across units/departments.
• Familiarity and experience teaching and/or advising international students, and students from other under-represented groups.
• Strong critical thinking, judgment and decision making skills.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to establish priorities, manage multiple demands and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and with a diverse team.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative, creativity and innovation in work practices.
• A strong background and understanding in cross-cultural communication.
• Experience and knowledge in the operation of a post-secondary education environment.
• Demonstrated success in program delivery and program assessment.
• Experience or training in conflict resolution, mediation or effective communication strategies, is an asset.
   

Application Deadline:  November 21, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.