Advisor, Bachelor of Arts Degree

Duties:

All duties in Bachelor of Arts Advising, including:

• assessing students' educational needs and career goals, and assisting them in choosing appropriate paths to attaining these; providing students with clear and accurate information about BA degree entrance, progress and completion requirements;
• maintaining a thorough and up-to-date understanding of transfer requirements and academic agreements between VIU and other post-secondary institutions;
• using the degree audit system (GPS) to track students' progress in their programs, and to assist them in completing their programs successfully;
• authorizing Letters of Permission for students wishing to take courses elsewhere, and initiating Request for Transfer Credit forms;
• processing all graduating student documentation, determining graduation standing, advising the Records office on students' status, and ensuring that final transcripts accurately reflect all courses and credits used for the BA degree;
• maintaining advising statistics;
• referring students to Chairs, other Degree Advisors, the Advising Centre and other support services as required;
• consulting with and making recommendations to Chairs, Deans, and other personnel as required to promote student success;
• representing BA Advising in the development of BA programs at VIU through liaison with departments and by sharing a seat on the Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities Faculty Councils.

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:

Master's Degree from an appropriately accredited institution, with relevance to areas represented in Bachelor of Arts programs.
Experience in administrative work with an emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail, and a strong ability to work independently without supervision.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both orally and written.
• Demonstrated interest in assisting students.
• Ability to work productively both independently and as part of a team.
• Responsiveness to diverse cultural and academic backgrounds and learning styles.
• Proficiency in relevant information technology applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recent successful experience in post-secondary education advising.
• Familiarity with degree audit programs.
• Detailed understanding of, familiarity with and experience in the BA program at VIU.

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.