Academic Advisor (6 month contract position)

About us

Since 1936, Columbia College has offered quality educational programs, including a University Transfer Program fully integrated into the BC Transfer System, an Associate Degree Program certified by the Ministry of Advanced Education, a University Preparatory Program, and a High School Program certified by the Ministry of Education. Thousands of Canadian and international students have progressed through Columbia College's programs to Canadian universities or successful careers.

The Opportunity

Working collaboratively with faculty and departments across the College, the Academic Advisor supports student retention, persistence, and academic achievement by identifying barriers to success, connecting students with appropriate resources, and promoting student engagement. The Advisor also contributes to institutional initiatives related to enrolment management, orientation, student success programming, and policy development.

CONTRACT- WORKING HOURS:

This is a 6-month contract position with an ideal start in mid-August or September.

The roleholder will be required to work on campus from 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, with the possibility for one remote-working day at certain points in the term to be negotiated.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Advising

• Provide individualized academic advising to prospective and current students regarding educational planning, program requirements, course selection, academic regulations, graduation requirements, and institutional policies.
• Assist students in developing personalized educational plans that align with their academic, career, and personal goals.
• Interpret and communicate College policies, procedures, academic regulations, and calendar requirements accurately and consistently.
• Advise students regarding academic standing, probation, required withdrawal, appeals, and strategies for academic success.
• Support students in understanding transfer opportunities, articulation agreements, and admission requirements for further education.
• Maintain accurate advising records within the College's student information system.

Student Success and Retention

• Identify students experiencing academic or personal challenges and provide proactive outreach, coaching, and referrals to appropriate campus and community resources.
• Support student persistence and retention through early intervention strategies and ongoing case management where appropriate.
• Collaborate with faculty and Student Services staff to monitor student progress and coordinate support for students requiring additional assistance.
• Encourage student self-advocacy, resilience, and informed decision-making throughout the student lifecycle.
• Participate in institutional initiatives that enhance student engagement, belonging, and academic success.

Recruitment, Transition, and Student Engagement

• Support recruitment, admissions, enrolment, and retention initiatives by providing advising to prospective students and applicants.
• Participate in orientation programs, information sessions, open houses, workshops, and other student success initiatives.
• Develop and deliver presentations on academic planning, transfer pathways, educational planning, and College policies.
• Assist students transitioning into, through, and beyond the College by providing timely and accurate academic information.

Collaboration and Institutional Support

• Work collaboratively with other departments to provide coordinated student support.
• Build and maintain relationships with external post-secondary institutions, professional organizations, and community partners to support transfer and educational opportunities.
• Contribute to the development, review, and continuous improvement of advising practices, student resources, policies, and procedures.
• Stay current with provincial transfer agreements, post-secondary trends, student development research, and best practices in academic advising.
• Participate on committees, working groups, and College initiatives as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate

Education, Experience & Knowledge

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counselling, Social Sciences, Psychology, Student Affairs, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience providing academic advising or student services within a post-secondary institution.
• Experience interpreting academic regulations, policies, and program requirements.
• Experience supporting diverse student populations, including international students.
• Experience working with student information systems.
• Experience facilitating workshops, presentations, or student success programming is considered an asset.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and student information systems (MySIS an asset).
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.

Compensation

Columbia College offers a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience. The full-time gross salary range for this position is $64,841.95 to $75,780.32, subject to experience.

At Columbia College, we foster a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The College invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may help further diversify our Institution.