International Academic Advisor
Apply NowCompany: The University of British Columbia
Location: Vancouver, BC V5K 5J9
Description:
Staff - Non Union
Job Category
M&P - AAPS
Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Student Management, Level B
Job Title
International Academic Advisor
Department
Undergraduate Student Academic Advising | Associate Dean Students Portfolio | Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Compensation Range
$6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date
April 13, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Please include cover letter.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Description Summary
The Faculty of Land and Food Systems (LFS) international student population represents a significant portion of the undergraduate student population. In support of the Faculty s Strategic Action Plan and management of our international student enrolment, the International Academic Advisor is responsible for the development, delivery and evaluation of academic advising services and programs to support international student academic success, personal wellbeing, career preparation and retention. The International Academic Advisor also contributes directly to the development of policy and priorities of the unit as well as researches, develops and implements marketing and recruitment strategies to promote the Faculty and its programs (Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology, Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems and Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health) to prospective international students locally and abroad.
Organizational Status
The International Academic Advisor reports to the Director, Student Academic Services. The incumbent works independently, with initiative and considerable autonomy under the general supervision of the Director and, at times, the Associate Dean, Academic. The International Academic Advisor interacts and consults regularly with Student Academic Services personnel (including the Senior Academic Advisor, Aboriginal Students, Student Engagement Officer and other Academic Advisors), faculty, Program Advisors, work-study students/student volunteers, and other staff in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. In addition, when representing international undergraduate student interests and initiatives of the Faculty, the incumbent is required to work closely and collaboratively with other units across campus, including, but not limited to, the International Student Initiative (ISI), Enrolment Services (ES), Undergraduate Admissions (UA) and International Student Development (ISD). The International Academic Advisor may hire and supervise student employees, and assist in the hiring, orientation, and training of new Advisors. A wide latitude of decision-making is required.
Work Performed
Primary responsibilities are sub-divided in to five areas: 1) General, 2) Academic Advising, 3) Student Development and Retention, 4) Student Recruitment and Outreach, 5) Information Technology.
1)General:
- Participates fully in the strategic planning and evaluation of the Faculty s Student Academic Services unit by evaluating and making strategic recommendations for areas of potential improvement and growth and develops international programs, policies and initiatives to support the strategic direction of the unit.
- Contributes to the day-to-day operation of Student Academic Services through regular student advising and consultation with other staff.
- Represents LFS on UBC and external committees and at public functions, holding positions on committees and working groups focused on the strategic development of international student experiences at UBC.
- Prepares briefs and reports related to international advising services and student development initiatives, and assesses effectiveness of programming, making recommendations for the future.
- Maintains current knowledge of academic advising best practices and standards by attending and/or presenting at conferences and workshops, and maintaining membership in academic advising organizations.
- Manages special projects assigned by the Director or the Associate Dean, Academic or the Dean s Office, to accommodate for shifting priorities or objectives.
- Performs other tasks, as required, to support and development of international student advising and the operation of Student Academic Services.
2)Academic Advising:
- Advises prospective, new and current international undergraduate students; assessing and interpreting international students academic and personal goals, and identifying appropriate programs and/or support services to enhance international student success and development.
- Provides interpretation of complex University and Faculty policies, and makes recommendations for exceptions to policy, where appropriate.
- Assists and advises students with course selection to ensure they meet program, promotion, continuation and graduation requirements. Investigates and resolves complex student program/registration issues as well as discrepancies in student records; authorizes changes, where appropriate.
- Annually evaluates the academic performance of students to determine if promotion and continuation requirements have been met, and makes necessary changes to student academic records.
- Identifies students in crisis, either personal or academic, handling sensitive situations in a tactful, respective and inclusive manner. Advises on available academic options and personal support services, making referrals to appropriate campus units, including Counselling Services, Access and Diversity, Student Health Services, tutoring, and mentoring, as appropriate.
- Evaluates applications and admits students to competitive majors and minors within the Faculty (e.g.: Dietetics, Food Science, etc.), and may participate in the evaluation of Broad Based Admission (BBA) applications.
- Advises in-coming and out-going LFS students in the Go Global exchange program; this includes promotion, support/advising, and may include evaluation of candidates and coordination with the UBC Go Global office.
3)Student Development and Retention:
- Develops and implements retention strategies to ensure international undergraduate students remain within the Faculty by conducting research, recommending, developing and implementing new transition and retention projects.
- Plans, executes and evaluates events and programs designed to improve the undergraduate experience of new and continuing international students in LFS; makes recommendations for improvements.
- Actively participates in the development and implementation of orientation activities specifically designed for incoming international students, such as Jump Start, to assist international students with the cultural and academic transition to UBC.
- Manages and coordinates the annual Midterm Check-In and At Risk campaigns to identify and reach out to international students deemed to be at academic risk, providing intervention services and implementing strategies to support their academic success and improve student retention rates.
- Advises international students on career pathways and provides referrals to other appropriate campus units for further exploration (such as Centre for Student Involvement and Careers (CSI&C), Co-Operative Education (Co-Op), etc.).
4)Student Recruitment and Outreach:
- To support the Faculty s goal of increasing international undergraduate enrolment, represents the Faculty at education/career fairs locally and abroad, on-campus recruitment events targeting international students, and other liaison and outreach events for prospective high school students and counsellors, college students and counsellors, and parents.
- Develops, manages and participates in Faculty-specific outreach campaigns for admitted international students to increase their likelihood of attending LFS and UBC.
- Advises prospective international high school and post-secondary transfer students in making appropriate academic choices. Has comprehensive knowledge of admission and housing requirements, awards/financial aid and extracurricular activities for international students.
- Participates in the evaluation of international student admission applications.
- Faculty point of contact for the International Student Initiative (ISI), liaising with recruitment colleagues on an on-going basis to assess and confirm participation in on- and off-campus recruitment and yield events, as they relate to the Faculty s goals. Creates and/or contributes to planning of International Counsellor Tours, Recruiter-Advisor training, and other joint initiatives, as appropriate.
- Contributes to, interprets and applies University and Faculty admission policies related to undergraduate programs and adjudicates internal transfers and readmission.
- Determines and develops content and messaging for marketing and promotional materials (e.g.: posters, brochures, multi-media presentations, etc.), with specific messaging tailored to international student audiences.
5)Information Technology:
- Creates and maintains LFS website information for prospective and current international LFS undergraduate students, integrating the Faculty s social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, and blogs) in to communication strategies.
- Contributes to the development of University-wide student information systems and services by representing the Faculty s interests in cross-campus working groups.
- Proficient in UBC technologies that assist in communicating with, advising and serving international students in LFS (ie: Student Information Services Centre (SISC), Early Alert (EA), Online Advising Management System (OAMS), Scientia, etc.).
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Decision-making is based on a thorough knowledge of the policies and procedures of the University and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. Misinterpretation of University and Faculty policies could cause students serious difficulty in attaining their educational objectives or contribute to the ineffective operation of the Student Academic Services unit. The incumbent exercises considerable judgment and must demonstrate tact and discretion, particularly when supporting students with issues related to wellbeing and personal challenge. Consequence of error is high, and poor judgment and/or lack of cross-cultural sensitivity would compromise the students trust in the unit, the integrity of LFS programs, as well as jeopardize the reputation of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and the University, thereby affecting the ability to successfully recruit and retain international students.
Supervision Received
Reports to the Director, Student Academic Services and works independently to initiate, coordinate and carry out projects. This position contributes to the development of policy and priorities of the unit. General Faculty objectives are provided, and the incumbent must work towards implementing strategies and carrying out procedures necessary to achieve these goals; performance is reviewed in terms of the overall effectiveness of services provided and the degree to which objectives are met. In addition to the Director, the International Academic Advisor may receive guidance from the Associate Dean, Academic, and Dean s Office.
Supervision Given
The International Academic Advisor may supervise student employees and volunteers. Will be required to take responsibility for projects that are carried out by others, including faculty, staff and student volunteers who are not directly supervised by this position.
Minimum Qualifications
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.(BSAB, BSFN or BSGR preferred).Minimum of three to four years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.Experience in post-secondary advising or counselling and administration. International experience studying or working abroad is preferred. UBC experience is an asset. Exceptional interpersonal (creative, diplomatic, inter-culturally sensitive, patient, articulate etc.) skills with the ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people (from students to professionals). Possess effective conflict resolution skills.Fluency or proficiency in a language other than English is an asset.Valid Class 5 Drivers License.Good decision-making abilities - able to make thoughtful, informed, and thoroughly researched decisions.Ability to influence, persuade and work together with a variety of partners on sensitive issues. Ability to approach interactions with an awareness of sensitive issues.Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with tact and discretion.Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities. Excellent organizational, time management, administrative and event planning skills.Ability to work effectively independently (with initiative) as well as in a team environment is required.Computer experience at an intermediate level is required (e.g. MS Office, report design and writing and web design) with the willingness to learn new systems/programs. Knowledge of UBC systems (such as SISC, OAMS, etc....) Social media experience is preferred.Willingness and ability to travel (both locally and abroad) - valid passport is required.Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.Ability to manage the complexity inherent in a multi-faceted and student-centered work environment.
Job Category
M&P - AAPS
Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Student Management, Level B
Job Title
International Academic Advisor
Department
Undergraduate Student Academic Advising | Associate Dean Students Portfolio | Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Compensation Range
$6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date
April 13, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Please include cover letter.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Description Summary
The Faculty of Land and Food Systems (LFS) international student population represents a significant portion of the undergraduate student population. In support of the Faculty s Strategic Action Plan and management of our international student enrolment, the International Academic Advisor is responsible for the development, delivery and evaluation of academic advising services and programs to support international student academic success, personal wellbeing, career preparation and retention. The International Academic Advisor also contributes directly to the development of policy and priorities of the unit as well as researches, develops and implements marketing and recruitment strategies to promote the Faculty and its programs (Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology, Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems and Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health) to prospective international students locally and abroad.
Organizational Status
The International Academic Advisor reports to the Director, Student Academic Services. The incumbent works independently, with initiative and considerable autonomy under the general supervision of the Director and, at times, the Associate Dean, Academic. The International Academic Advisor interacts and consults regularly with Student Academic Services personnel (including the Senior Academic Advisor, Aboriginal Students, Student Engagement Officer and other Academic Advisors), faculty, Program Advisors, work-study students/student volunteers, and other staff in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. In addition, when representing international undergraduate student interests and initiatives of the Faculty, the incumbent is required to work closely and collaboratively with other units across campus, including, but not limited to, the International Student Initiative (ISI), Enrolment Services (ES), Undergraduate Admissions (UA) and International Student Development (ISD). The International Academic Advisor may hire and supervise student employees, and assist in the hiring, orientation, and training of new Advisors. A wide latitude of decision-making is required.
Work Performed
Primary responsibilities are sub-divided in to five areas: 1) General, 2) Academic Advising, 3) Student Development and Retention, 4) Student Recruitment and Outreach, 5) Information Technology.
1)General:
- Participates fully in the strategic planning and evaluation of the Faculty s Student Academic Services unit by evaluating and making strategic recommendations for areas of potential improvement and growth and develops international programs, policies and initiatives to support the strategic direction of the unit.
- Contributes to the day-to-day operation of Student Academic Services through regular student advising and consultation with other staff.
- Represents LFS on UBC and external committees and at public functions, holding positions on committees and working groups focused on the strategic development of international student experiences at UBC.
- Prepares briefs and reports related to international advising services and student development initiatives, and assesses effectiveness of programming, making recommendations for the future.
- Maintains current knowledge of academic advising best practices and standards by attending and/or presenting at conferences and workshops, and maintaining membership in academic advising organizations.
- Manages special projects assigned by the Director or the Associate Dean, Academic or the Dean s Office, to accommodate for shifting priorities or objectives.
- Performs other tasks, as required, to support and development of international student advising and the operation of Student Academic Services.
2)Academic Advising:
- Advises prospective, new and current international undergraduate students; assessing and interpreting international students academic and personal goals, and identifying appropriate programs and/or support services to enhance international student success and development.
- Provides interpretation of complex University and Faculty policies, and makes recommendations for exceptions to policy, where appropriate.
- Assists and advises students with course selection to ensure they meet program, promotion, continuation and graduation requirements. Investigates and resolves complex student program/registration issues as well as discrepancies in student records; authorizes changes, where appropriate.
- Annually evaluates the academic performance of students to determine if promotion and continuation requirements have been met, and makes necessary changes to student academic records.
- Identifies students in crisis, either personal or academic, handling sensitive situations in a tactful, respective and inclusive manner. Advises on available academic options and personal support services, making referrals to appropriate campus units, including Counselling Services, Access and Diversity, Student Health Services, tutoring, and mentoring, as appropriate.
- Evaluates applications and admits students to competitive majors and minors within the Faculty (e.g.: Dietetics, Food Science, etc.), and may participate in the evaluation of Broad Based Admission (BBA) applications.
- Advises in-coming and out-going LFS students in the Go Global exchange program; this includes promotion, support/advising, and may include evaluation of candidates and coordination with the UBC Go Global office.
3)Student Development and Retention:
- Develops and implements retention strategies to ensure international undergraduate students remain within the Faculty by conducting research, recommending, developing and implementing new transition and retention projects.
- Plans, executes and evaluates events and programs designed to improve the undergraduate experience of new and continuing international students in LFS; makes recommendations for improvements.
- Actively participates in the development and implementation of orientation activities specifically designed for incoming international students, such as Jump Start, to assist international students with the cultural and academic transition to UBC.
- Manages and coordinates the annual Midterm Check-In and At Risk campaigns to identify and reach out to international students deemed to be at academic risk, providing intervention services and implementing strategies to support their academic success and improve student retention rates.
- Advises international students on career pathways and provides referrals to other appropriate campus units for further exploration (such as Centre for Student Involvement and Careers (CSI&C), Co-Operative Education (Co-Op), etc.).
4)Student Recruitment and Outreach:
- To support the Faculty s goal of increasing international undergraduate enrolment, represents the Faculty at education/career fairs locally and abroad, on-campus recruitment events targeting international students, and other liaison and outreach events for prospective high school students and counsellors, college students and counsellors, and parents.
- Develops, manages and participates in Faculty-specific outreach campaigns for admitted international students to increase their likelihood of attending LFS and UBC.
- Advises prospective international high school and post-secondary transfer students in making appropriate academic choices. Has comprehensive knowledge of admission and housing requirements, awards/financial aid and extracurricular activities for international students.
- Participates in the evaluation of international student admission applications.
- Faculty point of contact for the International Student Initiative (ISI), liaising with recruitment colleagues on an on-going basis to assess and confirm participation in on- and off-campus recruitment and yield events, as they relate to the Faculty s goals. Creates and/or contributes to planning of International Counsellor Tours, Recruiter-Advisor training, and other joint initiatives, as appropriate.
- Contributes to, interprets and applies University and Faculty admission policies related to undergraduate programs and adjudicates internal transfers and readmission.
- Determines and develops content and messaging for marketing and promotional materials (e.g.: posters, brochures, multi-media presentations, etc.), with specific messaging tailored to international student audiences.
5)Information Technology:
- Creates and maintains LFS website information for prospective and current international LFS undergraduate students, integrating the Faculty s social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, and blogs) in to communication strategies.
- Contributes to the development of University-wide student information systems and services by representing the Faculty s interests in cross-campus working groups.
- Proficient in UBC technologies that assist in communicating with, advising and serving international students in LFS (ie: Student Information Services Centre (SISC), Early Alert (EA), Online Advising Management System (OAMS), Scientia, etc.).
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Decision-making is based on a thorough knowledge of the policies and procedures of the University and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. Misinterpretation of University and Faculty policies could cause students serious difficulty in attaining their educational objectives or contribute to the ineffective operation of the Student Academic Services unit. The incumbent exercises considerable judgment and must demonstrate tact and discretion, particularly when supporting students with issues related to wellbeing and personal challenge. Consequence of error is high, and poor judgment and/or lack of cross-cultural sensitivity would compromise the students trust in the unit, the integrity of LFS programs, as well as jeopardize the reputation of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and the University, thereby affecting the ability to successfully recruit and retain international students.
Supervision Received
Reports to the Director, Student Academic Services and works independently to initiate, coordinate and carry out projects. This position contributes to the development of policy and priorities of the unit. General Faculty objectives are provided, and the incumbent must work towards implementing strategies and carrying out procedures necessary to achieve these goals; performance is reviewed in terms of the overall effectiveness of services provided and the degree to which objectives are met. In addition to the Director, the International Academic Advisor may receive guidance from the Associate Dean, Academic, and Dean s Office.
Supervision Given
The International Academic Advisor may supervise student employees and volunteers. Will be required to take responsibility for projects that are carried out by others, including faculty, staff and student volunteers who are not directly supervised by this position.
Minimum Qualifications
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.(BSAB, BSFN or BSGR preferred).Minimum of three to four years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.Experience in post-secondary advising or counselling and administration. International experience studying or working abroad is preferred. UBC experience is an asset. Exceptional interpersonal (creative, diplomatic, inter-culturally sensitive, patient, articulate etc.) skills with the ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people (from students to professionals). Possess effective conflict resolution skills.Fluency or proficiency in a language other than English is an asset.Valid Class 5 Drivers License.Good decision-making abilities - able to make thoughtful, informed, and thoroughly researched decisions.Ability to influence, persuade and work together with a variety of partners on sensitive issues. Ability to approach interactions with an awareness of sensitive issues.Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with tact and discretion.Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities. Excellent organizational, time management, administrative and event planning skills.Ability to work effectively independently (with initiative) as well as in a team environment is required.Computer experience at an intermediate level is required (e.g. MS Office, report design and writing and web design) with the willingness to learn new systems/programs. Knowledge of UBC systems (such as SISC, OAMS, etc....) Social media experience is preferred.Willingness and ability to travel (both locally and abroad) - valid passport is required.Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.Ability to manage the complexity inherent in a multi-faceted and student-centered work environment.