Undergraduate Program Advisor (Practicums), Faculty of Kinesiology

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

Position Overview

The Faculty of Kinesiology is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Undergraduate Program Advisor.

Reporting to the Associate Dean Academic and the Dean, this position is an integral part of the Undergraduate Student Advising Office.

The Undergraduate Program Advisor is responsible for the successful development of undergraduate practicum placements, connecting with employers to develop and maintain practicum placements, and ensuring policies and procedures are followed. The Advisor is responsible for providing accurate information and guidance based on a high level of expertise with respect to procedures, policies, and regulations related to student admissions, registration, and progression through degree programs to graduation in relationship to the practicums. The advisor also provides assistance to students in terms of academic advising. This position has a high degree of complexity, high stress, large impact of error and is fundamental to the Faculty of Kinesiology Undergraduate Program.

The successful candidate will:

• Work independently and with minimal supervision on the day-to-day operation of the practicum program while providing accurate and timely academic advising to students, and support to the Associate Dean (Academic), faculty members, and other members of the advising team
• Seek out diverse practicum opportunities that reflect the range of occupations available to those with a degree in Kinesiology
• Ensure all established procedures, rules, regulations, and policies are met as set by the university and the faculty, and provide an efficient, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for students
• Provide current practicum students with information about academic requirements, assist students in clarifying interests, aptitudes, goals, decision-making skills, monitor academic performance, intervene with students in academic difficulty, maintain academic records, and review progress towards graduation, all in relationship to the practicums
• Support prospective practicum students by providing information, education, guidance, and academic advising, thus ensuring interested students have a clear plan in place for progression and success
• Support other members of the advising team with ongoing initiatives and special events, such as information sessions (virtual and/or in-person)
• Provide guidance and support to the Kinesiology Students’ Society (KSS) on an ongoing basis and in conjunction with the Associate Dean (Academic)

This position requires discretionary decision-making, based on sound judgment within the prescribed policies and guidelines of the university and Faculty of Kinesiology. High volume and diversity of work is driven by numerous deadlines and shifting priorities, requiring the management of competing interests with a satisfactory outcome for all involved. Peak periods vary with deadlines occurring regularly throughout the year.

Position Description

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

• Initiate and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with prospective practicum placements on campus and in the community
• Create practicum postings following University processes and regulations
• Meet and collaborate with key potential employers in order to foster positive working relationships resulting in practicum opportunities for undergraduate Kinesiology students
• Provide input into and influence University policy, procedures, and plans that impact practicum courses in the Faculty of Kinesiology
• Support the faculty member responsible for the learning and critical reflection of the practicum students and all aspects of administration related to practicum set-up, enrolment
• Arrange, facilitate, and promote career development workshops, Practicum and Work Term Orientation and Summary Sessions, career-related events and information sessions
• Liaise between Associate Dean Academic, the Dean, the faculty member responsible for learning within the practicums, and the practicum students with regard to Faculty of Kinesiology policies and decisions; keep current on all policies, procedures, requirements, and deadlines and communicate these to students and faculty
• Acting as a resource for faculty members and staff with regard to student practicums, including communicating and helping to address students’ concerns
• Handle all day-to-day advising and information requests in person, via email, or phone
• Communicate regularly with the Team Lead of Undergraduate advising, sharing ideas and advice in relation to overall undergraduate matters as well as practicum-specific issues and ideas
• Monitor and maintain student files and records ensuring that all deadlines and requirements are met within the practicum
• Maintain all records, files, databases, and online programs relative to the practicums
• Flexibility to represent the faculty at various events and sessions outside normal working hours
• As the Faculty’s point of contact, liaise with the Kinesiology Students’ Society (KSS), in conjunction with the Associate Dean Academic, on KSS initiatives and events

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in a health and exercise related field, such as Kinesiology, Health Sciences, or Social Work, is required
• Five years of progressive student academic advisory experience in a post-secondary environment at the University of Calgary and a minimum of 6 months practicum placement experience is required
• A high level of communication, team, and customer service skills is required including but not limited to excellent organizational and time management skills, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong knowledge of University of Calgary and Faculty of Kinesiology undergraduate regulations, policies, and procedures is required, along with excellent knowledge of Kinesiology undergraduate degree programs
• A minimum of two-years’ experience with PeopleSoft, Synergize, and Academic Requirements is required
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) are required; familiarity with Zoom and MSTeams is considered an asset
• Must be able to interact in a respectful, professional, and friendly way with diverse students, faculty members, coworkers, and practicum placement organizations, as well as the general public
• Teamwork and ability to liaise with other departments within the University is crucial
• Previous work experience with the Faculty of Kinesiology will be considered an asset

Application Deadline:  November 28, 2022

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.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website . For more information visit Careers in the Faculty of Kinesiology .

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High , 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] ).

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