Academic Advisor, Schulich School of Engineering

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary, Schulich School of Engineering, seeks a Full-time Limited Term Academic Advisor for approximately 12 months. The role supports over 4,500 undergraduates, 2,000 graduates, and 220 faculty, providing comprehensive advising and facilitating degree progression.

Reporting to the Manager, Advising in the Engineering Student Centre, the advisor will manage a high-volume workload, build student success plans, and collaborate with faculty and campus partners to ensure timely

Qualifications

• A four-year undergraduate bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum 2-3 years of academic advising experience within a university setting.
• Experience in student services, program administration, or a related post-secondary environment.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, analytical, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands.
• Proven knowledge of undergraduate academic regulations, policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising to prospective, continuing, and graduating undergraduate and graduate students.
• Resolve complex registration and enrolment issues for continuing students while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Monitor student progress toward degree completion, including standing, scholarships, and program placement.
• Respond to high volumes of inquiries via email, virtual and in-person formats.
• Develop and support alternate degree progression plans for accommodations.
• Collaborate with Program Directors, Associate Deans, and academic departments on student affairs.
• Maintain accurate, confidential student records per university policies.
• Support graduation processes including degree audits and convocation preparations.
• Coordinate and administer student support initiatives and academic processes.
• Prepare communications related to student affairs, advising, and deadlines.

Skills

Strong organizational

Problem solving

Analytical

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Student advising

Verbal communication

Written communication

Active listening

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

PeopleSoft

Banner

SharePoint

Power BI

Qualtrics

CRM systems

WaitWell

Job description

Description

Schulich School of Engineering is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Academic Advisor for approximately 12 months.

The Engineering Student Centre provides a wide range of services to more than 4,500 undergraduate students, 2,000 graduate students and over 220 faculty members, as well as prospective students and other visitors including industry professionals.

This ESC relies heavily on teamwork to complete important academic processes and meet very tight deadlines and focuses on the following: providing empathetic and quality advice and service to students; maintaining essential records relating to students and programs; facilitating smooth operation of the undergraduate programs within the Schulich School of Engineering (SSE). The responsibilities of this position include providing comprehensive academic advising to prospective, current, and new students, supporting their academic success through informed guidance on program requirements, course selection, institutional policies, and available resources. The Academic Advisor fosters student engagement and persistence by assisting students in developing educational plans, addressing academic challenges, and connecting them with appropriate campus supports and services.

The Engineering Student Centre deals with all related issues from admission to convocation, including the annual student performance review, program placement, award selection, and approval of the convocation list. The school currently admits approximately 1000 students to the first-year program and graduates 800 each year. The students participate in a broad range of academic activities in ten-degree programs.

Proper time management is essential, as the position involves managing multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and a high-volume workload within a dynamic and evolving environment. Strong teamwork, collaboration, communication, and a service-oriented approach are critical to success. The incumbent is expected to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision, exercise sound judgment, and take responsibility for ensuring the accuracy and quality of their work.

Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy is required, as errors may have significant impacts on student's academic record, progression, and overall academic experience.

This position reports to the Manager, Advising in the Engineering Student Centre and is 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Flexibility in scheduling may be required during peak periods and to support strategic initiatives. Occasional evening and weekend work may also be required.

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

• Provide comprehensive academic advising to prospective, continuing, and graduating undergraduate and graduate students, interpreting program requirements, academic regulations, policies, and procedures while considering individual student circumstances.
• Resolve a wide range of complex registration and enrolment issues for continuing students, ensuring adherence to Faculty and University regulations while supporting student success.
• Monitor student progress toward degree completion, including academic standing, probation, requirement to withdraw, unsuccessful second attempts, grade changes, program placement, scholarships and awards, and related academic review processes.
• Respond to a high volume of email, virtual, and in-person inquiries from prospective and current students, collaborating with other Advisors to ensure timely, accurate, and student-centered service, particularly during peak advising periods.
• Develop and support alternate degree progression plans for students requiring accommodations, including varsity athletes, exchange students, visiting students, open studies students, and students registered with Student Accessibility Services.
• Collaborate with Program Directors, Associate Deans, academic departments, and other campus partners on all aspects of student affairs, from admission and registration through to graduation and convocation.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential student records in accordance with university policies and legislative requirements.
• Support graduation processes, including degree audits, verification of program requirements, and preparation and submission of graduation approvals.
• Coordinate and administer student support initiatives and academic processes, including the Academic Turnaround Program (ATP), supplemental examinations, deferred examinations, grade reappraisals, and related activities.
• Prepare and distribute communications related to student affairs, academic advising, registration, deadlines, policies, procedures, and program updates.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze reports using institutional systems and reporting tools such as PeopleSoft Query and Power BI to support operational planning, enrolment management, and decision-making.
• Provide analysis and recommendations to Associate Deans, Program Directors, and Faculty leadership regarding student progression, enrolment trends, course planning, and undergraduate program operations.
• Assist with student support activities during peak periods and as operational requirements require.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of advising practices, student support services, and operational processes within the faculty.

Project Support and Coordination 25%

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of administrative processes, procedures, and guidelines, including reporting processes related to student progression and degree completion.
• Maintain, update, and enhance the Engineering Student Centre webpages and D2L resources, ensuring students have access to accurate, current, and comprehensive information regarding academic requirements, policies, procedures, deadlines, and support services.
• Support Faculty recruitment, engagement, and student success initiatives by participating in events such as Open House, You at UCalgary, Orientation, Capstone Design Fair, and other Faculty events.
• Coordinate and support activities related to graduation and convocation, including the APEGA Iron Ring Ceremony.
• Support program placement processes, including data management, administration, student communications, and placement into programs, majors, and minors.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and documentation to support Faculty operations, academic processes, and student success initiatives.
• Contribute to special projects, committees, and operational initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required to support Faculty and departmental operations.
• Monitor and analyze trends related to student scheduling, registration, and academic progression, and collaborate with academic departments to identify and implement solutions.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A four-year undergraduate bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum 2-3 years of academic advising experience within a university setting.
• Experience in student services, program administration, or a related post-secondary environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of undergraduate academic regulations, policies, procedures, and program requirements within a university setting.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, analytical, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands.
• Proven ability to manage data tracking, records management, file organization, report preparation, and data analysis with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal and student advising skills, including active listening, conflict resolution, diplomacy, empathy, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex or challenging situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to triage inquiries, prepare professional correspondence, and communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to acquire, interpret, apply, and communicate large volumes of detailed information accurately and consistently.
• Proven ability to exercise initiative, sound judgment, and effective decision-making while working independently and collaboratively within a complex and dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to achieve program and student success objectives.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating and contributing to a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for students.
• Strong professionalism, discretion, and ethical judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Experience with student information systems and technology platforms such as PeopleSoft, Banner, SharePoint, Power BI, Qualtrics, CRM systems, and WaitWell is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), the Access to Information Act (ATIA), and best practices related to privacy, confidentiality, records management, and information handling in a post-secondary environment.

Application Deadline:

October 12, 2026

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 2.

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 ii' taa'poh'to'p 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.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

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 Institutional Commitments ([e-mail]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([e-mail]).

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.