Program Governance and Policy Specialist

University of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Job summary

The University of Alberta is seeking a Program Governance & Policy Specialist to provide high-level support for Undergraduate Student Services operations, including calendar changes for the Faculty of Arts and managing academic standing and grade appeals. The role reports to the Senior Officer, Student Programs & Services.

You will coordinate with Associate Deans and the Student Advising team, contribute to committee work, policy development, and special projects within an engaging university

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• - 1–3 years experience in a post-secondary institution is an asset.
• - Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• - Excellent editing and proofreading abilities.

Responsibilities

• Consult and educate departments on requirements for calendar changes.
• - Provide administrative support to Academic Affairs Committee and related bodies.
• - Review calendar and program changes for clarity, accuracy, and consistency.
• - Support senior leaders and committees in policy development and special projects.
• - Manage communications with committee chairs and members.

Skills

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Problem solving

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office

Google Suite

Databases

PeopleSoft Campus Solutions

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Job Description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

Job Description

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus, Edmonton.

Reporting to the Senior Officer, Student Programs & Services, the Program Governance & Policy Specialist is responsible for providing high-level support to the operations of the Undergraduate Student Services (USS) office.

This includes being responsible for supporting the approval processes revolving around creating, receiving, submitting, and tracking all calendar (course, program, and regulation) changes submitted for the Faculty of Arts; lead the faculties academic standing and academic and grade appeals processes; provide administrative support to the running of the Academic Affairs Committee, Academic and Grade Appeals Committee, Arts Committee on the Learning Environment, and the Undergraduate Programs Committee; provide strategic support, as needed, for the Associate Deans (Undergraduate Programs and Student Affairs) and the Senior Officer, Student Programs & Services; and participating in special project work, policy development related to the committees, and Undergraduate Student Services office initiatives, as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for consulting and educating all departments and units on the requirements for submitting calendar changes, and for receiving and submitting all calendar changes (including course, program, and faculty regulations) for the Faculty of Arts.
• Responsible for providing administrative support to the running of the Academic Affairs Committee - the standing committee of Arts Faculty Council responsible for reviewing all calendar changes, approving course and minor program changes, and recommending major program or policy changes to Arts Executive Committee and Arts Faculty Council.
• Ensures all University Calendar changes have been approved by the appropriate governance body and are consistent with other policies, procedures and content standards.
• Responsible for reviewing and providing feedback on calendar and program changes from the departments, with a focus on reviewing for clarity, accuracy, and consistency wherever possible.
• Providing strategic support needed for the Associate Deans (Undergraduate Programs & Student Affairs) and Senior Officer Student Programs & Services, including providing support for committee work, including communicating with committee members, following up on key committee decisions and items on four Faculty of Arts committees: Academic Affairs Committee, Academic and Grades Appeals Committee, Arts Committee on the Learning Environment, and the Undergraduate Programs Committee - working closely with the applicable committee chairs.
• Working closely with the Associate Dean (Student Affairs), Senior Officer and Manager of Advising & Engagement, and the Student Advising team, and providing leadership and support in the academic standing process.
• Creates and posts academic standing letters (to the student file) for students who are Required to Withdraw, placed on Academic Warning, May not Continue in special programs, given First Class Standing, Cleared Academic Probation, etc. as appropriate, including creating specialized one-off letters if applicable for specialized scenarios.
• Supports the Academic Standing appeal process, including posting academic appeal decision letters from the Associate Deans, Undergraduate, to the student file and tracking second appeal deadlines and following the processes outlined through the Faculty of Arts Academic and Grade Appeal Committee policy guidelines.
• Provide support to the grade appeal process - including setting up appeal hearings with the Academic and Grade Appeal Committee, and following up on changes that arise from decisions made as applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1-3 years of experience in a post-secondary institution is an asset.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to edit and proofread documents for accuracy.
• High level of computer proficiency using MS Office applications (Word, Excel), Google Suite, various databases, etc.
• Experience using Adobe Acrobat is an asset.
• Excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task and handle a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of University processes and records management, ideally within the University of Alberta context.
• Knowledge, understanding, and experience in PeopleSoft Campus Solutions is an asset.
• Experience with process improvement and special project work is an asset.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more .

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l’université à postuler.

About The Team

The Faculty of Arts is a diverse and inclusive academic community spanning the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Through innovative research, teaching, creative expression, and strong community partnerships, the Faculty of Arts advances knowledge and drives positive societal change. It provides students with the tools to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to a more just and thoughtful world.