Student Academic Advisor

Mount Allison University; Sackville; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Mount Allison University seeks an Academic Advisor who will coordinate all activities related to undergraduate academic advising and support students in achieving degree completion. The role includes transfer credit assessment, Letters of Permission, and Study Abroad credit evaluation, as well as conducting degree audits for graduating students.

You will liaise with Academic Deans, Department Heads, and program advisors, and develop advising materials for diverse student groups, including

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree with at least one year of relevant work experience in a university setting.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of university academic programs.
• Excellent communication and intercultural sensitivity and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Strong listening, patience, and professional service orientation.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills within University policy.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and provide academic advising to undergraduate students and assist with transfer credit assessments and degree audits.
• Meet with students and program advisors to explain policies, courses, and degree requirements; support degree progression.
• Develop and update advising materials and online resources for incoming and current students, including diverse groups.
• Collaborate with departments, Deans, Registrars, and partner centers to resolve advising and audit questions.
• Support orientation programming and recruitment events; refer students to additional resources as needed.

Skills

Communication

Intercultural sensitivity

Listening

Problem solving

Independent work

MS Office

Ellucian Colleague

Education

Bachelor degree

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position descriptionReporting to the Registrar, the Academic Advisor will oversee the coordination of all activities related to academic advising, providing academic advising support to undergraduate students, with a focus on improving retention of students through to graduation.The Academic Advisor is responsible for assessment of incoming transfer credits, Letters of Permission (domestic and international) and for Study Abroad & Exchange Program Transfer Credit Evaluation. The Academic Advisor is responsible for conducting the degree audit process for graduating students, with particular attention to advising prospective graduates and their Program Advisors of degree compliance problems identified through the degree audit process, and for maintaining Ellucian’s online Program Evaluation in Connect.Position ResponsibilitiesEvaluate and confirm transfer credit assessments to ensure course equivalencies are appropriate and compliant with academic regulations and suitable for students’ degree program; generate with signing authority evaluations for incoming students, Letters of Permission and Study Abroad & Exchange Program Transfer Credit Evaluation letters;Meet with students and program advisors individually and in groups to provide information such as:the nature of the student / advisor / program advisor relationship, including roles and responsibilities;interpreting and providing rationale for academic policies, procedures, and requirements;providing course and program information on academic programs and disciplines;course selection and registrationprogram planning and tracking progress toward graduationCoordinate advising initiatives for student retention, particularly for first-year, first–generation, Indigenous, international, and those readmitted on probation and those experiencing academic difficulty identified through an early alert system, to discuss academic plans for success and raise awareness of available resources;Conduct degree audit processes for prospective grads; identify and inform students and program advisors of non-compliance issues that place students’ graduation at risk; prepare and post grad lists for Senate approval;Liaise with the Academic Deans, Registrar, Department Heads, Program Advisors, the Meighen Centre, and other relevant stakeholders to resolve questions/concerns/problems identified during the advising and degree audit processes;Keep abreast of current research literature and best practices in academic advising, particularly for Indigenous, first generation, and international students;Develop and update advising materials and web content for new incoming and current students, including Indigenous, first generation, international, mature, and transfer students;In collaboration with other departments in the university, develop and maintain innovative and cost-effective on-line and print self-help and advising resources for students and program advisors (e.g., social media (Twitter), degree audit forms, on-line Program Evaluation, resource tutorials, FAQ’s, other web-based self-help tools); constantly seek ways to improve the academic advising process;Refer students to other resources when educational, attitudinal, attendance, financial, employment, or other personal problems require the service of other professionals;Record and maintain transfer credit equivalents in Ellucian Colleague;Update and maintain Ellucian’s online Program Evaluation in Connect;Update changes to the academic calendar approved by Senate; specifically Sections 11 and 12; identify and resolve any discrepancies;Assist Academic Advisors to cover absences due to vacations, illness;Evaluate and confirm change of degree and program requests;Meet with prospective students/support Open Houses and other recruitment-related events as a resource;Work with the Director of Student Life on the development of orientation programming;Perform other related duties as assigned.Qualifications/skillsBachelor degree with at least one year of relevant work experience in a university setting;Extensive knowledge and understanding of university academic programs;Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with strong intercultural sensitivity and cross-cultural communication skills;Strong listening skills, patience, and a professional service orientation;Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with an ability to recommend potential solutions within the framework of University policy;Ability to demonstrate initiative and judgement in balancing needs of various stakeholders;Strong ability to work independently, with the ability to work in a cooperative and consultative work environment;Proficiency with computer applications in Microsoft Office, E-mail, presentation software, and a familiarity with student information systems (experience with Ellucian Colleague preferred);Ability to work flexible, irregular hours including evenings and weekends on occasion.First-hand experience at Mount Allison as a current or former member of the university community would be an asset.Only those already eligible to work in Canada need apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.Application materials will be collected for recruitment purposes only and handled in accordance with the University’s privacy and records-management practices. If you experience any difficulty accessing the link, please contact [e-mail] for assistance. Review of applications will begin on September 25, 2026.Submit Résumé and Cover LetterMount Allison is committed to diversity and inclusiveness. We encourage applications from members of racialized communities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual and gender identities. We seek candidates with qualifications and knowledge to contribute specifically to the further diversification of our campus community.At Mount Allison, we are committed to ensuring your interview experience is as comfortable and accessible as possible. If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the interview process, please do not hesitate to inform us. Your needs are important to us, and our dedicated team is here to support you by reaching out to People and Culture at [e-mail] our website at www.mta.ca/employment for other employment opportunities at Mount Allison University or to register to receive e-mail notification of new opportunities.