Student Advisor

OCAD University; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 57,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

OCAD University is seeking a Student Advisor to support undergraduate student success through one-to-one advising, workshops, and resource development. You will guide course selection, degree planning, and policy understanding, while promoting equity and inclusion across the student journey.

The role reports to the Associate Registrar for Student Advising & Special Projects and collaborates with Faculty Offices and Student Affairs.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in a related field with a minimum of 3 years of related experience
• Direct experience with equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusive practice
• Experience advising students on academic matters in a post-secondary setting
• Experience with student information systems (e.g., Colleague Self-Service) and registrar policies
• Experience leading presentations, seminars, and workshops
• Strong written and oral communication abilities
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive advising on course selection, academic standing, program requirements, and registration
• Advise students experiencing academic challenges and refer to appropriate resources
• Help students explore options and build personalized action plans
• Advise on petitions and appeals and suggest alternatives
• Develop content for and facilitate workshops and information sessions
• Serve as a liaison between Faculty Offices and students
• Maintain regular communication with student service areas and records staff
• Maintain accurate student records in compliance with privacy regulations
• Stay updated on university policies and best practices in student advising
• Support the Associate Registrar with other tasks for advising operations

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Time management

Initiative

Public speaking

Education

Post-secondary degree

Tools

Office 365

SharePoint

Job description

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create

Please note that internal job postings are open only to current permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees and temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service.

Reporting to the Associate Registrar, Student Advising & Special Projects, and working closely with Faculty Offices and Student Affairs staff across the University, the Student Advisor supports student success and persistence through guidance on course selection, program requirements, degree planning, and academic policy. Through one-to-one advising, group sessions, and the development of information resources and tools, the Student Advisor helps undergraduate students navigate institutional processes and connects them with the resources they need to pursue their academic, creative, and personal goals toward program completion.

Student Advising is committed to decolonization and to centring the student journey. The Student Advisor plays a key role in ongoing efforts to dismantle systemic and structural barriers and to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in how the University engages and supports students.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive advising on courseselection, academic standing, program and degree requirements, registration, and available supports, asking probing questions and presenting a range of options and theirpossible consequences
• Advise students experiencing academic challenges, including steps to regain good standing and referrals toappropriate resources,taking into accountpersonal circumstances and individual background
• Help students explore options and build personalized action plans aligned with their academic and creative goals
• Advise on the appropriateness, precedents, and process for petitions and appeals,and suggest alternative courses of action where appropriate
• Develop content for andfacilitateworkshops and information sessions
• Serve as a liaison between Faculty Offices and students to support an integrated model of advising
• Maintain regular communication with other student service areas and with records and registration staff to foster close working relationships and ensuretimely,appropriate referrals
• Maintainaccuratestudent records, including advising notes, in compliance withUniversityregulations on privacy and confidentiality
• Maintain current knowledge ofUniversitypolicies, procedures, and best practices in student advising
• Support the Associate Registrar with other tasks contributing to the successful operation of the advising function

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in a related field, with a minimum of three (3) years' related experience in a post-secondary environment
• Direct experience and deep awareness of the structural and systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusive practice
• Experience advising current students on academic matters, with a demonstrated ability to problem-solve
• Experience with student information systems (e.g., Colleague Self-Service) and familiarity withregistrarialpolicies and procedures at the post-secondary level
• Experience preparing and leading presentations, seminars, and/or workshops
• Proficiencyin the Office 365 suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive) and SharePoint
• Strong oral, written, and visual communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills
• Demonstrated professionalism, with the ability to exercise tact, good judgement, and diplomacy
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure of high volume and shifting priorities
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and contribute actively to the planning and implementation of student-centred services
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Compensation

OPSEU Unit I, Appendix A, Grade A4; $57,486.45 to $75,566.13 per annum

Hours of Work

Monday to Friday, for a total of 35 hours per week.

Mode of Work

Hybrid

Interested internal permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 or temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service applicants are invited to submit an updated resume and cover letter (PDF) no later than Thursday September 17, 2026.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.