The Program Advisor, Open Learning provides advice to students with respect to education planning, academic goals, and course selection. This position may work with students from pre-admission inquiry through to graduation; it proactively encourages students to complete Open Learning credentials in a timely manner.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for advising students in assigned program portfolio. Assists with coverage in other portfolios.

• Responds to student inquiries, develops education plans, and advises on course selection.

• Researches and makes recommendations on admission requirements, transfer credit assessments, and transfer agreements

• Works closely with Associate Deans and Program Coordinators to determine program requirements are met.

• Conducts degree audits for student graduations.

• Establishes and maintains liaison and referral services with educational institutions, professional and community organizations, and other TRU departments.

• Maintains a student-centered approach and establishes rapport with students within portfolio.

• Approves and prepares letters of permission for program students to take non-TRU courses.

• Evaluates and makes recommendations according to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, transfer credit and block transfer articulation guidelines.

• Reviews and enters established transfer credit.

• Engages in continuous training and professional development related to assigned program portfolio.

• May represent TRU-OL at career fairs, trade shows, and recruiting events.

• Provides advice and support to the university’s recruitment, conversion and retention activities and for developing processes for application and registration.

• May provide training to other staff relating to course and program advising, admissions processes, advising theory/practice and systems management.

REPORTS TO
Associate Director, Student Engagement & Experience (OL)

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• Undergraduate Degree from a recognized university in a relevant discipline

EXPERIENCE:

• Three years related work experience including:
  • Minimum of two years’ experience in post-secondary institution or related educational environment assessing student’s previous education, skills and background
  • One year working in a high call environment
  • One year student advising experience

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITIES RELATED TO THE JOB

• Good organization skills including the ability to set priorities, multi-task and work with minimal supervision and remain focused on objectives

• Ability to interpret admissions and transfer credit policies and guidelines, to recognize exceptions, and to take appropriate action to resolve problems

• Intermediate research and analytical skills

• Ability to investigate and listen in order to solve problems and provide solutions

• Aptitude for exacting and precise work, a high degree of accuracy, thoroughness, and attention to detail

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with a widely diverse student population and coworkers and across functional areas of the institution

• Strong computer skills including student admissions and transfer credit modules and MS Office

• Ability to maintain a student-focused as well as sales-focused approach

• Familiarity with British Columbia post-secondary education

• Comprehensive knowledge of Open and Distance Learning programs and courses, as well as an understanding of traditional campus-based offerings

• Knowledge of customer-tracking applications and tools

• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sitting at desk and computer for long periods of time
• General office conditions
• Travel may be required