Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor

Mount Royal University is hiring a Replacement Term Academic Advisor for a full‑time position (35 hours per week). The role supports student success and retention through proactive, developmental advising and collaborative partnership with faculty and campus supports.

The Academic Advisor reports centrally through the Manager, Academic Advising, and works closely with the assigned Faculty to ensure advising practices align with institutional standards and faculty‑specific needs. The role requires strong, trust‑based relationships with Deans, Associate Deans, Chairs, and other faculty leaders, and a deep knowledge of university programs, policies, and services.

Academic advising is a developmental process that assists students in clarifying their educational goals and implementing a plan to achieve them. Advisors play a key role in student retention and support lifelong learning. The incumbent will work independently, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate personal accountability in delivering highly effective advising.

• Deliver proactive, developmental advising that supports student retention and success.
• Provide a wide scope of developmental advising using a holistic, learner‑centered approach.
• Establish rapport and trust through active listening, appropriate questioning, and relationship building.
• Help students clarify their academic, personal, and career goals and build personalized educational plans.
• Support student decision‑making through guided exploration of alternatives and evaluation of trade‑offs.
• Assist students in understanding and navigating institutional policies, procedures, and graduation requirements.
• Teach students how to use key advising tools (e.g., mruGradU8, program planning guides, academic calendar).
• Perform degree audits and monitor academic progress with a proactive focus.
• Identify and follow up with students at critical academic points.
• Problem‑solve complex student situations and recommend appropriate actions.
• Refer students to campus supports and services (Access and Inclusion Services, Student Learning Services, Financial Aid, Wellness).
• Maintain a deep, current understanding of academic programs and admission requirements.
• Collaborate with faculty and administrators to ensure seamless student support and to observe opportunities for program enhancement.
• Interpret and communicate complex curricular changes and program pathways.
• Keep current with important dates and deadlines related to registration, fees, and academic standing.
• Maintain accurate advising records in institutional systems, understanding ATIA and POPA requirements.
• Support co‑curricular and experiential learning by promoting student involvement in research, campus engagement, and career development.
• Provide accurate, timely information to students, faculty, and staff.
• Guide students in developing help‑seeking behaviours, resilience, and self‑advocacy.
• Coordinate support and promote student success with faculty and campus partners.
• Participate in institutional events (e.g., orientation) and develop outreach tools.

• Stay informed of best practices and contribute to the continuous improvement of advising services.
• Engage in professional development activities to strengthen knowledge of advising theory, policy, and practice.
• Identify common student concerns, emerging themes, and curriculum questions, and share insights for improvement.
• Provide input on curriculum development and implementation from a student perspective.
• Enhance student‑facing tools and communication materials.
• Conduct degree audits and monitor academic progress proactively.
• Follow up with students at critical points (e.g., new enrolment, difficulty, nearing graduation).
• Participate in advising team meetings and training to promote shared learning.
• Demonstrate personal accountability, self‑awareness, and proactive professional growth.

• Maintain accurate advising records in university systems (ATIA and POPA regulations).
• Respond to student inquiries across multiple channels with timely,…