Temporary Student Success Advisor

Overview

The Student Success Advisor role focuses on delivering comprehensive and student-focused counseling to foster academic achievement and retention. Utilizing data-driven advising methods, the advisor proactively monitors academic progress, identifies students who may be struggling, offers timely support, and connects students to appropriate campus resources. Collaboration with various campus departments is key to enhancing the student experience and supporting educational goal attainment. This position reports directly to the Director of Student Success and Retention.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain confidential and accurate advising records.
• Stay informed on academic programs, institutional policies, and regulations to provide consistent and reliable guidance.
• Utilize advising data and trend analysis to contribute to student retention and success initiatives.
• Collaborate with multiple university departments to support student retention, recruitment, and transition activities, including participation in relevant events.
• Lead or participate in training and knowledge-sharing within the Student Success Team to ensure uniformity and high advising standards.
• Advise students through various means including appointments, group discussions, video calls, and online communications, promoting autonomy and confidence.
• Assist students in academic planning including course selection, understanding program requirements, applying transfer credits, and navigating university systems.
• Serve as an accessible contact for a broad array of student inquiries encompassing financial aid, scholarships, support services, internships, career development, study permits, and exchange opportunities, connecting them to specialized resources as needed.
• Support student retention by monitoring progress, identifying at-risk students, delivering timely interventions, and maintaining regular student contact at least once per semester.
• Manage student employee hiring, training, and oversight to ensure quality peer support and programming.
• Coordinate orientation, transitional programs, and pre-departure communications, including workshops on student success skills.
• Perform additional related duties and contribute to team projects as required.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree minimum.
• 2 to 4 years of experience in a student-facing or advising role in a post-secondary or client service setting.
• Strong grasp of university policies, academic regulations, program criteria, and student service frameworks, or capacity to quickly develop this knowledge.
• Ability to build inclusive, supportive relationships with a diverse student body.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly explain complex information.
• Professional handling of sensitive and confidential data, with diligent record-keeping.
• Capability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a team setting towards shared objectives.
• Digital proficiency, including Microsoft Office 365, CRM systems, and student information platforms like Colleague.
• Experience in supporting students facing personal or academic challenges.

Additional Information

• This role operates in a fast-paced environment requiring frequent student interactions in varied formats such as in-person, virtual, and group advising.
• High workload periods, particularly during peak academic cycles, demand multitasking and priority management.
• Requires balancing proactive outreach with responsive support facilitated through case management systems.
• Handling confidential student information mandates discretion and sound judgment.
• Work processes, tools, and student needs are subject to ongoing change requiring adaptability.
• The role includes delivering workshops, presentations, and events, sometimes outside regular working hours.

About St. Thomas University

Established in 1910, St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB, caters primarily to undergraduate students, offering Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, and distinctive programs such as Aviation Stream and indigenous-focused degrees. Graduate studies include Bachelor of Education and Master of Social Work degrees. The university is recognized for faculty excellence, high student engagement, and strong outcomes in critical thinking and writing. It holds Canada Research Chairs in various scholarly domains. The university’s mission focuses on preparing students for personal and professional success through a supportive and inclusive academic community, while its vision aspires to be the top choice for holistic university experiences.