Student Access Advisor

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Student Affairs is a collection of integrated units that collaborates with faculty, staff and students to enhance the student experience. We promote an inclusive, holistic and student-centric approach to learning and academic success and act as a professional resource in the delivery of evidence-based student enrolment, wellness, development and academic support programs and services. Reporting to the AVP Student Engagement and Success, the Student Access Advisor facilitates equitable access to the campus community by developing accommodation plans, collaborating with stakeholders, and supporting students in reducing barriers to their academic and campus experiences.

• Provide 1-1 advising support to facilitate student access to academic courses and programs, facilities, services, and activities.
• Identify classroom, exam and other accommodations (e.g. co-op) to reduce barriers to student learning.
• Develop and ensure student accessibility plans reflect the university’s duty to accommodate.
• Gather information and consult with faculty (including Associate/Assistant Deans, Program Coordinators, School Directors) and others to implement student accessibility plans.
• Manage and problem-solve complex student case files.
• Identify when and with whom to implement appropriate crisis management and intervention responses, demonstrating awareness of on and off-campus resources and processes.

The position requires a flexible schedule to support student programming and service needs, including daytime, evening, and occasional weekend work.

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field with approximately five years’ related experience working with students (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Previous experience in either human rights advocacy, student advising, and/or disability support.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues related to access, equity and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise tact and sound judgment with various stakeholders such as students, staff, faculty, and parents.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and respond positively to changing conditions, priorities, and technologies.

• Experience working with students in a post-secondary setting.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

- Self-Awareness & Professionalism
- Integrity
- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.