Academic Strategist Coordinator needed at Mount Royal University Alberta, Canada- Click to apply now

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 38 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is “Mohkinstsis,” which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

About The Department Of Access And Inclusion Services

Creating an accessible, equitable and inclusive learning environment.

Mount Royal University is committed to access, equity and inclusion. Students who identify as belonging to one of the protected categories as defined by the Alberta Human Rights Act (AHR Act) are entitled to receive reasonable academic accommodations up to the point of undue hardship.

Our department assists the University in creating an accessible learning environment that encourages full participation in academic courses for students who are eligible for academic accommodations under the provincial human rights legislation.

Reasonable accommodations are tailored to the individual, flexible, and are determined by considering the barriers within the unique environment of a post-secondary institution.

We encourage student development and educate Mount Royal University about becoming a more accessible, equitable and inclusive learning environment.

About The Role

The Academic Strategist Coordinator is responsible (in collaboration with the Director of Access and Inclusion Services) for creating and implementing processes and procedures for the Academic Strategist Program, acting as supervisor for 4-5 Academic Strategists, ensuring service for approximately 350 students per year, as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the program.

The Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of inclusive education for students at Mount Royal University. This includes development, delivery, monitoring, and evaluation of educational programming such as workshops, seminars, and online materials. In addition, the Coordinator must be up to date on post-secondary student development literature, disability studies literature, assistive technology, medical terminology, and possible impacts of diagnosed disabilities on learning, strategies for post- secondary student learning and success, and techniques of delivering instruction to adult learners.

Finally, the Coordinator must evaluate the effectiveness of the program using evidence-based methodologies.

This position is a full-time, continuing term role working 35 hours per week. Inactive period June 16, 2023 – August 15, 2023

Responsibilities

Hiring, training, and supervision of Academic Strategists.

• Maintain a staff of 4-5 Academic Strategists, including recruiting, interviewing, and hiring for positions, providing training, providing oversight based on performance evaluations
• Provide updated processes and procedures in the form of a manual
• Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure Academic Strategists are implementing outcomes-based services
• Conduct annual performance evaluations with Academic Strategists

Implement Academic Strategist Services for ~350 students per year

• Liaise with Access Advisors in Access and Inclusion Services to coordinate services for students
• Provide opportunity for student to meet with the same Academic Strategist for several sessions to promote trust and enhanced understanding of the student’s unique learning needs and disability-related challenges
• Seek feedback from students via twice-yearly survey
• Create peer-to-peer initiatives to provide opportunities for students to learn and grow with each other

Evaluation and Research

• Evaluate outcomes of program based on available data, including student satisfaction, Banner data, etc.
• Ensure knowledge of post-secondary student development literature, disability studies literature, assistive technology, medical terminology, and possible impacts of diagnosed disabilities on learning strategies for post-secondary student learning and success, and techniques of delivering instruction to adult learners.
• Provide ongoing training to Academic Strategists based on latest developments in research
• Update processes and procedures resulting from program improvements
• Conduct ongoing research within department

Work as part of overall Access and Inclusion Services team

• Attend and participate in staff meetings, planning, and team building activities
• Ensure Academic Strategist Program fits with overall goals, policies, and procedures within the Access and Inclusion Services Office
• Maintain relationships with other departments within Student Services Subdivision department (for example, Student Learning Services, Wellness Centre, Counselling Services, etc.)
• Maintain relationships with other members of MRU (for example, SAMRU, library, etc.)

Qualifications

Master's Degree in Disability Studies, Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field with:

• 3 – 5 years’ experience and/or relevant educational background and experience.
• Knowledge of disability-specific barriers and barrier reduction strategies
• Experience with program development & management and with leading teams
• Knowledge of learning barriers resulting from disability-related challenges and experience working with students in a post-secondary environment
• Ability to assess complex information including the latest research in the area, ability to implement complex programming for students with multiple disabilities and specific learning needs
• Ability to conduct ongoing research and evaluation to ensure the program continues to meet set outcomes.
• Experience with interpretation of documentation regarding a variety of disabilities including learning disabilities, sensory, mobility, psychological, and medical conditions
• Sensitivity to and knowledge of disabilities in general with understanding of broad categories including learning disabilities, sensory disabilities, psychiatric diagnoses and/or medical conditions
• Knowledgeable about Universal Design for Learning principles and ability provide guidance to faculty and students for implementation of UDL practices
• Experience in creating and delivering student curriculum on issues of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

Other Qualifications

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; able to prioritize multiple assignments and competing demands.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive and collegial relationships, collaboration, and communication with a variety of individuals (e.g., staff, faculty, students, parents, managers, etc.) and building effective teams as needed.
• Ability to work with confidential and sensitive information and records.
• Maintain appropriate records by documenting communication with and regarding students and recording recommended courses of action or accommodations.
• Ability to obtain factual and interpretative information through interviews
• Strong understanding of the psychology of rehabilitation, cognition and learning
• Knowledge of adaptive technology
• Familiarity with resources for people who experience disability related barriers in Calgary
• Excellent interpersonal skills (e.g., collaboration, conflict resolution, counselling)
• Ability to carry out a variety of professionally complex assignments without detailed instructions.
• Ability to facilitate difficult conversations and situations with maturity and high degree of professionalism.
• Knowledge of the principles of Universal Design as they apply in a post-secondary educational institution
• Knowledge of legislation pertaining to student experiencing disabilities (e.g., Alberta Human Rights, FOIP…)

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions.

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. (check whether this applies – under 6 month term)

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public.

MRU supports full immunization as the best way to protect yourself and our campus community and strongly recommends vaccination against COVID-19.

Union: MRSA

Position Class: SAC10 – Academic Support X

Salary: $69, 794 – $88,321 per annum / $ 38.35 – $48.53 per hour

Closing Date: April 25, 2023

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Recent Mount Royal graduates who are foreign nationals may be eligible to work on campus. Please refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website under Post-Graduation Employment at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp .

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Mount Royal University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to fostering diversity as a source of excellence, intellectual and cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome applications from those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, faculty and their scholarship including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual or gender identity, ethnic, national or socio-economic background, religion or age.