Overview:
Reporting to the Manager, Academic Advising, with direction also provided by the Associate Dean of Science, International Programs, the incumbent provides support for the development and implementation of the Faculty’s international activities. These include: China 2+2 and China-program-specific-partner agreement transfer students (approx. 125), Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) and iBASE (intensive BASE) students (approx. 30), and incoming and outgoing international exchange students (approx. 30). The primary responsibility is provision of academic support services to the students who enter through these programs and other international students (approx. 50 outside the previously listed categories) in the Faculty of Science. This position also develops and supports initiatives that facilitate the integration of these students into the Faculty of Science and University of Waterloo.
Responsibilities:
Operational support in the development and implementation of international partner programs
Manage day-to-day operations of international programs in the Faculty of Science
Represent the Faculty of Science on university committees and working groups related to international students in consultation with the Associate Dean, International Programs
Respond to queries from prospective students, parents, and liaisons at partner institutions providing comprehensive information about curriculum, admissions, and student life
Maintain content for Science websites (e.g. https://uwaterloo.ca/science-2-plus-2) that have content for international students in Waterloo's Content Management System (WCMS)
Liaise with Science Marketing and Recruitment Specialist to develop materials to support the Faculty's recruitment strategies, providing support for translation to Mandarin Chinese
Participate as part of the Science recruitment team for Ontario Universities' Fair (OUF), Fall Open House (FOH), March Break Open House (MBOH), You@Waterloo Day
Coordinate on-campus visits for prospective international students and representatives from partner institutions
Serve as principle contact for Faculty of Science with China-partner institutions
Provide primary administrative support to the Associate Dean, International Programs, with secondary support available from other staff members in the Science Undergraduate Office (SUO) depending on the nature of the activity
Academic support for international China partner students prior to arrival at University of Waterloo
Provide information and direction to prospective international students in China about course selection at home institution in years one and two to optimize fit with Faculty of Science program requirements in years three and four
Work with partner institutions to have academic records and transcripts finalized before arrival on Waterloo campus
Liaise with Associate Dean, International Programs, Registrar's Office (RO), and Science Computing to maintain and improve the process for transfer credit review
Maintain course description and transfer credit database for China 2+2 and China-partner institutions
Build course blocks for new students and coordinate with colleagues in the SUO to ensure accuracy and proper accounting of space in courses
Integration and success of students, including China-partner students
Provide supplemental information and assistance to international students, e.g. on climate, culture, and living accommodations
Plan events and activities for international students that enhance their introduction to Canada and the University of Waterloo, e.g. welcome receptions, meetings with program advisors, and contributions to Waterloo Orientation, including international orientation
Collaborate with colleagues at Renison University College regarding transition activities for China 2+2 and China-partner students, including English For Academic Success (EFAS) courses, and Science-specific sessions on academic integrity, ethical behaviour, and University systems such as Quest
Contributes to international subgroup in SciSpace
Attend and participate in Science Undergraduate Studies Committee (SUSC) meetings as voting member
Apply the following academic advising principles to all programs and SUO activities
Provide academic advice, by maintaining in-depth and current knowledge of Science, regarding
undergraduate curriculum and academic requirements for all programs
admissions regulations and practices
regulations and University policies of particular relevance to student issues
disciplines that are relevant to Science students
support resources that are available to students, both within and outside the Faculty/University
Provide tertiary back-up to front line service in the SUO
Register verification of illness forms (VIFs) in Student Accountability System (SAS)
Enter appropriate ASIS (Advising Student Information System, or equivalent) notes when providing any form of academic advice, whether by phone, email, or in-person
Participate, in conjunction with the SUO advising team, in the first-year block enrolment process
Academic support for international students after arrival at the University of Waterloo
Provide guidance to international students regarding their course and program selections during the academic cycle (course selection, enrolment, and academic standings) in person, via email, or over the phone
Monitor registration of new students and provide feedback about missing courses or information
Assist students in resolving issues with course scheduling and transfer credit assessment
Work with colleagues in SUO, e.g. Student Success Officer for students at-risk and Science Engagement Officer for proactive measures that support international students
Liaise with Science undergraduate advisors and academic support units on specific students and broad needs of international students
Plan events and activities, e.g. graduate studies applications and job application seminars, that are of particular interest to international students
Maintain student records and files for international students according to policies on records management and student information
Enter appropriate Advising Student Information System (ASIS) notes for academic advice in Online Academic Tools (OAT) and, verification of illness forms in Student Accountability System (SAS)
Incoming and outgoing international exchanges
Provide support to the incoming and outgoing international exchange students (approximately 30) in Science, including
Incoming
Coordinate course enrolment and course approvals as files arrive from the RO: review course plans of students, seek approval from departments/faculties outside of Science as required and advise students of any course conflicts or issues
Respond to requests and refer to other sources of information such as Housing, SSO, Waterloo International, wellness services
Outgoing
Manage student files from beginning to end – initial questions and planning, country/institution of destination, details about application process, course equivalencies, application approvals, coordination with Waterloo International, receipt of transcript, and uploading of transfer credits
Administrative
Maintain contact with colleagues in Waterloo International, SSO, and Associate Dean, International Programs
Participate in international exchange promotional events
Maintain Science web information for outgoing international exchanges
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science degree required
Experience as an international student or significant experience working with international students required
Experience with event execution and interaction with the public is an asset
Experience working as part of a team in an environment that requires strong time management skills and ability to adapt to a changing environment
Fully fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese and demonstrated ability to communicate in a highly informative and engaging manner in both English and Mandarin Chinese required.
Familiarity with Quest and proficiency in Microsoft Office
Proven ability to manage a large volume of work, conflicting priorities, and deadlines
Excellent strategic thinking, sound judgment, tact, diplomacy, ability to manage confidential and sensitive issues, interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
Proficient with LEARN, WCMS, ASIS/OAT, SAS
Vaccination Requirement Statement:
All employees and students of the University of Waterloo are required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated or have an approved accommodation, in order to come to campus. You can provide proof of vaccination or apply for an accommodation on our Campus Check-in website. For more information, please refer to the University of Waterloo website: Vaccination Requirement.
Equity Statement:
The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit/Inuk, Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.