Academic Strategist

Job Responsibility: :

About MRU

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

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

Reporting to Academic Strategist Coordinator, the Academic Strategist will play an integral role in supporting the Department of Access and Inclusion Services in creating an accessible, equitable and inclusive learning environment at Mount Royal University.

Please note that this is a 10 month Continuing Term, Permanent role with a yearly inactive period from June 16 to August 10th, 2024, working 35 hours per week during the active period.

Responsibilities

• Schedule regular and ongoing meetings with students who experience disability-related challenges.

• Review student's medical documentation, noting specific learning needs and barriers related to their diagnosed disabilities.

• Determine appropriate strategies to present to the student based on both their learning strengths and their barriers

• Complete case notes and annual summaries of student progress.

• Liaise with Access Advisors and Assistive Technologists in Accessibility Services to coordinate services for students.

• 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 student learning and success, and techniques of delivering instruction to adult learners.

• Attend and participate in staff meetings, planning, and team building activities

• Assist with final exams as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree or Equivalent in Disability Studies, Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field

• 2 - 3 years' experience in a relevant position

• Knowledge and experience of post-secondary environments and/or adult learners in individual and group settings

• Ability to interpret psychoeducational assessments to effectively implement learning strategies for students with multiple disabilities and specific learning needs

• Ability to obtain factual and interpret information through interviews with students

• Knowledge of learning barriers resulting from disability-related challenges and familiarity with available resources in Calgary

• Experience with adult learners

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Ability to exercise discretion in the use of confidential information

• Problem solving skills, initiative, and creativity

• Sensitivity to and knowledge of disabilities in general with understanding of broad categories including learning disabilities, sensory disabilities, psychiatric diagnoses and/or medical conditions

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple assignments with 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.)

• Maintain appropriate records by documenting communication with and regarding students

• Knowledge of adaptive technology

• Knowledge of the principles of Universal Design as they apply in a post-secondary educational institution

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.

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.

Union: MRSA

Classification: SAC07 Academic Services VII

Salary: $30.76 - $38.92/hour

Closing Date: December 7th, 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