Overall Responsibility:
The Campus Counsellor supports the goals of the AIT’s mission, vision and strategic plan, and represents AIT internally and externally on student and resident’s welfare concerns. The Campus Counsellor has two major functions. First, is to encourage and support students in their pursuit of a safe, well-balanced life, leading to academic and personal success. Second, to counsel AIT community, including residents informally on matters related to campus living.
He/she reports directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and works collaboratively with other entities at AIT to support students/AIT community.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
A. Related to students:
- Provides advice and assistance to students on issues related to their general well-being that underpins their academic success and social experience in living on campus community environment.
- Acts as an advocate on welfare issues of students, and communicates and works with the administration, the Schools, the Student Union, Medical Clinic and other relevant units to ensure such issues are addressed in a mutually satisfactory manner. Specifically, meets students with issues related to living in the on-campus accommodation and those with welfare problems, i.e. gender related matters, personal counseling, dispute mediation, and any related issues that a student may wish to seek advice. Monitors the progress and provides follow up support as necessary.
- Meets students who are on put on probation due to poor academic performance to find out the difficulties they are facing in their studies including personal issues that may be affecting their performance. Coordinate with relevant units on how the students can be given more support to perform better.
- Develops and establishes mechanisms to foster integration and good relations amongst all students, creating an inclusive and shared sense of AIT community.
- Advocates best practices of community behavior, and develops policies and processes related to the broader social experience of students (excluding financial or legal issues).
- Handles and supports working groups, committees and disciplinary commissions which are established on ad-hoc basis to resolve student welfare concerns.
- Serves as a point of information for students on welfare and other non-academic matters, shares information that promotes student success, and organizes social programs such as the “student welfare orientation” event for new students.
- Foster and promote equity for all students; and contributes to outreach to support institutional diversity and equity goals.
- Keep the Student Handbook updated as necessary in order to provide complete and accurate information to students.
- Manages the budget and develops policies and procedures regarding the Student Counselling Unit.
B. Related to AIT community
- To direct community members to other sources of information and assistance;
- To mediate in conflicts between community members;
- To mediate in matters of common interest between community members and the administration;
- To introduce new community members to campus life;
- To coordinate with other community members, individuals and groups to produce and periodically update a community pamphlet; and
- To act as a contact person and facilitator in campus emergencies outside of working hours.
Qualification & Experience:
- A degree in a related discipline; and experience in student affairs with non-academic advising and social welfare facilitation in a higher educational establishment.
- Knowledge in understanding relevant policies and procedures related to the institute
Expected Competencies:
The campus Counsellor must be able to establish a relationship of trust and respect with students and residents; and must be an active listener, encouraging students to talk about issues they feel they cannot normally share with others.
He/she should possess a non-judgmental outlook, accepting without bias the issues raised by students; and a willingness to work with all students/community and liaise with other offices and staff to help address issues based on the issues raised.
He/she should have excellent observation and listening skills; patience, tolerance and sensitivity; an appreciation of confidentiality issues; and believe that all members are able to make positive changes. He/she should not hesitate to refer students/residents to other sources of help or coordinate with other offices and staff, as appropriate.
To apply, please register online and complete the registration form. You may be required to create your own user name and password, once completed, go back to the advertisement page and click "Apply Now" button.
Please do not forget to upload your comprehensive resume which shall include a cover letter highlighting relevant competencies, qualifications and experience. Save them all in one file and upload a single file.