Mount Royal University·Calgary, Alberta
Meet individually with a caseload of students registered with Access and Inclusion Services to teach non-content-based study and learning strategies.
Communicate with students about functional limitations and disability-related barriers.
Explore and determine appropriate strategies based on student strengths and barriers.
Review progress through regular meetings and offer strategies to meet learning needs.
Set goals and strategies to develop self-advocacy and independent transfer of skills.
Create individualized tools or plans based on each student's barriers and functional limitations.
Assist students in understanding barriers and breaking them down using a metacognitive approach.
Modify planned activities and objectives to address student concerns and barriers.
Encourage and support student independence in accessing accommodations and using strategies.
Model strategies with students.
Support students in navigating non-disability related protected needs (e.g., faith-based, cultural).
Lead and host student events to promote social connection and inclusion.
Facilitate peer group discussions among students with similar experiences.
Create learning content for peer groups and liaise with community experts.
Assess student needs related to community and belonging.
Engage in MRU community events to educate and build awareness of AIS services.
Provide presentations about learning strategies for disability-related barriers.
Collaborate with other MRU departments to support access and remove disability-related barriers.
Schedule regular meetings and maintain ongoing touch points with students (emails, reminders, cancellations, follow-ups).
Review medical diagnosis, functional limitations, and barriers.
Prepare learning strategy materials for printing/marketing and create materials as needed.
Complete case notes summaries detailing student progress.
Collaborate with Access Advisors and Assistive Technology Advisors to identify adjustments in services and accommodations.
Maintain data and metrics on student meetings and engagement.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of AIS policies/procedures and relevant legislation and MRU policies.
Assist in facilitation of accommodated final exams and support students during final exams.
Perform other duties as assigned
Job Title Academic Strategist Job Type Permanent Union MRSA Position Classification SAC07 Academic Services VII Salary Grade $61,170.20 - $77,404.60 FT or PT Full-time Hybrid Work This position is eligible Position End Date (if applicable) Location MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary) About this Position 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.
Access and Inclusion Services assists the University in creating an accessible learning environment that encourages full participation in the learning environment for students who are eligible for accommodations under the provincial human rights legislation.
Reasonable accommodations are tailored to the individual, flexible, and 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 more accessible, equitable, and inclusive.
Reporting to the Academic Strategist Coordinator, the Academic Strategist will play an integral role in creating an accessible, equitable, and inclusive learning environment at Mount Royal University for students registered with Access and Inclusion Services. Academic Strategists are assigned a caseload of students with whom they meet individually to teach non-content-based study and learning strategies, while taking into account their disability-related learning barriers. When working with students, the Academic Strategist is expected to provide basic skill building in some or all of the areas of (as agreed upon between the student and the Strategist): metacognition and organization, reading skills, active learning, writing, test preparation, memory, self-advocacy, attention and concentration, communication, and critical thinking skills. The goal of the Academic Strategist position is to provide an equal opportunity learning environment for all Mount Royal University students.
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Disability Studies, Education, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
2–3 years experience in a relevant position.
Knowledge and experience in post-secondary environments and/or adult learners in individual and group settings.
Ability to interpret psychoeducational assessments to implement learning strategies for students with multiple disabilities and specific learning needs.
Ability to obtain and interpret information through interviews with students.
Knowledge of learning barriers resulting from disability-related challenges and familiarity with available resources in Calgary.
Strong interpersonal skills; ability to exercise discretion with confidential information.
Problem-solving skills, initiative, and creativity.
Sensitivity and knowledge of disabilities (learning disabilities, sensory disabilities, psychiatric diagnoses and/or medical conditions).
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple assignments.
Ability to establish and maintain productive, collegial relationships and collaborate across roles.
Ability to maintain appropriate records by documenting communication with and regarding students.
Knowledge of adaptive technology.
Knowledge of Universal Design principles as applied in a post-secondary educational institution
$61,170.20 - $77,404.60
Until a suitable candidate is found A resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name]_[Requisition Number]_[Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith_9999_CV.pdf). We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note 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. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify erecruiter@mtroyal.ca and we will work together on your accommodation request. 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. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full-time and 4,030 part-time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor's degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's Academic Plan and Strategic Plan.
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 MRU, 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. MRU offers a competitive total compensation package including learning/training paid by employer, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. Positions over six months may also be eligible for health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, and disability benefits. 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, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.
Market context
Academic Strategist roles in Alberta often align with steady demand in post-secondary and student-support settings, especially where adult learners need individualized planning and coordination. Competition can be strong because employers typically look for a related degree, 2–3 years of relevant experience, and familiarity with psychoeducational information and group or one-on-one support. Review the full posting carefully and tailor examples of your work with adult learners; on this platform, job requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original description, which can save research time before you apply.