Associate Vice-President: University Affairs

Reports to: VP Education   

Rate: C5  

Contract term: 1st Monday in May - April 30 

Hours: 12 - 14 hours per week   

General Scope of Duties 

The AVP: University Affairs is responsible for chairing the University Affairs standing and any directly related ad-hoc committees of the SRA. Additionally, the AVP: University Affairs is responsible for leading policy development and amendments to policies with the consultation of the Vice-President Education and the Education Department. Furthermore, the AVP: University Affairs shall participate in lobbying efforts, make recommendations, and shall advise the Vice-President Education in matters relating to their portfolios. They will also be responsible for attending meetings that are relevant to their portfolio as advised by the Vice-President (Education). 

Please note this posting closes Wednesday, June 17th at 11:59pm. 

Supervision/Professional Development (20%) 

• Chair meetings of standing or ad-hoc committees on a regular basis 

• Inform committee members of their responsibilities on the committee 

• Inform committee members of meeting time, location, and where to find relevant information  

• Ensure minutes and meeting records are taken and submitted to the Executive Assistant and Administrative Coordinator within 2 weeks of the meeting
  
  
• Notify, in writing, members who are within 1 meeting of losing their committee seat

• Maintain contact lists for committee members 

• Create agendas for committee meetings
   

Budget/Finances/Materials (5%) 

• Coordinate with the Advocacy Coordinator to obtain resources from internal and external vendors for projects and campaigns
   

Internal Communications/Collaboration (15%) 

• Report to the SRA and the Vice-President (Education) with regards to committee work
   

• Assist other MSU staffers as necessary in areas relevant to the University Affairs portfolio
   

• Prepare a detailed year-plan submission for the SRA with regards to committee work
   

• Provide transition for the incoming the Associate Vice-President: University Affairs
   

• Submit reports to the SRA as advised by the Vice-President (Education) and the Administrative Assistant. 

• Maintain strong communication channels with the Vice-President (Education), the Education Department, and other relevant campus and community stakeholders
  
   

• Consult with the Vice-President (Education) on matters relating to their area of responsibility
   

• Seek consultation and advice from the Vice-President (Education) on matters of policy, procedure and assembly business
   

• Assist the Vice-President (Education) with other projects and duties as assigned
   

• Attend weekly Education Department meetings as set by the Vice-President (Education)
   

• Advise and seek advice from the Executive Board as required
   

• Sit on committees as mandated by MSU Operating Policies (Ex: Academic Affairs Council) 

Innovation/Initiative (15%) 

• Conduct policy research, review existing policy, and formulate policy solutions relating to current university advocacy issues
   

Judgement/Thinking (15%)

• Advise the Vice-President (Education) on provincial and federal advocacy strategy  
• Determine provincial and federal  advocacy yearly priorities as described in year plan in collaboration with the Vice-President (Education) 

Decisions/Actions(10%) 

• Manage the MSU’s relationships with some University stakeholders (Ex: Student Wellness Centre staff, Student Affairs Office staff) 
   

External Communications/Promotions (20%) 

• Assist Advocacy Coordinator with promotions as needed, such as developing promotion schedules and contacting clubs/MSU services to promote campaigns and events
   

• Advise the Vice-President (Education) and the Communications team on MSU public relations relating to University-related advocacy issues
   

• Participate in lobbying efforts on matters relating to their area of responsibility
   

• Collaborate with community and campus partners on issues and projects that are relevant to the University Affairs portfolio (Ex: international student support, mental health supports, academic-related policies) 

• Act as a representative of the MSU in university affairs with campus stakeholders (Ex: Student Wellness Centre staff, Student Affairs Office staff).
   

• Recruit committee membership from a variety of sources in the undergraduate population
   

• Conduct student consultations to determine current student perspectives on University-related issues 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledgeable in scope and focus of the Standing Committee  

• Knowledgeable of parliamentary procedure, MSU Constitution, Operations, Bylaws, and Policies 

• Knowledgeable of the MSU legislative process and the complexities of policy creation 

• Skilled in research and critical thinking 

• Skilled in making reasoned and impartial decisions  

• Skilled in communicating clearly and succinctly to moderate debate  

• Skilled in effectively chairing meetings 

• Skilled in strategic planning abilities 

• Skilled in working both independently and in a team 

• Skilled in carrying out research projects from start to finish 

Effort & Responsibility 

• Effort required to maintain strong community and campus partnerships 
• Effort required to research and become knowledgeable on all elements of a policy paper 
• Responsible for acting as a positive ambassador of the MSU at campus and community events 

Working Conditions 

• Hours of work are variable 
• Time demands may exceed stated hours of work 
• Access to shared work space in the MSU Committee Room 

Equipment 

• Use of a personal computer is preferred 
• Access to a shared office computer 
• Other business machines as required