Job Description - Vice President Academic
Introduction
The Vice President Academic (VPA) of the ISSS performs two main roles. First, the VPA
coordinates the ISSS’s academic advocacy efforts, and liaises with both the Faculty of
Science and the Students’ Union. Secondly, the VPA oversees programs and services that
support the academic, professional, and career development of students.
Reporting
The VPA reports to the ISSS Council weekly and can also be held accountable by Members
at a Semi-Annual General Meeting.
The VPA manages a number of direct reports, Directors who are responsible for student
representatives, consultation, research, professional development, mini study groups, and
career development. The VPA or the Directors in the portfolio manage a number of
committees and volunteer groups coordinating student consultation, mini study group
mentoring, academic programs, and career development.
Responsibilities
1. Complete all duties of an ISSS Executive, including attending Executive and Council
meetings, Semi-Annual General Meetings and holding a weekly office hour.
2. Manage Directors in the portfolio effectively and professionally, communicating
organizational vision and values, providing support while empowering and defining
responsibility, and ensuring a meaningful, learning experience.
3. Support and connect Members serving in representative roles in university
governance.
a. Coordinate recruitment and appointment of students to Faculty and
departmental committees.
b. Chair RAUSS Meetings.
c. Liaise with science student General Faculties Council and Students Council
representatives.
d. Liaise with COSSA members.
4. Collect and evaluate data from members to inform researched advocacy priorities
and strategies.
a. Coordinate the annual student survey.
b. Develop and manage new methods of seeking student feedback.
c. Oversee the operations of a Consultation Team.
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5. Advocates on behalf of Members to the Faculty of Science on academic issues.
a. Meet monthly with the Senior Associate Dean.
b. Maintain awareness of University and Faculty-level issues.
c. Coordinate research on Faculty of Science best practices.
d. Oversee the planning and coordination of Instructor Appreciation Night.
e. Coordinate contact between the ISSS and the Faculty of Science.
f. Advocate for student representation and sit on relevant Faculty of Science
committees and working groups.
6. Manages and develops ongoing services of the ISSS that benefit students academics
and career preparation.
a. Ensure that a sufficient number of MSG mentors are recruited and trained.
b. Oversee the marketing and evaluation of the MSG service.
c. Develop and implement professional development workshops.
d. Oversee the planning of the Discover Science academic resource fair.
e. Oversee the planning of a Professional Development Conference to occur
during Science Week.
f. Ensure collaboration with the Faculty of Science Career Centre and with
CAPS to market all Science-related professional development events.
g. Develop student support services specific to Science students.
h. Oversee the communication of advocacy and academic issues through the
newsletter, handbook, and USB drive.
7. Liaises between the ISSS and the Students’ Union.
a. Liaise with SU Science Councillors.
b. Liaise with the SU VPA and Student Governance Advisor.
8. Must attend COSSA meetings.
a. Provide updates to COSSA about Faculty issues.
9. Must attend COFA meetings.
a. Sit on the COFA Advocacy Working Group Meetings.
b. Work to foster collaborative advocacy initiatives with other equivalent
student groups and with the Students’ Union.
10. Prepare transition documentation for the entire Academic portfolio.
11. Other responsibilities as necessary.
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