Samantha Shute
Student Advisor
Toronto,ON
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Advisor
OCAD University
04.2023 - Current
- Advise undergraduate students on academic policies, program requirements, degree progress, petitions, and appeals, offering personalized guidance to support academic success and ensure timely completion of degree requirements.
- Navigate curriculum requirements across 18 distinct academic programs, ensuring students understand program-specific expectations and meet graduation criteria.
- Deliver engaging presentations during orientation sessions, academic workshops, and student recruitment events to promote academic success strategies and program awareness.
- Maintain confidential student records, track academic progress, and identify students requiring timely intervention to stay on track.
- Support students in resolving registration issues and scheduling conflicts, maintaining detailed records for tracking.
- Foster strong relationships with students and staff across various campus departments, offering tailored advice and solutions to academic concerns while maintaining a high level of professionalism and diplomacy.
Program Assistant, Faculty of Design
OCAD University
Toronto, Ontario
07.2020 - 04.2023
- Coordinated administrative support for seven distinct academic programs, ensuring smooth program delivery and timely communication between students, faculty, and stakeholders.
- Managed high-volume student inquiries related to course registration, academic requirements, grades, and program changes, providing clear, accurate responses or referrals.
- Assisted faculty and Program Chairs with administrative tasks, including preparing reports, organizing meetings, processing grade changes, room bookings, pre-requisite waivers, and handling academic misconduct cases.
- Supported academic programs during their IQAP (Institutional Quality Assurance Process) reviews by organizing documentation, coordinating timelines, and ensuring compliance with university standards and procedures.
- Contributed to the development of program materials and communications to deliver clear and helpful information to students
ESL Teacher
Various
Madrid, Spain
10.2017 - 06.2020
- Led English classes for high-school students and business professionals, focusing on grammar, writing, and conversational skills to promote language proficiency.
- Designed and delivered engaging lesson plans tailored to different learning styles, enhancing student comprehension and communication skills.
- Developed and implemented creative learning strategies to encourage active participation and boost student engagement.
Office Administrator
Forbes Andersen LLP
Toronto, Ontario
07.2013 - 01.2016
- Managed payroll, expense reports, and vacation/sick day tracking for clients, ensuring timely submissions and policy compliance.
- Recruited, interviewed, and trained new staff, implementing clear office procedures and fostering a productive team environment.
- Oversaw building maintenance and safety protocols, organizing repairs and managing vendor service contracts.
- Ensured smooth daily office operations, handling scheduling, correspondence, and document management.
Administrative Assistant
Forbes Andersen LLP
Toronto, Ontario
12.2011 - 07.2013
- Delivered professional, client-focused support across multiple channels (in person, phone, written), acting as a liaison between clients, accountants, and government agencies.
- Managed sensitive financial information, adhering to privacy regulations and maintaining secure, organized filing systems.
- Reviewed tax documents for accuracy, coordinating with accounting staff to ensure compliance and meeting tight deadlines for tax filings.
- Assisted with project management, ensuring deadlines were met and that all deliverables were produced in accordance with client expectations.
Administrative Assistant
Daurio & Franklin LLP
01.2010 - 06.2011
- Coordinated audit documentation for over 200 condominium corporations, ensuring timely and organized delivery of required materials.
- Created and maintained a centralized client database, which was used daily by auditors and accounting staff to streamline workflow.
- Assisted with the preparation of client reports and audit documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Supported team members in conducting audits and preparing financial documents for clients.
Administrative Support Assistant
York University Temporary Agency (YUTA)
02.2009 - 04.2010
- Supported the Student Financial Services, Registrar's Office, and Finance Department with administrative tasks during peak periods.
- Processed OSAP loan applications, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with financial aid policies.
- Maintained confidential student records and processed sensitive information with high levels of accuracy and discretion.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Film Production
York University
Toronto, Canada 05.2001 -
Skills
- Student Advising & Academic Support: Expertise in advising undergraduate students on academic policies, program selection, degree requirements, and petitions
- Program & Curriculum Coordination: Experience managing multiple academic programs, ensuring seamless delivery, and maintaining compliance with university policies
- Student Recruitment & Engagement: Skilled in delivering presentations, orientation sessions, and workshops to engage students and promote academic success
- Data Management & Systems Proficiency: Familiar with university "self-service" systems for academic advising, student records, and course registration, and proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), Zoom, and other administrative tools
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a focus on providing clear, professional guidance to students, faculty, and staff
- Time Management & Organization: Proven ability to handle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality
- Interpersonal Skills: Tactful, resourceful, and able to build strong, professional relationships with students, faculty, and colleagues
- TEFL & TESOL Certified: Trained in teaching English as a foreign language and to speakers of other languages, with experience in developing lesson plans, enhancing language skills, and supporting diverse learning needs
Timeline
Student Advisor
OCAD University
04.2023 - Current
Program Assistant, Faculty of Design
OCAD University
07.2020 - 04.2023
ESL Teacher
Various
10.2017 - 06.2020
Office Administrator
Forbes Andersen LLP
07.2013 - 01.2016
Administrative Assistant
Forbes Andersen LLP
12.2011 - 07.2013
Administrative Assistant
Daurio & Franklin LLP
01.2010 - 06.2011
Administrative Support Assistant
York University Temporary Agency (YUTA)
02.2009 - 04.2010
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Film Production
York University
05.2001 -