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University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Graduate Program Coordinator

University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400


Position Overview:

The Department of Sociology in the College of Liberal Arts is seeking to fill a Graduate Program Coordinator position. This position provides primary program support for graduate students in the department's Ph.D. program.

The Department of Sociology graduate program continues to be one of the largest programs, both in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota and among sociology programs nationally. During any given year, there are approximately 60 students in the department's graduate program. Approximately 1,200 inquiries, 110 applications and 24 offers for admission to the Ph.D. program are processed annually.

Appointment Details:

This is a 100% time, 12-month, continuous Civil Service position.

Job Responsibilities:

Advising: Current and Prospective Students - 55%

Guide prospective students, applicants, and admitted students through the admission process and coordinate faculty involved in final admission decisions and post-admission recruiting. Manage the application processing and inquiries, file review, letters of offer, plan and coordinate recruitment events for admitted students, and oversee the graduate recruitment budget.

Advise students to guide them through Program, College, and University Policies and Procedures, including providing direction on approved curriculum and program and/or college specific requirements to meet degree requirements.

Guide international students through their unique processes and work with ISSS to assure proper paperwork and compliance throughout the program (recommend specialized English and classroom training if requested or required).

Student Progress & Retention

Advise students on program planning strategies, including registration, transitions from other programs, health insurance, tuition waivers and funding options.

Monitor students' degree progress in meeting the program milestones to ensure timely completion of their degree plan, assignment of preliminary and final oral exam committees, and graduation procedures.

Interpret and provide clarity to students and faculty on program, College, and University policies governing student degree progress and related procedures. Use the Reporting Center, PeopleSoft system, department webpages and other software (i.e., word processing, database systems, e-mail) to complete responsibilities.

Counsel students on individual issues that may arise and direct them to the best resources for resolving those issues, directing students to their faculty advisor or the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) as appropriate. Coordinate advising efforts with the College of Liberal Arts and other University units as necessary.

Maintain student records, respond to policy and procedure questions, and work with DGS and faculty advisors to recommend solutions to academic difficulties.

Place or remove holds on student accounts and authorize registration, curricular, and some policy exceptions (e.g., extension of leave of absence).

Manage graduate program faculty assignments, including advising and committee roles, and determine that they comply with university policy.

II. Program Development, Management and Administration - 30%

Serve as the primary resource for faculty, staff and students on graduate program policies. Coordinate policy review and evaluation as needed, including consultation with faculty, students, department administration and the Graduate School.

Initiate and prepare analysis and recommendations on new policy or changes in policy.

Monitor and edit all relevant publications and communications including recruitment brochures, graduate program website, etc.

Maintain graduate student records using departmental, graduate school and University databases and graduate student permanent files.

Initiate and facilitate collection of applications, and coordinate recommendations for travel funding, fellowships, scholarships, etc.

Plan and coordinate fall orientation for new students, hold individual appointments, and field inquiries by phone, email, and in person.

Coordinate the faculty’s annual review of graduate students (including the more comprehensive review of third year students).

Respond to requests for program information from the Graduate School, the American Sociological Association, and others as needed.

III. Graduate Program Planning - 10%

Work with the Director of Graduate Studies to manage the graduate program, including setting deadlines, establishing agendas for the Graduate Committee, and providing staff support for the committee.

Identify and recommend strategies for increasing applicants from underrepresented groups and improving program diversity.

Serve as staff support for the Diversity & Equity Committee.

Ensure the Graduate Program web resources are accurate with clear organization of information, particularly for the online application process.

Design the fall orientation program and materials, including finalizing the agenda, presenters, and coordinating with other staff to ensure our orientation runs smoothly.

IV. Other - 5%

Participate on the Sociology Graduate Committee and work with the appropriate CLA and Graduate School advising networks.

Attend department staff meetings and coordinate work with other department staff as necessary.

Other Department duties and responsibilities as assigned/required.

Required Qualifications:

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

BA/BS or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four (4) years.

Applies knowledge and skill to recurring tasks or activity with emphasis typically on precision and timeliness of execution.

Excellent computer skills in Google and Microsoft Office applications.

Demonstrated experience composing and organizing complex reports and correspondence.

Experience managing data entry and verifying data integrity.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in counseling, social science or a related field is preferred.

Two (2) years’ experience supporting an academic unit in a college or university setting.

Higher education work experience with knowledge of collegiate policies and procedures related to advising graduate student services at the University of Minnesota.

Prior work experience or coursework within the social sciences.

Ability to support multiple constituencies including faculty, staff, students and the Graduate School.

Proven ability to work independently with highly confidential materials.

Previous accounting or budgeting experience.

Excellent organizational skills, including multitasking and time management, and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced work environment.

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