Position Summary

The Department of Community Sustainability in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is seeking a motivated, passionate, and creative individual to join our team as the Academic Program Coordinator. This role will play a pivotal part in shaping the experience of our graduate and undergraduate students, ensuring that their journey is smooth, enriching, and successful. The Academic Program Coordinator will be a key liaison between students, faculty, Graduate School, and the Dean’s Office of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The ideal candidate will be someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is excited to work directly with students, and can handle multiple priorities while maintaining a student-focused approach. This position will include all items related to student affairs including but not limited to fellowship and scholarship awards, appointments, admissions, degree plan guidance, event planning, student engagement, maintaining records, and advising/supporting the directors as needed.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Appointments and Awards: Processes and manages all graduate appointments, fellowships and scholarship awards.
• Graduate Admissions: Engage with prospective students providing thorough program information. Reviews and manages graduate applications through Slate workflow.  Liaise with Graduate School and Admissions, guiding through matriculation. Provides preliminary and assistantship letters. Interact with OISS for international student admissions.
• Student Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact for graduate students, offering guidance, support, and resources throughout their academic journey. Troubleshoot issues within SIS, GradPlan, Registrar’s Office, and Campus solutions.
• Degree Plan Guidance: Primary manager of student academic records including student academic plans, milestones, GradPlan and programmatic issues, enrollment assistance and degree audits. Advocate in guiding for student success. Monitor student progress with the GPD and advisor.
• Event Planning: Organize and coordinate graduate program events such as orientation, workshops, seminars, and social activities, ensuring a positive student experience. Organize and coordinate undergraduate award events.
• Collaboration: Work closely with faculty, academic advisors, and the graduate school to ensure effective communication and implementation of policies, procedures, and academic requirements.
• Conflict Resolution: Address student concerns and conflicts in a professional, compassionate manner, helping to mediate issues and provide solutions in line with institutional policies.
• Policy Adherence: Interpret and apply institutional policies and procedures to ensure that all program activities align with academic standards and guidelines.
• Student Engagement: Develop and implement initiatives to foster a sense of community among graduate students, promoting academic success, well-being, and professional growth.
• Reporting & Administrative Support: Maintain accurate student records, track program participation, and provide regular reports on program outcomes and activities; Advise and support the Graduate Program Director and the Undergraduate Program Director; Manages the Strategic Plan Assessment, Student Handbook, and Website.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through the first two or three years of college, such as an Associate's degree in business, education, higher education, psychology, business or a related field which corresponds to the area of employment; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in university/college/academic admissions or related administrative position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with students, faculty, and staff at all levels. Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex situations with a solutions-oriented approach. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment and is proactive to ensure consistency. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, EBS, SIS, GradPlan, and Slate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter and resume are required. 

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

HTTPS://WWW.CANR.MSU.EDU/CSUS/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends March 11, 2025 at 11:55 P.M.