Graduate Program Coordinator

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%

Admissions

• 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 event 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.

Qualifications

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.

About the Department

About the Department
The Department of Sociology consists of 28 faculty, approximately 60 graduate students, and over 500 undergraduate majors. We are one of the premier departments in the College of Liberal Arts, and we offer stimulating courses, conduct renowned, cutting-edge research, and are leaders in public sociology. In our department, we strive to challenge our students intellectually and help them get involved in research on campus while supporting a diversity of viewpoints and experiences. We are deeply committed to diversity and seek to provide a productive and supportive environment for all faculty, staff, and students.

For additional information about the department, please visit the Department of Sociology website, at cla.umn.edu/sociology

About the College of Liberal Arts
Established in 1868, the College of Liberal Arts supports the University of Minnesota's land-grant mission as home to disciplines in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The College of Liberal Arts values diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives as key to innovation and excellent education: https://cla.umn.edu

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution . CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences . To learn more about diversity in the College of Liberal Arts, see our foundational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion here: cla.umn.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-cla

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position please click on "Apply for this Posting" and follow the instructions. You will have an opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach materials related to your candidacy, including 1) a cover letter and 2) resume. We also ask you to include: 3) names and contact information for three references.

PLEASE NOTE: After completing the online application and submitting your cover letter and resume, you can upload the additional document by logging back in and accessing your "MyJob Applications" page. All materials should be uploaded by September 27, 2024.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis beginning in October 2024; thus, qualified applicants are encouraged to upload their application materials as soon as possible. Applications received after September 27 may or may not be reviewed.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).