Graduate Program Coordinator, Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE)

The Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) serves in a key position of graduate program leadership, having a direct impact on graduate student recruitment, admissions, student degree progress, program completion, and quality of experience. The GPC provides primary programmatic and operation support for MS programs such as the MS in Data Science in Operations Research, MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering and PhD program serving approximately 90 graduate students with plans to grow the program. GPC support may also be needed for certificate programs in the future. This position works closely with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Director of Masters Programs (DMP) and to manage the program, ensuring systems are in place to deliver consistent and efficient services, including developing and supporting a welcoming environment for students from a variety of different backgrounds. This position is a key member of the department administrative team and reports to the ISyE administrative manager.

Graduate Program Coordination (90%)
Graduate Program Support - 25%

• Under general guidance of the Director of Graduate Studies, organize and administer all aspects of the graduate program and handle day-to-day tasks.
• Serve as Plan Level Coordinator for the ISyE graduate programs.
• Assist students with program requirements and milestones, directing students to Director of Graduate Studies as appropriate.
• Responds to all program inquiries, including policy and procedure questions.
• Assist students with program planning strategies, including registration, transitions from other programs, readmission to the program, funding options, tuition waivers, and health Insurance.
• Functions as a liaison with relevant academic departments, programs and units, to include ISSS.
• Participates in policy and program evaluation and review, including preparing analysis and recommendations on new policy or changes in program requirements.
• Consults with students, faculty, departmental administration and the Graduate School as needed.
• Acts as the first point of contact for all inquiries regarding the program. Responds to requests for program information, data, and/or reports from department administration, CSE, the Graduate School and outside entities as needed.
• Annually reviews and updates the department's Graduate Student Handbook.
• Provides staff support for the Director of Graduate Studies and appropriate committees.
• Provide regular updates to the DGS and Dept. Administrator regarding graduate program affairs.
• Represents the DGS as needed on committees outside the department.
• Manages graduate student roster. Gathers and tracks annual graduate student placement for department and CSE reporting. Maintains data on all aspects of the program including applicants, current students, and alumni.
• Maintains and processes Graduate Faculty Role status with the Graduate School.
• Acts as a resource for faculty, staff, and students on program policy and applicable CSE and Graduate School-level policies.
• Prepare block grant (quality metrics) and other proposals to the Graduate School
• Coordinates the annual review of all graduate students.
• Preparing reports and surveys and providing information to support collegiate and/or department decision-makers.
• Ensure department graduate student files are kept up-to-date for current graduate students and that University records retention policies are followed; also maintain the files through the Graduate School Image Now program.
• Acts as program subject matter expert in systems such as SLATE, PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, Workflow Gen, MyU, Reporting Center, GPAS, CourseDog.
• Direct work of Grad student coordinator Teaching Assistant in consultation with DGS.

Admissions - 25%

• Prepares funding letters for accepted students, documenting eligibility requirements, conditions, duties, award type/amount, etc.
• Initiates and facilitates the process for fellowship applications. Coordinates internal departmental nomination process if needed.
• Works with prospective students on program requirements, including application process, campus visits and relocations, registration and funding options.
• Advises international students on specific needs related to the application process.
• Manages admissions process, including application processing and Graduate School application requirements.
• Assists applicants with ApplyYourself system and assists faculty members with the AppReview system.
• Assist prospective graduate students with the entire application process, registration holds, language requirements, and visa process, contacting the graduate school and ISSS as needed.
• Tracks acceptance and rejection of admissions offers and status of waitlist.
• Keep a tracking sheet of financial assistantship offers for incoming new graduate students.

Program Advising - 25%

• Monitors student progress. Initiates contact with students and faculty, bringing concerns to the attention of students, faculty advisors, and the DGS as appropriate.
• Maintains student records, processes relevant paperwork.
• Files 3rd-party billing forms for graduate students and works with Dept. Administrator on these forms. Make sure that all forms are filed for CSE and DDF fellowships so students are billed correctly.
• Ensures stipends are processed and required payroll documentation is completed and submitted to the College.
• Assists international students with specific needs related to visa status and referrals to the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office, travel, specialized English and classroom training, and full-time enrollment status.

Recruiting/Outreach - 15%

• Carry out promotion plans for academic MS and PhD programs
• Collaborate with Director of Graduate Students for Professional Strategic Communication program about recruitment and promotion strategies and events
• Administer admissions events (open houses, information sessions, networking events, and graduate orientations).
• Connect students to CSE Career Services - Workforce Development opportunities
• Promote Fellowship Opportunities for students (NSF, DOD, NIH)
• Implement Alumni Community database to build networking opportunities for students, employers and donors

Other responsibilities as assigned (10%)

• Support the department head and administrative manager in special projects
• Provide continuity of department administrative support and general department operations when other administrative team members are absent
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years.
• Experience with supporting graduate students
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills
• Ability to work independently and as a dependable team player

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience with University of Minnesota
• Previous experience in a higher education environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace software
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and professionally with a broad range of constituents in a collaborative environment.
• Evidence of a commitment to quality customer service and the ability to exercise good judgment.
• Demonstrated experience working with people from diverse backgrounds.

About the Department

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, is a world-class research university with outstanding resources and programs in engineering and science, health sciences, social sciences, and liberal arts. The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering in the College of Science and Engineering has active research and teaching programs in Operations Research, Analytics, Data Science, Industrial Engineering, and Systems Engineering. It includes 18 faculty, six staff positions, about 200 undergraduate students, and over 90 graduate students. The department aspires to grow its research and educational programs in the next five years. More information about the department is available at https://cse.umn.edu/isye.

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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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).