Job Summary
The Academic Program Administrator promotes an environment that challenges and supports students by providing meaningful opportunities for student learning, development, and integration of curricular and co-curricular experiences. This position reports directly to the Head and manages administrative operations for current graduate students including graduate applications, teaching/research assistantships, qualifying exams, recruiting activities and events, course offerings for on-campus and online programs, and fellowship and scholarships; provides guidance and review of plans of study (PoS). Creates an open, respectful, and inclusive environment. Guides students in the process of registering for courses. Shares information with students for opportunities or activities that can help students’ career development. Maintains confidentiality of student records. Assists with program operations for undergraduate students with focus on extra-curricular, co-curricular, and non-curricular programs such as co-op, internship, Study Abroad, GEAR programs, scholarships, recruiting activities, NE ambassadors, etc. Serves as a liaison between the COE undergraduate Academic Advisor and NE for any additional resources needs that arise for undergraduate students. This position will also provide support to international student interns or student scholars as needed.
This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.
What You'll Be Doing:
Academic Program Administration:
- Develop, maintain, and/or update as appropriate, in consultation with the Head and Committee Chairs, electronic and hard copy versions of procedures and requirements for graduate and undergraduate programs, qualifying exam, graduate and undergraduate brochures, and recruiting and/or program advertisements.
- Manage and facilitate all student records, plans of study, course credit evaluations, and degree certifications to ensure that students meet graduation requirements. Complete necessary paperwork for proper maintenance of student records. Participate in COGNOS and Banner training/updates.
- Collect, analyze, and track data and statistics related to academic matters including applications, enrollments, demographics, graduations, job placement, financial support data, etc.
- Oversee processes for scholarship and fellowship applications, administration, and management, including student letters, as well as faculty letters of recommendation.
- Maintain records of and communicate course offerings and required changes dictated by the Registrar and Space and Scheduling approved by the School Head.
- Facilitate communications (including new student orientation) between students, family members, faculty, and university staff, including international and exchange students prior to their arrival.
- Represent the school at events and in select committees; perform recruitment activities and foster an environment that promotes and executes innovations in advising, academic, and personal development.
- Distribute information to appropriate alumni communications services regarding various department surveys and reports.
- Participate in Graduate and Undergraduate Program Committees as an ex-officio member and support committee chairs.
Graduate Student Advising:
- Serve as academic advisor for graduate students. Oversee, implement, and communicate multiple processes for the NE graduate student population and convey information as appropriate.
- Manage graduate applications and admissions; assist new and incoming students.
- Manage processes related to Plan of Study, including providing feedback and guidance to students developing their academic plans.
- Serve as department thesis format advisor ensuring the graduate students meet the requirements of the University Thesis Format Office in a timely manner to maintain progress toward graduation.
- Inform students and faculty of any problems/issues and deadlines; execute any committee corrective actions approved by the Graduate Committee Chair.
- Prepare and file any required paperwork including plans of study, scheduling of Ph.D. qualifying exams, preliminary exams and final thesis defenses, and results of such exams.
- Develop, analyze, and present comparative reports for the Committee Chairs and the School Head. Maintain data on graduate student academic progress, retention, program completion, etc.
Student Resource Support:
- Serve as a liaison between NE and the College of Engineering Academic Advisor assigned for NE undergraduate students’ curricular advice for any needed information and guidance. Identify and recommend resources for undergraduate student success/support, as needed.
- Manage administrative operations for undergraduate students in co- and extra-curricular activities, including Study Abroad, Honors, 21st Century Scholars, Leadership Development, Co-op, GEAR, NE Ambassadors, etc., as well as any non-curricular matters.
- Assist both the NE Undergraduate and Graduate Program Committee chairs for academic needs.
- Provide support for ABET accreditation review, including maintaining/collecting documents and developing materials.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for interacting with both exisiting and prospective students.
Communications:
- Respond to emails and phone calls from students and their family members, faculty, and university staff, including international and exchange students prior to their arrival. Advise on NE operations/procedures, provide resources, and independently speak to and resolve matters of varying complexity.
- Facilitate visits for potential student (itineraries, scheduling faculty appointments lab tours and university tours).
- Assist faculty in providing student letters of recommendation.
- Make explicit students' responsibility for their own academic and professional success.
- Build and maintain contacts with other college/department advising units.
- Develop and host recruiting events, orientations, and workshops for both graduate and undergraduate students. Track event outcomes that inform future refinements.
- Develop and implement communication plans and methods to disseminate important information to current students, including maintaining the procedures manual and providing content for the blog/website.
About Us:
Founded in 1960, The School of Nuclear Engineering at Purdue University has been a leader in nuclear engineering research, education, and service. This is where future leaders of the global nuclear engineering community are cultivated. We educate ethical nuclear engineers to provide technical expertise to the nuclear engineering communities around the world, expand the frontier of knowledge through cutting-edge and innovative research in all areas of nuclear engineering, and dynamically engage with the global society through strong partnerships.
For more information about our department, please visit: https://engineering.purdue.edu/NE
What We're Looking For:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in management, communications, education, engineering, or related discipline
- Two (2) years of program or project management experience
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
Skills needed:
- Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office suite and knowledge of or ability to learn Purdue University enterprise systems.
- Effective communication skills to transmit information about procedures and degree requirements.
- Proficient writing skills.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Ability to provide strong service to students and faculty.
- Ability to manage tasks and work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
Nice to have:
- Master’s degree
Who We Are:
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Additional Information:
- Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
- Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
- Purdue University is an EO/EA University