Academic Program Coordinator

Position Summary

The Academic Program Coordinator provides primary point of contact for the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition graduate student programs (Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science and in Human Nutrition, Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, Master of Science in Food Regulatory Affairs). This position coordinates graduate admissions, student services, academic administration, and program operations while helping guide students throughout their academic journey. The coordinator partners closely with faculty, university offices, and departmental leadership to administer graduate programs in accordance with university policies and ensure students receive exceptional support.

As a member of the department's administrative team, this position organizes/coordinates program events and collaborates a cross-functional area to support shared operations, continuity, and continuous improvement.

Core duties and responsibilities include:

• Graduate Student Program (75%):
• Serves as a primary resource for master's and doctoral students while coordinating graduate student services and academic administration. Including: Support to Graduate Program Director, department Graduate Affairs Committee (GAC), attending relevant Graduate School and CANR graduate coordinator meetings, Staff advisor for the FSHN Grad Student Organization.
• Coordinates annual student reviews, comprehensive examinations, dissertation proposal defenses, dissertation defenses, and graduation requirements, ensuring students and faculty are supported throughout the process.
• Provides support for all aspects of the graduate student program; Coordinates graduate recruitment: managing the application process, preparing and arranging acceptance/rejection correspondence to applicants, guiding prospective students from pre-application through enrollment. Coordinates and participates in assistantship and scholarship application and selection process, degree audit and milestones within SIS for program requirements
• Serves as a primary point of contact for prospective, admitted, and incoming students, providing guidance on admissions, funding, enrollment, and program requirements.
• Coordinates financial support for graduate students’ programs through various funding sources.
• Coordinates graduate assistant appointments and assistantship actions, maintains graduate funding records, and processes fellowships, awards, and conference and research funding.
• Serves as a liaison with students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and other important constituents to answer questions on behalf of the graduate programs.
• Advises students, faculty, and staff on graduate policies, procedures, registration, degree requirements, university travel requirements, and program deadlines.
• Coordinates the operational administration of the department's graduate programs to support efficient program delivery and student success.
• Maintain appropriate records for graduate student files, funds awarded, conference and research fellowships.
• Maintains confidential student records, monitors degree progress, completes degree audits and GradPlan reviews, and processes academic forms and course overrides.
• Collaborate with the Business Manager, faculty, and administrative staff to support graduate funding, operational processes, shared documentation, and departmental initiatives.
• Program Events (15%):
• Collaborates with the Graduate Seminar Committee to plan/coordinate/run annual fall Seminar Series
• Arranges department travel for speakers and coordinates host responsibilities
• Plan/Coordinate/maintains oversight and executes the G. Malcolm Trout annual lecture, graduate student events, and co-organizes the FSHN Spring Awards Ceremony with the Undergraduate coordinator
• Serves on departmental committees as appropriate
• Department operations and administrative backup support (10%):
• Maintains an understanding of undergraduate programs; provides backup support for undergraduate actions (degree changes, grade changes, overrides, etc.)
• Provides backup support for undergraduate Dietetics program (degree verification statements, obtaining student contact information, etc.)
• Coordinates office operations, including supplies, mail, copying, meetings, seminars, events, and unit travel authorizations and reimbursements, while maintaining shared departmental resources.
• Contributes to process improvements, maintain shared operational resources, provides operational support and backup as needed, and assists with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through the first two or three years of college, such as an associate degree in a business-related field. One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in university/college/academic admissions or related administrative position; One year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in Microsoft 365 products (Word for processing, editing, database, Excel; maintaining spreadsheets, Outlook, OneDrive, Forms for creating surveys, Teams for collaborative communication with co-workers) presentation software and/or desktop publishing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Working knowledge with the following applications: Enterprise Business Systems (EBS) including (SAP) HR/Payroll and Kuali Financial System (KFS), student information system (SIS), graduate admissions management system (SLATE), Grad Plan, eGradFel; excellent organizational and communication skills, attention to detail and ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment, willingness and ability to take initiative and solve problems through critical thinking.

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

Please submit cover letter, CV and 3 references.

Special Instructions

Hybrid remote work schedule available upon successful completion of the probationary period. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to meet departmental or operational needs for event management.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

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

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.