Job Description
The Academic Program Manager is responsible for the overall management of the advising unit within the College of Science, working closely with department chairs, faculty, and staff to effectively deliver services to students. Under general direction of the Dean and Associate Dean of the College of Science, and the Director of Undergraduate Academic Advising, the Program Manager develops, implements, and oversees academic advising, student recruitment, outreach, orientation, retention, probation and suspension management, and student record-keeping processes (e.g., graduation eligibility, academic progress). The Program Manager supervises a team of four academic advisors, coordinates with department chairs, and ensures compliance with university policies and accreditation standards.

Essential Job Duties:

Supervision and Leadership:
Directly supervises four academic advisors, providing ongoing support, direction, and performance feedback.
Assesses staffing needs and leads recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and performance evaluations for advisors.
Conducts regular meetings with advisors to ensure alignment with the unit’s goals and mission, and to address any challenges or opportunities for improvement.
Represent College in Advising Council and bring University issues back to College.

Academic Advising and Student Support:
Oversees academic advising processes for all COS students, including serving as principal advisor to their own group of students.
Leads development and implementation of programs aimed at student retention and success, including the preparation of Academic Improvement Plans for probationary and returning suspended students.
Creates and implements plans to retain and assist academically at-risk students.
Supervises contacts with non-returning students, encouraging them to register for classes.

Curriculum, Policy, and Compliance:
Serves as an ex officio member of the College of Science curriculum committee, providing advice and recommendations during meetings.
Works closely with the Dean, Associate Dean, and Director of Undergraduate Academic Advising to interpret and implement university policies, including those related to accreditation.
Reviews and updates academic maps, curriculum sheets, and four-year plans, ensuring they include current curriculum requirements.
Communicates and enforces policy changes, curriculum updates, and advising procedures to advisors and other stakeholders.
Provides information to department chairs on likely future student course demand to help departments manage course offerings.

Student Records and Course Management:
Manages enrollment of students entering the college by entering majors and connecting them with advisors.
In collaboration with academic departments, works on the evaluation of student transcripts, transfer equivalencies (including for international students), and course substitutions.
Ensures accurate monitoring of prerequisite verifications and oversees the completion of Junior/Senior Degree Evaluations.
Supervises the preparation of graduation lists and validates graduation eligibility three times per year.
Reviews student-athlete transcripts and reports progress toward degree for certification of athletic eligibility.

Student Engagement and Support Services:
Coordinates and leads student orientation sessions, recruitment activities, and other student engagement initiatives.
Meets with students to address academic issues and concerns, providing personalized guidance and support. Coordinates closely with wraparound services such as the Office of Student Success, the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations, the HELP Program, and the College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ensures that students are referred to these and other relevant resources, including counseling services, tutoring, and academic support programs, as needed. Works to address each student’s unique needs, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their educational goals.
Works with military benefits-eligible students and the Veteran’s Administration representative to ensure proper management of veterans’ eligibility.

Communication and Outreach:
Oversees the dissemination of targeted announcements, emails, and newsletters to student groups.
Manages the development, implementation, and maintenance of information on the College of Science website and academic advising web pages.
Coordinates with the College’s Director of Stakeholder Engagement on recruitment-related events and represents the college in university-wide recruitment events such as Green & White Days and admitted student receptions.
Plans, coordinates, or participates in College and University special activities, open houses, ceremonies, commencement, and other public events, as directed.

Data Analysis and Continuous Improvement:
Continuously analyzes advising processes and outcomes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Implements team-building initiatives and resolves staff conflicts, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

Specialized Advising Services:
Coordinate development and implementation of specialized advising services tailored to the unique needs of pre-professional students (e.g., pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, pre-optometry, pre-chiropractic, pre-pharmacy, pre-physician assistant), ensuring they receive guidance on course selection, prerequisites, and extracurricular activities that align with their professional goals.