Academic Program Coordinator

Penn State University • University Park, IL

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The School of Hospitality Management is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Academic Program Coordinator to provide comprehensive academic program support. This position primarily supports graduate students in the Ph.D. and MPS programs while also serving as key support for the undergraduate program. The Academic Program Coordinator works closely with faculty, department leadership, and university partners to ensure the effective administration, coordination, and continuous improvement of academic programs from admissions through graduation.

Requirements

• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy.
• Collaborative team player with excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
• 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in LionPath, Workday, PowerBI/iTwo, and Zoom GRADS and other relevant software is highly desired.
• Experience with the Microsoft Office 365 suite, including SharePoint, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with faculty, staff, advisers, parents, and students; respond to inquiries related to individual courses, degree requirements, or the overall academic program
• Act as the main point of contact commencing with the application process through to graduation
• Prepare and maintain student files; monitor graduation requirements; assess and track degree audits and ensure accuracy of degree requirements
• Facilitate the process for reviewing requests and updating student course/program changes; process grade change forms, add, drop, and registration forms
• Coordinate the graduate student recruitment and admissions process (includes Offer Letters and Terms of Offer); respond to prospective student inquiries; arrange campus visits (travel, lodging); monitor and update GRADS (Graduate Admissions Decision System) for applicants; and plan and coordinate the new student orientation.
• Collaborate with faculty and department leadership to forecast course/certificate enrollment; retrieve, compile, and analyze course data; assess classroom space and instructor requirements; plan, schedule, and finalize sections, classrooms, and exams; respond to course availability and enrollment inquiries; order textbooks
• Coordinate and implement policies, procedures, and activities pertaining to student records across a department or assigned academic program
• Communicate with students to promote program specific opportunities including workshops, organizations, internships, and career development opportunities; with weekly newsletter and collaborate with faculty and program staff to develop marketing materials.
• Approve student organization building requests for group activities.
• Prepare, review, and submit faculty curricular changes through university systems.
• Coordinate and plan graduate graduation receptions; assist with logistics including venues, invitations, and itineraries.
• Monitor & track graduate program UPAC requests, funding and travel, including tracking purchases, approving expenditures, and generating financial reports and reservations.
• Create and maintain databases; compile academic data and prepare reports for department leadership related to enrollment data, student progress and experience, and accreditation information
• Coordinate student surveys and maintain statistics on course registration counts.
• Assist with department or program website; review content and ensure that information is accurate
• Coordinate the hiring process for program ULA’s and GA appts.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
• For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED