Graduate Student Accessibility and Accommodations Manager

Columbia University In the City of New York•New York, NY

61d•$70,000 - $77,000•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Director of Graduate Student Wellness, the Graduate student Accessibility & Accommodations Manager is responsible for the centralized facilitation, communication, and tracking of academic accommodations for graduate students with disabilities within Columbia Engineering. Acting as the primary liaison between the Columbia University Disability Services Office, Columbia Engineering faculty, student affairs officers, and other academic support units, this position ensures the timely, equitable, and confidential implementation of accessibility and accommodations at Columbia Engineering. The Manager works closely with the University's Disability Services Office, the Engineering Student Affairs (ESA) team, and the Departmental staff to facilitate equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating accommodations and support services for students with disabilities. The Manager will enhance the mission of Engineering Student Affairs by promoting wellness and access to appropriate services and resources, internally and externally, to alleviate possible barriers to a student's academic success. As a member of the Engineering Wellness team, the Manager will be part of the on-call and crisis response team, will support ongoing student case management, and assist with emergent walk-in student needs. As a member of the Engineering Student Affairs team, the Manager also assists with other functions of the Engineering Student Affairs cycle, including assisting with school-wide events and programs. This role is responsible for the centralized implementation, communication, and tracking of academic accommodations for graduate students registered with Columbia University Disability Services within Columbia Engineering. The Manager works closely with the University's Disability Services Office, the Engineering Student Affairs (ESA) Office, and the school's Departmental staff to facilitate equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating accommodations and support services.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; Master's in Higher Ed, Disability Studies, Counseling, or related field preferred.
At least 3-5 years of direct professional experience in accessibility services, disability support, student affairs, or a related area, preferably in a higher education setting.
Strong working knowledge of disability-related laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and FERPA, and best practices in graduate education.
Experience coordinating academic and/or housing accommodations and working directly with students with disabilities.
A demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating accessible learning environments.
Excellent communication, coordination, and project management skills.
Demonstrated experience with diverse student populations and international student populations.
The candidate should also be familiar with the challenges international graduate students face.
The qualified applicant must demonstrate awareness and understanding of FERPA, Clery Act, HECMA standards, and other issues and standards pertaining to case management in a higher education setting.
The candidate must be able to manage sensitive and confidential information and demonstrate excellent written, oral, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, and demonstrated success establishing and maintaining effective and productive relationships with campus partners and stakeholders.
Must exhibit tact and sound judgment.
The candidate should be familiar with or have the ability to learn and use student software and management systems.
Manage and prioritize multiple simultaneous initiatives and tasks with minimal supervision and work independently.
Must be able to communicate effectively and tactfully with staff, faculty, students, alumni, and other key constituents in small and large group settings.
Demonstrated flexibility and ability to adjust to new demands, including changing requirements and shifting priorities.
Adaptability to thrive in an environment that is characterized by significant growth and change.
Excellent diplomatic and cross-cultural skills and ability to work together with a variety of stakeholders across multiple teams.
Demonstrated success in cultivating a strong community in a higher education setting.
Possess excellent interpersonal and administrative skills.
Ability to work independently and under pressure, with a high level of attention to detail.
Strong computer literacy/proficiency required; an understanding and appreciation of student services database software and online resources, and the willingness and enthusiasm to respond to the needs of students in an increasingly technologically-oriented society.
In-person work hours: Primary working hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; however, midterm and final exam seasons might require an adjusted work schedule (e.g., 10 am - 6 pm or 12 pm - 8 pm)

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for all accommodation-related communications within the Columbia Engineering Graduate School.
Receive approved accommodations from the central Disability Services Office and implement the accommodations through collaboration with the department, faculty, and instructional staff.
Ensure accommodations are delivered in a timely, consistent, and confidential manner for all graduate engineering students.
Provide guidance and manage the Wellness Officer, who assists with the implementation of academic accommodations, including exam accommodation logistics, priority registration, student note-taker coordination, and distributing notes to students receiving these accommodations.
Serve as the back-up Examinations Proctor, which includes, but is not limited to, the following duties and responsibilities: Administration of examinations within the parameters established by the faculty, including the distribution of exam material and instructing students in examination procedures. Accountable for the integrity of all exams. Complete administrative tasks as required to ensure effective planning and preparation for exams.
Liaise with faculty, instructional support staff, and academic administration to clarify accommodations and provide implementation guidance.
Maintain regular communication with the Disability Services Office and escalate complex cases to the Director of Graduate Student Wellness as needed.
Act as the Columbia University Health Liaison for Students with Approved Accommodations.
Collaborate with Columbia Health and related campus partners to support students' access needs related to health and wellness services.
Serve as a resource to students with disabilities for questions about implementation logistics.
Maintain accurate, ADA and FERPA-compliant records of accommodation notifications and implementation status.
Develop and manage a tracking system (e.g., database or CRM) for all accommodation cases.
Monitor compliance and follow up with departments or faculty as needed.
Create and deliver training materials for faculty and staff on accommodation procedures and inclusive practices.
Update internal documentation (e.g., SOPs, FAQs, email templates).
Collect feedback from students, faculty, and staff to inform process improvements.
Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of centralized implementation and propose adjustments.
Support the development and implementation of Wellness initiatives along with programs that reflect the Columbia Engineering Graduate Student community's needs and maintain the School and University objectives and high standards of quality care and community citizenship.
Share responsibility for rotating 24-hour emergency on-call phone shifts to provide crisis intervention, options, advocacy, information, and support to Graduate Engineering Students.
Assists with social and cultural programs and events to enhance the student experience for all SEAS graduate students.
Ensure that all health and wellness programming is inclusive, accessible, and fosters a welcoming environment for students with disabilities and all members of the SEAS community, in alignment with School and University goals.
Attends and supports the logistical management of wellness events and programs for students.
Track student of concern cases (wellness/disability services) using Maxient and ensure case notes are up to date.
Measure and collect data on wellness initiatives and programs.
Evaluate student wellness services and identify ways to further strengthen student wellness for Graduate Engineering students.
Assist with school- and university-wide events and programs.
Provide support as needed within the Office of Engineering Student Affairs.