Online Program Coordinator / Academic Program Coordinator

Working/Functional Title

Online Program Coordinator

Position Summary

The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is seeking a professional administrator to coordinate and ensure smooth operation of the Department of Forestry's online programs, including the Hybrid Online MS Degree, the Graduate Certificate in Forest Carbon Science, Policy & Management, and non-credit courses/workshops while also providing programmatic administrative assistance.  Specific duties include:

Coordinate Hybrid Online MS Degree in Forestry Program:

• Primary point of contact for prospective and current students regarding graduate program and admissions via management of the Forestry Online Hybrid MS Program email inbox FOR.hybridMS@msu.edu.
• Work closely with the Director of Graduate Studies and Program Director to review prospective applicants and process graduate student admissions in Slate.
• Draft, finalize, and send offer letter of admissions to prospective students or denial letters to applicants.
• Maintain interested applicant/waitlist spreadsheet.
• Work with students to process all administrative requirements of their program including the process of class permissions in SIS.
• Confirm correct CPP Stack for admitted students.
• Assign faculty advisors in SIS once students are admitted.
• Track and coordinate student annual reviews with advisor.
• As the form checker, review and approve Committees and Course Plans within the SIS GradPlan worklist.
• Enter milestones in degree audit.
• Confer graduate degrees through degree audit and degree clearance.
• Track and communicate appropriate webpage and listserv updates.
• Track matriculation, internal request and waiver forms.
• Communicate and monitor graduation requirements for GradPlans and RECR training in coordination with the Graduate College.
• Assist students in seeking RECR opportunities.
• Monitor student progress and guide student enrollment via course plans and/or student consultations.
• Assist in graduate student orientation and the professional development activities of graduate students at the departmental/program level.
• Ensure that graduate students have access to the resources and support they need to successfully complete their degrees.
• Work with the Hybrid Online MS team to work toward SAF accreditation.
• Keep abreast of university policies and procedures regarding graduate study while ensuring implementation of policies and practices.
• Attend monthly graduate program meetings as well as attend annual trainings, professional development workshops and informational meetings.
• Facilitate communication between students, faculty and administrators.

Coordinate Graduate Certificate in Forest Carbon Science, Policy, and Management (credit and non-credit):

• Primary point of contact for prospective and current students via management of the FCCP email inbox forestc@msu.edu.
• Maintain active interested applicant spreadsheet.
• Work closely with the Program Director to review prospective applicants and process graduate student admissions in Slate.
• Draft, finalize and send offer letter of admissions to prospective students or denial to applicants.
• Track matriculation, internal request and waiver forms.
• Assist students with enrollment, conferral, etc. using SIS. 
• D2L administration: account setup, enrollment communication and introduction course.
• Perform dual enrollment checks and offer options.
• Coordinate fellowship and scholarship reviews, student offers/declines, distribution of accepted funds and audits.
• Monitor student progress and guides student enrollment via course plans and/or student consultations.
• Acquire and enter grades, produce and distribute completion certificates/letters of completion.
• Keep abreast of university policies and procedures regarding graduate study while ensuring implementation of policies and practices.
• Facilitate communication between students, faculty and administrators.

Coordinate Non-Credit Courses, Programs and Special Initiatives:

• Primary point of contact for prospective and current participants via management of the FCCP email inbox ForestCE@msu.edu.
• Oversee/process participant registration (purchase confirmation communication, D2L guest account setup, enrollment, etc.).
• Acquire and enter grades in tracker, produce and distribute completion certificates.
• Facilitate communication between participants, faculty and administrators.
• Assist with setting up, establishing and coordinating new courses, programs and initiatives as needed.
• Specific to FCCP professional courses:
  • Manage course discounts
  • SAF and ISA applications/attendance
  • D2L course setup, close, reset (3 cycles)
  • Course communication (troubleshoot participant inquiries, reminders, etc.)

Program Administration:

• Coordinate schedule/calendar; anticipate upcoming deadlines/events.
• Communicate on behalf of MassTimber@MSU director as appropriate, attend meetings, take notes as needed.
• Coordinate recurring events and meetings, reserve space (25 Live), etc.
• Assist with special events (venue reservations, catering, lodging, travel, registration, etc.)
• Carry out 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's degree in forestry, natural resource management, business administration, education, higher education, psychology; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in university/college/academic admissions or related administrative position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with D2L software, MSU's Student Information System, and curriculum administration are a plus.

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 provide a current CV and cover letter describing how your background has prepared you for this position.  Upload three professional references.

Special Instructions

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

for.msu.edu

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.

Bidding eligibility ends April 29, 2025 at 11:55 P.M.