Academic Program Coordinator, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing

Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an Academic Program Coordinator to provide essential administrative support for graduate education across residential, online, and hybrid programs. The role will closely assist students, faculty and academic leaders, managing schedules, admissions, and compliance with program requirements.

The incumbent will coordinate doctoral defenses, monitor milestones, advise on registration and policies, and prepare offers, contracts and salary documentation.

Qualifications

• GED or HS required with 2+ years of relevant experience or equivalent education.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work with students, faculty and leadership.
• Strong organizational skills and reliability in completing tasks on time.
• Customer service mindset and responsiveness in graduate education operations.
• Proficiency with LionPATH, Microsoft 365 applications, SAP Concur and iTwo.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage course schedules in LionPATH for residential, online, and hybrid courses.
• Coordinate doctoral examinations and dissertation defenses, including scheduling and logistics.
• Monitor student progress and degree requirements, track milestones and graduation eligibility.
• Communicate with graduate students about registration, requirements, deadlines, and graduation processes.
• Prepare reports, assistantship appointments, offer letters, contracts and salary documents.
• Coordinate graduate admissions activities and serve as a primary contact for prospective students.
• Maintain student and program records and ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Support enrollment management and course permissions, overrides and exception processing.
• Arrange academic meetings, events, facilities, technology and catering.
• Provide logistical support across residential, online and hybrid programs and coordinate multi-campus activities.
• Collaborate with Graduate Enrollment Services, faculty and university offices to support operations.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Effective written and verbal沟通?

Education

GED or HS

Tools

LionPATH

Microsoft 365

SAP Concur

iTwo

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is seeking an Academic Program Coordinator to join our team in a critical administrative role supporting graduate academic programs.

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with students, faculty, and academic leaders while contributing to the success of residential, online, and hybrid graduate programs.

As the primary administrative support for graduate education, the Academic Program Coordinator plays an essential role in helping students navigate key academic milestones while ensuring the smooth operation of graduate programs.

• Build and manage course schedules in LionPATH, including course setup, classroom reservations, and Zoom scheduling for residential, online, and hybrid courses.
• Coordinate doctoral examinations and dissertation defenses, managing scheduling, communications, documentation, approvals, and related logistics.
• Monitor student academic progress and degree requirements by tracking milestones, maintaining benchmark records, and reviewing graduation eligibility.
• Communicate with graduate students regarding registration, academic requirements, policies, procedures, deadlines, and graduation processes.
• Prepare and process reports, graduate assistantship appointments, offer letters, contracts, salary assignments, and related administrative documentation.
• Coordinate graduate admissions activities and serve as a primary point of contact for prospective graduate students.
• Maintain student and program records, databases, advising folders, tracking spreadsheets, and academic documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for graduate students, providing guidance on registration, advising, academic policies, and program requirements.
• Support course enrollment management through registration assistance, enrollment adjustments, overrides, course permissions, and exception processing.
• Coordinate academic meetings, special events, seminars and activities, including arrangements for facilities, supplies, technology and food service.
• Provide logistical support for residential, online, and hybrid programs through classroom scheduling, room reservations, Zoom administration, and multi-campus coordination.
• Collaborate regularly with Graduate Enrollment Services, faculty, and other university offices to support graduate education operations.

The Academic Program Coordinator independently resolves routine and moderately complex academic and administrative issues and exercises judgment in matters related to registration, graduation, student records, and academic procedures.

The leadership team will provide cross-training with the program's other Academic Program Coordinators to promote collaboration, skill development, and operational flexibility.

LionPATH referenced above is Penn State's student information system.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal skills; Inclusive and respectful when working with and supporting others
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Outstanding organizational skills and a proven record of reliable, timely task completion
• Driven to provide excellent customer service
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word and Excel is preferred.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Academic Program Coordinator - Intermediate Support, this position requires:

• General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
• 2+ years of relevant experience; Relevant education accepted in lieu of experience

Required Certifications: None

If filled as Academic Program Coordinator - Support, this position requires:

• General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
• No prior relevant work experience required

Required Certifications: None

Additional Information

• In addition to Microsoft 365 and LionPath, the Academic Program Coordinator will work with various software including:
• SAP Concur / Employee Reimbursement System (ERS)
• iTwo (web-based Penn State tool u