Academic Program Coordinator, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 37,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Benefits package including healthcare/

Retirement plans

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an Academic Program Coordinator to support graduate programs, including residential, online, and hybrid offerings. You will manage course scheduling, admissions, and student records while coordinating exams, dissertations, and advising activities.

You will work closely with students, faculty, and Graduate Enrollment Services to ensure timely graduation, compliance, and top-tier service across multiple campuses.

Qualifications

• GED or HS required; 2+ years relevant experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 preferred
• Strong organization and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Build and manage course schedules in LionPATH, including course setup and Zoom scheduling for residential, online, and hybrid courses
• Coordinate examinations and dissertation defenses, scheduling, communications, and related logistics
• Monitor student progress and degree requirements by tracking milestones and graduation eligibility
• Communicate with graduate students regarding registration, requirements, policies, deadlines, and graduation processes
• Prepare and process reports, GA appointments, offer letters, contracts, and salary assignments
• Coordinate graduate admissions activities and serve as a primary contact for prospective graduate students
• Maintain student and program records, advising folders, tracking spreadsheets, and academic documentation
• Provide guidance on registration, advising, policies, and program requirements
• Support course enrollment management through registration assistance and overrides
• Coordinate meetings, events, seminars, and campus facilities and food service
• Provide logistical support for on-site, online, and hybrid programs through scheduling and Zoom administration
• Collaborate with Graduate Enrollment Services, faculty, and university offices

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Customer service

Microsoft 365

Education

HS diploma or GED

Tools

SAP Concur

iTwo

GRADS

25Live

Job description

Work location and remote work

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 used for data access, analysis, and distribution)
• Penn State’s Graduate Admissions Decision System (GRADS)
• 25Live by CollegeNet (scheduling platform)

Important Note

This position requires a minimum of three days per week of on-site work at the designated work location.

Background Checks/ Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $36,888.00 - $58,836.00.

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.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO is the law

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines