Student Services Coordinator

Student Services Coordinator

The Center for the Study of Complex Systems (CSCS) is a highly interdisciplinary program dedicated to advancing research and education in nonlinear, dynamical, and adaptive systems. The Center brings together more than 50 affiliated faculty from nearly every school and college at the University of Michigan to foster innovative approaches to complex scientific and societal challenges. In addition to supporting challenging and engaging coursework and a vibrant research community, CSCS currently administers an undergraduate minor, graduate certificate, student awards programs, and a broad range of educational and outreach initiatives.

The Student Services Coordinator serves as the primary administrator for student-facing and academic program functions within the department. This position is responsible for strategic recruitment and advising, curricular and academic administration, program development and growth initiatives, student engagement, communications, and coordination of scholarships and events. The coordinator will work closely with faculty leadership to strengthen and expand Complex Systems' educational programs, develop new initiatives that increase student participation and visibility, and support the long-term growth and sustainability of Complex Systems academic offerings.

This is a rare opportunity for a professional looking for a part-time position that offers student contact in a supportive and collegial program as well as a chance to help develop and introduce new and expanded initiatives in creative ways. Bring your student services experience and your enthusiasm for improving and building programs, and help us grow, all with a flexible work schedule and a great office environment.

1) Student Recruitment, Advising, and Program Development (40%)

• Develop and implement strategic recruitment plans to increase enrollment and diversify participation in Complex Systems academic programs, including sustained outreach to first-year students, transfer students, and underrepresented populations.
• Serve as the primary advisor for prospective and current undergraduate minor and graduate certificate students, providing guidance on academic planning, program requirements, experiential opportunities, and graduation processes.
• Develop initiatives to grow and strengthen the department's educational programs, including identifying opportunities for new academic offerings, interdisciplinary partnerships, student pathways, certificates, workshops, and co-curricular programming.
• Coordinate and oversee student recruitment activities, including participation in the LSA Majors/Minors Expo, Festifall, orientation programs, information sessions, campus visits, and outreach to living-learning communities and academic departments.
• Develop and maintain relationships with faculty, advisors, student organizations, and campus partners to increase awareness and participation in Complex Systems programs.
• Maintain and analyze prospective and current student data to assess recruitment effectiveness, enrollment trends, student outcomes, and opportunities for program growth.
• Prepare materials and provide administrative support for faculty committees related to admissions, academic policy, and program development initiatives.
• Coordinate orientation and onboarding activities for incoming students and facilitate ongoing student engagement initiatives.

2) Academic and Curricular Administration (30%)

• Collaborate with faculty leadership on curriculum planning and implementation, including development of new courses, certificates, interdisciplinary educational initiatives, and modifications to existing programs.
• Manage all course and program changes through University systems, including CARF/PARF submissions and related curriculum processes.
• Coordinate course scheduling and classroom planning in accordance with University and College policies.
• Maintain course descriptions, program requirements, and academic information in university systems and departmental communications.
• Monitor enrollments and manage registration processes, including waitlists, permissions, and enrollment reporting.
• Communicate with students regarding registration issues, academic deadlines, and program requirements.
• Prepare and distribute enrollment, retention, and program participation reports to faculty leadership to support strategic planning and growth initiatives.
• Oversee course evaluation processes and maintain academic records, including syllabi and assessment documentation.
• Maintain student records, cohort communications, listservs, and student groups in MPathways and other systems.
• Process graduation-related documentation and ensure accurate completion of program requirements for graduating students.

3) Scholarships, Awards, and Student Success Initiatives (20%)

• Administer all student scholarship, fellowship, and award programs.
• Coordinate award committee meetings and selection processes.
• Prepare financial information and coordinate scholarship disbursements.
• Maintain awards databases and track student deliverables and outcomes.
• Analyze financial aid and student support data to identify opportunities to improve student success and engagement.
• Develop new student recognition and support initiatives that promote participation and academic achievement within Complex Systems programs.

4) Student Events (10%)

• Support student-facing events including orientation programs, graduation activities, student research presentations, poster sessions, competitions, seminars, workshops, alumni events, and recruitment activities.
• Assist in planning and implementing initiatives that enhance student community, belonging, and engagement within the interdisciplinary Complex Systems community.
• Partner with departmental communications staff to develop promotional materials, maintain web content, and increase visibility of academic programs and student opportunities.
• Coordinate summer activities including prospective student advising, outreach initiatives, student engagement programming, and tracking of student internships, research experiences, and alumni engagement.
• Develop and implement new programs and events designed to increase awareness of Complex Systems across campus and support long-term program growth.
• Represent the Center in LSA and University committees and participate in professional development and liaison activities related to student success, sustainability, and wellness initiatives.

Required Qualifications*

• Associate's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in student services, academic administration, advising, program coordination, or related fields.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and sensitively with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Experience with project management, event planning, and coordination of multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, word processing applications, and data management systems.
• Demonstrated public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to independently prioritize work and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Desired Qualifications*

• Bachelor's or graduate degree preferred.
• Experience in academic advising, student affairs, program management, or higher education administration.
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary academic programs or initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic program development, student recruitment, and enrollment management.
• Knowledge of University of Michigan systems, including MPathways and related student information systems.
• Experience using data to inform strategic planning and program growth initiatives.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

This position is 20 hours/week or 50% effort. The full-time salary range for this position is $47,600-$59,500; a higher salary may be offered based on internal equity and the selected candidate's experience. The actual salary will be 50% of the full-time rate. This position currently allows for some remote work following an initial onboarding and training period. The on-site location for this position will be Weiser Hall.

As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

Union Affiliation

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day