Graduate Program Manager

Overview:
The Graduate Program Manager provides executive leadership for all graduate programs in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies (RLS) and is responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of the graduate programs in a manner consistent with the department’s goals and objectives. The scope of the position encompasses operational leadership and program management, graduate academic counselling and advising, graduate calendar changes, scholarships and funding, student communications, and serves as the primary point of contact for prospective and current graduate students during their studies. This position reports to the Administrative Officer and is also accountable to the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies (ACG).

This position ensures consistency and continuity of service as academic leadership changes every 3-6 years. The Manager serves as the communication and record keeping center for all RLS graduate program operations. The incumbent is expected to develop, implement, and maintain processes relating to graduate academic policies and procedures consistent with UW and faculty policies, procedures and practices and is the central resource for interpretation of UW policies and procedures related to graduate studies.

The position also provides support to the Undergraduate Studies committee and is lead coordinator for all departmental events.

**Responsibilities**:
Graduate program planning and administration
- Provide strategic counsel and direction to the ACG to ensure full operation of the RLS graduate programs in compliance with UW policies and procedures
- Provide consistent and accurate academic advice on UW policies and procedures related to graduate studies to students, faculty, and staff
- Active member of the RLS Graduate Studies Committee as a consultant and resource, providing strong leadership and knowledgeable guidance for agenda items, optimizing the effective delivery of the RLS graduate programs, and facilitating the implementation of new programs and processes compliant with UW policies and procedures. Maintains records and minutes of meetings and motions. Monitor motions through all levels of approvals. Gather background information as needed to support decision-making and graduate program initiatives
- Active member of the Faculty of Health Graduate Studies Committee (Associate Dean Graduate Studies, Associate Chairs/Directors Graduate, and other department/school graduate program managers/coordinators) responsible for review, implementation and optimization of the business practices related to graduate studies including recruitment, outreach, engagement, and retention of students
- Responsible for ensuring the UW Graduate Calendar reflects accurate information on department programs, plans and courses, coordinating changes with the ACG, Faculty of Health office and other academic units as needed
- Manage content on departmental graduate web pages and Graduate Studies Learn group, including all departmental graduate forms, ensuring they are regularly reviewed and updated. Leads content management for GARLS website, coordinating with student content maintainers when available
- Responsible for the structure and content of the departmental graduate student database
- Responsible for ongoing development and evaluation of appropriate procedures for managing admissions, enrollment, program/plan changes, grade submissions, milestone completions, graduate student annual reports, degree completion approvals, and other processes related to graduate students and program activities
- Provide strategic input to Department executive for course offerings, course scheduling considerations, enrolment projections, enrolment anomalies, and any other statistical reporting and general advice as needed for senior department administrators and relevant committees
- Coordinate with the Administrative Officer all requests for adjunct appointments, cross-appointments, and ADDS status for graduate student supervision and committees
- Serve as graduate program representative as needed on special projects and committees
- Develop, nurture and maintain partnerships with various academic support units and student groups and programs across campus to support student transition and success

Academic and Advising Services
- Responsible for the organization, implementation, and management of all academic services for all RLS graduate students from applicant inquiries through program completion
- Responsible for processing and record keeping of all graduate student funding to ensure funding commitments are met
- Advise graduate students regarding course selection, exam regulations, academic deadlines, program status, deadlines and/or thesis submission and defenses
- Advise on and assist with academic appeals
- Leadership of TA/RA assignments each term, surveying students and instructors on needs and preferences then matching students to positions based on funding commitments owed and best fit wit