A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume in a single document to be uploaded in the online application. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position, and the skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Reporting to the LSA Curriculum Program Specialist, the LSA Curriculum Program Coordinator will work on undergraduate and curricular initiatives in the College of LSA that improve the experiences of students and support the success of undergraduate education leadership and staff. Members of the LSA Curriculum Office collaborate with staff and faculty in LSA departments, as well as Associate and Assistant Deans in LSA, other UM Schools/Colleges, and staff in central university offices. This position is responsible for a variety of professional and administrative duties in support of Dean's Office initiatives in Undergraduate Education as well as implementing practices that support student success university-wide. The ideal candidate is a highly organized team player who demonstrates strong attention to detail, exceptional critical thinking skills, is self-motivated to get things done, and has excellent interpersonal, customer service, and event planning skills. This position interacts with deans and high-level administrators on sensitive issues and is involved in data-driven projects. Accuracy, tact, diplomacy, and clear, timely communication are of paramount importance. An understanding of curriculum program management, current educational theories/pedagogy, and inclusive teaching practices that support equitable educational opportunities for a diverse student body is a plus.
The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts is the largest of the University of Michigan's 19 schools and colleges, enrolling more than 19,000 students. Within LSA, the Division of Undergraduate Education (UGED) is a large and complex organization that serves every one of these students in a wide variety of ways. To meet these goals, the division employs more than 200 staff members, 80 faculty, and 1500 student employees in more than two dozen units. The division provides advising, recruiting, scholarships, engaged learning opportunities, bridge programs, and specialized support to thousands of students annually. The Division also has oversight of the college-wide curriculum, which consists of a catalog of over 4,000 ever-changing courses. The LSA Curriculum Office supports the educational mission of the College by managing these curricular offerings, as well as supporting the administration of nearly 200 academic programs and overseeing initiatives that promote the value of a liberal arts education.
The responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:
Curriculum Management and Support (25%)
Act as the primary manager of the LSA Course Guide: provide training to departments, oversee course tags, act as the point of contact on issues, communicate with units regarding deadlines, partner with LSA Technology Services on system updates
Oversee the annual collection of historical information for the LSA Bulletin; assist in the oversight of the LSA Course Catalog
Act as back-up in the administration of LSA Curriculum Committee business; when needed: intake course and program proposals from LSA and non-LSA units; prepare materials for committee review; participate in weekly committee meetings; process approved committee actions in the respective systems and with the appropriate offices; communicate decisions directly with units
Under the direction of the LSA Curriculum Specialist, participate in the review and management of the College's Term III offerings: review unit proposals, make recommendations on offerings, work with units on courses that support early momentum, and collect enrollment and instructional data for historical record-keeping
Provide administrative support to the Transfer Credit Subcommittee; provide administrative support to the Assistant Dean responsible for monitoring online teaching
Act as back-up in the maintenance of the ALA/UC curriculum and time schedule
Participate in the onboarding and training of new student services staff; provide curricular support to LSA units during staff transitions
Miscellaneous curriculum duties as assigned, i.e. the approval and application of requirement groups, management of reserve capacities on First-Year Seminars, assigning temporary attributes on meet-togethers, updating course lists associated with majors or minors, etc.
Initiatives and Special Projects (35%)
Regularly assess existing programs and initiatives that influence student success in the College. Make recommendations on emerging trends related to undergraduate education to College leadership and committees.
Assist in conducting research and the preparation of data pertaining to inquiries from College or central leadership. Present on the data to various groups, preparing informational materials and answering questions related to the project.
Take on special projects, as assigned, and work with stakeholders to meet identified timelines and goals.
Events and Community Partnerships (25%)
Lead in the planning and execution of professional development opportunities for LSA curriculum maintainers, undergraduate program staff, and Associate Chairs/Directors of Undergraduate Education; participate and assist in the management of LUGS, the community of practice for undergraduate program staff
Plan and host at least two community-building events annually for undergraduate program staff
Provide support to the Assistant Deans of Undergraduate Education in scheduling meetings or when conducting curriculum-related workshops and professional development opportunities for faculty; assist in conducting focus groups pertaining to educational research
Administrative Duties (15%)
Assist in the general maintenance of the LSA Gateway and LSA website; update pages related to undergraduate education and/or the Curriculum Committee
Perform regular updates to the LSA Curriculum Resources site; participate in the technological oversight of the LSA Course Maintenance System and the curricular systems in the LSA Faculty Life Cycle portal
Review and approve OARS Student Administration requests; create and update resource materials for supervisors
Regularly update LSA Curriculum-related email groups in MCommunity
At least 2-3 years of administrative experience, preferably in a higher education environment. Bachelor's degree preferred.
Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to handle confidential or sensitive materials appropriately
Proficiency in standard office technology with a proven ability to learn new information systems when provided training and support
Proven ability to work effectively and diplomatically with a wide range of stakeholders and individuals
Demonstrated experience working with data; ability to review, interpret, and summarize data
Strong public speaking skills and ability to present complex information in a clear, concise manner
A high level of organization; ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting strict deadlines
Previous experience in event planning and execution
An investment in liberal arts education and principles of diversity, equity and inclusion
As one of the world's great liberal arts 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 diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, please visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.
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.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.