Job DescriptionThe Director of the Undergraduate Programs Office (UPO) in the College of Engineering (College) leads a team of professional advisors and administrative staff to manage a range of student-centered programs, events, and the College's undergraduate advising initiative. This individual will ensure that the programs and services meet the needs of the students and support the College's goals; programs include academic tutoring, academic standards review, study abroad programs, and College tours and open house sessions. Event planning includes commencement and the Order of the Engineer. The Director collaborates closely with the Associate Dean, UPO staff, College Undergraduate Registrar Office, Assistant Dean for Outreach and Diversity, and faculty. The Director keeps apprised of academic and demographic trends, and recruitment and retention methods employed at BU. Additionally, this role typically serves as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the College.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all college-level undergraduate advising initiatives.
- Evaluate and update practices as needs change, ensure all advisors are operating in a uniform manner adhering to College/BU policies, and share updates and important information with the undergraduate student body.
- Work with College faculty to provide academic support and resources to engineering students, oversee current student publications, and coordinate with university offices to support UPO staff and solve student-related problems.
- Contribute to general student advising staying current with the advising and academic environment.
- Prepare the Annual Report for Undergraduate Programs.
- Direct and manage recruitment and retention programs.
- Ultimate authority on recruitment efforts and strategies, including Spring Open House, Orientation, prospective tours, prospective student publications and visits.
- Sets the strategy and vision for these programs, supervises the staff who execute these programs, and is ultimately responsible for making sure recruitment efforts are in keeping with the University's goals.
- Provide final authority and approval on programs implemented by the UPO staff, including the peer mentoring programs, the Academic Standards Review, Specialty Housing, Tutoring Services, and milestone events (e.g. Order of the Engineer, Commencement, etc.).
- Collaborates with College staff on promotional materials.
- Manage student advising for the ENG Study Abroad programs and promote these among ENG students via university sponsored events and smaller, ENG-specific sessions.
- Maintain records of course equivalencies and approvals and uphold ENG policies for ENG students abroad.
- Assist with trouble shooting academic issues that arise while students are abroad.
- Advise exchange students.
- Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate UPO staff members.
- Provide guidance on professional development as needed.
- Facilitate communication between other College and University offices to make sure staff are aware of updates to policies and practices. Chair and coordinate weekly staff meetings and schedule rotations.
- Serve as liaison to University and College committees (e.g. College Undergraduate Committee, Advising Steering Committee, Advising Network Committee, and ad hoc committees as they arise).
- Assessment of current academic and support programs, and design of new programs to provide necessary support for students.
- Works collaboratively with college leadership team to assess and execute current and future undergraduate support and programs.
Required SkillsThe ideal candidate will have a background and experience in higher education administration and student support. Bachelor's degree with 5-8 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 3-5 years of relevant experience.
