• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: Local 2110
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $55,805 - $58,200

Position Summary

As the Student Affairs Coordinator at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, you will play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our undergraduate and graduate student population. Reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Student Affairs, you will serve as the primary point of contact for students, managing all aspects of academic issues and providing essential support throughout their educational journey.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the admissions, registration, and other student affairs processes for the Department. Maintain and provide reporting and analysis from the University's systems on enrollment, registration, and course data, using SIS to update registration and admissions fields. Collect student information related to fellowship nominations, award nominations as well as diversity recruitment. Assist in creating and utilize student information databases and maintain student records, information, and lists. Assist Graduate Committee Chair with management of MS and PhD admissions process and liaises with student applicants as directed to address admissions and registration inquiries. Maintain web pages related to academic programs and student clubs. Work with faculty to prepare and submit course information to the University Registrar, and manage waitlists, registration caps, and other course needs. 30%
• Assist in advising undergraduate and graduate students on various aspects of their studies, including general degree requirements and courses, and refer them to their faculty advisors regarding electives. Meet individual students, respond to their emails and phone inquiries, keep track of their progress, perform preliminary graduation clearance, and provide resource referral. Coordinate thesis defense applications and procedures in relation to Fieldwork, OPT, and Visa extension requests. Compile statistics for various government and university surveys. 25%
• Assist in the execution of all academics-themed student programs, events, workshops, and new student orientation sessions, as well as open house programs. Work closely with Chairs of the Undergraduate and Graduate Committees, faculty, advising center deans, and school administrators. Interact with various university units such as the Registrar, Graduate Student Services, Psychological Services, Office of Disability Services, and Career Services. Schedule and attend undergraduate, graduate, and lab committee meetings at the discretion of committee chairs, assist with the implementation of curricular changes; Assist with ABET compliance and coordination of ABET accreditation renewal. 15%
• Provide support in student academic hires and appointments for Fall and Spring semesters. 15%
• Under the general supervision of the Asst. Director of Student Affairs, drafts and distributes communications to proactively inform students of Departmental schedules, policies, procedures, and other notices, and provides timely responses to inquiries and requests, representing the Mechanical Engineering Administration. Drafts official correspondence related to student status and academic standing, ninth semester petitions, course overlap, study abroad approval, and registration/drop requests. Solicits student feedback and monitors class dynamics. 10%
• Perform other related duties as assigned/requested. 5%

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required of related experience.
• Excellent organizational skills for managing records and events.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-volume environment with changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Prior customer service experience is essential.
• Proficiency in word processing, database management, and spreadsheets.
• Ability to exercise discretion and judgment in handling confidential matters.
• Experience in an academic setting is preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite to include Access (or other similar database program) preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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