Job Summary

We are looking for candidates who value working with students, researchers, and academic support units; have a creative approach to work; are comfortable taking action in a growing and changing workplace; and who will contribute to a motivated collegial team environment. You must prize and further our desire for Diversity-Inclusion-Equity-Justice (DEIJ). We are looking for candidates with a commitment to creating access to research opportunities for our diverse population of U-M undergraduate students, while understanding the unique challenges and needs of U-M transfer students, and have a deep commitment to student success and developing a positive student experience in a research setting.

The Academic Program Manager for Transfer Student Initiatives is responsible for managing the UROP Changing Gears Program, the Mellon Scholars Research Program, and the MI Statewide Community College Summer Research Fellowship Program. The Program Manager's duties will include identifying and addressing the needs of U-M transfer students by developing and delivering programs to advance their academic and pre-professional success. The Program Manager will provide opportunities for transfer students to build community and develop healthy connections with faculty and peers engaged in research and scholarly work; implement strategies that engage cultural capital to support research progress among members of diverse research teams; while ensuring Diversity-Equity-Inclusion-Justice (DEIJ) and student well-being is at the forefront of student success.

The Academic Program Manager for Transfer Student Initiatives reports directly to the Director of UROP.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Who We Are

The University of Michigan (U-M) has a strong tradition of engaging undergraduate students in mentored research opportunities and is a national leader in promoting early engagement and broad access to research. Given the wealth of cutting edge research being conducted on campus, an undergraduate research experience clearly adds to the value of a degree from the University of Michigan. The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) engages U-M undergraduate students in undergraduate research and discovery experiences across the University of Michigan, providing wrap-around services for students (travel grants, professional training and research training workshops, and more).

MISSION:

The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) is a cross-campus partnership creating a multi-dimensional community of learners and researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M). UROP encourages students towards a lifelong appreciation for discovery, building understanding across differences, and critically examining information in the world around them. UROP provides opportunities for undergraduate students to work on research and creative projects with University of Michigan researchers and community partners in all academic disciplines, allowing students to develop into independent thinkers, scholars, and engaged citizens while developing critical life skills and well-being habits. By developing intentional strategies focused on student and mentor engagement, training and development, UROP creates conditions for an equitable, inclusive, justice-based, and supportive educational community. Our mission is to provide an environmental culture where every person is both valued and has an opportunity to add value.

VISION:

The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) envisions a world where every student, regardless of background and lived experiences, has the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to important research questions and real-world challenges. This vision inspires UROP to lead and innovate while developing a culture of inclusive student, faculty, and staff collaboration that increases student success and access to research, scholarship, and creative practice. UROP equips future leaders with skills to realize their full intellectual potential, to develop scholarly relationships, and find creative answers to challenges facing today's world.

Responsibilities*

I. Oversee the Recruitment, Admissions, and Development of Programs for U-M Transfer Students (30%)

Oversee the recruitment, admissions, and enrollment for the Changing Gears Program. This includes working with the Associate Director on the hiring and training of Changing Gears' peer facilitators.
Develop and Coordinate academic and professional workshops and networking opportunities that are applicable for transfer, upperclassmen students.
Collaborate with the Associate Director of Curriculum and Retention on the hiring and training of Changing Gears peer facilitators.
Coordinate UROP events and workshops for transfer students and work with U-M Transfer Student Initiative offices to provide students with resources and support.

II. Manager of two Community College Research Programs: Mellon Scholars Research Program and the Statewide Community College Summer Research Program (30%)

Develop and execute programming for the Mellon Scholars and the Statewide Community College Summer Research Fellowship Program.
Promote learning and provide functional coordination for the ongoing management of the Mellon Scholars Research Scholars Program including faculty, students, budget management, event planning, and overall student learning and engagement.
Coordinate with the Mellon Graduate Student Coordinator on the administration of the graduate student mentorship program during the academic year.
Oversee the Community College Summer Research Fellowship Program, including the recruitment of students, admissions, and providing them summer research access and support so they are successful in their work throughout the summer.

III. Supervision (20%)

Supervise the Changing Gears Peer Facilitators (4 total) and serve as their staff liaison to support transfer students enrolled in the program.
Supervise the Mellon Graduate Student Coordinators (1-2) who support Mellon students in their research endeavors and training activities.

IV. Program Evaluation (20%)

Conduct program evaluations for each program under the manager's auspices, including tracking students' milestones.
Track both Mellon Scholars and Community College Summer Research Fellows on their future academic and professional endeavors and conduct post-evaluations and assessment reports.
Manage students' financial support and stipends for the community college programs.
Work with deans, faculty, and administrators at community colleges in the State of Michigan as it relates to UROP's Student Transfer Programs and Events.

The Academic Program Manager for Transfer Student Initiatives reports to UROP's Director of UROP. In collaboration with the Director of UROP, UROP Student Success Coaches, and the Senior Academic Program Manager for Advanced Research, Leadership, and Post-Baccalaureate Research Programs, the Academic Program Manager will provide proper guidance, support, and institutional resources to support transfer students in an attempt to remove institutional obstacles to student success.

Required Qualifications*

Successful completion of a Bachelor's degree.
Two or more years working with students and faculty in an academic setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Commitment to diversity, equitable, and inclusive practices in a university environment.
The ability to successfully work with a diverse student and faculty body is key to success in this position. Experience in student services and the ability to communicate effectively in a welcoming and constructive manner.
Understanding data and the general goals and importance of higher education is a must. The ideal candidate will have a broad knowledge of higher education practices, UM procedures, and campus resources.
Considerable knowledge of personal computing software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is necessary.
Working familiarity with the MPathways Student Administration System, Business Objects, and the Google suite of applications is strongly desired.
Applicants should have a demonstrated ability to effectively learn new software or procedures.

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

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.

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

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 after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.