JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Assistant Dean for Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs, the Director of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Support assists students, faculty, and staff in navigating difficult and complex circumstances throughout the graduate and postdoctoral communities. The Director promotes well-being among graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in a University-wide effort to build a positive, inclusive academic environment. The Director of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Support is also responsible for advising individual students, faculty, and staff on policy and procedure related to academic dismissal, termination of student status, and the scholarly integrity conduct process, tracking cases, and maintaining records in compliance with University standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working with graduate students, often one-on-one, as they navigate problems, conflicts, or other issues related to their status as a student, such as progress in their program, research misconduct, challenges with an advisor, and problematic departmental culture.
• Advising graduate faculty and staff on issues affecting graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, especially those related to conflict, policy, and student development. Advising students who may be in academic jeopardy and/or face the potential of academic dismissal.
• Informing students and academic departments about their rights and responsibilities when a student's major advisor resigns.
• Creating and/or implementing workshops that foster a healthy and productive environment for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Topics might include: holding difficult conversations, giving feedback, setting expectations, recognizing and addressing micro-aggressions, and supporting neurodiverse students and students with disabilities.
• Collaborating with University partners such as UConn’s Ombuds Office, the Office of Student Care and Concern, the Office of Community Standards, the Dean of Student’s Office, the Center for Career Development, the Center for Students with Disabilities, Student Health and Wellness, and individual Schools, Colleges, and Departments to support community-wide efforts to provide responsive student support.
• Managing and coordinating The Graduate School Appeal and Hearing Process (for cases concerning scholarly integrity, dismissal, and terminations of student status).
• Maintaining records in the student behavior database.
• Recruiting and training faculty, staff, and students as hearing board members, hearing officers, and/or campus-based advisors.
• Evaluating the Graduate Catalog as related to student well-being and recommending changes as appropriate.
• Serving on divisional and institutional committees as assigned.
• Monitoring institutional and national trends related to the graduate student and postdoctoral experience and to graduate student conduct policies and procedures.
• Assisting with other programs or activities in the Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs unit as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/ . Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs , Staff Positions, Search #497748 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on August 27, 2023. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

 The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.