Graduate Program Coordinator’s roles and responsibilities

GPC role

• The GPC is a (and often the) point of contact for prospective and current students regarding graduate program and university regulations, admissions and funding
• The GPC provides administrative support for the graduate program, graduate supervisors, and graduate students
• The GPC assists the GPD with the day-to-day operations of the graduate program
• The GPC is the administrative link between the graduate program and GPS, Enrolment Services (ES), Student Accounts and other stakeholders

GPC responsibilities

• Provides support to Faculty and departmental administrators (Associate Dean, Chair, GPD, etc.) regarding graduate studies
• Provides support for graduate affairs committee(s) of the unit
• Serves as point person and information source for all University and departmental policies and procedures relevant to graduate education
• Supports graduate supervisors with regard to graduate studies matters
• Manages special projects related to the graduate program
• Manages promotional material for the program and prospective students (Open House, website, newsletter, marketing, etc.)
• Provides organizational and administrative support for the program (e.g. meetings and seminars, graduate funding, class scheduling, events, room bookings, Course Catalogue, etc.)

• Handles day-to-day processes for graduate student activities, such as:

• Admissions (including Recruitment and Orientation activities)

• Funding/Fellowships
  • Distributes student funding
  • Oversees funding competitions at the unit level

• Degree progress
  • Program and course registration
  • Grade submission
  • Comprehensive exams
  • Thesis submissions, oral defences
  • Degree audits and graduation approvals

• Advises students
  • Answers student questions about graduate program requirements, procedures, etc.
  • Helps students identify appropriate resources, or refers them to the GPD, if problems arise
  • Keeps students informed of deadlines, changes in regulations, etc.
• Acts as a liaison officer and knows who to contact in GPS, ES, and Student Accounts with regard to specific graduate studies issues
• Ensures that GRADPROG Listserv messages reach the appropriate audience
• Attends information sessions and other training opportunities delivered by GPS