What are the responsibilities and job description for the Graduate Program Coordinator position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
STA00010PO26
Job Family
Enrollment Management
Job Function
Student Services
USC Market Title
Student Services Program Coordinator
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132678
Job Level
P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title)
Graduate Program Coordinator
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
CAS English
State Pay Band
5
Approved Starting Salary
$45,133
Advertised Salary Range
$45,133 - $56,416
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM with one hour for lunch (37.5 hours/week).
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Student Services
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The Department of English at the University of South Carolina invites applications for its open staff position of Graduate Program Coordinator. This position works closely with the Director of Graduate Studies to coordinate and monitor the day-to-day operations of 9 degree programs (4 PhDs, 1 MFA, and 4 MAs). Responsibilities include: initiating, executing, and monitoring all financial actions for the Graduate Program, including assistantship hiring, tuition abatement calculations, fellowship funding, travel funding, and other student reimbursements; advising ~85 graduate students on program requirements in the 9 different degrees, funding, and financial aid, and advising graduate student employees on HR matters (e.g., hiring and payroll); performing all administrative duties for the Graduate Office associated with advisement, course scheduling, and student services; coordinating all graduate advising, scheduling, and registration needs; maintaining current records for all current graduate students along with databases on GA utilization, time-to-degree, and alumni job placement; serving as the primary graduate program contact for students, faculty, all university offices and departments, and the public; providing information in response to email, telephone, and walk-in inquiries regarding procedures for applying to the graduate programs, program requirements, courses offered, and registration. The position also advises the Director of Graduate Studies, the Graduate Committee, and other administrators on all matters related to enrollment, policies, and procedures.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Excellent organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, basic math skills, initiative, efficiency, and follow through. Microsoft Office, (including Excel), and internet skills. Highly desirable: experience working with spreadsheets, database, and the UofSC mainframe (Banner, SSC, Data Warehouse, Peoplesoft, etc.). Familiarity with UofSC procedures and offices will be extremely helpful. Flexibility and the capacity to adapt to rapidly changing systems
Job Duties
Job Duty
Distributes all graduate student funding in the English Department. Executes graduate student hires for assistantships, student TFAC positions, research assistants, and additional staff assistants. Calculates and distributes stipends and abatements. Organizes, constructs, and administers assistantship contracts in consultation with the Graduate School, College Dean’s Office, English Graduate Director, and Department Chair. Initiates, monitors, and completes all hiring procedures for graduate students working in English, including HCM input, background checks, and I-9 verification. Consults and advises as needed other staff and partner departments (e.g., Linguistics, Comparative Literature) on hiring procedures for graduate students working in English. Stays abreast of all policies pertaining to graduate student employees, and advises students, faculty, and staff on HR matters (e.g., hiring and payroll) pertaining to graduate students. Processes fellowship funds, as well as and graduate student travel and non-travel reimbursements. Helps graduate students troubleshoot questions regarding Bursar bills and financial aid.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
30
Job Duty
Advises and provides in-depth counseling to English graduate students in 9 different degree programs on progression and graduation requirements. Coordinates and distributes twice-yearly PhD comprehensive exams. Updates and monitors the file of each student currently enrolled in the graduate program, tracking progress toward graduation. Complies and processes all paperwork necessary for graduation. Updates students and department faculty on academic programs. Enrolls students in thesis and dissertation hours as well as independent studies. Advises and assists graduate director on all matters pertaining to the graduate program. Keeps abreast of all policies and procedures pertaining to graduate education at the university and advises the Graduate Director, Chair, graduate faculty, and graduate students about said policies and procedures. Verifies requirements for various degree programs with the Graduate School. Coordinates with the College of Education and The School of Library and Information Science about joint degree programs.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
25
Job Duty
Compiles data necessary to Department program development, curriculum revision, recruitment, and self-study. Compiles statistical data on the graduate English program (course enrollment, students in program, time-to-degree, alumni placement, etc.) and prepares necessary reports for the Director, Chair, and Graduate Committee. Prepares the annual GA utilization spreadsheet and maintains records on assistantships and abatements. Provides credentials of graduate student instructors and recent alumni teaching as TFAC in English, adhering to requirements set by the College and the University. Helps to maintain graduate program web pages. Maintains records of all course syllabi for graduate courses.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
Primary point of contact for inquiries pertaining to admission into English graduate programs. Provides official correspondence concerning admission to all applicants. Counsels and advises prospective and newly-admitted graduate students on admission requirements and 9 different programs of study. Helps organize recruitment activities and campus visits for prospective students. Initiates and manages enrollment procedures for new cohorts each summer.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Assists the Director in preparing, proofreading, and making necessary revisions to graduate schedule each term. Fully responsible for inputting the master graduate schedule each semester. Collects, corrects, and prepares course descriptions for distribution to students. Works directly with the registrar to ensure classes have appropriate rooms and works independently to resolve scheduling conflicts. Assumes a primary role in coordinating and clearing all cross-listed courses with relevant programs (e.g., AFAM, CPLT, FAMS, LING, SPCH, SOST, and WGST). Updates the master schedule as needed. Assists graduate director by typing correspondence, scheduling appointments, and screening calls.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
5
Job Duty
Provides assistance and guidance to the English Department faculty and staff related to the Graduate Program to ensure compliance with federal, state, and university policies and procedures
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
5
Job Duty
Contributes to the overall success of the College of Arts and Sciences by performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
5
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive
No
Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
02/01/2026
Job Open Date
01/08/2026
Job Close Date
03/01/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
All applicants must apply online at USCJobs (https://uscjobs.sc.edu). A complete application will include: (1) a cover letter; (2) a resume; and (3) the names and email addresses of 3 references (the search committee will request letters of recommendations directly).
Candidates must complete the entire Job History section of the application and include all related work experience, as the salary will be contingent on work experience and job-related skills as listed in the Job History section.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
Candidates must complete the entire Job History section of the application and include all related work experience, as the salary will be contingent on work experience and job-related skills as listed in the Job History section.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by March 1, 2026.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at UofSC.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/201039
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Salary : $45,133 - $56,416