Summary: The Student Support Services (SSS) Programs (Regular and STEM), Title IV (TRIO) programs, are funded through the U.S. Department of Education. The Director of the SSS programs is responsible for the management and implementation of the federal TRIO grants, Regular and STEM. The Director works with the staff to meet the goals and objectives of the grants, directs the allocation of resources, and is responsible for ensuring the project is compliant with applicable regulations and requirements established by the funding agency. The Director provides planning, organization, implementation, administration, staff coaching and evaluation of the program. In addition, they ensure timely submission of all reports or other requests from the funding agency and university staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Ensures that the SSS programs are implemented in full compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the SSS Program regulations, the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), and all other applicable federal regulations and requirements.
Keeps cognizant of changes to federal regulations governing TRIO and SSS programs.
Manages implementation of the project’s activities, goals and objectives, guided by the funded proposal, federal regulations/guidelines, and College polices and priorities while keeping the program objectives in mind.
Leads the plan of operation by informing the institutional community about SSS, identifying and selecting participants, assessing students, developing individual action plans, assigning services, monitoring participants’ progress, and retaining and graduating students.
Coordinates services for SSS participants including, but not limited to tutoring, course advisement, financial aid, graduate program enrollment, academic counseling, disability services, career services, peer mentoring, personal counseling services, and cultural enrichment activities.
Leads the evaluation plan using qualitative and quantitative measures to demonstrate achievement of the SSS program objectives, student success, CMU’s strategic plan and to make programmatic changes based on the results of the project evaluation.
Monitors and maintains appropriate documentation and records, including student participant records, in accordance with federal and college regulations in conjunction with the college offices of Registrar and Institutional Research.
Coordinates the development and maintenance of all program forms, including participant applications, individual action plans, evaluation forms, program brochures, and similar publications.
Provides and facilitates individual and group services to SSS students such as advising, mentoring, tutoring, workshops, and supplemental instruction.
Responds to inquiries and interacts with the federal program when needed. Coordinates the completion of SSS program reports required by U.S. Department of Education.
Directly supervises the staff of the Regular and STEM SSS Programs: two 1.FTE Coordinators (Regular, STEM) and 1. FTE STEM Advisor, .75 Regular Advisor and 1. FTE Engagement Specialist (split between STEM and Regular).
Co-supervises the Peer Academic Coaches.
Effectively manages the two program budgets in accordance with all applicable federal and university regulations.
Represents CMU at state, regional, and/or national TRIO association meetings, as necessary and appropriate.
Assists with the writing and submission of the competitive SSS grant proposal (required every five years).
Provides long-range strategic planning and implementation designed to optimize services for participants and align with the university’s strategic plan.
Works effectively and fosters collaboration with other offices and personnel on campus that interact with the SSS program to advance the programs mission.
Fosters a warm and welcoming environment for students to encourage them reach their academic goals.