Edtech.com's Summary

University of Minnesota is hiring an Academic Support Specialist. The role supports the Department of Educational Psychology in the College of Education and Human Development, coordinating admissions and orientation, department course scheduling, and academic support for students, faculty, and program coordinators. The specialist also handles day-to-day administrative and front-office operations for the department.

Highlights

Manage the department admissions process in Slate, guiding applicants through each stage, leading faculty review, and answering questions about admission requirements, while supporting orientation events, interviews, and campus visits for recruited applicants.
Lead department course scheduling in PeopleSoft and related systems, collecting instructor and meeting-pattern information from program area coordinators by university deadlines and reconciling discrepancies against the scheduling database each term.
Monitor course enrollments, reserve classrooms with the Office of Classroom Management, and work with instructors to request course cancellations.
Verify and approve non-degree registrations, track waitlists, and provide registration permissions to students.
Answer student questions about courses, registration, and grades, and track semester grade submission and final exam schedules to keep the department compliant.
Collect Student Rating of Teaching forms and course syllabi each term, and assist with textbook ordering and course packet submission.
Work with program area coordinators on annual student reviews and program milestone communications, and help schedule and administer written preliminary exams.
Provide front-office support, including answering phones, handling mail, managing calendars, planning department events, and updating websites and email listservs.
Requires a high school diploma/GED and four years of related office and customer service experience, plus proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google applications; experience with PeopleSoft, 25Live, or Slate is preferred.
Pay range of $24.81 to $29.53 per hour for a full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, union-represented clerical position.

Academic Support Specialist Full Description

About the Job

Bargaining unit consideration begins on November 10, 2026 and ends on November 16, 2026.

Admissions/Orientation Coordination (30%)

Take initiative to innovatively lead collaborative development and implementation of administrative systems for department wide admissions and orientation activities
Support planning and delivery of informational and orientation events for the department
Respond in timely way to questions and advise potential applicants on admission requirements and process
Work closely with the Graduate Admissions Office to keep up to date on procedures each year and maintain information listed in Slate
Independently oversee and manage admissions process, including: tracking and reporting for all programs using Slate through the entirety of the admissions process; tracking and guiding applicants through multiple application stages; communicating with faculty and leading their review process, ensuring timely review of applicants and timely reporting within Slate; independently troubleshooting issues; communicating with relevant parties regarding needed materials through each stage of the process
Support planning and scheduling of interviews or on-campus visits for recruitment of identified applicants
Triage transfer curriculum evaluation to the proper reviewer

Department Course Scheduling (30%)

Take initiative to innovatively lead collaborative development and implementation of administrative systems for department wide course scheduling and instructional planning activities
Use PeopleSoft, CCS, ASTRA, and UM Analytics scheduling-related electronic systems for all courses responsible for within department
Develop and lead a system for gathering information from program area coordinators to organize and enter department course information (e.g., instructor, meeting pattern) by University deadlines
Maintain a system for course scheduling by providing timely information and training for scheduling partners (Program Area Coordinators, directors, etc.) about departmental course scheduling practices and procedures
Use electronic systems (e.g., Faculty Center, TwoStop, UM Analytics) to proof against scheduling database each term and reconcile discrepancies; alert Program Area Coordinators and departmental partners about issues and missing information
Regularly monitor course enrollments and communicate with scheduling partners to inform adjusting course settings and/or schedule as necessary
Coordinate with the Office of Classroom Management to schedule classrooms as needed for all departmental courses, ensuring priority deadlines are met
Work with instructors to request course cancellations. For cancelled courses, update One Stop and scheduling database

Academic Support (30%)

Take initiative to innovatively lead collaborative development and implementation of administrative systems for department wide programmatic and academic support activities
Verify & approve non-degree registrations
Assist students with non-degree registration processes
Track waitlists and provide registration permission to students
Track final exam schedules
Maintain an understanding of registration policies and procedures and update faculty, instructors, and students as needed about standards and changes (e.g., late enrollment, withdrawal, independent study)
Assist with textbook ordering and course packet submission
Oversee the dissemination and collection of Student Rating of Teaching (SRT) forms at the end of each term
Support collection and filing of course syllabi every semester according to department and University requirements
Respond in timely ways to student inquiries about courses, registration, and grades; inquiries may require sharing of information and troubleshooting
Serve as point person for student-related issues in PeopleSoft (permission numbers, prerequisites, non-degree enrollment, etc.)
Track semester grade submission including all reminders and tracking to ensure compliance
Provide administrative support to program area coordinators as needed; maintain program web pages, coordinate special events, programmatic and administrative planning
Develop and lead a system for working with program area coordinators to conduct annual student reviews, including gathering information from students, sharing with advisors, and compiling information to be distributed back to students
Develop and lead a system for working with program area coordinators to support organizing and/or communication related to students’ program milestones
Assist students and faculty with scheduling and administering written preliminary exams according to program requirements

Department Administrative and Operations Support (10%)

Process copy requests for Paradigm
Assist with coordinating marketing and promotional efforts as well as website updates with CEHD Communications and Marketing
Collaboratively oversee the administrative office and public spaces. Maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, staff, faculty, and department guests
Assist guests, answer phones, monitor email, sort and distribute mail, receive deliveries, and perform routine office tasks when needed
Coordinate with the Department Administrator to help manage internal communications systems such as continuous updating of email listservs, directories, and websites related to personnel changes
Provide support with calendar management, meeting preparation, events (Fall and Spring Assemblies, Block Party, Commencement, etc.), conference room and space reservations
Serve as an additional resource or back up for other staff during times of high work volume, vacations, or other leaves
Support special projects and assignments as requested
Help maintain effective organization and documentation of office processes and procedures
Other duties as assigned

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Overtime and consecutive Sunday work are not conditions of employment.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

High school diploma/GED and four years of related office and customer service experience. Training or education may be substituted for some experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications.
Experience composing professional correspondence and business communications.
Demonstrated attention to detail, proofreading skills, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in higher education or the public sector.
Experience working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Experience coordinating events.
Experience using PeopleSoft, 25Live, or Slate.
Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud.

About the Department

The Department of Educational Psychology provides training in the in the cognitive, emotional, and social learning processes that underlie education and human development across the lifespan, including: the psychological foundations of education, quantitative methods in education, the practice and science of counseling psychology, school psychology, and special education. Faculty and students provide leadership and consultation to the state, nation, and international community. The department's scholarship and teaching enhance professional practice in schools and universities, community mental health agencies, business and industrial organizations, early childhood programs, and government agencies. https://edpsych.umn.edu

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University’s third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $24.81–$29.53/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Required application materials: resume and cover letter.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

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Edtech.com's Summary

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