New Graduate Program Director Resources
Are you taking over the Graduate Program Director (GPD) role for a graduate program? If so, please ensure the Graduate School is informed of changes in the position by reaching out to the Director of Graduate Education.
New to the GPD role or transitioning soon? Use the below "New GPD Checklist" for a quick reference document to guide you in the tasks and resources that will be essential as you transition to your role as GPD.
Duties & Responsibilities of Graduate Program Directors
The below areas represent the core duties and responsibilities held by Graduate Program Directors (GPDs) across all graduate programs. Additional duties and expectations may be articulated in a department’s operating papers. Individuals who hold the position of a GPD will be evaluated on the execution of GPD duties and responsibilities during the annual performance evaluation process.
Recruitment, Admissions, & Onboarding of Graduate Students
- Initiate and oversee graduate program recruitment, coordinating with Graduate & International Admissions as needed
- Manage recruitment plan that includes recruitment of diverse applicants and ensures fairness and equity in the admissions process
- Participate in Graduate School Open House
- Serve as a resource for prospective and admitted graduate students, responding to inquiries in a timely manner
- Oversee the admissions process, including application review and admission of new students
- Coordinate program-level new student orientation
Student Support and Retention
- Serve as a resource for current graduate students, including advising students and/or assigning advisors for students
- Coordinate the tracking of student progress and efforts to improve student retention
- Complete the Graduate Student Academic Review Form to document retention plans and/or dismissal justifications for students not in good academic standing at the end of each term in compliance with deadlines set by the Registrar’s Office
- Attend GPD Meetings offered by the Graduate School to remain current on policy, procedure, and best practice updates
- Utilize graduate student advising and mentoring resources and participate in professional development opportunities provided by the Graduate School
Program Administration
- Coordinate with the Dean’s Office and Department Chair to facilitate course scheduling that supports student completion
- Work with Dean’s Office and Department Chair on submission of any program changes, modifications, or additions as needed
- Maintain relevant graduate program documents and website content
- Maintain compliance with external program requirements, accreditation, certification, or licensure (where applicable)
- Review Graduate Catalog content and additional program profile content annually and initiate updates when needed
Program Assessment & Program Review
- Oversee the graduate program assessment process and comply with reporting requirements, including submission of annual reports
- Participate in the program review process, including initial, full/abbreviated, and interim reviews as scheduled by the Provost’s Office of Assessment & Academic Planning
