CS Junior Course Coordinator

Staff - Union

Job Category
CUPE 2950

Job Profile
CUPE 2950 Salaried - Sr Program Asst-Gen (Gr8)

Job Title
CS Junior Course Coordinator

Department
Administrative Management | Undergraduate Program Instructional Support | Department of Computer Science | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range
$4,601.00 - $4,953.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
March 29, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Please submit a cover letter addressed to Emily Fuchs in addition to your resume.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary

The Assistant Course Coordinator is part of the Course Coordinator team, which supports the Undergraduate Programs in the department of Computer Science. Support staff serve approximately 3000 CS students in three faculties with more than 40 specializations, 300 students in post baccalaureate degrees, and more than 10,000 students in CS courses, including Visiting and Exchange students. Staff also field thousands of inquiries from prospective students.

This position plays a crucial role in supporting the operations and administration of undergraduate Computer Science courses at UBC. Acting as the primary liaison for student inquiries regarding course administration and academic policies, the Assistant Course Coordinator collaborates with faculty and staff to facilitate effective communication between instructors and students. They will undertake a range of responsibilities the promote the seamless operation of course-related activities.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Lead Course Coordinator in the Computer Science department. Works collaboratively with faculty and staff in the Computer Science department.
Work Performed

• First point of contact for student questions related to course administration and academic policies. Directs students to resources at the course, department, and university level. Refers unique and/or complex questions to the Lead Course Coordinator.

• Works with the Undergraduate and Graduate teams to coordinate the schedule of weekly course activities (e.g., lecture, labs, and tutorials).

• Drafts communication, including course-wide announcements (e.g., FSC mail, Canvas, Piazza, etc.), and responds to questions/concerns from individual students.

• Supports the delivery of exams including booking rooms and preparing exams for distribution and grading (e.g. printing, scanning, uploading, etc.).

• Schedules TAs for lectures, labs, tutorials, office hours, exam invigilation, grading, meetings, etc.

• Collates, calculates and posts grades, and problem sets. Responds to grade queries from students.

• Supports student accommodation requests, such as absences and/or missing work due to disability, illness, or other extenuating circumstances, with the Centre for Accessibility to provide accommodations in line with UBC’s Disability Accommodation Policy.

• Reports potential cases of academic misconduct to course instructor and participates in processing of such cases, including supporting the Associate Head for Undergraduate Affairs, contacting students, taking notes in meetings between faculty and students, and assisting in the preparation of misconduct reports.

• Responsible for creating and maintaining a Course Coordinator manual. Collaborates with the Course Coordinator team in the maintenance of course documentation, materials, and technical platforms such as web pages, learning management systems, discussion forums, peer-grading software, and version control systems (e.g., Canvas, PrairieLearn, Gradescope, Piazza, GitHub, etc.). Documents and provides input on course level policies and assists in developing and redesigning procedural guidelines.

• Contributes to the planning and scheduling of Undergraduate and Graduate Teaching Assistants by advertising TA vacancies and sending offers to successful applicants through an in-house program. May be required to enter TA appointments in Workday.  Stays knowledgeable about the terms outlined in the CUPE 2278 Collective Agreement that intersect with their work tasks.

• Collaborates with the Associate Head Operations and Lead Course Coordinator to identify processes related to the administration of courses that require improvement, mapping current processes, making recommendations for improvement, and redesigning processes.

• Provides secondary vacation coverage to the Undergraduate Program Assistant during summer months.

• Participates in special projects that may be assigned by their supervisor.

• Performs other duties related to the position and consistent with the scope and classification level of the position.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The duties of this role are carried out autonomously under broad guidance. Tasks are conducted within established boundaries and/or an approved framework. Independent judgement is exercised in choosing and interpreting information, as well as in addressing deviations from standard procedures. Job duties are primarily guided by general instructions, objectives, and policies, often in the context of evolving conditions and priorities. Given the nature of assigned tasks, it is essential to ascertain the necessary data and its quality to ensure sound decision-making. Faculty members, the Lead Course Coordinator, the Undergraduate Program Manager, and the Associate Head of Operations rely on the accuracy, decisions, and judgement of this role. Any errors in judgement could lead to inefficient resource utilization and potentially tarnish the reputation of both the Department of Computer Science and the University. Regular interaction with colleagues and students necessitates strong communication skills and tact to prevent adverse effects on the Department and the University.
Supervision Received

Works independently with general direction from the Lead Course Coordinator, Undergraduate Program Manager, Undergraduate Program Advisors, the Associate Head Undergraduate Affairs, and the Associate Head of Operations in the Computer Science department.

Supervision Given
May train and oversee the work of Undergraduate and Graduate Teaching Assistants.
Minimum Qualifications
High School graduation, plus two year post-secondary diploma, plus four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience working as course support staff in a post-secondary setting is an asset, but not required.

Teamwork

• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.

Communication

• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

• Ability to respond appropriately to inquiries in person, on phone, and in writing, and make appropriate referrals.

• Ability to select the most effective communication method for a situation.

• Ability to compose correspondence, reports, presentations, and other written materials using clear concise business English.

• Ability to accurately proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Organization and Time Management

• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities.

• Ability to prioritize work to meet deadlines.

• Ability to gather, record, and organize information.

• Ability to create and accurately maintain record and filing systems.

Analysis and Problem Solving

• Ability to comprehend and synthesize complex information and technical material.

• Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.

• Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.

Judgement and Decision Making

• Ability to source, understand and apply policies, procedures, and applicable collective agreements.

• Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment by making thoughtful and informed decisions.

Professionalism and Diplomacy

• Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.

• Ability to approach interactions with an awareness of sensitive issues (e.g., cultural differences, personal information, etc.). 

• Ability to exercise tact and discretion.

Technical Skills

• Ability to use Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, Teams, etc.) effectively.

• Ability to learn new software programs.