Responsibilities & Resources
Most graduate programs in departments and institutes are led by a Graduate Program Director, who is central to the success of these programs. Directors of graduate programs work with the graduate faculty, the chair or director of the academic unit, and the Graduate School to develop graduate curricula and courses, recruit and facilitate the admission of graduate students, manage graduate assistantships, and mentor graduate students. They may also develop and manage the budget for the academic unit’s graduate program, promote scholarship, and serve on the Graduate Council. Directors of graduate programs coordinate these efforts with the chair or director of their department or institute. (Brief version from Faculty Handbook)
The position of graduate program director (GPD) is central to the success of that graduate program. This document outlines the general responsibilities and duties of a GPD and addresses the resources (including remuneration) that should accompany these responsibilities. The GPD coordinates these efforts with the chair or director of that department or institute.
Administrative Responsibilities of GPDs
Resources for GPDs
All Graduate Program Directors must be on Graduate Faculty.
In order to attract and retain capable faculty who will pursue the above responsibilities enthusiastically, certain resources must be provided. The level of resources made available to GPD should vary by the size and complexity of the graduate program, just as it does for department chairs.
The Graduate School maintains a Box folder, a GPD Resource List, and an admissions handbook for Graduate Program Directors.
Resources for service as GPD provided by the school or college may include the following:
- an administrative stipend,
- a reduction in other responsibilities (teaching, service, but not in scholarship because the GPD ought to serve as a model) is appropriate
- assignment of a program assistant to process correspondence, forms, manage files, etc.
Appointment & Evaluation of GPDs
Appointment of the GPD is made upon the recommendation of the Dean of the school or college in consultation with Dean of the Graduate School and the chair of the department. For institutes, the director of the institute generally serves as the GPD.
Appointment as GPD is usually for a term of 3 years, although the GPD may be removed at any time within the term. Terms are generally June 1 – May 31. The Graduate School will reach out at the end of each GPD’s term to ask if there is a request for a new GPD or a renewal of a 3-year term.
Renewal of the appointment is at the discretion of the dean. Decision to renew is based on annual evaluations submitted by the department chair and the Dean of the Graduate School to the dean of the college or school in which the department is located. Evaluation criteria are described in the "duties and responsibilities" section of this document.
Updated 2022