Shelley Morris
Suitland,MD
Summary
Dynamic Higher Education Student Support Professional with 16 years of experience in academic program support, including roles as an admissions consultant, departmental liaison, and academic advisor for military, veteran, and civilian populations. Expertise in coordinating virtual events and serving as a teaching assistant has developed a detail-oriented work ethic and the ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and processes. A strong commitment to developing and implementing effective practices that enhance student matriculation and success drives a proactive approach to problem-solving and program management. Recognized for fostering teamwork and adaptability, ensuring seamless operations and positive outcomes across all initiatives. Graduate program professional with robust background in academic administration and program coordination. Known for driving program success through meticulous planning and innovative problem-solving. Emphasizes teamwork and adaptability, ensuring smooth operations and positive outcomes in all initiatives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Program Coordinator
UMBC (School of Public Policy)
09.2019 - Current
- Manage all recruitment and admission processes for the School of Public Policy (SPP): Tracking applicant life-cycles from prospective to enrolled.
- Track application statistics and convene Admissions Committee for application review.
- Develop all content and delivery of New Student Orientation materials and New Student Orientation events.
- Provide Academic Support Services to students and faculty.
- Track and pair students from with SPP specialization interests to faculty advisors within the specialization.
- Serve as first point of contact for student grievances.
- Supervise student record keeping for the School of Public Policy: developing tools for faculty to assist with both student advisement, graduation and course planning for scheduling.
- Provide first semester advising and course sequencing options for students.
- Schedule all PUBL course offerings: work with Registrar's Office to ensure accuracy in course scheduling.
- Coordinating with faculty and Graduate Program Director (GPD) on course allocations.
- Execute all graduation progression screens and related forms for all MPP students.
- Complete all program surveys both internal and external (e.g., Dean's Office Assessment report, NASPAA, NSF) utilizing data mining tools from REX, PeopleSoft and historical records.
- Oversee updates to all SPP Graduate Student Handbooks and any policy updates therein.
- Maintain the SPP BlackBoard web platform with all relevant SPP documentation (e.g. course syllabi, writing samples).
- Serve as Financial Award Committee Member for SPP. Develop process for allocating Graduate Assistantships (GA) tracking departmental allocations of GA-ships and small grants to students.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices in higher education administration to continuously refine graduate programs offerings.
- Served as a liaison between students, faculty, and administration, ensuring clear communication of expectations and policies across all parties involved in the graduate program experience.
- Gathered and organized printed materials required for program participation.
- Organized orientation sessions and social events, cultivating a welcoming environment that fostered camaraderie among incoming students.
- Overcame challenges related to scheduling conflicts or resource allocation by developing creative solutions that met the needs of both students and faculty members alike.
Academic Advisor
American University (School of Public Affairs)
04.2014 - 02.2019
- Review all admissions applications and Merit Award applications for both MS programs housed within the Department of Justice, Law and Criminology (JLC).
- Assist in planning and support of on-campus and select off-campus activities related to the recruitment, conversion, and retention of new graduate students.
- Provide support to the JLC Director of Graduate Studies on matters of the MS programs including: policy, recruitment, admissions, course scheduling, comprehensive exams, and varying student support issues.
- Provide support services to all advisees: new, continuing, and non-degree students regarding their academic, professional, and career goals.
- Monitor Student programmatic progress and provide guidance on academic progress and other issues that affect academic performance.
- Maintain working relationships with multiple constituencies (students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and others raising questions regarding programs in the department) in the diverse environment of SPA.
- Demonstrate understanding of a university environment including the organizational, governance, and regulatory structure of SPA and University wide.
- Improved retention rates by providing personalized guidance to students at various stages of their academic journey.
- Assisted in the development of academic policies and procedures, promoting consistency across departments.
- Served as a liaison between students, faculty, staff, and administration to address concerns or conflicts that arose during the course of study.
- Managed caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
Academic Advisor
University of Maryland University College (UMUC)
08.2012 - 04.2014
- Provided student centered customer service and support through academic guidance to assist a diverse body of traditional and non-traditional students.
- Conducted outreach and advised new and continuing students via telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face meetings, and documented and maintain student information in Customer Relationship (CRM) Database system.
- Actively supported the student recruitment, registration and retention efforts including the University's alumni relations team during commencement.
Program Specialist for Membership and Expansion
International Black Women's Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI)
01.2012 - 09.2012
- Assisted the Executive Director in the planning and implementation of national membership strategies for young professional women and students.
- Maintained organization's membership database and served as a point of contact for membership inquiries, office management, and executive communications. Assisted in the maintenance of online content for the IBWPPI website.
- Evaluated program operations, successes and deficiencies to identify concerns and recommend strategies to enhance processes and elevate results.
- Worked alongside other professionals to outline and implement program plans and objectives.
- Built strong relationships with external partners to secure resources and support necessary for program success.
Academic Advisor
University of Delaware (College of Arts and Sciences)
05.2010 - 07.2011
- Advised new and continuing undergraduate students in selection of coursework and registration based on college student development theory and strategies for success.
- Delivered regular reports on CAS student progress and student highlighted concerns regarding coursework and expectations in advising community meetings.
- Developed and implemented individualized academic plans for students.
- Analyzed student academic records to assess educational and career goals.
Teaching Assistant
University of Delaware (College of Arts and Sciences)
08.2009 - 07.2011
- Assisted faculty in production and implementation of lesson plans based upon institutional expectations.
- Developed and maintained online course materials for student learning and success.
- Regularly reported student progress and concerns regarding coursework and academic expectations with faculty members.
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
- Collaborated with fellow teaching assistants to create a consistent and supportive learning environment for students.
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
- Evaluated student performance through regular assessments, tracking progress and adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
Education
Master of Arts - Race,Deviance and Law and Society
University of Delaware
Newark, DE01-2026
Academic Advising Certificate - College of Arts and Sciences
University of Delaware
Newark, DE01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - African American Studies and Sociology
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA05.2009
Teaching Assistant Certificate - College of Arts and Sciences
University of Delaware
Newark, DE01.2009
Skills
- Skilled in utilizing various academic management systems
- Familiarity with student management systems
- User interface proficiency: Microsoft Office Suite, OneNote, Adobe
- Strategic program execution
Hobbies and Interests
Areas of Interest: Education, Student Success, Collective Organization, Student Recruitment, Minority Outreach, Learned Behavior
Timeline
Graduate Program Coordinator
UMBC (School of Public Policy)
09.2019 - Current
Academic Advisor
American University (School of Public Affairs)
04.2014 - 02.2019
Academic Advisor
University of Maryland University College (UMUC)
08.2012 - 04.2014
Program Specialist for Membership and Expansion
International Black Women's Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI)
01.2012 - 09.2012
Academic Advisor
University of Delaware (College of Arts and Sciences)
05.2010 - 07.2011
Teaching Assistant
University of Delaware (College of Arts and Sciences)
08.2009 - 07.2011
Academic Advising Certificate - College of Arts and Sciences
University of Delaware
Bachelor of Arts - African American Studies and Sociology
Temple University
Teaching Assistant Certificate - College of Arts and Sciences
University of Delaware
Master of Arts - Race,Deviance and Law and Society
University of Delaware
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