TENTATIVE

Occ. Code 3535200

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

The positions perform or supervise the analysis of requests from post-secondary institutions for master plan amendments; register new programs and proposals; provide technical assistance; audit post-secondary institutions and programs for compliance; and evaluate the fiscal conditions of colleges and universities including compliance with their financial aid procedures and implementation.  These positions are only classified at the State Education Department (SED).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

          Levels in this series are distinguished by supervision and scope of responsibility. 

          ASSISTANT IN HIGHER EDUCATION: full performance level; under the general direction of an Associate in Higher Education or other higher level staff, reviews post-secondary program proposals, provides technical assistance, audits institutions for compliance, and evaluates college and university financial conditions and financial aid procedures. 

          ASSOCIATE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: first supervisory level; leads large and more difficult projects, and supervises professional and clerical staff.

          SUPERVISOR OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS: second supervisory level; directs and supervises the activities of lower level professional and clerical staff within a region or unit.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

          ASSISTANT IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Evaluate schools, colleges, and universities that are applying for initial registration, or for participation in major new initiatives.

Participate in and assist in managing site visits to institutions of higher education and preparation of reports and recommendations regarding institutional approval and program registration.

Analyze proposals from colleges and universities for registration of new degree programs and drafts recommendations.

Provide technical assistance to institutions seeking or possessing approval and/or accreditation by the Regents.

Draft revisions to Commissioners Regulations and to Regents Rules regarding institutional accreditation and program registration.

Conduct research on practices and national trends in area of higher education.

Respond to written and phone inquiries, complaints and requests for information regarding higher education matters.

          ASSOCIATE IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Evaluate proposals for registration of credit-bearing college programs.

Lead on-site reviews of colleges that includes the following activities: assemble a team of peer reviewers; organize the site visit; analyze documents; interview administrators, faculty, and students; advise site visit teams and institutions; assess the institutions compliance; and, author and otherwise prepare reports and other written products regarding those audits, including products for the high-level staff and officials at SED.

Provide technical advice to college administrators.

Advise and evaluate entities proposing to become degree-granting institutions in New York State, and out-of-state institutions seeking permission to operate in New York State.

Coordinate oversight of low-performing institutions.

Oversee the closures of institutions.

Prepare materials for consideration by the Board of Regents, including charter amendments, master plan amendments, regulatory decisions, and policy discussions.

Handle complaints about degree-granting New York State institutions of higher education.

Conduct research, analyze others research, and make recommendations regarding higher education policies and regulations.

Draft comments on legislative proposals pertaining to higher education issues.

Respond to inquiries from the general public regarding higher education issues.

Collaborate with other Department offices and State agencies on issues related to higher education.

          SUPERVISOR OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Supervise a program of evaluative and consultative services to institutions of higher education on the registration of schools and curriculums and on the improvement of educational programs.

Draft policies and procedures in regard to accreditation registration.

Provide expert assistance to management in developing and implementing policy related to higher education.

Coordinate the development, analysis, review, and/or dissemination of research and information on higher education issues and office initiatives.

Develop legislative and regulatory proposals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

          ASSISTANT IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Open Competitive: masters or higher degree and two years of professional administrative or educational experience in the United States in a college, university, postsecondary, or higher education agency; a cultural institution with degree granting privileges; or a professional association having oversight, regulatory, or coordinative responsibility for higher or professional education.

          ASSOCIATE IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Promotion: one year as an Assistant in Higher Education.

Open Competitive: masters or higher degree and four years of professional administrative or educational experience in the United States in a college, university, postsecondary, or higher education agency; a cultural institution with degree granting privileges; or a professional association having oversight, regulatory, or coordinative responsibility for higher or professional education.  Two years of this experience must have been at a supervisory or higher level.

          SUPERVISOR OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Promotion: one year as an Associate in Higher Education, Associate in Higher Education Opportunity, Associate in Teacher Education, or Associate in Occupational School Supervision.

Date:  1/17

NOTE:  Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent, and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.