Academic and Life Skills (Patriot Pathways) Coordinator

About the role

The Academic and Life Skills (Patriot Pathways) Coordinator supports the academic success, retention, and holistic development of student-athletes by providing academic advising, monitoring progress toward degree completion, and collaborating with university faculty and staff.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary academic advisor for assigned athletic teams;
• Maintains accurate academic records and prepares progress reports for coaches and administrators;
• Communicates consistently with coaching staff regarding academic concerns, progress, and milestones;
• Works closely with the Compliance Office to project and monitor NCAA academic eligibility for assigned student-athletes;
• Participates in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and campus committees, as needed;
• Assists the Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development with the planning and implementation of programming aligned with the Patriot Pathways Program holistic student-athlete development model, which includes career readiness, personal development, leadership development, holistic wellness, and civic and community engagement;
• Assists in coordinating workshops, guest speakers, and events that promote personal growth and career readiness;
• Collaborates with campus departments (e.g., Career Services, Counseling Center) to connect student-athletes with relevant resources;
• Provides administrative support for assigned teams, including, but not limited to, course registration, textbook orders, tutor requests, and study hall monitoring;
• Collaborates with the department’s Education Specialist to identify at-risk and underprepared student-athletes;
• Recommends and coordinates appropriate academic support services, including tutoring and referrals to other University resources;
• Assists student-athletes with time management and academic skill development, partnering with staff members and tutors to provide a holistic approach to academic support and engagement;
• Demonstrates understanding of best practices that promote academic integrity and adhere to all FERPA guidelines, NCAA and Atlantic 10 Conference rules, and George Mason University policies and procedures;
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor or the Associate Athletic Director for student-athlete development.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, with experience (generally 2 to 4 years) in higher education, athletic administration, counseling, or related student support services;
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA eligibility standards and academic progress requirements;
• Experience monitoring academic progress and identifying at-risk student-athletes using appropriate academic support systems and tools;
• Knowledge of NCAA academic eligibility requirements, progress-toward-degree standards, and Division I compliance guidelines;
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to proactively address academic challenges and support student success;
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey information to student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff;
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive academic and personal information;
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive, professional relationships with a diverse student population, academic personnel, and athletic staff;
• Ability to coordinate with the Educational Specialist to assess individual academic needs, guide students, and develop tailored academic success plans for student-athletes;
• Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and experience (generally, at least 3 years) in academic advising, student support services, or a related field;
• Demonstrated experience applying NCAA eligibility rules for student-athletes, including Progress Toward Degree, Academic Progress Rate (APR), and Graduation Success Rate (GSR);
• Working knowledge of FERPA guidelines and the ability to comply with institutional policies regarding student records and privacy;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds;
• Proficiency in using academic software platforms (e.g., Teamworks, Banner) to track, monitor, and report student progress.