Apparel Undergraduate Program Director (UPD) na Baylor University

The Apparel Undergraduate Program Director (UPD) provides coordination and support for the undergraduate programs in Apparel Design and Product Development (ADPD) and Apparel Merchandising (AM). The UPD collaborates closely with Apparel colleagues, department leadership, and Advising to promote excellence in program development and student learning within the Apparel area.

In alignment with Baylor University’s Christian mission, the UPD helps foster a culture of academic excellence, integrity, and human flourishing. This includes modeling and encouraging a positive, respectful, and collaborative environment for students, faculty, and staff.

To support both the current two-program structure and the planned transition to a unified Apparel degree, the position will be held by co-UPDs. Each UPD serves as a liaison to the interim Chair for their respective area (ADPD or AM), while collaborating with one another to guide the integration process and respond to the evolving needs of the program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Leadership:
  • Oversee the submission of curriculum changes, including entering courses in CIM, creating and updating course descriptions, and ensuring catalog changes meet university deadlines. All steps should be completed with input from faculty colleagues.
  • Provide leadership and proactive, solutions-oriented guidance in developing the revised Apparel degree, ensuring alignment with college and university goals, and communicate progress regularly with the Interim Chair.

• Student Support & Advising Coordination:
  • Coordinate with the Robbins Advising team to support student progress and success, while keeping primary advising responsibilities with the Advising team.
  • Loop in the Advisor, co-UPD, and any relevant faculty whenever students bring advising-related questions or concerns directly to the UPD (even for simple issues or questions), ensuring transparent, team-based resolutions.
  • Collaborate with the Advisor and other relevant parties to address advising concerns (e.g., scheduling errors or misadvising), ensuring Advising is made aware of the issue, and working together toward a solution.

• Program Assessment & Reporting:
  • Coordinate SACSCOC program-level assessment and prepare the annual SLOPE report.

• Program Representation & Outreach:
  • Represent the program (or coordinate with colleagues for coverage) in recruitment, retention, and outreach activities.
  • Serve as a liaison between faculty, department leadership, and university offices regarding program needs and initiatives.
  • Represent the program in department and college leadership meetings (e.g., UPD meetings) and share relevant updates with faculty colleagues.

• Faculty Coordination & Communication:
  • Facilitate monthly program meetings (or provide timely updates in lieu of a meeting) to foster communication and collaboration among faculty.
  • Strive to model and actively foster a positive, kind, and collaborative culture within the program, recognizing our imperfections and approaching conflict and differences with grace and in the example of the fruit of the Spirit.
  • Communicate program needs to department leadership and collaborate with administrative staff on procurement, ensuring compliance with approved budgets and processes.

• Full-time faculty member in Apparel Design and Product Development or Apparel Merchandising.
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education and student success.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.