The Office for Academic Affairs:
- Supports strategic planning, reporting and external relations for all areas of education at VIMS
- Administers academic policies and procedures for the graduate program
- Advises graduate students on academic matters and professional development
- Manages graduate enrollment processes
- Monitors graduate student progress towards degrees, acceptance, and approval of the theses and dissertations, and certifies the successful completion of graduation requirements
- Updates and maintains key resources for graduate students including the School of Marine Science Graduate Catalog, the Student Handbook, and the Student Reference Guide
- Assists with the development of new graduate degree options and programs
- Provides orientation for graduate teaching assistants
- Offers professional development opportunities for SMS graduate students and faculty
- Coordinates Commencement activities for the School of Marine Science
- Manages the course evaluation process
- Facilitates student employment and payroll processes
- Administers the process for awarding VIMS Foundation fellowships, and student travel, equipment, and research grants
- Manages graduate tuition payment and waivers
- Assists international graduate students with the processing of documentation (e.g., visas)
- Leads school-wide graduate program recruitment efforts
- Oversees admissions for the graduate program
- Coordinates Orientation for new SMS students
- Serves as a resource unit for William & Mary's undergraduate marine science program
- Facilitates program-level assessment of education and training outcomes with respect to academic program goals and objectives
- Tracks graduate job placement and alumni career trajectories in support of program review and accreditation