Administrative Assistants - Duties

Appropriate Duties for Administrative Assistants
in the Academic Division
  1. Work that benefits the whole department is done first - for example, but not limited to:
    • searches
    • department budget
    • comps
    • honors
    • course catalog
    • course schedule
    • annual report
    • senior events and issues
    • departmental web pages
    • managing office equipment, files, supplies, student helpers, etc.

    These and similar activities are coordinated through the chair.

    * Note : Some administrative assistants are responsible for the coordination of more than one department/program, and the needs of these constituents need to be balanced.

  2. If there is time, work for individual faculty members and their special programs may be done if the nature of it directly benefits their teaching or the work of the department-- course syllabi, exams, outside speakers, web pages, etc.
  3. Work related to a faculty member's personal research is a last priority, and though it is a legitimate task, it is a last priority (Meaning it may never be completed.) and should never require the secretary to work overtime.
  4. GRANTS: If the secretary is willing, then funds can be specified in a faculty member's grant to pay the secretary for work beyond the normal work day.

10/19/10 SM