The Field

All organizations need timely and effective office administrative and management support to operate efficiently. These workers are employed in virtually every sector of the economy. Although specific functions of office administrative/management support supervisors and workers vary considerably, they share many common duties. For example, planning the work and supervising the staff are key functions of this job. Office administrative support supervisors and managers oversee the work to ensure that it is proceeding on schedule and meeting established quality standards. Tasks may also include evaluation of each worker's performance as well as interviewing and evaluating prospective employees. They also serve as the primary liaisons between their offices and the general public through direct contact and by preparing promotional information.

Office administrators and managers are the link between the clerical staff and the professional, technical, and managerial staff. This may involve implementing new company policies or restructuring the workflow in their departments. Responsibilities may also include resolving interpersonal conflicts among the staff, knowledge of union contracts, and labor-management agreements.

Although jobs for office and administrative support supervisors and managers are found in practically every industry, the largest number are found in organizations such as banks, wholesalers, government agencies, retail establishments, business service firms, healthcare facilities, schools, and insurance companies.

The Instructional Program

This A.A.S. program is designed to prepare graduates to enter the workforce in the high-demand arena of office administration and management. Students are prepared to face the challenges of teamwork, problem solving, leadership, and communication with  determination, loyalty, poise, and confidence. Instruction focuses on the ability to organize and coordinate work efficiently, to set priorities, and to motivate others. The coursework provides a broad base of office skills which will enable graduates to adapt to changes in organizational structure and move easily among departments when necessary.

The curriculum offers instruction in controlling and using office technologies, maintaining office records and electronic files, producing well-constructed and edited documents, maintaining financial records, and managing personnel.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code:  5005

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 62 credit hours and minimum mathematics requirement.

Admissions Requirements

Satisfactory completion of a high school curriculum and an interest in an office-administration career are the key admission requirements. It is recommended that applicants also have completed high school Mathematics Course A.

Program Objectives

A graduate of the Office Administration and Management A.A.S. program should be able to:

1. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in all environments (including group/team).
2. Utilize analytical skills to solve complex problems, developing and presenting solutions in an ever-changing environment.
3. Demonstrate responsible, resourceful, and ethical behavior.
4. Apply computing skills to solve problems within an organizational context.
5. Understand practices and principles common to the management function.
6. Adapt to emerging computer-related technologies.