This discussion of the responsibilities of an English as a second language (ESL) program administrator in a university setting focuses on issues in four areas: (1) program; (2) students; (3) faculty; and (4) administration. In the first area, the ESL administrator establishes and maintains the curriculum, decides the combination of components (intensive and non-intensive) and the format (integrated skills or separate skills) the ESL program should have, selects placement tests, decides cut-off scores, and orders initial textbooks. In the second area, the ESL administrator is responsible for the recruitment and retention of students, and for the provision of student services. In the third area, the ESL administrator must hire well-qualified teachers, maintain appropriate salary levels, and provide for professional development to keep morale high. In the final area, the ESL administrator must manage budgetary expenditures, cooperate with other units on campus, and maintain a balance of students within the ESL program. (DJD)