Graduation Degree Specialist

University of West Georgia; Carrollton (GA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of West Georgia is seeking a Graduation Degree Specialist to manage degree auditing, exceptions, and curriculum records for a defined student population. You will supervise two Graduation Coordinators and lead large-scale email communications, diploma management, and website upkeep.

You will collaborate with the Graduation Team and Academic Advisors to ensure accuracy of degree auditing, process petitions, and implement catalog changes.

Qualifications

• High School / GED required.
• Four to six years administrative experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Degree auditing and reviewing undergrad/grad audits for accuracy.
• Coordinate large-scale student communications and diploma changes.
• Lead commencement planning, check-in, seating, and name design for ceremonies.
• Diploma management including replacement orders.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Education

High School / GED

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

DegreeWorks

Banner

Job description

Job Title: Graduation Degree Specialist
Location: UWG Recruiting Location
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 305148

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation.Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.
Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Registrar Curriculum and Catalog, the position is responsible for degree auditing, processing exceptions to degree requirements, and updating curriculum records for an assigned population of students. This position directly supervises two Graduation Coordinators while also leading the team in large audience email communication, diploma management and ordering and website maintenance.

Responsibilities

1. Degree Auditing Review undergraduate and graduate level student degree audits in DegreeWorks and compare program requirements to appropriate catalogs and program change requests in curriculum management system in preparation for recommending candidates to faculty for degree conferrals. Review includes, but is not limited to, reviewing coursework and other non-course requirements in Banner and Degree Works; reviewing university catalogs to ensure accuracy of degree auditing system; interpreting and explaining to students, faculty and advisors the policies and procedures governing degree requirements; and tracking updates to student records throughout a student's term of graduation application. Assists with applying petitions/exceptions in the degree auditing software. Processes major, minor, concentration, and catalog changes for undergraduate and graduate students upon request from academic advisors, graduate school, or students. Responsible for creating and maintaining internal documentation and reporting for graduation area processes.
2. Communication In collaboration with other members of the Graduation Team in the Office of the Registrar, coordinates large scale student communications including, but not limited to, commencement ceremony details, , graduation application deadlines, Latin Honors designations, diploma name and address review, ceremony attendance update requests, diploma hold notifications.
3. Commencement Planning / Events Represents the Office of the Registrar at all UWG Commencement Ceremonies. In collaboration with the Associate Registrar and Degree Auditors, leads preparation for the student check-in, seating, and name calling at the commencement ceremony, prepares the names, honors designations, and special notes for the commencement program, ensures all participating students have an accurate name card for check-in. Additional duties related to commencement preparations include maintaining inventory and supplies such as diploma mailers and yard signs. May represent Graduation Team or Registrar's Office at events or trainings with other campus departments.
4. Diploma Management Places new and replacement orders for printed and electronic diplomas. Manages lost and damaged diploma replacement.

Required Qualifications

Required Education

High School / GED

Required Experience

Four to six years administrative experience. Computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel required; must have excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to facilitate and foster effective working relationships with students, parents, administrators, faculty and staff, and work autonomously on assigned tasks and projects.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Experience

One year of higher education experience, preferably in the Registrar's Office or a student services department. Preference is given to individuals with experience directly related to performing degree audits or curriculum management and knowledge of Banner & Degree Works. Preference is also given to applicants displaying a high aptitude to comprehend and grasp information quickly. High standards of ethics, honesty, integrity, and confidentiality.

Proposed Salary

$24.04 - $25.81 hourly. Paid on a bi-weekly basis.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

High standards of ethics, honesty, integrity, and confidentiality. Must have the ability to lead a group, team or project, consistently produce work with 100% accuracy, and possess exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of constituencies. The ability to audit student records for awarding of degree. Must be able to move around the office freely, communicate without restriction, comfortable working in a team environment with the ability to perform some work outside of normal working hours.

Office Environment - Work normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.