Graduation Specialist

Houston Christian University - Archie W. Dunham College of Business; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Christian University - Archie W. Dunham College of Business is seeking a full-time Graduation Specialist within the Office of Academic Records. The role involves performing degree audits, coordinating commencement logistics, and serving as a vital resource for students, faculty, and staff.

The ideal candidate will possess strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills, along with a commitment to customer service and an active Christian faith aligned with the university’s values.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills for diverse community engagement.
• Excellent organization with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects.
• Commitment to customer service and supportive of HCU's mission.

Responsibilities

• Perform degree audits and certifications.
• Assist graduating students with their Degree Works audit.
• Generate prospective graduate reports for various stakeholders.
• Coordinate distribution of diplomas to graduates.
• Attend commencement ceremonies to assist with logistics.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written and oral communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Tools

Banner

Degree Works

Argos

Canvas

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Graduation Specialist is a full-time, 12-month position within the Office of Academic Records (OAR). This position is responsible for performing degree audits for graduation requirements and for coordinating logistics and compiling data necessary for commencement ceremonies. This position will also be responsible for leveraging existing systems to identify and address gaps in the path to graduation in collaboration with key campus partners. The Graduation Specialist fulfills an essential role for the University and serves as a vital resource for students, faculty, and staff.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform degree audits and certifications.
• Process department forms related to graduation including, but not limited to, graduation applications and commencement participation forms.
• Serve as secondary advisor to all graduating students, assisting them with interpreting their Degree Works audit and informing them of necessary steps to complete any remaining requirements.
• Communicate reminders, deadlines, and other relevant information to prospective graduates and their advisors as necessary.
• Generate regular prospective graduate reports for administrators, deans, alumni, University Store, and other key staff.
• Coordinate with third-party print vendor to order and distribute diplomas to graduates.
• Assist with and attend all commencement ceremonies (May, August, and December), including but not limited to:
  • Compiling commencement program information to send to University Marketing for layout;
  • Creating the "walk list" with name pronunciations for the Office of the Provost;
  • Creating seating chart(s) for graduation ceremony(ies); and
  • Setting up the stage, checking in and providing instructions to graduates, guiding graduates on and off the stage, and ensuring that the graduates are in the right place at the right time throughout.
• Serve as primary point of contact to assist faculty when they have questions regarding graduation and related HCU academic policies.
• Assist with OAR and University website maintenance.
• Serve on University committees as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to set goals and work independently.
• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Excellent organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills with an ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects.
• Commitment to customer service.
• Knowledgeable in the use of Banner, Degree Works, Argos, Canvas, and Microsoft Office preferred.
• Must be able to exhibit and active Christian faith and completely affirm, uphold, and live within the Preamble of Houston Christian University and the Ten Pillars Core Convictions.