Graduation Specialist III

Sam Houston State University; Huntsville (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Sam Houston State University seeks a Graduation Specialist III in the Registrar's Office. The role evaluates degree plans, confirms degree eligibility, and maintains student degree plans with substitutions using Degree Works, supporting accurate graduation outcomes.

Responsibilities include communicating with students and campus partners, generating reports in Cognos, and assisting with commencement activities.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in a related field.
• Three years of related experience or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Certifications may be required; a combination of education, experience and training could be considered.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates degree plans and calculates GPAs or deficiencies.
• Verifies degree candidate’s eligibility and status.
• Maintains student degree plans with substitutions using Degree Works.
• Reviews advisor notes and exception forms.
• Produces reports in Cognos to verify data accuracy.
• Assists with commencement preparation and seating cards.
• Contributes to front counter operations and onboarding of new staff.
• Maintains confidentiality under FERPA and handles sensitive records.
• Attends ceremonies and performs setup/breakdown requiring long standing.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Associates degree in a related field

Tools

Degree Works

Job description

Requisition

202600270S

Title

Graduation Specialist III

FLSA status

Non-Exempt

Hiring Salary

This position is a pay grade 6. Please see Pay Grade Table at: https://pa-hrsuite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/116/docs/550174.pdf.

Occupational Category

Technical/Para-Professional

Department

Registrar

Division

Division of Enrollment

Open Date

08/31/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Educational and Experience Requirement

Associates degree in a related field. Three years of related experience or experience in a related field. Certifications may be required. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

Nature & Purpose of Position

Performs specialized duties for the Registrar’s Office.

Primary Responsibilities

Evaluates degree plans with a basic knowledge of all degree programs (majors/minors, etc.), their specific requirements, and calculates grade point averages or grade point deficiencies. Confirms degree candidate’s status of degree eligibility. Identifies degree candidate’s initial status as well as final, end of term award, or denial of degree decision. Maintains individual student degree plans by processing requested substitutions to the student plans using Degree Works. Reviews and interprets advisor’s notes along with submitted exception forms. Maintains records of conversation exchanges with students. Effectively communicates with internal and external stakeholders. Provides thorough and professional written and verbal communication to students and campus partners. Processes various curriculum changes received in Banner in accordance with the various restrictions associated with degrees, majors, and minors. Generates reports through Cognos software to verify accuracy of student data. Maintains scanned documentation of student confidential records. Assists with key components in preparation of commencement. Verifies degree candidate names for the commencement program, graduation honors, and preparation of seating cards for applicable candidate participation along with honors recognition. Attends all ceremonies, which requires physical exertion leading up to, during, and at the conclusion of the events. Responsible for set-up and breakdown of various elements for commencement that require the ability to stand for long periods of time. Assists with specialized projects as needed. Requires compliance with the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations and exercise a high level of confidentiality regarding student records. Provides support of front counter operations and onboarding and training of new employees as needed. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Specifications

Basic understanding of office operations and system functionality. Verbal and written communication skills. Chooses appropriate technology tools for tasks. Demonstrates functional experience with Microsoft Office or similar productivity software. Capable and willing to share technical skills and knowledge with others. Ability to identify problems and consider potential solutions.

Ability to communicate and interact with others individually and in groups. Work well as part of a team and communicate effectively with a variety of constituents. Awareness of how one interacts with others. Includes verbal and non-verbal communication skills and listening skills.

Has a basic understanding of institutional policies, procedures, and resources; state and federal law; professional standards; student privacy issues; and student record keeping. General comprehension of the various means of recordkeeping and the related systems. Knows how to locate and use available resources to find answers. Identifies interconnection of systems. Willingness to seek out and rely on the expertise of others both to improve decision-making and as a means of expanding expertise.

Physical exertion is necessary leading up to the ceremonies, during each ceremony, and at the conclusion of the events. Attendance requires the ability to stand for long periods of time.

Full Time Part Time

Full Time

Quicklink

https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/48413

EEO Statement

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report