Graduation Specialist III

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

Benefits offered by this job

Superior benefit package

Educational assistance

Dependent assistance programs

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Sam Houston State University seeks a Graduation Specialist III to perform specialized Registrar duties, evaluate degree plans, and ensure accurate degree outcomes. The role involves maintaining Degree Works records, generating Cognos reports, and assisting with commencement activities and confidentiality of student records.

The position requires an associates degree and relevant experience, with potential certifications and opportunities for professional development within a flexible, supportive

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Evaluates degree plans and calculates GPA deficiencies.
• Verifies degree eligibility status for candidates.
• Maintains student degree plans in Degree Works.
• Generates reports using Cognos to verify data accuracy.
• Prepares commencement materials and seating charts for candidates.
• Attends ceremonies and assists with event setup and breakdown.
• Ensures FERPA compliance and handles confidential records.
• Provides front counter support and onboarding for new staff.

Skills

Degree evaluation

Communication

FERPA compliance

Office software

Teamwork

Education

Associates degree in related field

Tools

Banner

Cognos

Degree Works

Job description

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package , competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Requisition 202600334S

Title Graduation Specialist III

FLSA status Non-Exempt

Hiring Salary This position is a pay grade 6. Please see the Pay Grade Table at: https://pa-hrsuite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/116/docs/636763.pdf

Occupational Category Technical/Para-Professional

Department Registrar Division Division of Enrollment

Open Date 10/19/2026

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 Position Number Quicklink https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/48973

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