JOB TITLE: Graduation Specialist

REPORTS TO: Director of Academic Records

JOB STATUS: Non-Exempt

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:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully handle this position.

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws and the Foundational Documents of the University set forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of personnel.

**Disclaimer**

Background checks are performed on every new hire. If your application is selected to continue with the interviewing process, you will be required to submit a Background Check form. If you decline, your application may be denied. By proceeding with the online application, you understand and accept this process.