Graduation Specialist, College of Engineering and Computer Science (Student Services Professional III)

About the role

The Graduation Specialist, College of Engineering and Computer Science, serves as a key member of the Academic Advising team within the Division of Academic Affairs. This role focuses on supporting upper division, undergraduate, and college-specific student populations in navigating university policies, procedures, and graduation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provides academic advising and information on university policies, procedures, and graduation requirements to upper division, undergraduate, and college specific student populations.
• Utilizes an advanced, developmental, problem-solving approach rather than a prescriptive application when assisting students with degree completion.
• Works in support of, and under the direction of, the Director of Academic Advising and the Assistant Director of Advising in the design and implementation of strategic retention programs to facilitate graduation and to develop interventions to promote student success.
• Independently determines approaches and techniques to utilize in advising situations, and within established parameters, independently determines campus services and other resources to be provided to individuals or groups of students.
• Recommends changes on a variety of matters both within and outside of the area of assignment.
• Collaborates with departments and faculty to plan, organize, and coordinate college-based interactive seminars designed to support graduating seniors.
• Analyzes individual and group challenges, presents information by compiling assessment and retention data, prepares reports for collaborative review, and acts as the spokesperson within the area of expertise.
• Conducts complex one-on-one and group student service advising sessions which involve administrative planning and coordination.
• Collaborates as a team member on the delivery of New Student Orientation, Transfer Student advising, student retention initiatives, and academic success workshops.
• Supports students in pursuing their educational goals by providing factual data about degree requirements related to student aptitudes, interests, and abilities.
• Conducts outreach presentations and collaborates with academic colleges and departments to inform students of advising services, degree requirements, and the Titan Degree Audit.
• Supports students in pursuing their educational goals by providing factual data about degree requirements related to student aptitudes, interests, and abilities.
• Collaborates closely with the Records to address identified student challenges, using a preventative approach in solving problems impacting graduation.
• Supports senior students with rectifying issues, providing multiple solutions, and directing assistance prior to graduation.
• Creates specific action plans for degree completion for students’ deferred graduation and communicates appropriate action steps to students.
• Maintains a database of students supported, challenges experienced, and overall outcomes.
• Presents information to Academic Advising leadership regularly.
• Reports documented evidence and progress of case studies requiring additional support.
• Develops, implements, and assesses programs specifically designed to increase retention and facilitate graduation based on student need and demand.
• Acts as a liaison between the Graduation Unit, colleges, departments, Academic Advising, Records, and the Titan Degree Audit department.
• Utilizes advanced human relations skills and abilities to interact with highly visible groups including underrepresented and first-generation student populations in an effort to close the achievement gap and increase facilitation to graduation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution plus three years of professional student services work in the field.
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.
• A Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university and the appropriate internship or clinical training in a relevant field may be substituted for three years of the required professional experience.
• Ability to plan, develop, coordinate, supervise, and organize programs and activities.
• Ability to interact with a diverse student population, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Ability to analyze complex situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to advise students individually and in groups on complex student-related matters.
• Ability to complete assignments without detailed instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Possession of excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as the ability to acquire knowledge of campus procedures, activities, and the overall organization.

Skills

• Advanced advising skills
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures
• Experience with student retention strategies
• Outreach and presentation skills

Benefits

• An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
• Dental and Vision coverage
• Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
• Retirement plan through CalPERS
• Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
• FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
• Employee Assistance Programs
• 15 paid holidays