Degree Completion Specialist (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $25.67 - $26.81/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around February 18, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position offers a hybrid schedule.

This contract appointment is anticipated to continue until June 30, 2026.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

The Degree Completion Specialist works under the supervision of the Assistant Registrar in completing responsibilities related to reentry, the degree completion program, and the processing and maintenance of student academic records. This position manages the reentry application process and coordinates the processing of multiple other special program applications including summer session and concurrent enrollment. It helps interpret and verify degree requirements in the degree audit system as needed. It interacts with campus constituents, including students, faculty, staff, and the public through workshops and outreach to promote the degree completion program. It is responsible for processing, transfer credit entry, and transfer correction requests for students approved for reentry. Applies professional Registrar student service-based concepts to student record functions. Provides information and enforcement of institutional, state, and federal policies, procedures, and regulations. Receives direction regarding more complex programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides routine guidance and information to students (current, prospective, and former), parents, faculty, and/or staff regarding enrollment, registration, grades, degree and student record policies, procedures, and regulations. Analyzes routine student, faculty, and staff inquiries, determines relevant issues, and implements or recommends solutions. Manages departmental inquiries and student cases via the current CRM (SalesForce).
• Processes and enters transfer credit for admitted degree completion students. Assists with degree conferral for general graduating class and manages degree conferral for degree completion students.
• Consults with experienced level staff and/or faculty when reviewing more complex student record issues. Identifies opportunities for improved internal practices and procedures.
• Assists in developing and implementing registrar core functions such as major/advisor changes, personal information updates, course withdrawals, separations from the University, summer session application processing, file management, and document imaging activities.
• Participates in testing process regarding the development and maintenance of student record systems, including the degree audit and articulation database.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in related area from an accredited institution.
• Minimum one year of directly related experience.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Working knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices with student records services. (Preferred)
• Working knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures and of Federal and California laws pertaining to the privacy rights of students and access to student information. (Preferred)
• Ability to apply working knowledge of policies to individual situations in a diverse learning community.
• Problem identification and critical thinking skills.
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Written and verbal communication skills. Active listening skills. Customer service orientation.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs and productivity software. (Preferred)
• Experience using complex databases. (Preferred)
• Ability to work with people from diverse cultures. Utilizes excellent constituent service skills with all interactions.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with campus departments.
• Knowledge of specialized registrar core functions (e.g., degree requirements, special enrollment, veterans' benefits, and residency). (Preferred)

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/