Graduate Admissions Specialist I - Jackson College of Graduate Studies

Position Overview

The Graduate Admissions Specialist reviews and processes applications for admission to the graduate college and interacts with current and prospective graduate students. Additionally, the admission specialist advises current and prospective students concerning an appropriate academic schedule, choice of major, number of hours that may be taken, probation, and/or suspension. The Specialist performs work under minimal supervision and manages complex issues and problems.

College Overview

The Jackson College of Graduate Studies (JCGS/Graduate College) is dedicated to providing leadership and support in the development of high-quality graduate programs to serve the needs of students, faculty, and the university community as they compete in a global society. The JCGS serves a unique function at UCO in its support for and coordination of graduate studies as well as creative and scholarly activities. The JCGS collaborates with our five UCO academic colleges and the Forensic Science Institute in offering one doctoral degree, six master's degrees and an education specialist degree covering 40 graduate degree programs and over 70 different major areas of study with more than 1,600 graduate students. In 2024, UCO will celebrate its 70th year of offering graduate studies.

Job Duties

• Provides guidance and counseling to students in matters related to academic goals, choice of curriculum, course load, and graduate admissions for domestic and international prospective graduate students.
• Completes admission and enrollment progress checks for individual students.
• Assists with graduate student orientation and graduate student check-in.
• Advises prospective graduate students associated with an assigned territory.
• Initiates, develops, and maintains communication with prospective graduate students in relationship-building efforts.
• Tracks, measures, updates, and analyzes the admissions funnel progression and performance from assigned territory.
• Processes graduate admissions applications, interacts with prospective graduate students, and documents interactions through the Slate and Banner.
• Implements graduate admissions standards, graduate policies, and graduate program requirements.
• Develops relationships and consults with graduate program advisors concerning admissions standards and processes.
• Supports promotional activities to stimulate graduate enrollment.
• Supports and assists with graduate recruitment and outreach.
• Promotes graduate programs and the Graduate College through assisting in the development of graduate communication plans, correspondence, materials, handouts, publications, and other activities.
• Completes graduate student admissions processes for graduate students.
• Collaborates with on- and off-campus units in an effort to ensure up-to-date information is provided to prospective graduate students.
• Contributes to a supportive, team working environment with fellow graduate admissions specialists and other team members.
• Collaborates with fellow team members in other academic units.
• May serve as a primary point of contact for special prospective graduate student partnerships.
• Provides high-level analytical support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests. associated with their assigned admissions territory.
• Organizes and maintains prospective graduate student correspondence and Graduate College files.
• Assist with annual projects, conferences and events.
• Interprets policies and procedures and handles confidential matters with discretion.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Experience Required

Requires a bachelor's degree in related field or 4+ years of equivalent work experience; Requires strong written communication and organizational abilities.

Experience Preferred

Knowledge of graduate admissions standards and program requirements. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OnBase, the Slate CRM, and Banner. Strong oral and written communication skills. Sound judgement, creativity, organizational, and clerical skills. Ability to foster teamwork.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, human relations, and organizational skills. Effective telephone and customer service abilities. Adaptable and flexible. Personable demeanor with a willingness to help. Ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and interact professionally with all segments of the University community. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Must be detail oriented.

Will this employee supervise others?

No, this employee will not supervise other employees.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.