Student Services Specialist - #000034

Edtech.com's Summary

Western Carolina University is hiring a Student Services Specialist. This role manages graduate student financial aid and employment, oversees academic standing records, identifies students for dismissal due to poor grades, and supports graduate student professional development events within the Graduate School.

Highlights

Coordinate and administer graduate financial assistance including assistantships, scholarships, and tuition waivers.

Maintain graduate student academic records and monitor academic standing.

Notify students eligible for dismissal each semester due to academic performance.

Assist with graduate student professional development events such as orientations and research symposiums.

Provide administrative support within the Graduate School office.

Requires knowledge of student services and academic records processes in higher education.

Must interpret and communicate institutional policies related to student eligibility and academic progress.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Permanent full-time position with a 40-hour workweek and salary range from $28,713 to $77,112, with a hiring range around $62,130.

Position falls under the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (SHRA) and includes a 12-month probationary period.

Student Services Specialist - #000034 Full Description

Western Carolina University has been ranked #3 in the nation on Forbes 2025 ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, out of the top 498 employers across all industries.

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Student Services Specialist - #000034 Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of references (with complete contact information).

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.

Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference.

If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.

All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number	SHRA1683P
Quick Link for Internal Postings	https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34537
Classification Title	Student Services Specialist
Competency Level	Advanced
Working Title	Student Services Specialist - #000034
Department	Office of Dean Grad School Research
About WCU	Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including: • 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list. • 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. • 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. • 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list. Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary	The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being subject to the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (SHRA). The student services specialist performs a range of student services and related administrative work within the Graduate School. This position is primarily responsible for coordinating and administering graduate student financial assistance and employment (graduate assistantships, tuition waivers, student employment, Chancellor’s Fellowships, scholarships, study and graduate incentive grants). The position is also responsible for identifying and notifying the graduate students who are to be dismissed from the Graduate School each semester for bad grades. The position is responsible for maintaining graduate student academic standing records (transfer credit, course overloads, advisor changes, degree-completion requirements, readmission, graduation check). The position assists with graduate student professional development events and opportunities (Graduate Student Association support, Graduate Student Research Symposium, Graduate Student Orientation).
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position	Knowledge of student services, academic records, and student support processes within a higher education setting. Ability to coordinate financial assistance, employment-related processes, student records, and academic progression requirements with accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate institutional policies and procedures related to student eligibility, academic standing, and student support services. Skill in providing professional administrative support, coordinating events or programs, maintaining confidential records, and communicating effectively.
Minimum Qualifications	Some state job postings say you can qualify by an ‘equivalent combination of education and experience.’ If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Anticipated Hiring Range	$62,130
Position Type	Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week	40
Number of Months per Year	12
Salary Band Range	$28,713 - $77,112
Salary Grade	For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this advanced level position is considered a Salary Grade 72.

Posting Text

Open Date	07/15/2026
Close Date	07/29/2026
Open Until Filled	No
Special Instructions to Applicants	Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of references (with complete contact information). PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS. Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference. If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).
Background/E-Verify	Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification	All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE	Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at [email protected].
University Safety	The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Resume
List of references

Optional Documents

DD-214
NGB 23A (RPAS)
DD256 or NGB22

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- HigherEdJobs.com
- Inside Higher Ed
- HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
- Website - Jobs.wcu.edu
- Indeed.com
- Personal Referral
- Agency Referral
- Other
* Do you require sponsorship?
- Yes
- No

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Original Job Description

Western Carolina University has been ranked #3 in the nation on Forbes 2025 ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, out of the top 498 employers across all industries.

Toggle navigation

Student Services Specialist - #000034 Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number	SHRA1683P
Quick Link for Internal Postings	https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34537
Classification Title	Student Services Specialist
Competency Level	Advanced
Working Title	Student Services Specialist - #000034
Department	Office of Dean Grad School Research
About WCU	Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including: • 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list. • 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. • 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. • 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list. Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary	The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being subject to the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (SHRA). The student services specialist performs a range of student services and related administrative work within the Graduate School. This position is primarily responsible for coordinating and administering graduate student financial assistance and employment (graduate assistantships, tuition waivers, student employment, Chancellor’s Fellowships, scholarships, study and graduate incentive grants). The position is also responsible for identifying and notifying the graduate students who are to be dismissed from the Graduate School each semester for bad grades. The position is responsible for maintaining graduate student academic standing records (transfer credit, course overloads, advisor changes, degree-completion requirements, readmission, graduation check). The position assists with graduate student professional development events and opportunities (Graduate Student Association support, Graduate Student Research Symposium, Graduate Student Orientation).
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position	Knowledge of student services, academic records, and student support processes within a higher education setting. Ability to coordinate financial assistance, employment-related processes, student records, and academic progression requirements with accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate institutional policies and procedures related to student eligibility, academic standing, and student support services. Skill in providing professional administrative support, coordinating events or programs, maintaining confidential records, and communicating effectively.
Minimum Qualifications	Some state job postings say you can qualify by an ‘equivalent combination of education and experience.’ If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Anticipated Hiring Range	$62,130
Position Type	Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week	40
Number of Months per Year	12
Salary Band Range	$28,713 - $77,112
Salary Grade	For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this advanced level position is considered a Salary Grade 72.

Posting Text

Open Date	07/15/2026
Close Date	07/29/2026
Open Until Filled	No
Special Instructions to Applicants	Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of references (with complete contact information). PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS. Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference. If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).
Background/E-Verify	Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification	All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE	Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety	The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Resume
List of references

Optional Documents

DD-214
NGB 23A (RPAS)
DD256 or NGB22

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- HigherEdJobs.com
- Inside Higher Ed
- HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
- Website - Jobs.wcu.edu
- Indeed.com
- Personal Referral
- Agency Referral
- Other
* Do you require sponsorship?
- Yes
- No

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.

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Click 'OK' to keep your session active.

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Student Services Specialist - #000034

Edtech.com's Summary

Student Services Specialist - #000034 Full Description

Student - Student Success Promoter

Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor I or II

Academic Advisor - #230959

Academic Advisor (part-time)