Western Carolina University
Student Services Specialist - #000387
🇺🇸 Cullowhee, NC
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $34K - $90K
💻 Academic Advising
🗓️ December 23rd, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
Western Carolina University is hiring a Student Services Specialist. This role involves coordinating academic appeals, standing, and withdrawal processes while improving outreach initiatives and providing policy-aligned support to students, faculty, and families. The specialist collaborates with campus partners to enhance student retention programs, analyze data, and streamline administrative workflows to support student success.
Highlights
- Coordinate appeals, academic standing, and term withdrawal processes.
- Develop and guide outreach initiatives such as 5th Week Grade outreach and re-enrollment campaigns.
- Provide empathetic, accurate, and policy-compliant guidance through multiple communication channels.
- Collaborate across campus to design, implement, and evaluate retention and persistence initiatives.
- Collect and analyze assessment data to improve programming and develop communication tools.
- Partner with IT and other units to identify at-risk students, streamline workflows, improve forms, and automate processes.
- Communicate clearly in sensitive situations to ensure understanding of options and next steps.
- Required knowledge includes student success and retention practices in higher education and ability to interpret academic policies with sound judgment.
- Strong written, verbal, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills required.
- Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Compensation: Anticipated hiring range starts at $46,350; salary band ranges from $33,540 to $90,156.
- Position is permanent full-time within the Office of Student Retention.
Student Services Specialist - #000387 Full Description
Student Services Specialist - #000387
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).
Applicants claiming Veteran’s preference must upload a copy of their DD-214.
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
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).
Applicants claiming Veteran’s preference must upload a copy of their DD-214.
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
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 | SHRA1607P
Quick Link for Internal Postings | https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/32553
Classification Title | Student Services Specialist
Competency Level | Journey
Working Title | Student Services Specialist - #000387
Department | Office of Student Retention
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.
The Office of Student Retention (OSR) delivers evidence-based, data-informed interventions to support student success. The Student Services Specialist advances this work by supporting academic progress and enrollment campaigns, maintaining clear communication through tools like Navigate and the office inbox with empathetic, policy-aligned support. They collaborate with campus partners to resolve complex cases and assist with key academic processes such as appeals, academic standing, and withdrawals. The SSS also supports assessment efforts, administrative tasks, and workflow improvements that strengthen student support systems.
What You’ll Do: Coordinating appeals, academic standing, and term withdrawal processes Guide and improve outreach initiatives to provide proactive support, including 5th Week Grade outreach and re-enrollment campaigns, ensuring clear communication and effective implementation. Providing accurate, empathetic, and policy-compliant guidance to students, faculty, and families through office inbox, phone calls, and walk-in assistance Collaborate across campus to design, implement, and evaluate retention and persistence initiatives. Collect, analyze, and apply assessment data to improve programming; develop templates and tools to communicate and support assessment goals. Partner with IT and other units to identify at-risk students, streamline workflows, improve forms, automate processes, and enhance efficiency. Communicate clearly and empathetically in sensitive situations, ensuring students and families understand their options and next steps.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position | Knowledge of student success and retention practices within a higher education setting Ability to interpret academic policies and apply them consistently with sound judgment Strong written and verbal communication skills, including empathetic communication in sensitive situations Analytical and problem-solving skills to use student data to inform outreach and interventions Ability to collaborate effectively across campus and manage multiple priorities efficiently
Minimum Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Anticipated Hiring Range | $46,350
Position Type | Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week | 40
Number of Months per Year | 12
Salary Band Range | $33,540 - $90,156
Salary Grade | For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this Journey level position is considered a Salary Grade 67
Quick Link for Internal Postings | https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/32553
Classification Title | Student Services Specialist
Competency Level | Journey
Working Title | Student Services Specialist - #000387
Department | Office of Student Retention
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.
The Office of Student Retention (OSR) delivers evidence-based, data-informed interventions to support student success. The Student Services Specialist advances this work by supporting academic progress and enrollment campaigns, maintaining clear communication through tools like Navigate and the office inbox with empathetic, policy-aligned support. They collaborate with campus partners to resolve complex cases and assist with key academic processes such as appeals, academic standing, and withdrawals. The SSS also supports assessment efforts, administrative tasks, and workflow improvements that strengthen student support systems.
What You’ll Do: Coordinating appeals, academic standing, and term withdrawal processes Guide and improve outreach initiatives to provide proactive support, including 5th Week Grade outreach and re-enrollment campaigns, ensuring clear communication and effective implementation. Providing accurate, empathetic, and policy-compliant guidance to students, faculty, and families through office inbox, phone calls, and walk-in assistance Collaborate across campus to design, implement, and evaluate retention and persistence initiatives. Collect, analyze, and apply assessment data to improve programming; develop templates and tools to communicate and support assessment goals. Partner with IT and other units to identify at-risk students, streamline workflows, improve forms, automate processes, and enhance efficiency. Communicate clearly and empathetically in sensitive situations, ensuring students and families understand their options and next steps.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position | Knowledge of student success and retention practices within a higher education setting Ability to interpret academic policies and apply them consistently with sound judgment Strong written and verbal communication skills, including empathetic communication in sensitive situations Analytical and problem-solving skills to use student data to inform outreach and interventions Ability to collaborate effectively across campus and manage multiple priorities efficiently
Minimum Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Anticipated Hiring Range | $46,350
Position Type | Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week | 40
Number of Months per Year | 12
Salary Band Range | $33,540 - $90,156
Salary Grade | For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this Journey level position is considered a Salary Grade 67
Posting Text
Open Date | 12/22/2025
Close Date | 01/19/2026
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).
Applicants claiming Veteran’s preference must upload a copy of their DD-214.
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
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.
Close Date | 01/19/2026
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).
Applicants claiming Veteran’s preference must upload a copy of their DD-214.
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
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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