Grad Student Services Specialist

Graduate Student Services Specialist

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate Inspire and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence research and community engagement and is actively seeking a Graduate Student Services Specialist to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence professional development and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenerya mosaic of history arts and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range:$45000 - $51586 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and position is Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

Work Location: On-Site Hybrid Eligible

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS our employees are our most valued asset. Were proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days 10 sick days paid parental leave 13 recognized holidays and provisions for bereavement jury duty and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost including a yearly mental health visit. Plus benefit from affordable dental vision plans and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings flexible spending accounts and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
• Want to know your total compensation Use ourcalculator to get the complete picture!

Summary

The Graduate Student Services Specialist supports graduate programs in Criminal Justice and Public Administration by overseeing admissions promoting enrollment and student persistence and coordinating graduation processes. This role includes program advising student communication and planning select student-focused events. The Specialist also identifies and implements innovative process improvements and innovative programming to enhance the graduate student experience. The Graduate Student Services Specialist serves as a program liaison to the Graduate School. The Specialist is a member of internal and campus teams and committees relevant to the position and as assigned by the supervisor.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

1. Graduate Admissions Coordination (40%)

• Responds to initial inquiries about Criminal Justice and Public Administration programs.
• Maintains consistent communication with prospective and admitted students providing guidance throughout the admissions process.

• Coordinates with the Admissions office and program directors to process graduate applications.

2. Graduate Student Services (40%)

• Assists graduate students with registration student forms and/or other student services issues.
• Establishes maintains and monitors graduate student records from application through graduation; implements actions as appropriate (e.g. probationary status letters).
• Supports student experience by navigating and troubleshooting enrollment and admissions issues.
• Manages intercampus enrollment and transfer credit processes for graduate students.
• Completes end-of-semester reviews after each fall spring and summer term to ensure students are meeting their admission and program requirements.
• Collaborates with program faculty and leadership to support Capstone and Thesis implementation including: coordinating orientations processing pre-registration checklist paperwork completing course audits and issuing permission numbers to approved students.
• Conducts graduation degree audits prepares Admission to Candidacy forms submits required documentation to the Graduate School and tracks the status of graduation applications.
• Collaborates with faculty and staff to inform policy procedure and process regarding graduate student needs and outcomes.
• Coordinates annual and ad hoc updates to the student handbooks in collaboration with program directors.
• Works with CPS deans department leadership faculty and staff as well as other related campus personnel as appropriate to achieve unit goals related to student services.

3. Recruitment Communications & Events (20%)

• Coordinates student communications and contributes to marketing and recruitment efforts.

• Assists faculty and staff in coordinating student-focused events including Capstone poster presentations and graduation celebrations.
• Organizes orientation activities for new students and attends Graduate School orientations.
• Collaborates with department faculty and program directors on tabling/attendance at campus and regional recruitment and promotional events.
• Conducts student retention events with the department leadership.

Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by:Tuesday October 28 2025.
• Potential video interview dates:November 7 & November 10.
• Potential on-campus interview dates:November 17 & November 19.
• Potential start date: December 2025/January 2026.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.

• A Bachelors degree from an accredited institution is required.
• At least one year of experience working in a higher education setting is required.

  • Substitution: Graduate-level education in student affairs educational leadership business communication public administration criminal justice or a related field may be substituted for work experience on a year-for-year basis.

• A Masters degree from an accredited institution in the following fields is preferred: student affairs educational leadership business communication pubic administration or criminal justice.
• Previous experience in academic advising degree planning and problem-solving challenges experienced by current and/or prospective students is preferred.
• Familiarity with public administration nonprofit management and criminal justice systems is preferred.
• 2 or more years of experience working with students in higher education settings is preferred.
• Knowledge of higher education data systems such as OnBase Slate and/or Sales Force is preferred.