What are the responsibilities and job description for the Degree Completion and Graduation Specialist position at Virginia State University?
Title: Degree Completion and Graduation Specialist
State Role Title: Administrative - Lecturer
Hiring Range: Commensurate with Education and Experience
Pay Band:
Agency: Virginia State University
Location: Virginia State University
Agency Website:
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Virginia State University (VSU) is seeking (2) highly skilled professionals to support upperclassmen—including returning and non-traditional students—on their path to timely degree completion. The role focuses on academic advising, degree audits, ensuring graduation readiness, and coordinating with academic departments to facilitate student progression, while coordinating institutional processes that promote student progression. The incumbent will collaborate with academic departments and key stakeholders to ensure continuity across the academic lifecycle, including preparation for internships, capstones, and graduation.
Responsibilities:
Provide proactive advising and develop individualized plans for student success.
Conduct degree audits and graduation readiness reviews, identifying and resolving academic issues.
Collaborate with faculty, departments, and stakeholders to support internships, capstones, and graduation.
Connect students with academic support resources and services.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of academic advising principles, degree requirements, and student progression policies.
Familiarity with degree audit systems and graduation clearance processes.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with diverse student populations, including returning and non-traditional students.
Ability to analyze academic records, identify deficiencies, and recommend solutions for degree completion.
Competency in using student information systems and institutional databases (e.g., Banner, Degree Works, or equivalent).
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing multiple student caseloads and timelines.
Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, academic departments, and institutional stakeholders.
Demonstrated commitment to student success, persistence, and retention strategies.
Additional Considerations
Academic advising certification (e.g., NACADA) is a plus.
Masters in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or related field preferred.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Contact Information
Name: Lisa Woodley
Phone:
Email:
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse workforce. Equal Opportunity Employer
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer