Residence Specialist

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

About The Position

The Residence Specialist works in the Office of the Registrar, within the Division of Enrollment Management, to review residency claims and determine tuition residency status under Wisconsin's Residency for Tuition Law. The role advises students, families, and campus partners on requirements for establishing and maintaining resident tuition classification and supports the lead Residence Specialist with appeals reviewed by the Nonresident Tuition Appeals Committee. The position reports to the Assistant University Registrar for Enrollment & Residency in the Office of the Registrar. The specialist serves as a resource throughout the residency determination process, applying state law consistently and equitably. The role also supports improvements to communications, business processes, and administrative systems to strengthen service delivery, efficiency, and the student experience. Prior experience with a student information system or residency-specific software is not required, but comfort with databases and technology, analytical and problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous process improvement are valued. The Office of the Registrar supports the teaching and learning mission of UW–Madison and collaborates with the campus community to serve faculty, staff, and students. The Division of Enrollment Management centers students in its work to attract, enroll, support, and graduate students, and emphasizes equitable experiences, inclusive support, responsible stewardship, collaboration, and access to higher education.

Requirements

Two or more years of work experience in higher education.
Strong attention to detail and demonstrated accuracy, organization, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to individual circumstances and cases.
Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a high-volume work environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex information to diverse audiences.
Ability to navigate sensitive and challenging conversations professionally and with sound judgment.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information discreetly and in accordance with applicable policies and requirements.
Strong technological aptitude and a data-informed approach, with the ability and willingness to learn and use new software, systems, and technology.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Experience with student information systems and other technology or systems used to collect, evaluate, and analyze residency requirements.
Knowledge of and experience interpreting and applying residency-related laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in higher education, preferably at a large, complex institution, or comparable experience applying complex regulatory requirements to individual cases.
Demonstrated experience in administrative process design and improvement.

Responsibilities

Review residency claims and determine tuition residency status in accordance with Wisconsin's Residency for Tuition Law.
Educate and advise students, families, faculty, staff, attorneys, and members of the public about residency requirements, policies, and the application of state law.
Provide administrative and operational support for the Nonresident Tuition Appeals Committee, including coordinating residency appeal processes.
Maintain and improve communications, business processes, and administrative systems to improve service delivery, efficiency, and the student experience.
Audit and serve as a subject matter expert and point of contact for potentially affected units and affiliated organizations, ensuring appropriate compliance notices are issued.
Assist leadership with developing and publishing compliance reports in accordance with established laws and regulations.
Collaborate with institutional compliance subject matter experts to review procedures and recommend changes to leadership.
Meet Office of the Registrar standards for customer service, participation, communications, professional development, and testing processes and systems; perform other duties as assigned.
Demonstrate commitment to the University's mission, including sensitivity and responsiveness to groups underserved by higher education, and participate in related learning activities.