Student Status Specialist

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

23d • $50,000

About The Position

The Student Status Specialist plays a key role in supporting the academic success and progression of undergraduate students across the School of Education. This position collaborates with students, faculty, advisors, and campus partners to manage student records, guide students through academic processes, and ensure accurate and timely handling of admissions, enrollment, and degree-related actions. The Specialist will also lead student employee operations for the unit and provide supplemental advising support to our students to support our team of Academic Advisors. This role requires sustained attention to detail, strong written communication skills, a commitment to student success, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a student centered environment. Key areas of responsibilities include: Admissions & Academic Program Management Manage all aspects of undergraduate admissions processes for School of Education majors and certificates in collaboration with the Assistant Director. Assess student eligibility and verify completion of prerequisites for program admission. Review applications, supporting documents, and academic records to ensure completeness and compliance. Manage background check process for select graduate and undergrad SoE students; monitor compliance and communicate with program heads and students as needed Conduct proactive eligibility checks for students who have not yet declared but may qualify for program entry. Communicate with current and prospective students regarding requirements, timelines, and next steps. Monitor and track students who submit forms or express interest in School of Education programs. Student Records & Academic Operations Ensure accurate and timely management of student records, within SIS. Interpret and apply academic policies related to enrollment, academic standing, graduation requirements, and course changes. Audit and correct student data to ensure accuracy and compliance. Implement and enforce instructional, professional, and legal standards related to student and curricular records. Support Work of Student Success and Support Manager Monitor and triage student requests to Worklist and Academic Dean Support email. Follow up to direct their next steps, e.g., meet with an advisor, forms to complete. Monitor student response. Receive and review the list of Academic Standing Actions at the end of fall and spring semesters. With the Student Success and Support Manager, determine the communication plan and notify students of their standing – Probation, May Not Continue, etc., and their next steps. Track and place enrollment holds on students who fail to respond; withdraw students who have May Not Continue status and choose not to appeal. At the request of the Student Success and Support Manager, process grade changes , medical or personal withdrawals, late drops, and other actions related to student records, enrollment, and academic standing. Notify the registrar’s office of any changes in a student’s academic standing. Advising & Student Support Provide academic advising appointments to students as needed. Participate in unit drop‑in advising, as needed, to address immediate student needs and questions. Support School of Education programs such as SOAR or other onboarding and orientation initiatives. Collaborate with advisors, faculty, and academic deans to resolve student record or curricular issues. Student Employee Management & Front Desk Support Hire, train, supervise, and schedule student hourly employees who support our front desk and students facing operations. Ensure consistent and high‑quality front desk coverage and student service delivery. Provide direct support and coverage at the front desk as needed. Respond to student questions and make appropriate referrals to advisors, faculty, or campus offices.

Requirements

• Required experience: Professional experience in higher education, including work with student records, academic advising, personnel management, academic operations, student services, data systems, or institutional support.
• Experience working with data systems and tools such as SIS, queries, Qualtrics, Google Sheets, and Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders following established processes and procedures and making recommendations for enhancements.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build consensus, collaborate with colleagues, and make informed decisions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with advising, teaching, or other instructional roles.
• Knowledge of student development and student support practices.
• Bachelors Degree required, with preference for applicants who have a degree offered by the School of Education.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with students, academic deans, faculty, advisors, and staff to resolve curricular and student record issues
• Audits and corrects data to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Implements, interprets, and enforces instructional, professional, and legal standards and regulations related to student, curricular, and academic records
• Provide student advising as needed
• Ensures correct and timely management of student records, course registration, and degree audits within the student information systems
• Provides direction to students and staff on a variety of academic processes and policies including graduation requirements, academic standing, enrollment, and course change requests

Benefits

• This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees