Associate Registrar for Student Records Management & Transfer Articulations

About Framingham State University:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good.  At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry.  FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and, while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them.  Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it.  Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, and working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham. FSU is unapologetically a public institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast. 

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of antiracism, encouraging a challenging yet collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and professional students, offers 39 undergraduate majors, and enrolls 41% BIPOC students in our undergraduate programs.  Ideally situated between Boston and Worcester, FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers .

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Associate Registrar shall assist the University Registrar/Director of Records and Registration Services in the preparation, analysis and maintenance of all academic records, shall evaluate academic credit in transfer, shall be responsible for National Student Clearinghouse enrollment reporting, and perform other related duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports to the University Registrar/Executive Director of Student Records and Registration Services.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Exercises supervision over professional, non-professional, and student personnel assigned to the Office of the University Registrar.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Establish and Maintain Articulation Agreements

• Provides university leadership on the development and renewal of program specific institutional partnership agreement and memorandum of understanding, develop new agreements broadening the diversity of institutions and types of agreements.
• Develop and maintain successful relationship with articulations directors and program faculty at public and private institutions. Works with Department Chairs to negotiate details of pathway agreements.
• Systemize review process for development and renewal of agreements, makes suggestions to Department Chairs, College Deans, and Academic Affairs based on student feedback.
• Provide resources to Department Chairs, College Deans, and Academic Affairs in the development of articulation agreements.
• Review articulation agreements that all suggested courses are transferable.
• Maintain current list of articulation agreements with the contact information, ensure that articulations and proposals are administered and managed in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and guidelines.
• Maintains articulations webpage and ensures that all information is up-to-date and easily accessible. Stays abreast of changes to the University's academic programs to ensure articulation agreements are not affected by the changes and if the agreements are affected work with articulation partners to secure the agreements without delay.

Transcript Evaluation

• Conducts all transcript evaluations which includes documenting the transcript evaluation process, communicating with Department Chairs as necessary.
• Processes, updates, and maintains all data in the Banner Student Information System (SIS) pertaining to transfer credit and college transcripts for all matriculated undergraduate/graduate students (new, active and re-admits); and seeks innovative methods of making the evaluation process more efficient.
• Works closely with Admissions to ensure timely transcript evaluation and follow-up with prospective/new students.
• Determines total initial transfer credit to be awarded and completes all detail transfer credit evaluations for all undergraduate students, i.e., new, returning, and active matriculated students.
• Processes Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Military Credit, International Transcripts and CLEP score reports.
• Coordinates the transcript evaluation process from other higher education institutions (domestic and international) for enrolled students, to include Study Abroad experiences.
• Serve as a resource for all undergraduate students in all aspects of registration and transfer credit evaluations.
• Verifies the accuracy of GPA calculations as a result of repeated course grade/s, transfer credit/s, or change of grades.

Transfer Coordination

• Serves as the Office of the University Registrar's liaison and resource person to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions regarding all matters related to transfer credit and college transfer data for admissions applicants.
• Assists in training undergraduate admissions counselors in order to maximize the coordination and dissemination of transfer credit information about all matters pertaining to transfer credit policy and practice.
• Conduct transfer advising training for faculty advisors, department coordinators and the university in general as needed.
• Implement University and Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) efforts relating to Reverse Transfer Initiatives. 
• Reviews total transfer credit awarded for master degree candidates and completers. Update both the Transfer Course Master File and the individual student's file on the administrative database.
• Serves as the university primary point of contact for resolving transfer related issues with all outside institutions.
• Oversees and manages the development of an automated transfer credit evaluation system and to the creation and maintenance of computer files to support this system and to facilities retrieval of transfer data, on-line transfer credit evaluations, and computer auditing of transfer student records.  Responsible for updating, monitoring, and maintenance of all records.  Responsible for updating, monitoring and maintenance of all data in the master transfer course file and student transfer course files within the administrative database.
• Establish and maintain Transfer Web Page for the university and establish a cyclical review process in conjunction with the academic departments to ensure a transparent, accurate and complete transfer database for current and prospective students.

Student Records Management

• Responsible for reporting enrollment of all matriculated students, with emphasis on the monthly report submissions to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) reporting and to National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
• Assists the University Registrar in the preparation, analysis and maintenance of all academic records.  More specifically, assist in all traditional functions of the Office of the University Registrar such as scheduling, registration, auditing, computer applications and system developments for student records in areas for which the office is responsible.
• Assists in the creation, updates, and management of online forms for the Office of the University Registrar.
• Develops and implements new Workflows, which enhance student and faculty experience with records management.
• Undertakes a lead role in imaging and indexing of all student records and related documents as it pertains to student records management.
• Assists in the development of an institutional research capability. Work with Information Technology Services staff in the creation and design of a condensed series of reports and matrices, which provides descriptive statistical data along with data to enhance administrative effectiveness.

Serves on various standing and/or special committees of the University as assigned.

Other related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Primary work is conducted in person in an office setting Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm. Ability to work off hours and on weekends as needed.

In accordance with the University's Staff Telework Guidelines , this position may be eligible for some hybrid work opportunities following a provisional period and a determination of employee suitability.  

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree; a minimum of six (6) years of progressive professional higher education student records administration experience; and a minimum of three years' experience specifically related to transfer credit evaluation.
• Thorough knowledge of higher education principles, practices, and procedures as specifically related to student records management, including FERPA.
• Knowledge of structure, practices, and procedures of higher education registrar activities.
• Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills, highly motivated, self-starter, detail-oriented, excellent prioritization.
• Sensitivity to and ability to work with the diverse academic; socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of members of community, including those with disabilities.
• Excellent communication, analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills and be proactive and resourceful in investigating and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty, administrative staff, classified personnel, and students.
• Possesses academic credentials and/or experience suitable to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Demonstrated high level knowledge of student information systems related systems and the technology services required for office operations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree (preference given to a Higher Education Administration discipline).
• Experience with the Banner Student Information System
• Experience with CollegeSource Transferology®
• Experience with International Credit evaluations

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Associate Director. The starting salary range is $70,000 - $80,000.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Equity and Inclusion Statement*
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).

*The Equity and Inclusion Statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidate application materials.

The review of applications may continue until the position is filled.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or [email protected] .