Credential Evaluation Specialist

The Credential Evaluation Specialist is responsible for the review, evaluation, equation, and processing of comparable college credit from external institutions and sources for new, continuing, returning, and potential students. This includes review of high school and college transcripts, as well as non-traditional sources such as test for credit and professional/military experience. This position determines acceptability to a Saint Leo program and applies the credit in the student information system (SIS) officially, generating a transfer evaluation report for students and advisors to access. They will also assist with programming within the SIS to generate degree audits. The Credential Evaluation Specialist provides professional assistance and serves as a resource for students, staff, and faculty in determining appropriate interpretation and application of university policies and procedures as they relate to transfer credit. They serve as partners with academic deans and chairs to set appropriate course equivalencies and substitutions, and ensures credits are applied equitably and consistently university-wide. The Credential Evaluation Specialist is expected to apply skill, care, and diligence when program evaluation adjustments are necessary.

Job Description

Duties and Tasks:

• Professionally and clearly communicate via phone, email and face-to-face with the students, staff, and faculty.
• Validate the authenticity of each document received for evaluation and confirm accuracy against student data in the student information system (SIS).
• Prepare incoming documents for data entry and review.
• Evaluate, assess, and determine transfer credit equivalencies from external sources for each transcript for new, existing, and returning students.
• Confirm and apply degree waivers for applicable associate and bachelor’s degrees.
• Process Program Update Requests received from centers and main campus.
• Research and update erroneous information in student’s records.
• Identify trends among program evaluation errors and provide plan for corrective action.
• Ensure accuracy of applied credits by evaluating the degree audit/evaluation for each student.
• Research and update institution information in the student information system (SIS).
• Assess and approve courses to transfer back to SLU.
• Counsel and assist university personnel regarding transfer credit and degree evaluations.
• Aid in keeping office Standard Operating Procedure documents related to the role current.
• Assists with programming degree audits within the student information system (SIS).
• Mentor and provide on-going training to Registrar team relating to evaluations topics.
• Contribute to the training of other positions within the team and student workers.
• Provide back-up assistance for phone lines, mail, diploma mailing, and other office functions.
• Gather and evaluate data from external agencies to present for resolution by academic chairs or deans.
• Partner with department chairs and deans to establish course equivalency, substitution, and/or transfer approvals when necessary and assign accordingly in the SIS.
• Assess and update the equivalency library at set intervals.
• Review and incorporate research material from various professional organizations and publications to continuously update equivalencies and transfer policies.
• Generate and review daily tracking report to ensure processing deadlines are met.
• Work with admissions and advisors to complete unofficial transfer evaluations for potential students.
• Maintain relevant and up-to-date knowledge of transfer credit policies, articulation agreements and catalog requirements.
• Engage in special projects and committees as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Contribute to the success of official events, including, but not limited to commencement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in any discipline, 2 years work experience (preferably in higher education), or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Student Information System experience preferred.
• Knowledge of higher education.

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent comprehensive reasoning and analytical ability.
• Exhibit a cheerful, positive, loyal, team-member attitude toward the purposes, programs, policies and goals of the university.
• Dedication to customer satisfaction by providing timely and accurate services.
• Skills in active listening, critical thinking, verbal and written communication.
• Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations in a team environment.
• Analyze and evaluate a situation to address/route appropriately.
• Ability to build relationships across a wide-range of constituents.
• Ability to handle multiple work unit priorities and projects independently.
• Ability to work with accuracy and diligence, with emphasis to details.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize competing deadlines in a high-volume fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to adapt, change and learn new procedures.
• Advanced organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks during high volume work times and to switch between tasks if required.
• Skill in the operation of a variety of office machines including, personal computers, telephones and copiers, filing and recordkeeping, English composition, grammar, spelling and punctuation and basic math.
• Proficiency in MS Office and other related technologies or ability to assimilate quickly.
• Knowledge of common higher education standards, policies and procedures.
• Student Information System experience preferred.

ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are a representation of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office and University, handle various type of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess.   The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description.

NOTICE:

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position.  Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.  Saint Leo University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. 

graduate success. 

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it’s Like to Work Here:  Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world.  Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center

*Eligibility based on meeting required service period