Registrar

Gardner-Webb University is seeking a Registrar who will work collaboratively with campus stakeholders to implement effective and efficient business processes. The Registrar is responsible for managing staff, services, and budgets in the Office of the Registrar and will be responsible for ensuring successful management and accurate reporting of student data including student information, course registration, grading, and administration of academic policies and degree conferral. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, a thorough understanding of academic procedures and policies, and experience working with student information systems are essential for success in this role. The Registrar reports to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves as a member of the Provost Council. The Registrar advises on strategic planning and direction of the office in the context of institutional priorities. This person also serves on, and may chair, multiple committees

Expectations and Responsibilities:

1.Student Records Management:

• Maintain accurate and up-to date student records including personal information, enrollment status, grades, and academic progress.

• Process requests for transcripts, transcript evaluations, transfer credits, and academic certification.

2.Academic Policies and Compliance:

• Interpret and enforce institutional policies and procedures related to academic affairs such as degree requirements, course prerequisites, and policies related to major and minor programs.

• ·Stay updated with relevant laws, regulations, and accreditation requirements to ensure compliance.

• Collaborate with academic departments to develop and update academic policies and procedures.

• ·Conduct degree audits to verify students' progress towards graduation and certify their eligibility to graduate.

• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, legal requirements regarding student data privacy, and institutional policies.

3.Student Scheduling, Registration and Exams

• ·Manage a seamless registration process ensuring timely and accurate course enrollment for students.

• Manage the creation, publication, and distribution of course schedules, course catalogs, and academic calendars.

• Collaborate with academic departments and faculty to develop the annual class schedule, coordinate course offerings, and optimize allocation of educational resources.

• Ensure the schedule meets the needs of students, balances course availability, uses campus classroom spaces efficiently, and supports timely degree completion.

• Provide support and guidance to students and academic advisors throughout the registration process.

• Coordinate the administration of final exams, including scheduling and classroom assignments.

4.Academic Support and Communication:

• Assist students, faculty, and staff in understanding academic policies, procedures, and requirements.

• Respond to inquiries regarding registration, course availability, graduation requirements, and academic deadlines.

• Communicate important academic information to students, such as changes in academic policies, deadlines, or course offerings.

• Counsel students on academic rules and regulations, working in partnership with the Deans of the Colleges and other academic and student support offices to ensure full student access to the academic program.

• Collaborate with faculty committees and administrative offices to develop and revise academic policies to align with best practices and institutional goals.

• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to academic processes.

• Coordinates planning commencement ceremonies; responsible for accurate awarding of diplomas.

• Oversee the graduation process, ensuring students meet all requirements for degree completion.

5.Data Management and Reporting:

• Maintain the accuracy of data.

• Generate reports and statistics related to student enrollment, graduation rates, and academic performance.

• Analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement in academic processes.

• Collaborate with institutional research and assessment teams to provide accurate data for accreditation purposes.

• Collaborate with the Office of Admission and the Chief Financial Officer on matters related to enrollment targets, enrollment trends, transfer credit evaluations, and the development of strategies to attract and retain students.

6.Technology and System Management:

• Utilize student information systems and other technological tools to manage student records, registration, and provide ownership of effective and efficient reporting.

• Collaborate with the IT department to optimize information systems, implement upgrades, and ensure data security.

• Evaluate student records management technology software and utilities.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience

• Progressive responsible management experiences in a university registrar's office.

• In-depth knowledge of academic policies, procedures, and regulations in an educational institution.

• Familiarity with student information systems (SIS) and other relevant software for data management.

• Expertise in the integrated use of university systems to promote student-centered support, including integrated database systems (Banner), student advising and degree audit software, business intelligence systems;

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• A solid understanding of academic policies and procedures in the broader context of higher education, with specific experience in a liberal arts context preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders (faculty, staff, students, and administrators) to successfully achieve project goals;

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and provide strategic insights.

• Proficiency in using student information systems and related technologies.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and build partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

• Knowledge of current trends in higher education practices, FERPA, and other relevant federal and state policies and requirements;

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, working independently and in teams to meet the objectives of academic initiatives

• Adaptability and flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Office365, Banner, and other student records programs and software

• Experience with VA certification

• Teaching experience at the University level; and

• Active participation in the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), or comparable regional/national organizations.

This position is subject to the completion of a criminal background check. Review of complete employment applications begins as soon as they are received. Position will remain open until filled, but for full consideration, applicants should apply by January 1, 2024. Candidates should complete the application and include the required materials with their application submission. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions and inquiries should be directed to Julie Runyans, Administrative Assistant to the Provost, at jrunyans@gardner-webb.edu. Salary and benefits are competitive with institutions of similar size and purpose.

Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private, historically Baptist, Christian institution, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville-Spartanburg. The University offers 80+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,000 students. GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2023, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 43 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and 460 student-athletes.