Job Description

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Graduate School is responsible for all administrative aspects of the university’s graduate programs. The chief officer is the Dean of the Graduate School. Primary functions of the Graduate School include monitoring and periodically reviewing all existing programs to ensure that their standards and performance are of the highest quality, identifying and developing new programs that are consistent with regional and national needs, providing logistical support necessary to facilitate the student’s graduate experience, supporting the research and creative activities of faculty and students through workshops, innovative programs, and funding opportunities, and promoting communication and cooperation among various academic units within UNCW and the university system. The graduate school admissions team provides comprehensive applicant services.
College Graduate Continuing and Lifelong Ed - 310 College
College/School Information
University Information
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.

A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.
Location of Workplace Main UNCW Campus
Brief Summary of Work for this Position
The Graduate Admissions Specialist provides comprehensive support for the graduate admissions process, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service to prospective students. This role manages application workflows, evaluates international credentials, and maintains data integrity across multiple systems. The position often serves as the first point of contact for applicants and plays a critical role in representing UNCW’s Graduate School.

Duties include:
Comprehensive Application Management Support:
Monitor applications and materials throughout the admissions cycle to ensure timely progression and resolution of issues.
Review foreign academic credentials to determine U.S. equivalency and assess alignment with university standards.
Verify accreditation status of foreign institutions and programs; evaluate foreign accreditation standards against U.S. requirements.
Convert international grades to the U.S. GPA system, accounting for variations in grading scales and aligning with institutional policies.
Update and verify student application data across admissions systems; escalate complex cases.
Communicate professionally with a diverse population of prospective students regarding program details, application requirements, status updates, missing documentation, and admission decisions.
Data Management:
Utilize multiple systems and software to research, manage, and transfer data accurately.
System troubleshooting, and assisting campus users with the use of systems and resolution of technical issues.
Enter and verify graduate application data.
Use error reports to identify and correct missing or inaccurate data.
Scan and upload supplemental application materials.
Other Duties:
Remain current on international education systems, credential evaluation standards, and global changes impacting admissions.
Serve as a resource for agents and prospective students, offering clear guidance on application requirements, program details, and admissions policies.
Assist with documentation and recommend process improvements for graduate admissions procedures.
Use of Slate system facets, including workflows, forms, queries, and communication templates.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Daily transmittal reconciliation for deposit of application fees.
Perform additional tasks and projects as assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.


Preferred education, professional skills and experience
Bachelor’s degree and experience in higher education
Knowledge in Ellucian Banner or other student information system
Experience with Technolutions Slate or similar application management system
Accuracy and attention to detail in a busy office environment
Ability to interpret academic policies and procedures
Possess excellent verbal and written skills
Ability to address and resolve issues or questions
Comfortable working in evolving processes and situations
Willingness to learn and embrace new technologies and software.
Professional and amicable demeanor