Degree Audit System Analyst

Job Description:

Ohio University was chartered by the state of Ohio in 1804 and is the oldest university in what was once the Northwest Territory. Located in Athens, among the scenic Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio, its classic residential campus is one of the most attractive in the nation. The charm of tree-lined brick walkways on the university’s College Green makes you feel as if you are at a small college rather than a large university. The main campus is located amidst scenic state and national parks in a family-friendly and culturally rich community 75 miles southeast of Columbus. A comprehensive state-assisted university, Ohio University enrolls over 24,000 students on the Athens campus, 8,000 students on five regional campuses, and 6,000 eCampus students.

The Office of the University Registrar at Ohio University reports to the Vice President for Enrollment Management. The University Registrar oversees the Office of the University Registrar and the Veterans Center. Combined there are 26 full time employees, 1 intermittent employee, plus several student employees. This position reports directly to the Associate Registrar for DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System).

The primary purpose of the Degree Audit System Analyst is to program requirements for majors, minors, and certificates into the DARS, a complex proprietary software system that requires specialized training to use. This supports the academic advising and graduation clearance functions by ensuring that advisors, students, and staff are provided with comprehensive degree audit reports that describe and track completion of program requirements. This requires extensive knowledge of university and college-level program requirements, a thorough understanding of academic policies, and active participation in the curriculum approval process through an advisory role.

Specific responsibilities include:

Degree Audit Encoding and Analysis – Analyze complex proprietary DARS code to assure accurate representation and tracking of curriculum requirements for minor, certificate, major, and other academic programs. Revise existing DARS code to reflect curriculum changes and develop code to support new academic programs. When appropriate, extend changes retroactively to earlier catalog years to provide new options for completing course requirements. Utilize desktop database tools to determine effect that curriculum revisions, such as discontinued courses or new course credit restrictions, could have on various student populations and make appropriate modifications to program code or process program exceptions for individual students to assure that students are not adversely affected. Troubleshoot and test program code utilized by the DARS software. Utilize OneNote software to help track completion of tasks and maintain documentation to substantiate modifications.

Curriculum Review – Utilize the Ohio Curriculum Enhancement and Approval Network (OCEAN) to monitor the curriculum proposal process to anticipate changes and to prepare for implementation within the DARS system. Review curriculum proposals from the University Curriculum Committee's (UCC) Individual Course Committee and Programs Committee prior to final approval, and, when appropriate, ask for clarification or make committee members aware of potential problems with proposals. Methods of communication include providing comments within the OCEAN system, email, phone, or participation in Program Committee meetings. Work with the college offices to conduct an annual review of DARS reports to confirm accuracy and provide an opportunity for feedback.

System Support – Communicate with campus community by monitoring email directed to DARS team. Provide training and ongoing support to deans/student services staff in processing DARS exceptions. Review quality assurance audit reports to identify anomalies and user errors that need to be corrected or prevented through user training or system modification. Assist with testing system customizations related to the DARS/PeopleSoft integration and the Faculty and Advising Center web application.

Other Duties – Collaborate with other units within the Office of the University Registrar to ensure alignment of shared responsibilities. Contribute to administrative leadership team to support critical needs of the office and academic community. Help/assist as needed to ensure Enrollment Management division is meeting its goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree by start date or equivalent combination of education and experience to provide familiarity with large complex databases and problem solving.

At least three years of related work experience.

Analytical and quantitative skills – must be able to think logically and to solve complex problems.

Excellent communication skills – both written and oral, ability to interact effectively with groups, listening skills.

Time management skills – must be able to prioritize tasks, set deadlines, meet deadlines.

Must have outstanding customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Work experience in higher education (3 or more years)
Experience with PeopleSoft student information system
Experience with Degree Audit Reporting System

Planning Unit: Office of the Provost

Department: Registrar's Office

Campus: Athens

Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position: Michelle McGrath [email protected]

Employment Type: full-time regular

Advertised Salary:

Minimum of $39,506, commensurate with education and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Employees also enjoy a generous benefits package which includes health benefits, paid time off, and educational benefits for employees and eligible dependents.