Job Description

Student Athlete Eligibility & Transfer Specialist

The Morgan Academic Center seeks a Student Athlete Eligibility & Transfer Specialist who works closely with university registrar staff, compliance, coaches, admission liaison, and academic support personnel to facilitate studentathlete success and maintain the integrity of athletic records. This role ensures that studentathlete academic documentation is accurate, secure, and in full compliance with institutional, conference, and NCAA regulations.

This position requires on-site presence during key periods of the academic calendar. Specifically, the first two weeks and the last two weeks of each semester (fall, spring, and summer) are critical. Additional on-campus attendance may be needed throughout the semester for meetings, trainings, and other business-related activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Registrar's Office and Morgan Academic Center advisers to maintain accurate and up-to-date eligibility records and information for all student-athletes
• Oversee the secure storage and confidentiality of athletics records in compliance with FERPA and institutional policies
• Coordinate university systems (ARMS, Retain, LionPATH) to monitor student-athlete enrollment, eligibility, and academic progress; identified registration/hold issues to MAC Advisors to ensure NCAA and institutional compliance
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of student-athlete data across ARMS, Retain, and LionPATH; track resolution of eligibility, registration, and degree-audit issues to maintain institutional and NCAA compliance

Eligibility & Certification

• Evaluate and articulate transfer credits to determine eligibility for incoming and continuing student-athletes
• Coordinate and review transfer credit evaluation process
• Serve as liaison between university advising units and the Morgan Academic Center to complete continuing eligibility evaluations
• Coordinate and verify student-athlete eligibility requirements including NCAA, Big Ten and NCAA academic benchmarks
• Prepare and submit required NCAA, conference, and institutional reports

Training and Collaboration

• The creation/implementation of a training program to educate institutional personnel regarding their role in NCAA eligibility and compliance
• Responsible for leading institutional committee in review of all prospective student-athlete academic credentials
• Develop strong working relationships with the Campus College advisors, Morgan Academic, Compliance, and Registrar office staff members
• Monitoring course and degree audit substitutions and approvals, change of majors relating to progress toward degree requirements, and graduation

Scheduling & Registration Support

• Coordinate priority registration and class scheduling for student-athletes by collaborating with MAC advisers, academic advisors, and the Registrar's Office
• Work with MAC advisers, academic departments, and the Registrar's Office to resolve registration and scheduling conflicts

Policy & Process Oversight

• Develop and maintain department policies for athletic recordkeeping
• Provide training and guidance to staff and coaches on registration and eligibility procedures

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Track and report on academic progress rates, graduation success rates, and other key metrics
• Assist in monitoring and submitting the NCAA Academic Performance Program (APP), which includes both the Academic Progress Rate (APR) and Graduation Success Rate (GSR)
• Produces data reports and information systems to prepare and verify APR, GSR, and other compliance submissions
• Collects, manages, and verifies enrollment forms from outside institutions to confirm student-athlete enrollment and maintain accurate records
• Assist the Compliance Office by providing data to assist with submission of NCAA and Big Ten waiver submissions (e.g., medical absence, PTD)
• Academic Morgan Academic Center with B1G Ten, NCAA and other academic award verification criteria

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to analyze a student-athlete's degree program using the Penn State Degree Audit Reports (PeopleSoft)
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and according to FERPA guidelines
• Skilled in working independently and following through on duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to effectively counsel and advise student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and staff with questions and concerns related to academic eligibility questions and concerns
• Ability to interact diplomatically with individuals of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds
• Outstanding communication skills both oral and written, including skill in writing memos/reports and using correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Working knowledge of intercollegiate athletics and student-athlete demands
• Ability to establish and interact collaboratively and effectively with other staff, student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and the Penn State community in a highly pressured environment
• Outstanding listening, analytical, and problem-solving skills in working with Morgan Academic Center Athletics Compliance Office staff
• Ability to operate Windows-based PC using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education, sports administration, or related area
• Advanced knowledge of Penn State's university, general education, and major curriculum
• Experience working directly with studentathletes or within a collegiate athletic department
• Familiarity with software such as LSDBi, PeopleSoft, or ARMS

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree; 6+ years of relevant experience; Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 - $81,500.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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