Graduate Admissions Counselor

Job Title : Graduate Admissions Counselor

Location : UWG Recruiting Location

Regular / Temporary : Regular

Full / Part Time : Full-Time

Job ID : 291215

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 14,400+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia\'s Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus. The city embraces the University\'s students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community. Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location : Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118. Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.

Job Summary

The Graduate Admissions Counselor serves as the primary point of contact for prospective and admitted graduate students, providing support throughout the application, admission, and enrollment process. This role is responsible for recruitment, application processing, transcript evaluation, and student advising while ensuring compliance with institutional and system-wide policies. As graduate enrollment has increased significantly, this position has evolved to include high-touch recruitment efforts, strategic outreach, and specialized support for unique applicant pipelines, such as Georgia\'s BEST. The Graduate Admissions Counselor works closely with faculty, department chairs, and campus partners to enhance enrollment strategies, improve applicant experiences, and support student success.

Responsibilities

• Graduate Recruitment and Outreach
• Serve as a primary contact for prospective students, providing personalized advising on program options, application requirements, and enrollment steps.
• Conduct outreach via email, phone, and virtual meetings to engage potential applicants and assist them through the application process.
• Represent the university at graduate fairs, recruitment events, and professional conferences to attract prospective students.
• Support targeted recruitment initiatives, including outreach to specialized applicant groups such as Georgia\'s BEST participants.
• Collaborate with marketing and academic departments to develop strategic recruitment materials and communication plans.
• Application Processing and Admissions Review
• Manage the application workflow in Slate CRM, ensuring that all required materials are received and processed efficiently.
• Evaluate application files for completeness, including transcript evaluations, GPA calculations, and prerequisite verifications.
• Communicate with applicants about missing materials, admission status, and enrollment next steps.
• Assist faculty and department chairs with graduate admissions review and decision-making processes, ensuring adherence to institutional policies and deadlines.
• Student Advising and Enrollment Support
• Guide admitted students through the enrollment process, including financial aid, course registration, and orientation requirements.
• Serve as a liaison between students and university offices, including Financial Aid, Registrar\'s Office, and Graduate Program Coordinators.
• Assist in developing advising materials, webinars, and orientation programs to support incoming graduate students.
• Data Management and Compliance
• Ensure that all admissions records comply with university policies, state regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Maintain accurate applicant and enrollment data within the CRM and student information system, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Generate reports related to admissions trends, applicant demographics, and enrollment outcomes to support data-driven decision-making.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

High School Diploma / GED

Required Experience

A minimum of 5 years of experience in student advising, admissions, or a related academic support role; OR a Bachelor\'s degree and at least one year of related experience in areas such as admissions, enrollment management, student services, or higher education administration.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications

Bachelor\'s Degree

Proposed Salary

$28.84 Hourly. Paid on a Bi-Weekly Basis.

Physical Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Office Environment - Work normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section8 / C224 / #p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section6 / C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of West Georgia is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50).

Other Information

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed : ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.

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