By Karen Gavis/managing editor

TCC will bring on a new staff member to make the graduation process easier for students who will no longer need to apply for graduation.

The board of trustees approved the measure Aug. 22. Now, the college will hire a graduation outreach specialist who will identify students nearing graduation and assist them through the completion phase.

“This is an important position that will have a significant impact on the success of students at TCC,” said vice chancellor of student success Joy Gates Black.

NE student Mateal Hopkins was not aware that students were previously required to apply for graduation when they neared the required number of credits.

“Probably more students will graduate now,” she said. “But they should have been aware of everything needed prior to graduating anyhow.”

Hopkins is working toward an associate degree and plans to see a counselor to make sure she stays on track with her graduation plans, she said.

NE registrar Brian Barrett said students do need to see a counselor and establish a degree plan that the college will have on file.

It is all part of the counseling process, and students can add or make changes to their degree plans online.

“They have to declare a major,” he said. “A lot of students do not.”

It is believed that in the past, some students may not have graduated on time because they were unaware they needed to apply for graduation, Gates Black said. However, no actual number estimates are available.

“This position was created as a means of awarding students credentials for which they have already qualified and identifying those students who are close to completing a degree and/or certificate,” she said. “This should result in an increase in the number of credentials awarded by TCC.”

Assistant director of records and reports Vanessa Walker said she did not think the previous graduation application process was difficult.

“Students successfully completed the application each term, and help was available if there were any questions,” she said.

Although students will not be required to apply for graduation, they will need to submit a graduation participation form if they plan to participate during the commencement ceremony, Walker said. The form will be available on WebAdvisor soon, she said.

The graduation outreach specialist will be part of the district admissions office, and the position will be filled through a competitive search, Gates Black said.

The primary job responsibilities will be to identify and contact students who are within 14 semester hours of completing an associate or certificate, Walker said.

They will also conduct a records audit of current students to identify those who have already met their credential requirements, Gates Black said. Also, they will collaborate and communicate with campus personnel to support student goal attainment and encourage students to complete credential requirements.

“The entry-level salary for this position is $34,918,” she said. “Based upon experience, the amount may be a little more.”

A total of 4,575 students graduated during 2011-12, said Reginald Gates, vice chancellor of communication and external affairs.