Personnel Assistant

Excused Absence Assistant

Taylor's mission is to develop servant-leaders marked with a passion to minister Christ's redemptive love, grace, and truth to a world in need. As a community, Taylor faculty, staff, and students commit to living out Christ's love and truth in the here and now. We worship together, serve one another, and grow in faith as we learn in the classroom, on the field, at chapel, and anywhere else we're doing Life Together. The Excused Absence Assistant supports the administration and implementation of the University's Excused Absence Policy. This position reviews student absence requests and supporting information, determines whether requests meet established policy criteria, communicates decisions to students, and notifies appropriate faculty and staff of approved absences. The position requires sound judgment, discretion, attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to apply University policies consistently and equitably. Requests involving unusual circumstances, policy interpretation, or matters outside the established scope of the position are referred to the Assistant Director of the Academic Enrichment Center.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Testifying to a personal experience of salvation in Jesus Christ; affirming belief in the University's Statement of Faith; abiding by and practicing the Life Together Covenant; and personally agreeing with and supporting the Foundational Documents of Taylor University.
• Administering the University's Excused Absence Policy in accordance with established guidelines, procedures, and institutional expectations.
• Reviewing student requests for excused absences and any required supporting information or documentation.
• Determining whether absence requests meet established policy criteria and approving qualifying requests within the scope of assigned authority.
• Referring requests to the Assistant Director when circumstances fall outside established policy guidelines, require policy interpretation, or involve unusual or complex circumstances.
• Communicating decisions and next steps to students in a timely, clear, and professional manner.
• Notifying appropriate faculty and staff of approved excused absences in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintaining accurate, timely, and confidential records of absence requests, decisions, supporting information, and related communications.
• Applying the Excused Absence Policy consistently and equitably across student requests.
• Collaborating with appropriate academic and student support offices to promote effective communication and continuity of student support.
• Identifying recurring questions, trends, or concerns related to excused absence requests and bringing them to the attention of the supervisor.
• Exercising discretion and maintaining confidentiality when handling student records and sensitive information in accordance with University policies and applicable requirements.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous administrative, office, customer service, or student support experience preferred.
• Experience working in an educational or higher education environment preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and consistently apply established policies and procedures.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and recognize when a matter should be referred to a supervisor.
• Ability to manage multiple requests, priorities, and deadlines accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency with email, electronic records, and standard office technology.
• Ability to work independently while seeking guidance when appropriate.
• Commitment to consistent, equitable, and professional treatment of students.

Supplemental Information

• Must maintain confidentiality when handling student records and sensitive information.
• Must complete any University-required training related to student records, privacy, institutional policies, and systems used in the position.
• Must be able to exercise appropriate discretion when reviewing student information and making policy-based determinations.