Assistant Director of Financial Aid SUA2 - College of Osteopathic Medicine

This position is posted in accordance with the (SCUPA) Collective Bargaining Unit.

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid is a key contributor to meeting university goals for recruitment, retention, and superior student-centered service by assisting students and families in navigating forms, technology, and deadlines associated with applying for and receiving and maintaining financial aid eligibility. This position will communicate and disseminate financial aid information, policies and procedures to students and families via email, phone, and through in-person and virtual meetings. The Assistant Director will be responsible for administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and work closely with the College of Osteopathic Medicine Director of Admissions and Student Affairs to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations governing financial aid administration for osteopathic medical students.  

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid will be responsible for administration of federal, state, institutional financial aid programs and work closely with the College of Osteopathic Medicine Director of Admissions and Student Affairs to develop strategies to manage, award, and enhance the COMs institutional scholarship program in support of institutional enrollment goals.

Oversee the accurate, ethical, complete, and timely awarding and disbursing of loan and scholarship funds to financial aid-eligible students with available federal, state, and institutional funds.

Oversee compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations including maintaining audit-ready files and staying abreast of all Title IV and VII updates and changes.

Develop and oversee counseling for prospective, current, and graduating students on financial aid, financial planning, and debt management topics. Research and respond to internal and external financial aid and debt management inquiries, problems and issues.

Monitor satisfactory academic progress (SAP) for all financial aid recipients. Communicate SAP policies clearly to students not in compliance, manage SAP appeals, chair the appeals committee, record and follow up on academic plans put in place to manage SAP, and communicate status and any status changes clearly to students who are in jeopardy of losing their financial aid eligibility.

Ensure that financial aid processes are clear and consistent for all students.

Establish guidelines for cost of attendance appeals, establishing professional judgment guidelines while establishing a transparent review process.

Create, enhance, update and review all office communications to inform prospective and current students about financial aid policies and procedures, cost of attendance, loan options and terms, and scholarship opportunities and requirements. Ensure that all communications are up-to-date, complete, and understandable.

Provide financial aid workshops, presentations, and outreach for prospective and current students during college events including information sessions, orientation, graduation, and other community events.

Develop, set up, and utilize university financial aid tracking, budgeting, and student group bundling processes to perform financial aid activities efficiently. Review and enhance processes annually to ensure system is providing optimal support.

Complete annual and ad hoc financial aid reports needed by COM administration, for informational, accreditation, and compliance purposes. Ensure that office activities support compliance with applicable accreditation standards and elements.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.