Working Title
Financial Aid and Special Programs Coordinator
Appointment Type
Full Time
Sensitive Position Statement
This is NOT a sensitive position requiring a fingerprint-based criminal history Check.
Campus Security Authority
No
Campus Security Authority Statement
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities”. A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.
Designated Personnel Statement
This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.
Statement of Economic Interest
No
Statement of Economic Interest Statement
This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.
Restricted Position Statement
A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding. This is NOT a restricted position.
Chief Objective of Position
The Financial Aid and Special Programs Coordinator is responsible for managing the packaging, certification, invoicing, and eligibility monitoring for various internal and external specialized aid programs, as well as managing the Return of Title IV processing requirements for the Office of Financial Aid.
Work Tasks
Administer and Manage Special Financial Aid Programs
- Administers and manages special student aid programs, including, but not limited to: Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP), College Transfer Grant (CTG) Program, GEARUP, DC Tuition Assistance Program (DCTAG) and the Community Captains Program.
- Liaises with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), Virginia Department of Veterans Services, CNU Business Office, Community Captains and School Partnerships, and other internal and external agencies to assure that recipients of special program funding have been processed accurately.
- Reviews new regulations and processing information related to special aid programs to ensure that funds are managed correctly.
- Submits certification rosters as required for various programs to verify student eligibility conditions have been met.
- Monitor disbursements and receipt of funding by performing monthly and annual reconciliation of programs.
- Provides updates to financial aid staff on regulatory or policy changes and timelines for special programs, to ensure all staff can accurately advise students.
- Assists with the addition of private scholarships to students’ financial aid packages, including the creation of scholarship fund codes in the student information system and packaging.
Withdrawal and Return of Title IV (R2T4) Funds
- Evaluates federal, state, and/or institutional requirements for evaluating student withdrawals against institutional policies and practices – and assessing needs and recommending changes to ensure continued compliance.
- Develop the R2T4 calendar to track the start date, end date, break days, and 60% date of each semester before processing calculations and ensure all of the dates are accurate in the relevant Registrar and Financial Aid Banner forms.
- Continually monitors official student withdrawals for the term, recalculates student eligibility, and processes return of funds, when applicable.
- Monitors unofficial withdrawals and unsatisfactory grades at the close of each term, recalculates student eligibility, and processes return of funds, when applicable.
- Coordinates overall withdrawal processing (throughout the semester and at end-of-term) to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
- Processes return calculations within Banner and coordinate with the appropriate staff/departments to ensure funds are returned to the appropriate funding sources within the required timeframe; ensure exit counseling notices are sent to students and disbursement adjustments are accurate.
- Notifies students of adjustments to their aid within the timeframe required by federal regulation.
- Serves as a subject-matter expert on withdrawal processing regulations and the application of said regulations to University policy, which may include staff training.
Institutional and External Scholarships
- Assists with the addition of private scholarships to students’ financial aid offers, including the creation of scholarship fund codes in the student information system and packaging.
- Works alongside the Associate Director of Financial Aid to monitor and post incoming recipients merit scholarships awarded by Undergraduate Admission.
- Supports the Associate Director of Financial Aid in reviewing study abroad scholarship applications and posting awards to eligible students financial aid packages for fall, spring, and summer study abroad trips.
Needs Analysis, Review, and Packaging
- Stays up to date on federal and state legislation, regulations, and guidance that relate to student financial aid programs.
- Recalculates eligibility and makes appropriate adjustments to the student record, aid offer, and/or disbursement.
- Completes a series of manual reviews to include degree confirmation, housing exemptions, loan limits, Pell lifetime eligibility, waivers, unusual enrollment history, and default clearance.
- Conducts a series of quality control reviews to ensure financial awards are following federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines.
- Determines the eligibility of applicants for federal, state, and university financial aid funds based on evaluation of financial need as determined by federal or state regulation and the Department of Education.
- Maintains knowledge of financial aid packaging policies and best practices as identified by federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations.
- Ensures that student resources and other aid funds are appropriately reported and that financial aid is packaged within the appropriate budget.
- Ensures students are maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) according to Federal and state regulations; ensures that students on SAP Appeal are meeting the conditions of their appeal in order to maintain eligibility.
Outreach and Customer Service
- Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Maintains a caseload of students as determined by office needs.
- Represents the Office of Financial Aid at Open Houses, Admitted Student Days, community workshops, etc.
- Serves as a liaison with other University offices such as Undergraduate Admission, Registrar’s, Student Accounts, etc.
- Provides information regarding all of the procedures and requirements of a financial aid program and the application process.
- Makes accurate assessments and evaluations of a student’s application status and financial need determination and effectively communicates this information while meeting the privacy guidelines within FERPA regulations.
- Assists with coverage of front desk operations, including main office phone line, general office email, and in-person student visits.
- Possesses the ability to respond and communicate effectively while multi-tasking between processing tasks.
- Develops and maintains positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies including students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees.
- Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect.
- Fully supports the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
- This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
- Safety issues are reviewed and communicated to assure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work-related absences.
- Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position.
- Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
- Report work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state, and federal guidelines.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position
- Attention to detail; ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in reviewing documents and implementing changes to policy quickly and effectively.
- Interpersonal relations skills; demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with a wide range of people, especially students and parents, and counsel effectively.
- Ability to develop rapport; provide support; train; coach; promote change; and manage conflict.
- Ability to set work priorities, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, hands-on environment while meeting deadlines; ability to initiate new ideas and implement decisions.
- Strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to partner with others across the University and externally to exchange information, collaborate on projects, share resources, etc.
- Strong computer skills, including the ability to use and understand complex computer software programs.
Required Education
Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree with work experience that equates to an advanced degree.
Additional Consideration - Education
Experience Required
- Experience in interpreting complex policies and regulations.
- Experience in dealing with difficult situations and diffusing customer conflict.
- Experience in working with confidential records and information.
- Experience with detail-oriented work requiring a high degree of accuracy.
Additional Consideration - Experience
- Experience in higher education (working with confidential records) in a financial aid setting, student financial services setting, or another relevant area of student services.
- Experience with student information systems.
- Experience with relational databases.
- Experience with enterprise systems (ex. Banner).
- Experience in interpreting federal and state financial aid rules and regulations.
- Experience in managing and administering financial aid programs.
- Experience in processing financial aid requests and eligibility determinations.
- Experience in working under the guidance of Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) rules and regulations when handling education records.
Salary Information
Salary starting at $50,887 to $69,969, Commensurate with Education and Experience.
CNU Information
Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.
Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.
Is this position telework eligible?
Yes
Telework Eligibility Disclaimer
This position is eligible for periodic telework as determined by the department. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and is subject to supervisor approval. Eligibility will depend on the likelihood of the employee’s success in a telework arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage telework. Departments and/or Human Resources may modify or revoke eligibility at any time. Employees will be required to sign a Telework Agreement.
