Chapman University
Financial Aid Counselors provide guidance and support to students and families regarding financial aid options, application processes, and compliance requirements. This role ensures accurate and timely administration of federal, state, and institutional aid programs while delivering exceptional service. Financial Aid Counselors are empowered to make decisions and solve problems by balancing the needs of the student with federal, state, and institutional policies. Financial Aid Counselors counsel students, parents, faculty and other constituents on student financial aid eligibility, policies and procedures. Participate in setting goals and objectives for area and measure performance against objectives. Evaluate internal practices, procedures and policies and recommend changes or enhancements. Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
Counseling and Awarding
Determine student eligibility for financial aid based on individual case circumstances and provide students with details of their eligibility
Counsel students, parents, faculty and other constituents on student financial aid eligibility, policies and procedures in accordance with applicable federal, state laws and regulations, institutional policies and donors’ instructions as applicable
Authorize payments of awards to students
Provide policy interpretation and review exception requests as deemed appropriate for the position level
Participate in the monitoring and controlling disbursements of scholarships, grants, emergency loans and other types of financial awards
Conduct verification and resolve discrepancies in student records
Serve on Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Committee
Review special circumstances appeals and utilize professional judgement to determine the outcome of those appeals, consulting with the team as needed
Calculate amounts of funds to be returned when students withdraw
Promote positive image of the Financial Aid Office and ensure that accurate, consistent and timely financial aid information is disseminated in accordance with policies and procedures, as well as achieving institutional enrollment goals
Maintain professional currency through active participation and leadership in associations and committees both internal and external to the university
Assist the Director and Assistant Directors with special projects as assigned.
Review weekly reports
Stay current with changes in financial aid policies and regulations
Outreach
Represent the Financial Aid Office at on-campus events
Represent the Financial Aid Office at Admission Receptions, providing assistance to students and parents at the event
Perform financial aid outreach nights at local high school and community events as requested
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent in combination of experience and education
A minimum of four years financial aid administration experience with strong current knowledge of federal and state financial aid laws and regulations
Demonstrated skill in assessing individual financial aid needs, and in interpreting and applying financial aid rules and regulations
Experience in providing customer service or administrative support, with a strong commitment to customer service and teamwork and accuracy for data
Proven ability to communicate clearly and accurately complex procedures and eligibility rules to Chapman community
Strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity to listen, remain calm and communicate effectively with a broad range of campus constituents, students, parents, faculty, and staff
Strong organizational skills to prioritize projects and deadlines
Strong analytical skills to research information and resolve complex problems, as well as assess processes and provide recommendation for improvement
Computer skills in the use of Microsoft Office Suite applications
Technical skills to learn and use enterprise and job-related systems and tools
Ability to provide peer guidance, training support, or subject-matter assistance to colleagues as needed
Ability to foster teamwork among staff and work collaboratively across functional areas and university departments
Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality and strict adherence to FERPA
Demonstrated ability to make appropriate decisions and sound judgments on routine to critical matters
Desired Qualifications
Certified Financial Aid Administrator and/or individual National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) credentials
Proficiency in a second language that supports effective communication with students and families
Experience in a private, non-profit higher education financial aid office
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Counseling and Awarding
Determine student eligibility for financial aid based on individual case circumstances and provide students with details of their eligibility
Counsel students, parents, faculty and other constituents on student financial aid eligibility, policies and procedures in accordance with applicable federal, state laws and regulations, institutional policies and donors’ instructions as applicable
Authorize payments of awards to students
Provide policy interpretation and review exception requests as deemed appropriate for the position level
Participate in the monitoring and controlling disbursements of scholarships, grants, emergency loans and other types of financial awards
Conduct verification and resolve discrepancies in student records
Serve on Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Committee
Review special circumstances appeals and utilize professional judgement to determine the outcome of those appeals, consulting with the team as needed
Calculate amounts of funds to be returned when students withdraw
Promote positive image of the Financial Aid Office and ensure that accurate, consistent and timely financial aid information is disseminated in accordance with policies and procedures, as well as achieving institutional enrollment goals
Maintain professional currency through active participation and leadership in associations and committees both internal and external to the university
Assist the Director and Assistant Directors with special projects as assigned.
Review weekly reports
Stay current with changes in financial aid policies and regulations
Outreach
Represent the Financial Aid Office at on-campus events
Represent the Financial Aid Office at Admission Receptions, providing assistance to students and parents at the event
Perform financial aid outreach nights at local high school and community events as requested
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent in combination of experience and education
A minimum of four years financial aid administration experience with strong current knowledge of federal and state financial aid laws and regulations
Demonstrated skill in assessing individual financial aid needs, and in interpreting and applying financial aid rules and regulations
Experience in providing customer service or administrative support, with a strong commitment to customer service and teamwork and accuracy for data
Proven ability to communicate clearly and accurately complex procedures and eligibility rules to Chapman community
Strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity to listen, remain calm and communicate effectively with a broad range of campus constituents, students, parents, faculty, and staff
Strong organizational skills to prioritize projects and deadlines
Strong analytical skills to research information and resolve complex problems, as well as assess processes and provide recommendation for improvement
Computer skills in the use of Microsoft Office Suite applications
Technical skills to learn and use enterprise and job-related systems and tools
Ability to provide peer guidance, training support, or subject-matter assistance to colleagues as needed
Ability to foster teamwork among staff and work collaboratively across functional areas and university departments
Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality and strict adherence to FERPA
Demonstrated ability to make appropriate decisions and sound judgments on routine to critical matters
Desired Qualifications
Certified Financial Aid Administrator and/or individual National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) credentials
Proficiency in a second language that supports effective communication with students and families
Experience in a private, non-profit higher education financial aid office
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