Financial Aid Advisor I

About Us

Middle Georgia State University (MGA), a multi-campus, baccalaureate and graduate degree-granting public institution, is the most affordable public state university in Georgia. MGA has five campuses-Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, all located in central Georgia-and global outreach through its fully-online campus. Its enrollment of 8,400 students is largely comprised of students from most of Georgia's 159 counties. The University has six academic schools, including Georgia's flagship aviation program, that support its mission to educate and graduate inspired, lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the state.

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Advisor assists in the administration of federal, state, and institutional student financial aid programs. Primary responsibilities include advising students and parents through the financial aid cycle, evaluating students' financial aid requests, making adjustments and recalculations of financial aid packages, and monitoring student's academic progress.

Responsibilities

Major Duties (60%) -
Advise students and parents regarding availability of financial aid, eligibility requirements and the application process via phone, in-person, and e-mail correspondence
Awards federal, state, institutional and private sources of financial aid to students within appropriate guidelines and regulations.
Performs data verification of student/parent information in accordance with federal and institutional policies
Provides timely and responsive service to students and parents as is relates to financial status and student account balances.
Review and process financial aid files and/or related processes as assigned.
Maintains confidentiality of student records in compliance with the Family Education/Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Manages student financial aid records in processing systems
Advises students of current financial aid and bursar policies and how they impact the student enrollment process.
Collaborates with various university departments to support the student's enrollment experience

Other Duties (40%) -
Coordinates and participates in outreach projects, financial aid seminars, student orientations and workshops held on campus and at off-site locations
Performs other duties and projects as assigned

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.

Other Required Qualifications
Demonstrated commitment to student services and success.
Must be able to withstand the demands of heavy public contact.
Availability to work evenings/weekends during peak periods.

Required Experience
Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for two or more years.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of current institution, Board of Regents, state and federal regulations pertaining to the collection and maintenance of student records.

Preferred Experience
Experience working in a financial aid or business office at a comparable post-secondary institution.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Must possess organizational, analytical, and counseling skills with the ability to handle assigned caseload.
Ability to use automated student information systems.
Ability to research, interpret, and apply complex rules in administering federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid.
Ability to apply professional judgement with the administration of student financial aid awards.
Ability to work collaboratively with all community and university stakeholders.
Ability to communicate effectively using interpersonal, written, and public speaking skills.
Skill in the operation of computers and job related software programs.
Strong quantitative and analytical skills with attentiveness to detail and accuracy.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at .

Institutional Values

Middle Georgia State University is committed to four core values in what we do and represent: CORE VALUES: Stewardship - Engagement - Adaptability - Learning

Equal Employment Opportunity

Middle Georgia State University is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment that supports the dignity of all members of the University community. Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG) and Middle Georgia State University. Pursuant to Board of Regents Policy Section 6.6 , federal and state laws and regulations, and our vision, mission, and values, Middle Georgia State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

This is a non-exempt (hourly paid) position and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Parental Leave
• Retirement
• Employee discounts
• Tuition reimbursement

Background Check

Employment offer is contingent upon completing a background investigation, including a criminal background check demonstrating your employment eligibility with MGA, as determined by MGA in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application material, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.