Graduate Assistant for Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Graduate Assistant will be trained on basic administrative functions of the Financial Aid office and will support both the Associate Director of Customer Service and the Deputy Director by providing proactive outreach and support to students. The Financial Aid Graduate Assistant will work with multiple tools that support the customer service work of the department including a chatbot, navigate cases, and a database of walk-in information. This individual will also work with the WCU Promise Program Students, students coming from foster care and housing insecurity. 

The graduate assistant in the Financial Aid office will accumulate direct counseling experience by assisting students through case management on Navigate and conduct proactive call campaigns for students with incomplete records.

Assist with daily administrative tasks such as data entry, faxes, and the mail as needed during peak seasons.

Train and assist with the supervision of student workers in the office including the Financial Wellness Ambassador Team.

Develop and enhance procedural and training manuals for the office due to updates in regulations or changes in office workflows.

Attend and assist with College Fairs, Open Houses, Financial Aid Nights, and FAFSA Workshops. These events may be on weekends or during evening hours.

Promote and work with Financial Aid’s social media sites (Facebook and Instagram).

SKILLS THAT WILL BE DEVELOPED AND ENHANCED

Counseling Skills- Students will have the opportunity to develop effective counseling skills that will be useful in a higher education setting. While working one on one with current and prospective students, graduate assistants will have the opportunity to develop effective communication and listening skills. This position will participate in weekly meetings with their supervisor to receive feedback and direction for the week.

Learn how to manage multiple projects and prioritizing the needs of colleagues and students. Learn to take initiative in order to produce long term projects while managing daily tasks.

Develop understanding of the impact Financial Aid has on enrollment management and how changes in federal and state regulations affects the policies and procedures of the Financial Aid office. Learn to work with different departments and agencies to enhance customer service and educational program offerings to students.