Financial Aid Advisor

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU >

The University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi fondly referred to as Ole Miss stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant inclusive community where every member student faculty and staff can achieve their fullest potential.

Department Summary

The Office of Financial Aid is a key partner in recruitment and retention by helping students and their families maximize all possible resources for financing the costs of a University of Mississippi education.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information. For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -Student & Academic Services

Sub-Family -Financial Aid

Career Track / Level - P1

Grade -4

Role Summary

Counsels students on the financial aid process evaluates and verifies applications and assists with reporting as needed to facilitate the awarding of financial aid to qualifying students.

This position assists students and parents in finding and implementing funding sources to finance the students education informs students/parents or their options and advises as to which options are most suitable for their circumstances and needs. Incumbent exercises discretion and independent judgment with respect to developing educational financing plans for students and parents; ensures regulatory compliance; interprets complex federal requirements; and exercises professional judgment with respect to individual special circumstances and conditions. The incumbent reports to a Senior Financial Aid Advisor.

Examples of Work Performed

• Communicates pertinent information and instructions to students and parents regarding the application for the delivery of and the responsibilities accompanying loans grants college work/study and scholarship programs.
• Manages the administrative responsibilities of an assigned functional area (e.g. Loan Administration duties to include federal and/or private loan certification review of a students federal lifetime loan limits review and awarding of institutional loans and FAFSA completion assistance).
• Counsels and advises students prospective students and parents regarding financing options and determines which financial products best meet the students needs and financial circumstances by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of different financial options.
• Cooperates with the various financial aid program administrators within the financial aid department in order to facilitate delivery of aid to students and administration of the various aid programs.
• Exercises professional judgment and makes decisions regarding students with special conditions as defined by federal guidelines.
• Awards student aid based on independent assessment of students eligibility needs and interprets and modifies computer generated award packages as needed.
• Cooperates with and assists students in their dealings with other departments that are associated with student financial aid e.g. Bursars office accounting office admissions and academic departments and assists in recruiting and orientation activities as needed.
• Maintains a working knowledge of pertinent federal regulations and participates in opportunities to update and enhance such knowledge.
• Offers appropriate financial counseling advises students about academic progress requirements advises students on requirements for completing the financial aid application process and directs students to academic peer and other counseling as needed
• Ensures all assigned tasks are in compliance with University SEC Conference and NCAA rules.
• Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include but are not limited to the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Analyzes and evaluates financial circumstances for students and families and provides advice and counsel regarding available financial aid opportunities eligibility requirements and the application process.
2. Awards student aid based on independent assessment of students eligibility needs and interprets/modifies computer generated award packages as needed.
3. Counsels students on matters concerning maintenance of academic eligibility for student aid.
4. Serves as liaison with state federal and other financial aid agencies; keeps abreast of student assistance opportunities and program regulations.
5. Conducts workshops and/or presentations to students parents and/or other interested parties on financial aid policy and procedural issues.
6. Participates in committee readings for scholarship selection and academic progress appeals.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education:Bachelors Degree

Experience: No Experience Required

Substitution Statement: An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role. Substitutions of the required experience or education will be assessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice education program or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race color gender sex pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity or expression religion national origin ethnicity citizenship age disability military status protected veteran status or genetic information or any other legally protected status.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements: These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis.

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion: The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision: Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of this job the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger handle or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check and when appropriate a financial (credit) report or driving history check.