THEN AND NOW: REFLECTIONS ON THE PAST
&
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES  

From the VASFAA Archives
Fall 1992

In his opening comments of the Fall 1992 VASFAA Newsletter, President Rod Moore proclaimed his theme for the year as "Twenty-Five Years of Service to Students". He appointed Sid Dugas of Christopher Newport as Special Appointee in charge of the 25th Year Celebration. Lisa Tumer, Conference Chair and Guy Gibbs, Training Chair worked with Sid to coordinate our 25th anniversary in the Spring of 1993.

On July 23 1992, President George Bush signed the Higher Education Amendments of 1992 into law at Northern Virginia Community College. The Pell Grant maximum for the 93-94 would be $3,700. It projected a Pell maximum of $4,500 for the 96-97 year. (What is 03-04's maximum? - $4050) These amendments allowed for the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan which gave students who didn't have need to get a student loan. Also, the amendments defined an academic year as having a minimum of 30 weeks. It also provided for a free single application produced by the Secretary of Education. No student or parent could be charged a fee for processing and delivering federal financial aid.

The fall newsletter reported Betty Diamond of Old Dominion University had been promoted to Associate Director of Financial Aid. Also, Mike O'Grady of George Mason University was leaving his position as Associate Director to become a Business Development Representative with Signet Bank in the Student Loan Department.

Our fall conference was scheduled for October 25-28 in Roanoke. Our conference hotel was the Airport Marriott. Sid Dugas reported that there would be a birthday banquet during the fall conference and a "dressy" affair at the spring conference.

The Virginia Student Assistance Authority was soliciting VASFAA volunteers to man their booth at the Virginia State Fair. M. Angela Gray, Marketing Representative for VSAA was the contact person.

As we enter our 36th year as an association this year, we should always reflect on our past and use our knowledge to bring about a brighter future.

Submitted by Holly Rison, VASFAA Archivist, Randolph Macon College

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Financial Aid Director - Miller-Motte Technical College

Miller-Motte Technical College in Lynchburg, VA is seeking a candidate for the position of Financial Aid Director. The candidate must have a financial aid background, preferably in a proprietary school environment. Position responsibilities include management and administering of all Title IV programs (Pell, SEOG, FWS, FFELP) and alternative funding. Must be a hands-on individual capable of and willing to provide support in packaging of new students in a fast-paced environment. Must have the ability to work independently and as a support member in a team-based environment. A positive, customer-service oriented attitude is a must!! Supervisory experience preferred. Immediate position opening. Please send resume to bjdierstein@miller-motte.com or fax to (434) 239-1069. 

Financial Aid Specialist - Delta Educational Systems

Delta Educational Systems is recruiting for the position of Financial Aid Specialist. Delta is the corporate office for a group of proprietary schools throughout the eastern United States, offering diploma and associate degree programs. We are seeking an individual with prior financial aid experience in a proprietary school environment with a processing knowledge of administering Title IV aid. The position requires knowledge in all areas of financial aid, including but not limited to, packaging, awarding federal, state, agency and alternative funding, processing of federal grants through the COD system, default management, and federal and state regulations. The Financial Aid Specialist will assist in training staff at various campuses and during group training sessions in the areas listed above and must possess the ability to disseminate information in a clear, concise manner. A positive customer-service oriented attitude is a must! Travel throughout the eastern United States from Pennsylvania to Louisiana is required. Salary is commensurate with experience. Please send a resume via e-mail to teresa@deltaed.com or mail to Delta Educational Systems, 144 Business Park Drive, Suite 201, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Attn: Director of Financial Aid Operations.

FINANCIAL AID COUNSELOR – Regent University  

Responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the Central Financial Aid Office and providing excellent customer service to students.  Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.  Must be knowledgeable of, and capable in the use of word processing, spreadsheet and other computer software and related computer and Internet technologies.  Must be able to comprehend, interpret and apply federal and state regulations and university policies related to financial aid, and be able to regularly exercise professional judgment.  The counselor must be able to accurately, efficiently and effectively perform pertinent duties in such a fashion that the office functions in a consistently smooth manner.  Due to the nature of the work required for this position and its “exempt/salaried” classification, the employee will be expected to work a schedule as defined by the supervisor, and hours necessary to accomplish the tasks, goals and objectives of the department, including evenings, weekend assignments and/or travel.  Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.  SCT Banner and Federal EDExpress/EDConnect software experience helpful.  Financial Aid experience strongly preferred.  Must have strong interpersonal communication abilities and excellent command of the English language, both verbal and written.  Detail-oriented; comfortable and accurate in working with basic mathematics and percentage/ratios; self-starter; ability to work independently and as a team member and enjoy working in a complex, fast-paced office that demands adaptability and flexibility.  Click here for information on the application process.