New director to make financial aid process easier
By Tammy Wernet
Staff Writer
Jackson Community College is getting ready to hire a new director of financial aid.
No one has left. The job was created this year, to help coordinate financial aid services and improve the department's outreach and retention, said Tom Vainner, vice president of administration.
"JCC is experiencing an increase in the volume of financial aid requests (adding up to) more than 6,000 a year," Vainner said. "(The new director of financial aid) will act as a liaison between the people and the process."
The volume makes it longer to get financial aid, and getting access to required online services is confusing.
"The students are getting frustrated (with the process)," Vainner said. "Demand is increasing, and the resources are drying up."
Part of the new director's responsibilities will be to coordinate outreach activities including teaching large groups of students and parents how to fulfill requirements. That will lessen confusion and reduce delays, he said.
"(The director of financial aid position) will add leadership to the department," said Charlotte Finnegan, dean of foundation studies. "Another set of eyes will be beneficial."
These eyes will be focused on coordinating state, federal and private grant requirements, allowing the students to get the best combination of aid available.
"The position should be filled in June," Vainner said.
He said the college is deluged with financial aid requests in summer, so the new director will have to get his or her feet wet quickly.