Student Service Advisor

Central Michigan University • Mount Pleasant, MI

381d • $42,640 - $50,440

About The Position

The Student Service Advisor (SSA) at Central Michigan University serves as a front-line retention advocate, assisting students and their families in navigating various university services, particularly in Financial Aid, Billing, and Registrar functions. The role emphasizes empathy, care, and honesty while advising students on their academic goals and addressing their needs during challenging situations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience equating to four years.
• Customer service experience.
• Ability to professionally represent the university to diverse constituencies.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills and the ability to build rapport.
• Demonstrates organizational and critical thinking skills.
• Working knowledge of computer applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Willingness to work outside of typical university hours.
• Ability to work in a team-based environment and maintain positive interpersonal relations.
• Demonstrates positive communication and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrates excellent writing and analytical skills.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree.
• Familiarity with accounting principles and cashiering.
• Experience coaching/advising college students.
• Strong knowledge of financial aid regulations and processes.
• Two years of higher education experience working directly with students.
• Knowledge of college student financial life cycles.

Responsibilities

• Advises students on loan counseling requirements for first-time borrowers.
• Makes recommendations for possible financial aid resources.
• Approves and processes cash advances for students with pending financial aid.
• Assists students with forms requested by financial aid, including verification and loan adjustments.
• Assists students with Registrar policy, including appeals and direct advocacy.
• Troubleshoots student accounts related to financial aid and academic requirements.
• Assists students and supporters with FAFSA navigation and filing.
• Complies with FERPA and departmental policies regarding confidentiality.
• Assists students with financial plans incorporating need-based aid, scholarships, and loans.
• Provides individualized financial retention plans and assists in collecting past due accounts.
• Conducts outreach programs to assist students with registration and retention.
• Applies payments directly to student accounts.
• Assists in cashiering functions including departmental deposits and cash advances.
• Responds to email correspondence from SASUB and OSFA.
• Performs other duties as necessary.

Benefits

• Access to a nationally recognized wellness program.
• Health care and benefits that exceed regional, state, and national norms.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 10,001+ employees