Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Karissa Shanks

Summary

Financial aid professional skilled in managing financial documentation, verifying eligibility, ensuring seamless application and disbursement procedures while providing exceptional support to students. Knowledge of regulatory compliance and institutional policies ensures accurate and timely financial aid packaging. Successful at reviewing accounts and detail-oriented office administration.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Corporate Financial Aid Assistant

Avalon Institute
08.2024 - 02.2025
  • Worked at the corporate office to package Title IV funding for incoming students at 5 campuses nationwide.
  • Supported On-Campus Financial Aid Coordinators to answer questions regarding Stafford Loans, Pell Grants, GI Bills, and private funding. Helped clarify C Codes, dependency overrides, verifications and professional judgement documentation as needed.
  • Audited and maintained files for current students, Grads and Drops to ensure DOE compliance.
  • Assisted in managing calendars for on campus FA Coordinators.
  • Processed R2T4 and Drop packets for students that could not complete their programs.
  • Processed SAPs and Over Contracts for current students.
  • Filled in virtually or in person for On Campus FA Coordinators as needed.
  • Assisted students with FAFSA completion for current or upcoming academic year.
  • Ensured legal documents were in place and valid.
  • Set up student payment plans.
  • Completed entrance and exit counseling with students.
  • Worked with NSLDS, Partner Portal, and COD to ensure accuracy.

Customer Service

Birds and Then Some
08.2022 - 08.2024
  • Assist customers in store and over the phone.
  • Assist in all transactions, POS and scheduling.
  • Open and close store as needed, balance end of day.
  • Assist in the care of birds, and help maintain overall appearance of store.

Accounts Receivable Specialist/Human Resources Specialist

Institute of Business and Medical Careers
06.2002 - 08.2007
  • Contact with future and current students to set financial plan for their education.
  • Contacted former students with past due accounts to formulate payment plans or restructuring options.
  • Created and implemented program to reduce bad debt write-offs through diligent monitoring of aging reports with proactive collection efforts.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations and company policies through regular internal audits and Colorado Department of Education audits.
  • Exceeded company goals for cash collection through persistence, professionalism, and excellent interpersonal skills while dealing with students, scholarship and grant programs, and Veteran's benefits alike.
  • Assisted in creating and implementing new software program to track students accounts.
  • Managed employee records.
  • Reviewed and screened applicant resumes to identify qualified candidates.
  • Completed background checks and onboarding of new employees.
  • Partnered with senior leadership to establish and develop company and HR policies and procedures.
  • Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing and streamlining HR policies and procedures.
  • Managed bi-annual graduation ceremonies for students, working with students and vendors to ensure and complete successful events.

Education

GED -

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
05.1995

Skills

  • Customer Service
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Interpersonal Relationship Building
  • Communication Skills
  • Payment Processing
  • Updating Customer Accounts
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Verbal communication
  • Anthology SIS

Timeline

Corporate Financial Aid Assistant

Avalon Institute
08.2024 - 02.2025

Customer Service

Birds and Then Some
08.2022 - 08.2024

Accounts Receivable Specialist/Human Resources Specialist

Institute of Business and Medical Careers
06.2002 - 08.2007

GED -

Colorado State University

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Karissa Shanks