Michelle Bencomo
Las Vegas,NM
Summary
To seek a position that allows the opportunity to grow and excel as a financial aid administrator and to lead and manage a financial aid office in a director role.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships
New Mexico Highlands University
11.2023 - Current
- Oversee and direct the overall operations of the student financial aid office and it's programs;
- Supervise, train, and evaluate financial aid staff;
- Serve as the Primary Destination Point Administrator (PDPA) for all CPS/SAIG software systems;
- Develop, oversee, and maintain the department's policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations;
- Maintain the department's organizational structure and culture to ensure effective achievement of internal and external goals and objectives;
- Set up Banner Financial Aid module annually;
- Serve as a representative for the department within the different university committees that examine policies and procedures that affect student financial aid programs;
- Provide financial aid related information and reports to university stakeholders;
- Effectively manage department budgets;
- Analyze department resource needs to ensure effective awarding and disbursement of student financial aid; and
- Compile, verify, and submit data for required federal and state reporting.
Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships
New Mexico Highlands University
03.2022 - Current
- Assist the director in preparing reports to the Department of Education, New Mexico Higher Education Department, administration, and miscellaneous reports;
- Assist the director with funds reconciliation and annual audit requests;
- Provide training and supervision for financial aid and scholarship staff;
- Assist director in the implementation of award programs to ensure the financial aid awards and disbursements are in compliance with federal, state, and university regulations and policy;
- Participate and lead as appropriate in Banner systems/procedures planning and management; assist with annual setup of Banner Financial Aid module;
- Assist with reconciliation of all Title IV funds to ensure compliance;
- Assume responsibility for annual update of office policies and procedures manual;
- Assume responsibility for monitoring and maintenance of Return to Title IV funds to ensure federal compliance;
- Serve as liaison with other departments in the resolution of day-to-day administrative and operational issues; serve as liaison with state, federal, tribal, and other agencies;
- Assist director with annual report requests;
- Conduct financial aid workshops and presentations; and s
- Serve on committees representing the financial aid office as assigned by director.
Adjunct Faculty
New Mexico Highlands University
08.2021 - 12.2023
- MGMT 2110: Principles of Management
- MKTG 2110: Principles of Marketing
Student Relations Coordinator
New Mexico Highlands University
10.2017 - 03.2022
- Serve as a centralized location where student concerns are received; serve as student ombudsperson to assist in resolving enrollment issues on behalf of the university;
- Work with students, staff, faculty, and external constituents at the university to explore and develop processes/procedures that will address student service concerns that will better serve student needs;
- Assist individuals and groups at the university in determining options to help resolve customer conflicts, issues, or concerns;
- Bring systematic concerns to the attention of the administration for resolution in regards to functions that ensure student enrollment;
- Proactively work with frontline offices to better meet student needs related but not limited to: financial aid, admissions, registration, advising, business office functions, scholarships, student-life, Student Health Center, Title IX Coordinator, and CARES;
- Serve as liaison to students and support offices to build consensus and strengthen rapport in support of strategic direction, mission, and goals of the university;
- Assist Dean of Students in maintaining data, statistics, tracking of trends to ensure implemented services are appropriate and effective;
- Advise students and provide direction; serve as system administrator for Symplicity Advocate; and
- Help oversee and operate the NMHU General Store.
Scholarship Coordinator
New Mexico Highlands University
08.2013 - 10.2017
- Maintain and track all scholarship records; coordinate and provide administrative support to the scholarship program; evaluate student academic progress and serve as chairperson for scholarship committees including the scholarship appeal committee;
- Evaluate high school transcripts for eligibility of all scholarships, awarding, and monitoring;
- Assess eligibility criteria of applicants and advise students and parents regarding scholarship searches, processes, and requirements;
- Cross-train in all financial aid functions, advise students and parents in all facets of financial aid eligibility;
- Implement and maintain NMHU’s scholarship database, AwardSpring;
- Assist advisors with verification of student files; posses knowledge of federal and state regulations and policies in regard to financial aid eligibility and Title IV funds;
- Conduct financial assistance education presentations and workshops to parents and students;
- Prepare all award correspondence and present certificates at high school award ceremonies as appropriate;
- Gather and compile data for the purpose of preparing reports for the department;
- Assist in the supervision and training of student employees; and
- Assist Financial Aid Director with importing and exporting new and corrected financial aid files.
Financial Aid Advisor
Luna Community College
07.2011 - 08.2013
- Provide student advisement daily; analyze, evaluate, and verify financial viability of students and families;
- Provide advice and counsel regarding available financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, and the application process;
- Respond to inquiries and research and resolve problems related to transactions handled by the department;
- Serve as liaison with other departments and with state, federal, tribal, and other agencies;
- Keep abreast of new student assistance opportunities;
- Attend trainings and learn about new or changing policies and procedures affecting the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Scholarships;
- Manage the collection and reporting of data in accordance with federal policies; and
- Participate in the development and implementation of data management systems and procedures.
Administrative Assistant-Title V
Luna Community College
10.2008 - 07.2011
- Provide administrative/technical support to Title V program;
- Compose public information documents and correspondence for supervisor’s review/signature;
- Assemble information from various resources to prepare recurring report;
- Independently prepare selected reports on behalf of direct supervisor;
- Make recommendations based on review of data;
- Review and check documents, records and forms for accuracy;
- Assist in preparation of notices, announcements, applications and public documents;
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the Title V office;
- Assign and evaluate work and monitor performance; S
- Serve as a liaison between the department and external entities; and
- Develop and disseminate campus-wide.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Human Resource Management
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM05.2021
Bachelor of Arts - University Studies
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM05.2015
Associate of Arts - General Business
Luna Community College
Las Vegas, NMHigh School Diploma -
West Las Vegas High School
Las Vegas, NM05.2001
Skills
- Ability to interpret and explain policy and procedure
- Ability to communicate well, verbally and in writing
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations and duties
- Ability to problem solve
- Experience with supervising staff
- Great administrative and leadership skills
- Great experience with computer technologies, office equipment, and NMHU software applications
- Designing, implementing, and facilitating training for employees and students in a higher education setting
- Experience with developing and maintaining strong relationships with university and external communities
- Assessing and responding to student needs
- Strong customer service skills
Training Conferences
- November 2023 - 2023 Virtual FSA Training Conference, Online
- November 2023 - NMASFAA Fall Training, Albuquerque New Mexico
- October 2023 - Annual FERPA Training, Online
- April 2023 – NMASFAA 2023 Conference, Taos New Mexico
- April 2023 - NMHED Spring Training, Albuquerque New Mexico
- November 2022 - 2022 Virtual FSA Training Conference, Online
- November 2021 – Annual FERPA Training, NMHU
- October 2021 – 2021 Alternative Dispute Resolution Symposium, Online
- September 2021 - Stress and Resilience in a COVID World, Online
- August 2021 – Title IX Training, Online
- March 2021 – NASPA Virtual Conference, Online
- January-June 2021 – Title IX Training, Online
- March 2020 – NMASPA Conference, Albuquerque, NM
- March 2018 – CCME Conference, San Diego, CA
- September 2017 – Basic ACCESS Training, NMHU Las Vegas Campus
- April 2016 – NMASFAA 2016 Conference, Ruidoso New Mexico
- January 2015 – Defensive Driving, Las Vegas New Mexico
- August 2013 – Training with Ellucian Banner, NMHU Las Vegas Campus
- April 2013 – NMASFAA 2013 Conference, Albuquerque New Mexico
- November 2011 – SWASFAA Boot Camp, Tulsa Oklahoma
- October 2011 – NMASFAA Fall SAP Training, Albuquerque New Mexico
References
- Dr. Kimberly Blea, Dean of Students, New Mexico Highlands University, (505) 454-3566
- Ruth Mariampolski, Director of Compliance and Title IX Coordinator, New Mexico Highlands University, (505) 454-3363
- Dr. Edward Martinez, President, Luna Community College, (505) 454-2555
Timeline
Interim Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships
New Mexico Highlands University
11.2023 - Current
Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships
New Mexico Highlands University
03.2022 - Current
Adjunct Faculty
New Mexico Highlands University
08.2021 - 12.2023
Student Relations Coordinator
New Mexico Highlands University
10.2017 - 03.2022
Scholarship Coordinator
New Mexico Highlands University
08.2013 - 10.2017
Financial Aid Advisor
Luna Community College
07.2011 - 08.2013
Administrative Assistant-Title V
Luna Community College
10.2008 - 07.2011
Master of Business Administration - Human Resource Management
New Mexico Highlands University
Bachelor of Arts - University Studies
New Mexico Highlands University
Associate of Arts - General Business
Luna Community College
High School Diploma -
West Las Vegas High School
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