Nicole A. Masters

• Oversaw the daily operations and the interpretation of federal and state regulations for the administration of all financial aid programs.
• Worked with third party funders and private organizations in developing scholarships and criteria for delivery of funds to students.
• Compiled, analyzed, and reported out on data analytics for state programs for executive leadership and state entities.
• Oversaw completion of regulatory federal and state audits for the Financial Aid Office.
• Developed college-wide Financial Aid and Registrar policies.
• Led Financial Aid’s annual technical set up for Ellucian Colleague and the creation of Financial Aid Informer reports.
• Maintained budgetary control on all financial aid funds including grants, scholarships, loans, and college work-study.
• Representation at regional, state, and federal meetings, trainings, and online webinars.
• Developed, promoted, and supported professional development opportunities and training for 5-6 staff members.
• MCAN Ameri Corp site supervisor
• Administers expert level guidance in Federal and State aid programs to community stakeholders and constituents via written, visual, and verbal communications.
• Oversaw the interpretation and enforcement of Federal and State Aid regulatory compliance requirements.
• Co-lead the completion of the institutions Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate and Program Participation Agreement compliance requirements.
• Planned and orchestrated Student Advisory Board meetings.
• Formulated matriculation strategies and event and oversaw regulatory reporting for Legacy Scholars
• Provided temporary supervisory oversight for the Admissions department and HUB Enrollment Center

Supervised and facilitated all daily operations of the Financial Office.

System Set-Up of Financial Aid Colleague Module

Assisted in Finalization of PPA

Conducted monthly reconciliation of Federal Student Loans and Pell Grant.

Responsible for billing of state and community aid.

Reviewed all Federal SAP Appeals

• Reviewed initial financial aid applications for accuracy and compliance with reporting standards.
• Provided financial aid counseling to enrolled and prospective students.
• Authored presentations and documentation for distribution to current and prospective students.
• Communicated with prospective students to illustrate available financial aid opportunities.
• Provided guidance directly to students regarding financial aid requirements to determine their federal student aid eligibility.
• Reviewed appeals and verification documents to ensure students met federal, state, and institutional awarding policies.
• Assisted students and their families on managing their cost of attendance with available payment options.
• Established budget and debt management techniques to develop financial aid solutions to students.
• Conducted Financial Aid workshops and presentations in efforts of expanding financial literacy within the Kalamazoo community and surrounding areas.

• Supervised and monitored the tasks and functions of Senior Processors, Customer Service Representatives, and Scholarship Finance Assistants
• Specialized in reviewing verification documents for compliance purposes while also performing cross checking towards packaging groups and awards, pre & post-EFC changes
• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.

• Conducted thorough assessments of system performance issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Delivered end-user training sessions on new software applications or hardware installations to promote adoption rates among employees.
• Maintained accurate inventory records of all IT assets, allowing for efficient tracking and management of resources.
• Troubleshot desktop and software computer issues, removed viruses and malware from computer hard drives.
• Upheld security regulations and protocol for internet and government site usage
• Ran specified reports through Cognos
• Ran Banner reports to prompt letter correspondence to WMU Students.