Stefani Blanco
Los Banos
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Santa Clara University, enhancing financial aid processes and fostering diversity and inclusion. Skilled in strategic planning and student advising, I've significantly improved staff development and student support, demonstrating exceptional interpersonal skills and proficiency in PeopleSoft/Workday. Achievements include streamlining aid disbursement and increasing first-generation student assistance.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Santa Clara University
10.2023 - Current
- Promotes a culture of continuous improvement within the department by leading staff development initiatives focused on best practices in financial aid administration.
- Facilitates timely disbursement of funds to eligible recipients through careful monitoring of deadlines and progress reports.
- Ensures compliance with federal and state regulations through routine audits and policy updates.
- Collaborates with the First-Generation Office, offering financial advising and one-on-one support to underrepresented students.
- Assists in the distribution of emergency and scholarship funding to address students' financial concerns.
- Serves 18+ first-generation students per quarter by providing financial advising, scholarship opportunities, and FAFSA completion assistance.
- Partners with the Associate Director of Admission to determine aid awards and select underrepresented scholarship recipients for each incoming class.
- Counsels prospective and current students on available financial aid options and alternative financing methods.
- Ensures compliance with federal, state, university, and agency regulations, aligning financial aid policies and programs accordingly.
- Streamlines financial aid processes by implementing efficient workflow systems and reducing processing time.
- Manages a team of financial aid counselors, ensuring accurate and prompt awarding of funds to eligible students.
- Provides ongoing professional development opportunities for staff members to stay current on industry best practices and regulatory updates.
- Conducts annual and as-needed Satisfactory Academic Progress review and manages the student appeals process with the Student Services Office.
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Santa Clara University
11.2020 - 10.2023
- Reviewed 100+ financial aid appeals annually, making final judgments on award packages.
- Awarded and verified financial aid in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policy.
- Assisted students estimate educational expenses and develop financial plans for the academic year.
- Provided individualized counseling to students and families, addressing inquiries, concerns, and guiding them through the financial aid process.
- Collaborated with other departments to create a seamless enrollment process for students seeking financial assistance.
- Developed comprehensive training materials for new staff members, increasing overall departmental efficiency.
- Improved student satisfaction with financial aid services by providing clear communication and timely assistance.
- Evaluated complex cases involving special circumstances and appeals, making fair determinations based on individual situations.
- Processed federal financial aid verifications per federal regulation guidelines.
Financial Aid Counselor
Santa Clara University
07.2016 - 11.2020
- Advised and communicated with students, parents, campus departments, and other pertinent constituencies about financial aid eligibility, requirements, availability, and individual circumstances.
- Awarded financial aid to various groups, first-year students, current undergraduate students, transfer students, and graduate students.
- Assisted students in the application process for financial aid by helping them to complete appropriate and required forms.
- Participated in admission open houses and financial aid information sessions on and off campus.
- Ensured compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures and regulations when reviewing financial aid applications; exercise judgment when interpreting federal and state regulations for specific student situations.
- Counseled applicants regarding financial aid eligibility and cost for a variety of study abroad programs.
Student Loan Coordinator
Santa Clara University
07.2014 - 07.2016
- Responsible for the full administration of student loans at SCU, inclusive of certifying Federal Subsidized / Unsubsidized Direct Loans and Federal Parent Loans for undergraduate students.
- Conducted and provided financial literacy workshops as needed.
- Successfully originated and processed 80+ student loans per month.
- Assisted in establishing student loan processing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated the importing and exporting of the Direct Student Loan records via the financial aid delivery system and COD to assure the accuracy of each student loan record.
- Assisted in the reconciliation process of Direct Loan disbursements for program compliance and accuracy.
Administrative Assistant
San Jose Conservation Corps And Charter School
06.2008 - 06.2014
- Assisted Senior Registrar in evaluating student transcripts and grades.
- Reviewed student registration packets and maintained student cumulative records.
- Acted as the California Exit Exam Coordinator by ensuring all test materials were accounted for, accurately recorded, and returned to the Processing Center.
- Planned, organized, and executed graduation with 300+ attendees.
- Processed applications for the Free and Reduce Meal Program. Received, reviewed for accuracy, and determined the eligibility of applications for possible federal reimbursement.
- Prepared, memos, letters, and other documents, administered mail and correspondence.
- Maintained records and receipts for all incoming cash from student purchases.
- Answered incoming phone calls, took messages, and directed calls as appropriate.
Education
Master of Arts - Education Leadership
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA06.2019
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA06.2014
High School Diploma -
Oak Grove High School
San Jose, CA06.2008
Skills
- Student Advising
- Interpersonal Skills
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Strategic Planning
- Team Leadership
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Federal aid programs
- Written Communication
- Peoplesoft/ Workday
- Proficient in MS Office & Google Suite
Affiliations
- NASFAA member
- CASFAA member
Timeline
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Santa Clara University
10.2023 - Current
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Santa Clara University
11.2020 - 10.2023
Financial Aid Counselor
Santa Clara University
07.2016 - 11.2020
Student Loan Coordinator
Santa Clara University
07.2014 - 07.2016
Administrative Assistant
San Jose Conservation Corps And Charter School
06.2008 - 06.2014
Master of Arts - Education Leadership
Santa Clara University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
San Jose State University
High School Diploma -
Oak Grove High School
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