Graduate Assistant (GA) / Financial Aid

Millersville University; Millersville (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 5,100 - 6,900; Full time

Job summary

Millersville University invites applications for a Graduate Assistant (GA) in Financial Aid to support our team with student advising, customer service, and higher education operations.

The GA must be enrolled in a MU graduate program, work on-campus during regular business hours, and assist with inquiries, outreach, and document processing while upholding confidentiality and accuracy. Preferred qualifications include FAFSA experience and willingness to work during breaks.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a Millersville University graduate program.
• Full-time GA must maintain a minimum of 6 credits.
• Work hours on-campus during regular university business hours.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Meet and advise students and parents regarding the financial aid process.
• Provide front-line support via email, phone, and in-person interactions.
• Assist in collecting and organizing student documents.
• Check and respond to financial aid emails; forward inquiries as needed.
• Work with student workers to ensure efficiency and workflow.
• Support counselors in advising on financial literacy, scholarships, grants and loans.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Detail-oriented

Microsoft Office

Education

Enrolled in MU graduate program

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Title

Graduate Assistant (GA) / Financial Aid

Pay Rate

Full-time: $6000(FT) per year. Tuition waiver for 18 credits per year Part-time: $3000(PT) per year. Tuition waiver for 9 credits per year.

Position Summary

The Office of Financial Aid is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Graduate Assistant (GA) to support our team in providing exceptional financial aid services to students. This position offers hands-on experience with student advising, customer service, and higher education operations. The GA will play a vital role in assisting with student inquiries, supporting outreach efforts and helping students explore options to bridge affordability gaps. We are looking for someone who works well with diverse populations and is passionate about providing inclusive, equitable support to students from all backgrounds.

Required Qualifications

All graduate assistants must be enrolled in a Millersville University graduate program; non-degree students and those only seeking post-baccalaureate certification are not eligible.

Full-time Graduate Assistants must be enrolled in and maintain a minimum of 6 credits in Fall semester and in Spring semester.

Financial Aid GA must be available to complete all of their work hours on-campus during regular university business hours.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide excellent customer service.
• A commitment to helping students navigate the financial aid process and supporting diverse student populations.
• High attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with general financial aid processes (i.e. FAFSA completion, scholarship applications, loan borrowing, etc).
• Experience with customer service, working in an office setting, and/or working with student populations.
• Availability to work during breaks (summer, winter, etc).
• Proficiency in a second language.
• Majoring in a human services related field.

Job Duties

• Meet and advise students and parents regarding the financial aid process, including application requirements and eligibility.
• Provide front-line support via email, phone, and in-person interactions regarding financial aid policies, procedures, and deadlines.
• Assist in collecting and organizing student documents, ensuring they are accurately logged and updated in the system.
• Check and respond to financial aid emails, forwarding inquiries to the appropriate staff member when necessary.
• Work with and help delegate tasks to other student workers in the office to ensure efficiency and optimal workflow.
• Support financial aid counselors in advising students on financial literacy, scholarships, grants, and loan options.
• Help plan and execute financial aid workshops, presentations, and outreach initiatives.
• Assist with university events and collaborate with other departments to enhance student services and provide cross-functional support as needed.
• Work with OFA staff to identify student perspective pain points and enhance the student experience through research, data analysis, and process improvements.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned by the Client Services Supervisor.

Documents needed

• Resume is required
• Cover Letter is optional
• Transcripts/other documents optional
• Clearances are required for this position: PA Criminal Background, Child Abuse, FBI Fingerprint (Not needed to apply)

Graduate Assistant payment and hours guidelines

• Graduate Assistants must work 300 hours (FT) per semester.
• Stipends are paid 8 payments throughout the semester and are paid bi-weekly according to the payroll schedule.
• FT Graduate Assistants (who are not on an F-1 visa) may work 10 extra hours per week in addition to the required hours for the position for a total of 30 hours a week.
• Graduate Assistants who are on an F-1 visa are only permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during academic sessions (spring and fall semesters); there may be opportunity to work during school breaks over 20 hours a week, which would be compensated at an hourly rate.
• Graduate Assistants must meet all eligibility requirements as detailed in GA Guidelines.