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Soucier, JoEllen

Soucier, JoEllen

SUMMARY

An experienced higher education professional is offering a blend of expertise and strengths:

  • Knowledgeable and skilled in enrollment management and recruiting practices.
  • Knowledgeable and up-to-date on the federal regulations governing the certification and administration of all federal financial aid programs and veteran’s educational benefits.
  • Proficient on a variety of computer systems and software programs.
  •  Accurate, detailed, and skilled in the areas of problem solving, student customer service activities, and professional training.
  • Experienced in office management and organization.

EDUCATION

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Boston, MA

  • Currently pursuing a Doctorates of Education with a concentration in Higher Education

THE UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA (1997 – 2000)
Tampa, FL

  • Took a variety of classes in Computer Information Systems for Professional Development

 SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
Manchester, NH

  • Masters of Business Administration Degree with a concentration in Computer Information Systems (1997) Graduated with a GPA of 3.80

 FRANKLIN PIERCE UNIVERSITY
Rindge, NH

  • Bachelor of Science Degree - Management and Marketing (1991)
  • Graduated with a GPA of 3.71

 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MOUNT WACHUSETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
444 Green Street
Gardner, MA 01440
(August 2006 to Present)

Director of Student Records and Financial Management
(September 2006 to Present)

  • Report to the Vice President for Student Services. Oversee the Financial Aid Office and the Records Office operations.
  • Manage and oversee all financial aid office operations, reporting, and data management. Supervise 4 Financial Aid Office employees.
  • Serve as the College’s federal and state aid compliance officer. Coordinate and manage all compliance audits.
  • Involved in a project to re-organize and integrate the Records Office, Admissions Office, and Student Services (student advising).
  • Responsible for the setting up the class schedule each semester.
  • Responsible for the accuracy of information published in the college catalog and for setting up all curricula and classes in the SCT Banner system.
  • Responsible for ensuring that students meet all graduation requirements.
  • Responsible for setting up the finals schedule each semester.
  • Involved in the annual graduation set up and process.
  • Run student statistical reports and provide student data to various departments on campus and agencies off campus.
  • Responsible for FERPA regulations.
  • Work closely with Information Technology to ensure system integrity and accurate.
  • JoEllen Soucier
  • Manage and maintain the self-service web site for student grades, unofficial transcripts, degree audits, class information and class schedules.
  • Supervise three Records Office employees.
  • Develop computer reports and computer programs used to reduce manual processes and decrease student records processing time.
  • Process student administrative action forms.
  • Manage the College’s foundation scholarship programs including the application process, identification of recipients, and transfer of funds.
  • Oversee the veterans educational benefit services to students and responsible for the compliance of all veterans certification requirements and tuition waiver regulations.

Director of Financial Aid
(February 2005 – August 2006)

Responsible for the organization and administration of all institutional, state and Title IV programs which include Federal Pell, SEOG, Perkins, Work-study, Massachusetts Aid Programs, New England State Grants and Scholarships, and Federal FFELP Loan Programs.

Responsibilities:

  • Report to the Vice President for Student Services and am a member of the college’s enrollment management team.
  • Maintain current information on all regulations governing student financial aid programs.
  • Develop and maintain the financial aid plan as part of the overall enrollment management process, and active participant in the development and implementation of the college-wide enrollment management process.
  • Administer state and federal financial aid programs in excess of 6.5 million dollars.
  • Work with marketing and publications to ensure that all college publications meet the requirements of the Department of Education with respect to consumer information requirements.
  • Complete special projects and data research projects for the Vice President of Student Services and other senior managers on campus.
  • Develop all forms and correspondence used to inform students about financial aid programs and to deliver financial aid funds to students.
  • Report on all activities to the appropriate institutional, state and federal agencies concerning operations within the Financial Aid Office. Complete all data surveys.
  • Develop and complete statistical management reports.
  • Monitor and audit the activities and tasks performed within the Financial Aid Office.
  • Evaluate the work performance of the entire financial aid staff, which consists of two associate directors, a financial aid counselor and two financial aid clerks.
  • Develop computer reports and computer programs used to reduce manual processes and decrease student aid processing time.
  • Counsel students and families with regard to the financial aid, admissions, registration and payment process.
  • Complete file reviews, verification, corrections and awarding.
  • Perform a variety of financial aid workshops and training seminars.
  • Work closely and well with other department managers to provide the best service to students.
  • Represent the college at state, regional, and national financial aid association conferences and meetings.
  • Responsible for all computerized programs and software packages used in the financial aid office. MWCC utilizes SCT Banner to process applications, loans and Pell grants.

FRANKLIN PIERCE UNIVERISITY
20 College Road
Rindge, NH 03461
(December 2000 to February 2005)

Director of Financial Aid
(December 2000 – February 2005)

Responsible for the organization and administration of all institutional, state and Title IV programs which include Federal Pell, SEOG, Perkins, Work-study, New England State Grants and Scholarships, and Federal FFELP Loan Programs.

Responsibilities:

  • Reported to the Vice President for Student Administrative Services.
  • Maintained current information on all regulations governing student financial aid programs.
  • Developed and implemented policies and procedures, annual goals and objectives, and annual budgets which ensure effective and efficient operation of the Financial Aid Office.
  • Worked closely with the college’s enrollment management consultants – Noel Levitz.
  • Managed an annual financial aid budget of over 14 million dollars in university gift assistance.
  • Administered financial aid programs in excess of 35 million dollars.
  • Managed an office operating budget of approximately $200,000 for the Financial Aid Office.
  • Completed special projects and data research projects for the Vice President of Student Administrative Services or the Senior Vice President for Enrollment.
  • Developed all forms and correspondence used to inform students about financial aid programs and to deliver financial aid funds to students.
  • Reported on all activities to the appropriate institutional, state and federal agencies concerning operations within the Financial Aid Office. Completed all data surveys.
  • Developed and completed statistical management reports.
  • Developed and maintained the financial aid section of the university’s web site.
  • Monitored and audited the activities and tasks performed within the Financial Aid Office.
  • Evaluated the work performance of the entire financial aid staff, which consists of two assistant directors, an office manager, a loan coordinator, a financial aid specialist and an administrative assistant.
  • Developed computer reports and computer programs used to reduce manual processes and decrease student aid processing time.
  • Received and solved all student and parent complaints with regards to the financial aid operation and customer service activities. Processed aid applications and appeals.
  • Counseled students and families with regard to the financial aid, admissions, registration and payment process. Assisted Admissions with file review and acceptance of students.
  • Performed a variety of financial aid workshops and training seminars.
  • Served on computer user committees.
  • Educated employees and other departments on the complexity and importance of complying with federal laws.
  • Worked closely and well with other department managers to provide the best service to students.
  • Represented the college at state, regional, and national financial aid association conferences and meetings.
  • Responsible for all computerized programs and software packages used in the financial aid office. Franklin Pierce College utilizes PowerFaids to process applications, loans and Pell grants. An estimator software package developed by Noel Levitz is used to process early estimates for students. Jenzabar’s Quodata system is the integrated data system use by the college.

Institutional Research Assistant
(January 2005 – September 2006)

Assisted the Institutional Research Director with a variety of data analysis and reporting requirements.

Responsibilities:

  • Worked part-time from home performing SAS data projects and data reporting.
  • Completed weekly enrollment reports.
  • Completed data for retention and graduation rates.
  • Generated and reported data to IPEDs.
  • Generated data and completed annual report for US World and News Reports and Peterson’s publication.
  • Completed withdrawals reports and analysis.
  • Completed a variety data requests made by internal employees and external agencies.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA
401 West Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33606
(November 1997 to November 2000)

Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Services (October 1999 – November 2000)

Responsible for management and operations of the financial aid office, Admissions support staff, the data processing center and mail processing of the enrollment offices. Reported to the Vice President for Enrollment and coordinated special projects for the enrollment offices (Admissions, Financial Aid, Evening College and Registrar’s Office).

Responsibilities:

  • Supervised the Director of Financial Aid and insured timely and efficiency of operations in the Financial Aid Office.
  • Developed and maintained an annual financial aid budget of over 12 million dollars in university gift assistance.
  • Administered financial aid programs in excess of 32 million dollars.
  • Developed and maintained an office operating budget of approximately $250,000 for the Financial Aid Office and approximately $500,000 for the Admissions Department.
  • Completed special projects and data research projects for the Vice President for Enrollment.
  • Assisted the Vice President for Enrollment with direct mail and marketing projects.
  • Responsible for the coordination and completion of all admission mailings and data processing.
  • Managed the data processing and mail center of 3 full-time employees which include a marketing coordinator and two computer operations personnel.
  • Trained all enrollment personnel on financial aid processes and regulations.
  • Developed and updated policy and procedure manuals for both the Financial Aid Office, Admissions Office and the data processing and mail center.
  • Worked closely with the university’s enrollment management consultants – Noel Levitz. Reviewed weekly reports and assisted the Vice President for Enrollment with future projections.
  • Served on the registration task force.
  • Served on a number of committees to assist with institutional policies and customer service.
  • Evaluated and simplified all computer processes.
  • Worked closely with the Athletic Department to comply with NCAA regulations. Completed all squad lists.
  • Responsible for all ROTC aid processing.
  • Developed computer reports for the purpose of reporting statistical data, reviewing the accuracy of data input and developing procedures to improve efficiency. Developed and strongly utilize an Access database of all institutional data reporting and inventory tracking and reporting.
  • Continued to report federal financial aid information to state, regional and federal agencies.
  • Worked closely with Information Technology staff on computer system processes and improvements.
  • Conducted training workshops and seminars on financial aid.

 Director of Financial Aid
(November 1997 – October 1999)

Responsible for the organization and administration of all institutional, state and Title IV programs which include Federal Pell, SEOG, Perkins, Work-study, Florida Grants and Scholarships, and Federal Direct Loan Programs.

Responsibilities:

  • Reported to the Vice President for Enrollment.
  • Maintained current information on all regulations governing student financial aid programs.
  • Developed and implemented policies and procedures, annual goals and objectives, and annual budgets which ensured effective and efficient operations of the Financial Aid Office. Involved in developing policies and procedures in the areas of admissions, registration and computer operations.
  • Developed all forms and correspondence used to inform students about financial aid programs and to deliver financial aid funds to students.
  • Reported on all activities to the appropriate institutional, state and federal agencies concerning operations within the Financial Aid Office. Completed all data surveys.
  • Developed and completed statistical management reports.
  • Developed and maintained the financial aid section of the university’s web site.
  • Monitored and audited the activities and tasks performed within the Financial Aid Office.
  • Evaluated the work performance of the entire financial aid staff.
  • Developed computer reports and computer programs used to reduce manual processes and decrease student aid processing time.
  • Received and solved all student and parent complaints with regards to the financial aid operation and customer service activities. Received and processed all aid appeals.
  • Counseled students and families with regard to the financial aid, admission, registration and payment process.
  • Performed a variety of financial aid workshops and training seminars.
  • Served on Computer User Committees.
  • Educated employees and other departments on the complexity and importance of complying with federal laws.
  • Worked closely and well with other department managers to provide the best service to students.
  • Represented the university at state, regional, and national financial aid association conferences and meetings.
  • Responsible for all computerized programs and software packages used in the financial aid office. The University of Tampa utilized EDExpress to process applications, direct loans and Pell grants. An estimator software package developed by Noel Levitz is used to process early estimates for students. Software Research Northwest (SRN) is the integrated data system use by the university.

HESSER COLLEGE
3 Sundial Avenue
Manchester, NH 03103
(January 1991 – October 1997)

Executive Director of Student Financial Programs
(January 1997 – October 1997)

Responsible for total financial aid institutional compliance and coordinating communication between the Student Accounts Office and the Financial Aid Office.

Responsibilities:

  • Reported to the Executive Vice President/Treasurer. Oversaw FA Office and Bursar’s Office.
  • Managed the Student Accounts Office of 11 employees which included a student accounts manager, 6 student account representatives, an administrative assistant, a systems coordinator, a default prevention officer and an internal systems auditor.
  • Trained all financial aid personnel and conducted an extensive training program for a new financial aid director who was promoted from an assistant director of financial aid.
  • Developed and updated policy procedure manuals for both the Student Accounts Office and the Financial Aid Office.
  • Served as the institution’s compliance officer to ensure total institutional compliance of federal and state regulations for all departments.
  • Coordinated the registration processes for both continuing education and traditional day division.
  • Coordinated and approved the institutional loan program entitled Loans-4-Education.
  • Served on a number of committees to assist with institutional policies and procedures and customer service.
  • Developed and reviewed all internal audits of federal regulations and institutional procedures.
  • Developed and managed the College’s default management and prevention program.
  • Evaluated and simplified all computer processes.
  • Developed computer reports for the purpose of reported statistical data, reviewing the accuracy of data input and developing procedures to improve efficiency.
  • Reported federal financial aid information to state, regional and federal agencies.
  • Reported periodic financial aid and receivable figures to the President and Executive Vice President/Treasurer.
  • Developed and managed an effective collection program to reduce receivables.
  • Represented the college at state, regional, and national financial aid association conferences and meetings.
  • Worked closely with MIS Director on computer system processes and improvements.

Director of Financial Aid
(April 1992 - January 1997)

Responsible for the organization and administration of all institutional and Title IV programs which include Federal Pell, SEOG, Perkins, Work-study, and Federal Family Education Loan Programs.

Responsibilities:

  • Reported to the President of Hesser College.
  • Served as the compliance officer at an executive level for the entire institution.
  • Maintained current information on all regulations governing student financial aid programs.
  • Developed and implemented policies and procedures, annual goals and objectives, and annual budgets which ensure effective and efficient operation of the Financial Aid Office. Involved in developing policies and procedures in the areas of admissions, academics, fiscal operations and computer operations.
  • Developed all forms and correspondence used to inform students about financial aid programs and to deliver financial aid funds to students.
  • Reported on all activities to the appropriate institutional, state and federal agencies concerning operations within the Financial Aid Office.
  • Developed statistical management reports.
  • Monitored and audited the activities and tasks performed within the Financial Aid Office.
  • Evaluated the work performance of the entire financial aid staff which includes three assistant directors, three financial aid officers, an office manager, a receptionist, an internal systems auditor and five to six part-time clerical employees.
  • Supervised and trained financial teams which involve financial aid and the bursar's office used to assist parents and students with financial planning and debt counseling.
  • Worked with the MIS Director on the development and implementation of a new integrated computer system which was installed in May 1993. Continually work with MIS Director on system improvements.
  • Developed computer reports and computer programs used to reduce manual processes and decrease student aid processing time.
  • Received and solved all student and parent complaints with regards to the financial aid operation and customer service activities.
  • Counseled students and families with regard to the financial aid, admission, registration and payment process.
  • Performed a variety of financial aid workshops and training seminars.
  • Served as chair of the Scholarship Committee and coordinated all committee operations.
  • Served on the Student Accreditation Committee which was a part of the self study requirement for re-accreditation.
  • Served on a Computer Users Group Committee developed to ensure coordination and efficiency of systems.
  • Educated employees and other departments on the complexity and importance of complying with federal laws.
  • Worked closely and well with other department managers to provide the best service to students.
  • Represented the college at state, regional, and national financial aid association conferences and meetings.
  • Responsible for all computerized programs and software packages used in the financial aid office. Hesser College utilizes all stages of EDE (electronic data exchange). Hesser used the University Accounting Service to track and bill all Perkins Loan accounts and has a fully integrated computer system developed by CMDS located in Virginia for its entire administrative needs.

Hesser College Adjunct Faculty Member
(January 1997 – November 1997)

  • Taught Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access at the Nashua, NH and Manchester, NH continuing education campuses from January to November 1997.
  • Approved to teach Introduction to Computers, Word Processing I and II (Microsoft Word and WordPerfect) and Electronic Spreadsheets (Lotus and Excel) .
  • Assistant Director of Financial Aid (January 1991 - April 1992)
  • Assisted the Director with the organization and administration of Title IV Federal Financial Aid programs.
  • Counseled students and parents on financial aid paperwork and programs.
  • Awarded institutional and federal aid programs to students.
  • Completed all financial aid paperwork and conducted financial aid workshops.
  • Coordinated the Federal Perkins Loan and Pell Grant programs.

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

  • Member of the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA) – 2005 to present.
  • Conduct high school workshops through the Massachusetts Education Finance Authority. Conducted approximately 8 – 12 FA workshops each year in the Leominster/Gardner area.
  • Moderated a NASFAA Conference Session – Customer Service – 2008
  • Spoke at the MASFAA Conference – Session on Default Management – 2006.
  • Served on the MASFAA Training and Professional Development Committee – 2006.
  • Conduct Training and Information Sessions for the New Hampshire Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
    Subjects included:
    • Executive Communications
    • The History of Financial Aid
    • Needs Analysis and the FAFSA
  • Secretary and Newsletter Editor for the New Hampshire Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NHASFAA) – 2002 to 2005.
  • Chair of the Reauthorization Committee, 2003.
  • Federal Relations Liaison for the New Hampshire Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NHASFAA), 2002 to 2005.
  • Member of the Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (EASFAA) – 1991 to 1997, 2000 to Present.
  • Member of the New Hampshire Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NHASFAA) – 1991 to 1997, 2000 to 2005.
  • Member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) – 1991 to Present.
  • Member of the Florida Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (FASFAA) – 1997 to 2000.
  • Member of the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA) – 1997 to 2000.
  • Assisted with the Florida Association’s Newsletter. Served as a reporter.
  • Voted 2000 Region IV Representative for the Florida Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
  • Spoke at a number of high schools in the Tampa Bay Area. Conducted 12 workshops in 1999.
  • Hosted and spoke at conferences for high school guidance training.
  • Served on NH Association Conference Committees.
  • Spoke at a number of sessions held at the NH Association’s Annual Conference.
    Topics included:
    • Federal Work-Study
    • Financial Aid and Business Office Partnership
    • Cultural Diversity
    • Federal Relations
  • Editor of the NH Association’s Newsletter, 1997.
  • Member of the NH Association’s Information Resource Committee, 1996 – 1997, 2002 to Present.
  • Member of the NH Association’s Steering Committee 1996 – 1997, 2002 to Present.
  • Member of the NH Association’s Training Committee 1996 - 1997.
  • Coordinator of the NH Association’s Financial Aid Hot Line, 1996.
  • Participant in the Speaker’s Bureau, a group of Financial Aid professionals that hold Financial Aid workshops for High Schools across New Hampshire.
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