Working/Functional Title

Director of Student Services

Position Summary

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine’s Office of Student Affairs and Services invites applicants for the position of Director of Student Services (Fixed Term Academic Specialist – Advisor). This position serves as a crucial link between medical students at the College of Human Medicine (CHM) and financial aid resources, emphasizing student support and scholarship opportunities.

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, the Director of Student Services will play a vital role in supporting students’ financial well-being throughout their medical education. Acting as the primary contact with the MSU Office of Financial Aid, this position provides essential information regarding financing medical education, eligibility criteria, and debt management strategies. This position will also support students seeking additional assistance for non-educational expenses including housing, food and health care. Collaborating closely with Academic Affairs and Student Financial Aid Services, the Liaison develops comprehensive cost-of-attendance estimates and addresses the financial implications of enrollment changes and insurance program enrollments. In addition, this position will oversee the education of medical students across the four-year curriculum in financial literacy and debt management. This position involves guiding students through the AAMC FIRST registration process, offering targeted advising for those at higher risk of accumulating significant debt, and crafting letters of recommendation for special scholarship and loan repayment programs.

The Director of Student Services also directs the selection process for donor scholarships within CHM, coordinates with MSU units to identify additional scholarship opportunities, and serves as a liaison for federal medical scholarship programs, ensuring that all students have equitable access to financial resources and support throughout their academic journey.

The position is in East Lansing, Michigan but may require travel to other sites. The position is hybrid-friendly, allowing for some remote work. This Academic Specialist - Advisor position is a one-year appointment, renewable annually based on performance and funding availability.

Duties and Responsibilities

45% Financial Aid Student Services

• Primary Liaison to the MSU Office of Financial Aid on behalf of CHM Medical Students. Reinforces information provided by OFA to CHM students on financial options, eligibility, and debt management while providing feedback to OFA on the collective needs of CHM students regarding financial aid assistance and education.
• Works with Academic Affairs, the Office of Financial Aid, and Student Services to provide and create the cost of attendance estimates and fees associated with external resources.
• Create and implement Financial Wellness curriculum for HM552, HM553, HM554, HM555, HM556, and Advanced Skills & Knowledge (ASK).
• Collaborates with university and college stakeholders to assess and address the financial implications of enrollment changes, Student Health Insurance Program participation, and other university services on CHM students. This role involves proactive communication and strategic planning to ensure that student needs are effectively met, and financial challenges are mitigated.
• Collaborates with University and CHM administrators on all eight campuses to ensure all levels of students at CHM receive equitable access to financial aid and debt management services

35% Student Support & Education

• Develop and implement a financial aid and debt management curriculum across the four years of medical education.
• Guide medical students through the use of the AAMC FIRST (Financial Information, Resources, Services, and Tools) registration and assessments
• Assist with the financial aid implications of any modification of the educational program, including but not limited to financial aid, emergency loans, and disability benefits.
• Provide individual and group advising for students identified to be in the top 30% with debt and others at risk for high debt due to circumstances. (Out of state, Families, First Generation)
• Write letters of recommendation for students applying to special programs or opportunities.

20% Scholarship Direction, Support, & Advising

• Direct the CHM Donor Scholarship application selection process for enrolled medical students.
• Coordinate with MSU units that offer scholarships for which medical students are eligible.
• Create a repository and inform students of scholarship opportunities external to MSU.
• Advise and support students applying to external scholarship programs and opportunities.
• Serve as liaison for federal medical scholarship programs offered by the Armed Services and the HRSA Public Health Service
• Serve as liaison for federal medical scholarship programs offered by the Armed Services and the HRSA Public Health Service

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Master's degree in business, finance, accounting, higher education administration

Minimum Requirements

Master's degree in business, finance, accounting, higher education administration, or related field of study or equivalent experience. Minimum of three to five years of experience in the field of financial aid.

Desired Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders within a complex and dynamic organization; Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills; Have experience collaborating with individuals in other disciplines and/or across agencies; Experience with advising, supporting, and providing guidance to students or trainees in medical education and/or healthcare delivery settings; Experience working with professional students, administrators, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. 

Required Application Materials

Interested individuals should apply online at careers.msu.edu. Application materials to be uploaded must include:

• a statement of interest that addresses enthusiasm and readiness for the responsibilities of the position, highlighting specific strengths related to this position, including previous professional experience and accomplishments in advising and financial aid or related tasks;
• a statement of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (please limit to one page or less);
• curriculum vitae; and
• the names and contact information of three references (not to be contacted without the permission of the applicant).

Special Instructions

Please contact Dr. Wanda Lipscomb, Associate Dean for Student Affairs at lipscom3@msu.edu with any questions. To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials by Late November 2024.

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://humanmedicine.msu.edu/education/academic-affairs.html

Department Statement

The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (CHM) is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for all members of the academic community, including students, faculty, administration, and staff in alignment with the college mission to educate exemplary physicians and scholars, to discover and disseminate new knowledge, to provide service at home and abroad, and to respond to the needs of the medically underserved.

The College of Human Medicine (CHM) strives to develop an academic community to best meet the needs of the diverse population of the state of Michigan. CHM seeks to promote equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for every individual including those from groups who are under-represented in medicine (Black/African American, Hispanic/Latine, and American Indian/Alaskan Natives), from rural and urban medically underserved communities, first-generation college, and from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. CHM is committed to embracing diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences and creating a culture of belonging for all.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.