Presenter

Christopher Renbarger, Roberto Gonzalez, Laura Barroso Classification Department Location

Position Number FTE Effective Abolish Financial Aid Specialist (Vacant) Financial Aid Oxnard XCU376 12months /100% 11/12 /2024 Establish Assistant Financial Aid Officer Financial Aid Oxnard XCU475 12months /100% 11/12 /2024 Position Overview Under the general supervision of the Financial Aid Officer, an Assistant Financial Aid Officer assists in coordinating and implementing the operations of a Financial Aid Office.

Analysis

The following information was provided by the college:

Following the vacancy of the financial aid specialist position in June 2024, the Financial Aid Officer met with interim President Oscar Cobian to discuss the critical need for the Assistant Financial Aid Officer position. The proposal to establish this position was subsequently reviewed and approved by the campus Executive Leadership Team. The Assistant Financial Aid Officer position is essential to advancing Oxnard Colleges mission, as it ensures students have the financial resources necessary to pursue their academic and career goals. This support not only fosters personal growth and professional success but also contributes to the enrichment of the broader community.

The Financial Aid Specialist position to be abolished is currently vacant and has been since June 2024. The vacancy arose when the former incumbent transferred to a bilingual Financial Aid Specialist position that became available when it's previous incumbent accepted a non-instructional faculty role at the college.

Funding Source

The position will be funded through 80% from the general fund and 20% from BFAP-Board Financial Aid Program funds. The position being eliminated was previously fully funded by the general fund. Given that the new position incurs higher costs, BFAP funds will offset the difference in salary and benefits. Notably, BFAP funding has remained consistent for the past 22 years since its inception.

By boosting operational efficiency and aligning strategies to improve recruitment and retention, this position will help the college attract more students, which is critical for ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

Approval Impact

The approval of an Assistant Financial Aid Officer by the Board is likely to result in significant improvements in the financial aid office's operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and student satisfaction. The Assistant Financial Aid Officer can oversee the day-to-day operations allowing the Financial Aid Officer to concentrate on higher-level strategic planning, policy development, and long-term initiatives for the financial aid office.

Non-Approval Impact

Should the Board choose not to approve the position, the financial aid office will likely encounter heightened strain, reduced efficiency, and elevated compliance risks. Students may experience delays in processing times and diminished support. Additionally, without this role, the department will be unable to pursue additional long-term initiatives.

Fiscal Impact

Estimated net increase in program cost of $ 19,333.24. Further Information

Scott Pilch

Administrative Services Committee Meeting

Meeting Information

Supporting Documents