Avena has extensive experience in financial aid as well as a solid background in information technology. In addition to her bachelor’s degree in information technology, Avena holds a master’s degree in business administration. She has worked in the community college sector for over twenty-eight years. She has held several financial aid positions throughout her career, including Financial Aid Evaluator, Financial Aid Technician, Director of Financial Aid, and currently Dean of Financial Aid and Registration Services.
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Avena has over 11 years’ experience with both the PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar systems. She successfully converted Colleague to PowerFAIDS and continues to serve as a PowerFAIDS administrator for PARMROLL and other yearly set up requirements. She has comprehensive experience in verification, awarding, importing/exporting of ISIRS, Federal work-study, student loans, disbursement of federal, state, and institutional aid, reconciliation, private loan certifications, dependency overrides, professional judgments, R2T4 and SAP. Her expertise lies in researching complex technical issues between PowerFAIDS, COD and Jenzabar. She also has a background in enrollment and graduation reporting from Jenzabar to the National Student Clearinghouse.
Avena holds a NASFAA Professional Credential in Administrative Capability and is an active member of NASFAA. She is passionate about working to make the Financial Aid process as simple as possible for students and families, while still adhering to and honoring the rules and regulations of the Federal Student Aid programs.
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