Crystal Thompson (Crys) is known for her robust laugh and contagious smile. Her laughter and smile helped her colleagues get through the long days and nights of processing financial aid during peak times. Crys has over 12 years of higher education experience. She began her career as a Financial Aid Clerk. Crys worked her way up to a Financial Aid Specialist. She was coordinator of the Tennessee Educational Lottery Program. Specifically, Crys was responsible for verifications, processing students’ eligibility with federal and state programs such as; PELL, SEOG, Federal Work-study, Tennessee Promise, and the Hope Lottery scholarship. Additionally, she is familiar with Ellucian Banner 8 and 9 system, COD, NSLDS, e-Grands, SAP, and packaging students and other financial aid functions.
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Remaining in compliance was at the top of mind for Crys; therefore, she stayed abreast with federal/state rules and regulation by attending various trainings and conferences: FSA, TASFAA, NASFAA, SASFAA. With this knowledge Crys was tasked to train new employees, and assist with implementing new policies and procedures. Crystal was in charge of reviewing and making decisions on students’ SAP appeals. Streamlining processes and procedures was equally important. To this end, she served on a committee charged with implementing the different verification worksheets for the financial Aid office.
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