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About Us
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| Scope of Responsibilities |
With a staff of 24 full time staff and 14 student employees, the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) provides information on various financial aid programs and related services. It is responsible for processing information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine student eligibility for financial aid. Once determined, this office will notify the student of the aid being offered and with Student Business Services work on a timely disbursement of these funds.
Through annual reporting, the OSFA assures all programs are being administered according to federal, state, and institutional compliance requirements.
This office maintains a relationship with area high schools by being available for information and training including, an annual high school counselor financial aid training workshop on campus and a financial aid information evening program conducted at every area high school. In cooperation with other offices on campus, important financial information is disseminated through various avenues to assist with student success.
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| Vision, Mission, Goals |
As an administrative office of the University of Texas at El Paso and a component of the University College, our primary focus is to assist in the realization of our students’ goal of a higher education. Through various financial aid programs, education and advising we strive to provide the financial resources necessary for our students to succeed. This office is committed to providing financial assistance to eligible students who would otherwise be unable to pursue a post-secondary education; provide other related services to all students and ensure University compliance with all federal, state and institutional statutes and policies affecting the administration of student aid programs.
To accomplish this mission we will:
- Provide excellent customer service;
- Employ a well trained staff receptive to student needs;
- Utilize available technology to make the awarding and disbursement of financial aid funds as efficient and rapid as possible;
- Educate our students on campus about financial aid programs and the application process;
- Provide and support efforts in the community to foster more knowledge about financial aid opportunities;
- Meet all federal, state, and institutional compliance requirements;
- Keep students out of the office and in the classroom.
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| Message from the Director |
On behalf of all of us in the UTEP Office of Student Financial Aid, I want to sincerely welcome you to our institution. You should be congratulated and commended for your decision to pursue a post secondary education. There is no greater investment you can ever make than to obtain an education that will last you a lifetime.
The last reason in the world to think you cannot make this investment is to think you cannot afford it. This is where our office can assist you. Through various financial aid programs that include grants, college work study, and student loans and related services, we can help you with the financial burden of obtaining your education. We have a well trained staff receptive to your needs and dedicated to helping you navigate the sometimes confusing process of applying for financial aid. Our goal is to help you succeed.
Please utilize our website for information and tools to make the financial aid process as easy as possible. If you feel more comfortable speaking to someone in person our friendly staff will be happy to answer your questions and assist you. Again, welcome to UTEP.
Raul H. Lerma, Director
Office of Student Financial Aid |
| Key Projects & Initiatives |
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The UTEP Grant. UTEP’s effort to assist undergraduate students who qualify for the TEXAS Grant but, will not receive one due to decreased state funding;
Community outreach efforts to inform and encourage high school seniors to pursue a post secondary education with the help of various financial aid programs;
Debt management offered through our Pre-Loan Counseling sessions;
Along with Human Resources, Career Services; and Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), the development of a new customer service training program for all student employees.
The continued use and search of ways to utilize available technology to make the financial aid process easier and more efficient;
Cross training with other components within the University College to better serve students. |
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