Stabilizing Financial Aid Operations During Leadership Transitions

A Better Operating Model for Small Institutions

When a small, private liberal arts college in the Midwest lost its Financial Aid Director unexpectedly, institutional leaders needed a fast, flexible solution to maintain service and compliance. Like many small colleges operating with limited resources, they couldn’t afford delays in awarding or disruptions to students. By partnering with Financial Aid Services (FAS), the institution secured experienced interim support—stabilizing operations while laying the groundwork for long-term success.

College students walk around campus on a cold winter morning

Client

This four-year college serves approximately 2,000 students and is located in the Midwest. Known for its close-knit campus and liberal arts focus, the institution operates with limited resources, like many small colleges. The financial aid office plays a critical role in recruitment, retention, and student success—making operational stability a top priority.

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Challenges

Sudden departure of the Financial Aid Director
Risk of delays in aid processing during a critical time
Budget constraints limited the ability to hire full-time replacements
Leadership needed peace of mind that compliance and service would continue without disruption

Solution

FAS provided a flexible, cost-effective staffing solution to stabilize operations while allowing the institution to manage its budget effectively. Steps taken included:

Appointing an experienced interim Director of Financial Aid to serve in a part-time capacity.

Hiring an experienced part-time financial aid counselor to provide operational support.

Re-envisioning the structure of the financial aid office to align with institutional goals and resource availability

Results

Through FAS’s strategic interim staffing and operational guidance, the institution:

Ensured uninterrupted financial aid operations during a critical transition
Provided peace of mind for enrollment leadership, with full compliance and maintained service levels
Maintained a competitive edge in student recruitment and retention through timely aid delivery
Developed a sustainable staffing plan with the flexibility to adapt over time