Student Account Manager: A Comprehensive Overview of the Role at Penn State University

Introduction

The role of a Student Account Manager, particularly at an institution like Penn State University (PSU), is critical to the smooth functioning of the bursar's office and the overall student experience. This article provides a detailed description of the responsibilities, requirements, and benefits associated with the Student Account Manager position at Penn State, drawing from available information and expanding upon the key aspects of the role.

Core Responsibilities of a Student Account Associate

The Student Account Associate is a vital link between the university and its students, parents, and authorized payers. This position primarily focuses on supporting and serving these individuals by addressing their inquiries and concerns related to student accounts. Key responsibilities include:

Direct Support and Service: The Student Account Associate supports and serves students, parents, and authorized payers contacting the office of the bursar regarding issues or questions concerning student accounts.
Information Provision: Providing accurate and comprehensive information regarding university policies and processes related to student accounts. This includes, but is not limited to, admission to the university, registering for classes and all policies and procedures related to student records.
Resource for Staff: Serving as a knowledgeable resource for student account specialist staff, aiding them in navigating complex issues and providing guidance on best practices.
Communication: Interpreting and communicating information clearly, accurately, and persuasively to diverse audiences.
Problem-Solving: Applying knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem-solving.
Teamwork: Supporting team decisions and following through with team responsibilities.

Skill Levels and Expectations

The Student Account Associate role can encompass various skill levels, each with its own set of expectations and responsibilities:

Entry-Level: Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform own work; spends the majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. Follows recommended approaches to assigned work.
Intermediate Level: Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult.
Proficient Level: Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Depending on the specific role and level, a Student Account Manager may also have supervisory responsibilities. These can include:

Supervising assigned staff: Supervising assigned staff and coordinates routine work activities.
Monitoring employee interactions: Monitoring employee interactions and facilitates a productive working environment.
Communication and Training: Communicating instructions and policies in a consistent, effective, and timely manner.
Addressing Concerns: Identifying and addressing concerns appropriately.

Application Instructions for Penn State

For those interested in applying for a Student Account Associate position at Penn State, it is crucial to follow the correct application process:

Current Penn State Employees: Current Penn State employees (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) should log in to Workday to complete the internal application process.
Current Penn State Students (Not Previously Employed): Current Penn State students (not employed previously at the university) seeking employment with Penn State should log in to Workday to complete the student application process.
External Applicants: If you are NOT a current employee or student, click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Background Checks and Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Employee Benefits at Penn State

Penn State offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including:

Comprehensive Coverage: In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement Plans: Employees enjoy robust retirement plans
Paid Time Off: Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
Tuition Discount: One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

Penn State's Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Student Employment at Penn State

Penn State provides various employment opportunities for students, which are designed to offer valuable work skills and income to support their educational goals. These positions may be on or off-campus.

Academic Requirements for Student Employees

To maintain "student employee" status, individuals must meet minimum credit hour requirements per term:

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Undergraduate Students: 6 credit minimum
Graduate Students: 5 credit minimum

Falling below these requirements may affect tax deductions and exemptions.

Types of Student Positions

Work Study: Funded primarily through Federal Work Study awards received by the student and administered through the Office of Financial Aid. Generally, the federal subsidy for these positions is approximately 90% of wages.
International: Eligibility determined by visa status.
Combination Hourly Student Employee & Graduate Assistant: Students may hold a Graduate Assistant (GA) position earning tuition remission and a stipend, and also work in a PSU Regular Wage position on an hourly basis.

Federal Work Study Program (FWSP)

PSU encourages all units on campus to employ students. The FWSP does not authorize or pay for overtime, so if an employee works over 40 hours in one week, 100% of the overtime will be charged to your department.

Wage Structure for Student Employees

Position duties, defined in a well-written and up to date position description, are the basis for determining placement in the Student Wage Structure and setting student pay rates. Students must be paid at least minimum wage. Any wage rate over the "Student Employee Wage Cap" requires advance approval by Human Resources.

Level 1: Often performed within the first year of service in the position.
Level 2 (Intermediate): Positions require special training that a student may have acquired while working in an Entry-Level position within your department or have gained the training in some other way or may be complex in nature. Requires a minimum of 1+ years of experience.
Level 3 (Advanced): Positions require that a student possess a special skill or combination of special skills that may have been acquired through experience prior to being hired or through course work or both. Provides leadership in an area of expertise. Positions work independently and are highly technical in nature. May act as lead to other student employees. Preferred 2+ years of experience.
Level 4 (Pre-Professional): Requires pre-approval by Human Resources. Highly technical and specialized area of expertise is required.
Level 5 (Performing at an Event): Requires pre-approval by Human Resources. This job class is suitable for work involved in performing at events, such as but not limited to, playing musical instruments, DJ, etc.

International Students Employment

International student employees must adhere to rules set by the federal government. They are eligible to work on campus with written permission from the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS). International students may begin working on the PSU campus up to 30 days before the start of their academic program.

Recruiting and Hiring Student Employees

The easiest and most effective way to reach a large audience of students is to post a position on “Handshake,” the online jobs database maintained by Advising & Career Services. Supervisors may consider forming a selection committee of department members when hiring student employees.

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Additional Roles at Portland State University

To provide a broader context, it's worth noting some other roles available at Portland State University (PSU):

Sales and Events Coordinator: Plays a crucial role in driving sales initiatives and coordinating events to ensure exceptional client experiences at the University Place Hotel. Responsibilities include prospecting new business, preparing promotional materials, and maintaining communication between clients and hotel departments.
Director of Research Integrity and Compliance Programs: Oversees the operations of and supervises staff supporting specific research integrity and regulatory compliance programs housed in the office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies (RGS) at PSU.
Manager, Financial Services Center: A leadership role dedicated to driving operational excellence within PSU’s Financial Service Center. The Manager directly oversees the Financial Service Center team responsible for Accounts Payable and Procurement Card processes, as well as certain aspects of Vendor Management and Travel.
Native American Student & Community Center (NASCC) Assistant Director (AD): Provides leadership to the NASCC and is responsible for the hiring, evaluation, and supervision of center staff. The AD manages the center’s daily operations, including public relations efforts and helping leadership with fundraising efforts and strategic initiatives.
Adjunct Instructors: The Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering at Portland State University invites local, qualified candidates to serve as adjunct instructors in the following specialty areas: Design & Manufacturing and Thermal & Fluids Science. These are part-time positions.
Campus Police Officers: Portland State University Campus Police Officers are responsible for maintaining peace and public safety through enforcement of laws, performing traffic control, and providing emergency services on the Portland State University campus, to include the adjacent community.
Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ED of DEI): Portland State University (PSU) seeks a visionary, relational, and strategic leader to serve as Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ED of DEI).
Departmental Research Administration (DRA) Manager: A professional staff member of Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), the centralized administrative unit at Portland State University (PSU) responsible for University-wide administration of external funding received by the University in the form of grants and contracts for research and other scholarly activity.
Agreements Specialist: A professional staff member in the office of Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), the centralized administrative unit at Portland State University (PSU) responsible for University-wide administration of external funding received by the University in the form of grants and agreements for research and other scholarly activity.

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