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Meet the Staff (above image)
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Front row from left -Graduate Assistant Jacqueline McGuire, Assistant Director Jill Stone, Assistant Director Maryann Giovanni, Director Karen Flynn.
Second row from left -Assistant Director Dan Brewer, Data Communications Specialist Sabine Schumann, Administrative Secretary Francesca D’Amato, Associate Director Chris Maclean, Financial Aid Counselor Bambi-Lynne Bush.
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An interview with Karen Flynn, director of UNH’s Financial Aid Office.
Define the goals of the Financial Aid Office.
The primary goal of the Financial Aid Office is to assist students and their families in making a UNH education affordable.
How do you accomplish this?
The University offers a comprehensive financial aid program with funds coming from institutional, state, private and federal sources. We have a dedicated staff that works closely with each student and their family throughout their years at UNH. We realize that every family has a unique financial situation and we help them explore the range of financing options to find which is best for them.
How many students here at the University receive financial aid?
Approximately 70% of all students attending the University receive some type of financial assistance.
What are some of the challenges you face each year?
Our biggest challenge is trying to fund the increasing number of students applying for financial assistance each year and yet still maintain the personal touch that our customers deserve. The financial aid process can be overwhelming and confusing, so it is not uncommon for a counselor to spend an hour on the phone with one family.
What is your busiest time of year, and what departments do you work with most frequently?
Our busiest season runs from March to October as evidenced by the amount of chocolate we consume. We never really have a quiet time in Financial Aid.
We work most closely with the Bursar’s Office, Admissions, Registrar, and Residential Life. However, our supervision of the student employment program brings us in contact with nearly every department on campus.
Share an anecdote about your experience with Financial Aid.
During the 24 years that I have worked in financial aid, what stands out in my mind are the students and families that appreciate everything that we have done for them in making their UNH learning experience a reality. We really develop strong relationships with many of the students and parents. It is not uncommon for them to stop by just to say hello or get a lollipop. This past summer, one grateful mother even showed her appreciation by delivering authentic Philadelphia hoagies to her daughter’s counselor.
Where are you located? Your office hours?
We are located in Maxcy Hall, Room 118B, and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m Monday through Friday.
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