Chatham University’s Office of Financial Aid recently underwent organizational changes. The office moved from Braun Hall to Berry Hall, now residing with the Office of Admissions. In addition, two main staff members left financial aid earlier this year, leaving not only vacancies but also new challenges for students seeking support amid FAFSA changes and other federal governmental cuts. 

Now, in the fall 2025 semester, the financial aid staff is beginning to find its footing once again. The office recently hired Jill Bittel, assistant vice president for financial aid, and Melanie Jones, assistant director of financial aid. It also employs Interim Director Daniel Yarritu, hired in January, and Interim Staff Member Juliana Davis, who joined in April. Vice President for Enrollment Management Amy Becher said that both employees are parts of an interim staffing team. 

Both Yarritu and Davis declined to comment. 

The Office of Financial Aid typically has four counselors. With the new employees, the office now returns to a full staff. 

“This new staff that we’re hiring is very student-focused. They have a history of that,” Becher said. “I’m just excited for the new chapter.” 

Applications for a director of financial aid and a financial aid coordinator were posted in Workday, the online platform used for hiring and employee management, on Sept. 12. Assistant/associate director applications are also still being accepted; the call for applicants went live over a month ago. 

Becher said that staff members naturally leave in any career field. 

“The transition isn’t because anyone did anything wrong. People can leave to explore new career prospects,” Becher said. 

The previous financial aid employees Erin Mays, who left in May, and Chrissy Carr were unable to be reached for comment. 

During the transition, students reported that they struggled to connect with counselors. 

“I came to Berry [Hall], because I know that before we closed out for the summer, the office had moved there,” said Jasmine Benni ‘27. “Up to now, still, I haven’t been able to hear from anyone.” 

At the very start of the semester, Davis was one of the only financial aid employees that students could meet with. Because she was remote, students were set up to have Zoom meetings at Berry Hall when searching for a counselor.

Brooklyn Tomczak ‘27 met with a financial aid counselor via Zoom, which she did through the TV on the second floor of Berry Hall. 

“I did not mind the Zoom, but it was really loud coming from the TV so I felt uncomfortable knowing the other people on the second floor could hear what we were talking about,” Tomczak said in an email interview. 

Though she was provided with relatively quick support, she’s heard from fellow students that this isn’t always the case. Some students are still seeking support after the recent wave of emails were sent to students facing financial holds. 

“I do not think we have enough employees,” Tomzcak said. “When mass emails are sent out across campus regarding bills, this is not enough to help people in a timely manner.” 

While Financial Aid navigated these staff changes, Olympia Giannakopoulos ‘27 said she struggled to get clarity regarding her questions about loan distribution. 

“This person gave me brief answers that did not answer my questions and further confused me. At this point, I was thinking that something was mistranslated over email,” Giannakopoulos said in an email interview. 

She tried calling the office for further clarification. 

“Overall, the call was not pleasant, and the financial aid employee was not kind and kept pushing me to just pay the ‘other half,’” Giannakopoulos said. 

“People are being affected by this, and they should understand that not everybody has the resources that they want or need to have a comfortable, nice life,” Benni said. “They should just look at it from a less privileged point of view and understand that people are struggling.” 

Becher explained that any transition period has its challenges. 

“We understand that with a change in staff, things get a little bumpy. It’s not lost on us,” she said. “That’ll be something that the new director is very aware of, doubling down on the customer service side and just being available to answer questions.” 

For financial aid questions, concerns or comments, reach out to [email protected], or visit the team at Berry Hall. 

Rudy Bilger contributed to this article.