After the acceptance letter comes the bill, and Juanita Saucedo leads the team that last year processed some 14,000 in-person tuition payments and nearly 44,000 refunds. Saucedo, student accounts manager, says earning an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice prepared her in a roundabout way for her career in accounting. "Everyone forgets about the financial crimes, unless they are the victim of one," Saucedo says.
What's your job, in a nutshell?
I oversee the day-to-day operations of the cashiering and student accounts office. We handle student billing and collections and communicate account policies. We also respond to student complaints and take care of various department transactional issues.
What would make your day perfect?
At home: Having my 1-year-old sleep through the night. At work: Seeing my staff happy, solving problems, and enjoying what they do every day.
What's the biggest misconception about your job?
That all we do is accept payments and issue refunds. While that is a large part of what this office handles, we also teach students how to read their bill, direct them to the appropriate office for specific questions, and handle a variety of financial situations.
What makes you successful at your job?
I listen to the student and try to help them by offering them a few solutions. I also follow up with them a few days after meeting with them.
What's the quirkiest tool of your trade?
I love my calculator. I use it so much. It's the first thing I power on in my office, even before the lights. It's nothing fancy - just a good, Sharp calculator.
What's your best piece of advice for students?
Don't wait until the last minute. Please read your Rebelmail and, most importantly, ask questions. We are here to help and point you in the right direction. We want to see our students succeed.
What's the story behind your favorite workspace tchotchke?
The first is my granite apple. It was my "Employee of the Year -- So Far" award from my previous employer, Le Cordon Bleu Las Vegas. It always reminds me of my humble beginnings in a higher education career 11 years ago. The second would be my son's self-portrait. He was 4 years old when he drew it with blue marker. It kind of looks like a Muppet and makes me smile when I am having a challenging day.
What's your afternoon pick-me-up?
Chocolate - the darker the better!
How can others on campus make your job easier?
By familiarizing themselves with what this office does and does not handle. For example, not all types of refunds are issued from this office. We specifically handle tuition and fee refunds.
What have been the most rewarding moments in your life and career?
So far, the most rewarding moments in my life have been becoming a wife and mother. It is a balancing act for sure, but I am very fortunate to have a supportive husband and great kids. The most rewarding moment in my career has been making the jump from a small private school business office to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.
If you weren't working here, what would you be doing?
I would be a stay-at-home mommy or learning to knit and sew, which is on my bucket list.
Who do you want to thank for the job they do on campus?
Those who work in our financial aid office have so much on their plates, and I will always have a soft spot for their line of work. It was my first job in higher education.
If you were given a $1 million grant to make a campus improvement, start a new program, or improve one we already have, where would you put that money?
I would put it toward an improved childcare discount program for employees. It is hard to find someone you trust with your children without breaking your bank.
Anything else you want to add about your job?
I am very fortunate. I work alongside some great people who are true experts in their field. My position has the advantage of allowing me to interact with various departments. My team is a well-oiled machine. For a small department to handle the volume that we do year round is truly amazing.
