I agree with your comment Tamika. The departments should work together to deliver student needs.
Tanya,
Do you have any suggestions on ways for departments to increase their awareness of each others needs and how to build a strong alliance within the institution? I would be interested in suggestions that others could review and implement.
Thank you for your participation. Chyrl
I agree that the Admissions Dept and the Financial Aid departments should work together and the DOA and myself have really strived to make that happen. My concern is with that relationship I struggle daily with Admissions Reps discussing Financial Aid with their prospective students instead of transferring them to the appropriate Financial Aid Coordinator assigned to them. Everyone should work together but how do you keep that line between the departments that should not be crossed?
Becca,
That is a tough question and I have struggled with the same type of situation when I was working at the campus level. I tried to keep an open door policy with my Admission Team and encouraged them to stop by during the morning, around lunch time, and before the went home to make me aware of any student specific issues. Also, I tried to keep them informed on changes in deadlines so they could assist me with getting students into the office for subsequent processing. I tried to find areas that they could interact with students on and then made myself available to handle the FA questions.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Financial Aid Administrators have a great impact of potential students. A student who has never heard of or thought about financial aid is usually very confused and unsure about how they can afford to attend college. The Financial Aid Adminstrator has to be able to explain to them thier options and verify that they understand thier responsibilities.
Caitlin,
Your points are excellent. It is very important to make the student and parents (if applicable) understand the process. It has been my experience that the more the studnet understands the greater their overall financial aid experience will be.
Best wishes in your continued onine education experience.
Chyrl
I think that the Financial Aid Administrators have a great impact on our students. Although most of my students have already met with the Admissions Office and should know about the cost of the program and how they can manage paying for their education, when I meet with them, I have to discuss their financial options in detail. How much each class costs, the amount of fees they will have to pay, would they be eligible for any grants, do they have tuition reimbursement from their employer, and their last option to obtain student loans. We have to guide them so that they are not lost in a financial aid abyss. The important things are not only the cost of the student's education, but also the quality of education they will be receiving at our university.
Lilianne, I agree with you that FA administrators have a great impact on the students as they complete their program of study. There is so much information that is given to a new student that I'm sure they don't grasp all of it in one or two settings. It is the FA administrator's responsibility to ensure the student has a comfort level with not only the cost of their education but how they are gong to pay for it.
Good luck in the completion of your course. Thanks, David
FAAs have a great impact on our students impression of education. They should provide excellent customer servie, answer any and all questions and make sure all documents are processed in a timely manner. Students depend on their FAA to give them the right information
Joan,
The Financial Aid Team definitely has an impact on the students' overall education experience. The most important aspect is to insure that the student is comfortable with the staff and willing to provide the necessary documents as needed. A good relationship is always important in the overal success of the student and school.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Totally agree with John , the first impression in the financial Aid office is the key to working and getting student to meet theirs needs
Do you take any special steps to ensure the student's first impression is positive? If so, it would be beneficial to share with the group. All of us in the financial aid community are looking for better ways to service our students and improve the student experience.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Education is an investment and in the current economy it has become increasing difficult for individuals to budget for school. Explaining the benefits of how obtaining higher education will help the student in a very competitive job market can be an effective selling tool.
Michelle,
Great comments! Education is a big investment and students should know that they are getting their monies worth. If you are budgeting and making sacrifices for education you want to see the benefits. Students must understand the benefits of education to make the best decision.
Sincerely,
Chyrl
