Rushing causes mistakes
I agree. You need to give quality time and service to the student and make sure you give it to yourself, also. Because time and accuracy is a big part of the process. It also makes the process go smoothly without silly mistakes being made.
Eugenia,
The more time we spend with the student at the beginning of their enrollment period the more likely they will continue to understand the process of ensuring they have met all of their requirements for receiving aid to continue their education. Our students are the reason we are there.
Good luck going forward in your online education.
David McGuffee
I agree with this post and response. While we sometimes are in a qick hurry we certainly are not machines nor are our students. We must take our time and learn that everyone works at their own pace.
Many times we feel we rushed in order to be able to attend all students, not giving the full attention each and every one of them deserve. When giving quality time and service to the student they feel appreciated and thankful and become interested simply by the great service you are providing.
Solanch,
It is important to the student to feel special and all of their needs were attended to in an excelent manner. However, I realize that it gets busy and sometimes you have to stay focused on getting the job completed. Whenever you can take the time with the student it will pay dividends to the longterm relationship.
Best wishes in your continued online educational process in Financial Aid.
Chyrl Ayers
I agree, By rushing through the process mistakes can happen that will cause the student financial aid to be delayed. Delayed in the Award Letter being mailed, Delayed in disbursement of funds to student and school. This will also cause students or parents to be unhappy with the school. I have learned the more we can not make mistakes the smoother the process of awarding Financial Aid to the prospective student.
I BELEIVE WE SHOULD TAKE OUR TIME, WE LIVE IN A MICROWAVE WORLD WHERE EVERYBODY WANT THINGS DONE INSTANTLY. BY TAKING TIME WITH THE STUDENTS AND MAKING SURE WE DOT ALL THE I'S AND CROSS THE T'S, WE WILL MAKE THEM FEEL SPECIAL AND WE WILL NOT HAVE TO DELAY THE PROCESS OF THEIR FIANCIAL AID.
sharita, I agree completely. so many financial aid officers rush through the process and in the end make so many errors they have to start over. Students need that special attention since the process is usually greek to them. They need to worry about their studies and not have to worry if their financial aid is going to come in, in a timely manner. Good luck in your continued online studies. Thanks, David McGuffee
David McGuffee
Regina, You are so right, mistakes in processing a student's financial aid by the aid office not only makes for an unhappy student and parent, it also can cause the school issues later during audits and can lead to the school having to return funds to the Department. Best of luck, David McGuffee
David McGuffee
I agree. A former teacher, I have found that if I take a little extra time to educate the person I am packaging on various important aspects of FA(the differences between sub vs. unsub; the grace period; MPN, etc.), the student walks away feeling empowered. FA is not this "scary" mystery as it seems to be for too many students--and their parents! I start to cultivate a relationship with them; they are more cooperative and open to me. This definitely comes in handy later during the course of their studies when I need to track them down for a signature or to remind them to re-apply for FA.
Hrissi,
I love your attitude - Empowerment is a great way to appoach the financial aid process. I complete agree that FA is a mystery and students should not be fearful when working through the process. Your approach toward knowledget is power is great.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
I have to agree by taking your time and exaplining everything to the student they not only understand but have faith in you. Also it is always best to take time in processing the file right the first time and put it up instead of having to do it over and over.
Rhonda,
Agree with you completely. It has been my experience that if you take the time in the initial meetings with the student/parent to handle the process correctly the overall process will be smoother for the student. Positive feedback from the student on his/her experience is the best type of feeback.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
