Our school is very small and privately owned. If I were the one making decisions I would update every bit of the technology available to the students. Our office is pretty behind in the times as far as our computer/server system goes. The students would have more accessibility to online training and videos, etc.
Online access to student accounts, financial aid status, just as with credit cards and bank accounts, is helpful to working adult students.
No, but....
We are a new school. There are many functions yet to have a "process." This section or the course makes it very clear the processes are a must. As we get closer to accepting federal programs, i am sure we will be putting these in place.
Sparky,
I hope the information was helpful as you move toward approval to award and disburse FSA funds.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
As we are not a Title IV school yet, we are in the process of creating a student portal in which we and the student can keep track of the funds that have been paid and are outstanding.
NO, I feel we are very up to date with our financial aid processes. It is always changing and we are constantly coming up with new ways to do things to make it easier and successful for us.
Gabrielle,
It is great that you know the status of your processes and are able to confidently state up to date. Success comes when you are able to evaluate, test and attest to the compliance of the process.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
I am the Director of Financial Aid at an online school. Key word - online. So you would think our school would be cutting edge in the technology department, not so much. Our processes are not outdated so much as our technology is. We get the job done although it could be a lot more efficient. Our processes revolve around the regulations put forth by the Department of Education which change incrementally from year to year with the exception of the verification which was changed by leaps and bounds if you look back to the 11-12 award year to 13-14 award year. Our implementation of these regs can use a bit of a makeover.
Michael,
This forum is really designed to make you think about your processes and look for ways to improve in areas that require strengthening. Based on your answer it appears you have a very open and forthright opinion on where you are and why. I think it is improve to look for areas of improvement but to ensure you focus on the ones that meet regulatory requirements and student experience first.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
Sometimes, technology can get the better of us. Our business office utilizes a pretty outdated student management system which makes it less efficient when having to keep track of student records. Although it's manageable because you find alternative ways of completing the same tasks, a new records management system would not only free up time from the staff, but also provide assurances to students that a clear process is utilized when managing their individual information.
Susan,
It is important that each of us understand the benefits and weaknesses of our Student Management System. There is not a problem with a workaround unless it prevents you or your team from providing good customer service or accurate information to your students. You never want your system's shortcomings to create an issue when taking care of the student.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
Cumbersome fits our student accounts department more than antiquated. It is hard to have a discussion with a student about why or when something is going to be accomplished when most of the processes are conducted off site at a third party service. Especially when the student isn't allowed to contact the off site facility.
Todd, Most third party servicers have set procedures regarding the processing of student information for their clients. It all goes back to the timeliness of the client submitting the student information to the servicer and how accurate the information is when submitted. As long as the information is accurate there should be no delay in title iv funds disbursing.
Thanks,
David McGuffee
We require that our staff be constantly updating their professional development, and our college is always on top on acquiring up to date technology and methodology that helps our staff and students throughout the process.
TANIA,
That is a great position to take to ensure understanding with the most current technology and professional growth. Do you have any recommendation for others on professional development that has been beneficial to your college.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
I would have to say technology. We don't have an online portal for students to access. This could benefit both students and staff. Anytime a student needs to check on their account or Financial Aid they have to come and see us. Sometimes we are in appointments and can't meet with them right away. I think the students would prefer to have it at their fingertips.
Frances,
I agree with you. Most students would prefer and benefit from having account access at their fingertips. Until you get to that point it is important that you try to find workarounds that will help resolve the problem. Good customer service suffers when the administrator is hindered from helping the student in a timely manner.
Regards,
David McGuffee
I feel that some of our processes are a little outdated. Although we do have a student website that takes payments online, I do think we should have a more customer friendly payment option to use credit cards/debit cards at the campus level.
Also the way we put holds on students that owe money and are delinquent is also outdated. We need to have a better system of getting these students to fulfill their commitments or have a Plan B, rather than chasing them down in the classroom constantly.
No, I don't feel any of the processes in our Business Office are outdated. The staff that work in the Business Office are very knowledge and our home office staff are always improving their processes by making use of technology.
Daisy Debs
Daisy,
It is important to have confidence in your team to ensure that all areas is processing currently and timely. It is good to know you have faith in your team.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
