ECAR Accuracy
It is amazing the amount of processes/procedures we have to know as Financial Aid Professionals. As I went through this module, I knew most of this, and realized how "crucial" it is for someone at the Institutional Level to know this. Also, how important it is that deparments communicate with the individual that updates/manages the ECAR. If a program is changed from clock hours to credits, it usually would be developed, and designed in the Education department. They need to know to notify the FA Office for ECAR revisions. If they don't the school could be out of compliance in that particular program.
Laura Minnick
Laura,
It is important for all insitutions to have standard operating procedures to ensure that changes which impact the administration of FSA is communciated to all and all necessary actions are taken. The situation you described above is one that I have seen too often in the administration of FSA. One department makes a change to benefit the student's education experience and this change fails to make it through the entire organization and ultimately results in liabilities.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
It would be good if individuals were given the opportunity to participate in additional training in these areas, not only for being in compliance, but for also being able to be more marketable
Elaine,
I think you comment is a great suggestion. Know and understanding the requirements of ECAR updating is very important to the institution. The more opportunities for growth provided the better rounded the FA Professional Team in an institution will be. The overall strength in knowledge benefits the person, the institution and the students.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
