Chyrl Ayers

Sean, A school may pay credit balances throuhg an electronic funds transfer (EFT) to a bank account designated by the student or parent so this is an option that would available to your school. However, if a student selects to not participate in this process the school will have to issue the credit balance through the manual process of a check. There is some very good guidance on the required standards of EFT in the 2012/13 FSA handbook pages 4 - 17 through 4 - 19. This information would allow you to explore your options (if your school was interested). Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Danica, Audits can affect your nerves; however, your approach is great. Two sets of FA eyes reviewing and double checking files are better than one. Remember auditors are not always right so before you agree to a potential finding do your own research and be prepared to defend. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Jack, I understand your concerns since I spent years in an college FA Office taking care of the regulatory and administrative functions of FSA. However, it appears that you are taking the necessary precautions to ensure compliance in the FA Office. I recommend attending training, especially any webinars so that you can stay on top of the ever changing requirements. Sincerely Chyrl Ayers

Jack, Based on your response it seems that your team has the necessary reports to take care of the students. As long as your team looks for ways to enhance the reporting to meet the objectives of your campus all should flow smoothly. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Danica, Reporting can be a good tool as long as it is used to effectively manage the needs of the students. At the campus level you want to ensure that your students are being awarded, disbursed and reported timely so long as you have the ability to track these functions you should be good. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Jack, Interesting thoughts on the need to share best practices and look for training opportunities to keep fresh on new ideas and approaches. Your response to this questions not only looks at your technology but gives others ideas on the importance of networking in the FA Community. Great insight on the potentials that lies with others. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Danica, Great way to stay on the cutting edge of technology opportunities. It is important to have the students working in envirnoments that make the process smoother and easier to accomplish. As Aid Administrators it is our responsibility to guide our students forward in the processes that lead to success. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Danica, All three aspects are critical to the student/parent experience with in the financial aid process. It is important that the team taking care of the student has a focus on each aspect and strives to ensure the success of the student. It would difficult focusing on accuracy without ensuring you are providing good Customer Service since accurate processing is ensuring timely delivery of funds. These all go hand in hand to delivering good customer service. Making the student's experience positive through accurate processing is a great way to take care of your students. Good Job! Sincerely Chyrl Ayers

Jack, All three aspects are critical to the student/parent experience with in the financial aid process. It is important that the team taking care of the student has a focus on each aspect and strives to ensure the success of the student. It is difficult to be dealing good Customer Service and not be meeting the timeliness and accuracy of processing the student's information. Keep working toward improving the students' experiences and your team will be successful. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Sergio, I agree completely. It is very important if you disagree with the auditor that you provide your regulatory support and do it in a courteous and professional manner. I have disagreed with many auditors over the years including Program Review Officers and it has never been a negative experience. Great point for all the participants to think about as they approach their audits. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers