Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

Magdali, Agree. Organization and ensuring accuracy are important characteristics that make for a success in the management of a FA Office. Best wishes in your pursuit of a financial aid position. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

Are Processes In Your Business Office Outdated?

Kerry, I am familiar with most SIS that are used in the educational space; however, most of the clients I work with that have clock hour programs have internally developed Student Information Systems. At this time I do not have a recommendation but possible one of the other students may have one that is successful for them and their process. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

The Auditors Are Coming!

Allison, Your point is a good one - most FA Professionals do not make mistakes maliciously. The mistakes are ususally due to misinterpretation and an oversight. It is important that you continue your education process through reading, webinars, online educational tools and other education professionals. Audits are a valuable tool to provide confirmation of accurate processing and identify areas that require strengthening. Best wishes in your continued process of growing in financial aid policies and procedures. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

The Auditors Are Coming!

DENISE, A checklist is a great way to ensure that all student files are complete and accurate. If you are able to automate the checklist through your system so it pre-determines what each student needs that would be a very helpful tool to guarantee no one misses a requirement. Best wishes in your continued educational experience. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

Financial Aid Reporting

DENISE, Reporting is an important part of the management of FA for internal staff and students. It is critical to ensure you have systems in place to assist and not hamper the process for you and your staff. The recordkeeping responsibility is an important part of the process for students and the campus. The records will be used for audits and reviews in the future. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

The Most Important Characteristic of Financial Aid

DENISE, You make a very valuable point about return visits to FA. It may appear to the student and parent that a lack of understanding exist if they are continually asked to return to the FA Office. Also, it is critical that students and parents understand the FA process, especially as it related to to loan borrowing. The more FA Administrators do to make them comfortable the more successful the experience will be. Sincerely Chyrl Ayers

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

The Auditors Are Coming!

Laura, File organization is very important when dealing with audits or reviews. This small courtesy enables the auditors to quickly review each student to determine all applicable documents are present for the review. This is a good practice for you and your team when you review your files to ensure all documents have been collected. The ledger card is a great second check against the file to ensure not only the file is document compliant but in compliance for disbursements that have posted. Great practice. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

The Most Important Characteristic of Financial Aid

Rhonda, I think all of your points are very valid. Each encounter with our students should be done in a positive manner while working toward completion of their Financial Aid requirements. I think it is critical that your students are comfortable with you and understand the requirements. The more time we invest in the students the greater their chance of success. Sincerely, Chyrl Ayers

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

Are Processes In Your Business Office Outdated?

Allison, What Student Information Management System do you use? Most of these providers have an internal area where you can add notes to a student's account and that would allow each department to know if another department needs to speak with a specific student. If not, does your school offer any computer programming courses? If so, there may be an instructor or a student that could write you a program that allows this type of student tracking. I definitely see this as a concern that would require a method to manage to ensure that students are getting the best service.… >>>

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

Financial Aid Reporting

Gilda, Reporting is necessary and beneficial. It is a great method to ensure that all aspects of the student process is accurate and timely. Successful FA and Business Offices always have great reporting and tracking mechanism. Sincerely Chyrl Ayers