Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

The Most Important Characteristic of Financial Aid

Angie, You answer is well-thoughtout and delivered. It is difficult to ensure that all three aspects are exhibited each time there is an interaction with a student or parent. However, I always encourage FA Professionals to inspect what they expect. If you want to guarantee that your staff are providing the best service you will need to make time to watch and evaluate their interaction with students. The best practices related to documents are to have a standard set of documents and require these based on specific scenarios - no deviation. When one deviates is when one has the opportunity… >>>

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

The Most Important Characteristic of Financial Aid

Rita, It is difficult to rank one as the most important since all three are what make a truly successful department. Each item carries its own value to the process for the student. The key is to ensure that all aspects are handled timely and accurately with good customer service. If this occurs your students will have a positive experience. Best wishes in your continued online educational experience. Sincerely, Chyrl

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

The Auditors Are Coming!

Debbie, You have a very good approach to the audit process. Organization, documentation and attitude is very important. It is important that you build some internal controls to ensure accuracy of the files, awarding, disbursing and exiting process for your students. I recommend periodically pulling a sample of files and testing the compliance. This is a good practice and will make sure that you are aware of areas for improvement. Have a good day. Sincerely, Chyrl

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

Financial Aid Reporting

Debbie, One of the most important steps in the set up of a Financial Aid or Business Office is organization. This will be very beneficial as you move toward a more automated process. The automation should compliment the organizational structure of your office and ensure timely processing for students and parents. Best wishes as you continued your set up of your FA Office. Sincerely, Chyrl

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

Are Processes In Your Business Office Outdated?

Debbie, Being part of a Technology College should afford you the ability to access to staff and students that can create some excellent opportunities through electronic means. The best time to lay the foundation is when you are just starting out - take the time to think through where you want the FA Office to be at 100, 500, 1000, 5000 students and implement practices and systems to support your growth. Sincerely, Chyrl

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

The Most Important Characteristic of Financial Aid

Your thoughts have been echoed by many participating in this online Financial Aid Course. Each characteristic is equally important to the overall success of the student's experience at the institution. It is important to treat each student with timely and accurately responses in a manner that is customer service friendly. Building this type of relationship with your students will install confidence in the process and relationship. Best wishes in your continued online educational process. Sincerely, Chyrl

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

Are Processes In Your Business Office Outdated?

Sheneka, Building a relationship throughout the life cycle of the student's educational process is extremely important. Reinforcement of the importance of task that occur at different points in their education process is of great value to the overall responsiveness of students. Some institutions will use electronic tools to interact with their students from the counseling through to exit processing. The most important tools is to build the relationship. Best wishes in your continued online financial aid education. Sincerely, Chyrl

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

The Auditors Are Coming!

Michelle, I think preventive measures are very important to the smooth running of a Financial Aid Office. These measures allow you to quickly identify issues and resolve. It is a great way to strengthen the overall student and administative experience. Have a great weekend. Sincerely, Chyrl

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

Preventing Program Reviews

Michelle, Consistency and accuracy in the processing and packaging of the students' files are very important. All departments should have Policies and Procedures in place to ensure consistent and accurate processing for all students. If your approach is followed throughout the organization you should never have an issue. Sincerely, Chyrl

Chyrl Ayers

Discussion Comment

The Most Important Characteristic of Financial Aid

Michelle, Your thoughts on the importance of these characteristics individually and collectively is noted. It is important for each person to understand his/her role in the overall success of the student and campus. Your approach to timeliness, accuracy and customer service should enable you, your team and students to be success in the educational process. Best wishes in your continued online education process related to financial aid. Sincerely, Chyrl