Tim Koert

The booth (or station) is a great idea for increasing students awareness of all things financial - in school and out! I am thinking of linking the awareness to something that studens frequently access throughout their time on campus. Perhaps the resource room, the lounge or as part of a business or professional ethics class! Financial responsibility is integrated with every successful person's life.

Kellee Gunderson

I thought that a booth was a good way to reach students who might never find their way to the financial aid office. If a school holds events (e.g. career fairs and new student orientation day), it is important for FA to be represented.

Lora Miller

Interesting idea

Kellee Gunderson

These are all excellent points! Students having financial problems may be embarrassed and reluctant to talk about their loans, but when they see a Financial Aid staff that is friendly, accessible, and going out of their way to reach out, students may be more willing to open up.

Cheryl Kesson

Michael,

I think you make a very good point. Just the thought of dealing with Financial Aid can be intimidating to many students. Really getting out there to meet and network with students can open the lines of communication. Students will feel more comfortable going to someone with questions when they have had a chance to get to know them outside of the office setting.

Cheryl Kesson

Michael Champagne

I like the thought of an awareness booth. I feel that financial aid officers get "stuck" in their office and never make the personal connections with the students. Our admissions and career service staff have realized the importance of students feeling comfortable with you and financial aid needs to follow suit.

Kellee Gunderson

Maylin,

I love that you have found a way to increase financial aid visibility on campus and collect new student data! Having worked my share of conventions, job fairs, and student fairs I know the power of candy bowls and giveaways to bring people to your booth.

Kellee Gunderson