Financial Aid
How much can an Admission say about Financial aid?
Robert,
The topic of financial aid should be fully explored with the subject matter experts. Many think they know it all but theo requirements change almost daily and they need to know the current information.
Patty Aronoff
Robert,
Absolutely! Honesty and integrity are the only way...grandma would be proud.
Patty Aronoff
Best advice would be to find out what the student already knows about FA before discussing anything. They may already have the needed knowledge and discussing more could confuse the issue.
I've always been on the side of caution and remind myself that if I would feel comfortable telling the information to my grandmother then I should tell it to anyone. This doesn't just apply to FA but to all the student interactions I have in Admissions.
Dione,
Financial Aid Officers have to have a great deal of knowledge regarding Title IV availability as well as other funding options.
If I have an accurate information about Financial Aid if not I will try to guide the student to the right direction which will be the Financial Aid Office.
Reo,
Every case is different! We rely on experts like yourself to give guidance and resources to the students.
I agree, We as finacial Planning Officers also give out other sources doing our mini consultation. ie: you can simply search the web for different organizations that offer schoarships and we list a few. Another is state of residence or personal history that might have tuition assistance. And yes, every case is different.
Jennifer,
They are the experts and students should speak with them about their financial aid matters.
Admissions can tell the students that we have an excellent team in the Financial Aid Department that can answer all their questions!
IT IS BEST FOR ADMISSIONS TO NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT FINANCIAL Aid. IF ASKED DIRECT THEM TO fINCANCIAL AID.
Diana,
This is a best practice for most schools.
Our Admissions staff is not permitted to discuss f/a with students just as we (f/a) are not permitted to discuss anything 'admissions' with students. We each have our own 'specialties' and the knowledge that goes along with it.
Elaine,
Most would agree. Misconceptions often happen out of the best intentions.
Our Department of Admissions does not discuss Financial Planning with our students. Once they meet with an Admissions Associate, they are brought to Financial Planning for a "mini" consultation and that is where Financial Planning Officers discuss with them the financials. I agree with this process because providing false/incorrect information is how misconception and misunderstandings start. ie: "Well my admission associate told me I could get Pell and loans to cover everything". That is not always true as every case is different. If that student does not qualify or has a gap then everyones credibility is affected.
Nikeline,
It is important not to misinform out of the best of intentions.
Patricia,
By involving all the departments, it shows we are all working together to the success of our students.
