I believe that the more information the prospective student gets, the better decision he/she can make. I try to give them as much information I can as an admissions representative, and I like to give it as clear as possible. I also like to refer them to the FAFSA website for them to do their search too.
Kamal,
It is best to leave the details to FA.
Alexi,
Financial aid detail questions should be handled by FA. They are the experts.
Barbara,
That is really up to your director. It is better for compliance that one knowledgeable in financial aid speak to the student in order to not mislead.
I give a general overview on the three main areas that make up the financial aid process- grants, federal government loans and private loans. Specific questions a student may have during this time, I document for the financial aid coordinator to answer and explain.
Be open & honest as long as we are staying with in the guidelines. Remember to refer to the experts - FA Dept. Just like if someone ask you about job placement & expected earnings, we refer them to the Career Serv Dept., the same goes for the FA Dept. However, we don't want to be preceived as "passing the buck". Walk them over, do the intros, state they are in good hands of a professional & follow up with them to ensure their concerns have been addressed.
Even though we should leave all questions up to the Financial Aide Department, we should not hesitate to do our best on going over what we know as far as grants ,pell grants ,loans etc....If the student see's that we are uncomfortable and passing it off too quick, it will seem that we are not willing to help, and they may decide to go some where else.
Jose,
Agreed! This is a best practice.
Arturo,
Financial aid is one subject best left to the experts.
I consider that we just explain things like what means for example: grants, federal loans, private loans or scholarships, etc, beside that explain smartform and prepare the student to know that probably he/she will pay a loan.
I agree, we do not want to mislead students by giving incorrect information. We should leave anything other than the basic information to the FA representative.
Not a whole lot, we can describe the major options ie.....grants, federal loans & private loans, but that is pretty much the extent, all specific questions should be directed to the financial aid department.
