Financial Aid and Admissions
From day one of me beginning my career in Admissions, i learned that the less you know of financial aid the better. There are so many opportunities for the Admission Rep. to say something that is incorrect that could lead to trouble.
I think it's a good thing to know about the financial aid process and be familiar with the different types of financial aid. However, I do agree with you, Keith in the fact that as an admissions rep it is better to know about financial aid and not say anything to the student. Leave the explanation of FA to the FA coordinators/Student Services Depts so they can use the appropriate language.
When I speak with a student, I give them a brief overview of what financial aid consists of and follow it up with, "If you have specific questions about financial aid, please save it for my business office proffessionals - they are the experts on the topic."
Generally, this lets the student know that I am not the expert on financial aid and that they will have an opportunity to have their questions answered.
I find it benefical to understand FA. FA rep and Admissions both are helping the studnet so it does help me to understand the issuse and language when discussing students with FA. I do feel as far as the student goes, FA should handle the questions that would apply specifical to a student.
I have attended conferences held by our third party servicer and attended Title IV training. I have found the training to be very educational and knowledgeable in answering general questions regarding financial aid to prospective students.
While we do provide an "overview" of the financial resources available, it is not our job to walk the student through that process. In fairness, while giving that overview, we need to tell the students that this is indeed just an overview so that they are reassured that there are many financial resources available to finance their education. This should also offer encouragement and comfort as they move forward in that process with our (well educated) financial aid officers. Students need (and have the right) to know that most likely they will find assistance in paying for school, and that our FA staff will diligently assist in facilitating that.
Agreed. Once you open the door to going into specific information regarding fin. aid (even if you know it very well), you do not want to be held responsible or providing incorrect information or a student misinterpeting your role.
Keith:
It is helpful to have some general understanding of financial aid such as whether your school offers federal loans or grants but I would agree that any specific questions need to be answered by those persons specifically trained to understand financial aid.
