I agree with Stacey.
The financial situation is very difficult, especially with the economic of today.
Michael,
Understanding the student's apprehensions about finances is a great place to start. Once you have a clear understanding of what makes the student anxious in this area, you can help the SO also get a clearer understanding. Addressing this up front with the student may be helpful in relaxing the student and increasing attendance at the SO meetings.
Shannon Gormley
My moat difficult is when I am unable to have the student’s SO attend the meeting. This is compounded because not only is prospective student apprehensive about finances but the SO will only be looking at the “bottom line†on the FA estimate and will not have the value added from attending the meeting.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Jeff. Cost can be difficult to address with some students and no problem at all for others. It looks like you do your best to figure out what's most important to the student in regards to cost and focus on what options might work best for them, is that right?
Shannon Gormley
I agree with the others, financially committing for school can be a long term agreement for some. When I have used the "compared to what?" response before it usually leads into how much schooling costs in general. Some responses are just blank stares because this may be the only school they have looked at. At that point I have recalled our conversation and move into financial planning for them, talking about options of financial aid along with scholarships and grants.
Yolanda,
It's great to know and feel that you've been able to help someone on their life's path. It sounds like you are sincere in your desire to help and take a naturally curious approach to learning about your students so that you can both see what might be some options for addressing their specific situations.
Shannon Gormley
Exactly. I often find that many of my student's do not know the direction they need to take and I always find it rewarding when I can direct them and they walk away somewhat relieved and smiling.
Yolanda,
These can be difficult challenges to address. It sounds like you are sensitive to each student's unique situation and work hard to not put them on the spot unnecessarily. It might be helpful to articulate your desire to assist them in the very best way you can and that it would be helpful if you could ask a few questions regarding these challenges. Then just check in to make sure your student is comfortable by simply asking, "would that be okay with you?" Their response will tell you where to go.
Shannon Gormley
I find health and learning disabilities an issue because I do not want the student to feel self conscience about anything they are trying to overcome.
Edwin, thanks for sharing. It sounds like you are putting your student's needs first. I wonder, what questions do you ask when you are with students that are afraid to ask questions themselves?
Shannon Gormley
In my personal experience as a Counselor in a University that 95% are hispanic, they are afriad to open their self to ask question, afraid about fanancial aid and it is difficult sometime to be able to do your best in serving them. But a belive that is my job to help them feel that we care about them, that we are not going to judge them and for them feel that some one will help.
The language barrier and financial issues. Many times students are concerned about the level of knowledge that they must have in the english language, in order to participate in a specific program. To this, we add that in some cases students are from other countries and need sponsors or have to pay with their money to cover the cost of their tuition because they do not qualify for financial aid.
Ubaldo, those are valid concerns. I think the important part is that you realize that it is not a "one size fits all" solution and so our job is to learn about the student's situation first and try to help with options later.
Shannon Gormley
Most of the time, the most difficult challenge is child care because we need to understand that sometimes they don't have family or friends to help them in this matter. Actually another difficult issue is the financial concern, because the economic situation of this country.
Most of the time, the most difficult challenge is child care because we need to understand that sometimes they don't have family or friends to help them in this matter. Actually another difficult issue is the financial concern, because the economic situation of this country.
Intersting observations, Dulnia. Challenges related to personal relationships can be difficult to overcome for sure. What are some of the resources that you use to address these types of challenges when they arise?
I do agree that the most difficult ones are those related to personal relationships. Many women for example postpone their studies due to childcare scheduling and money (they become economically dependable on their couple).
Interesting approach, Maricelly. I'm curious, how would you handle this situation if the student's family member protested to this?
when the prospect come to the office wit a companion. sometimes is very difficult to really talk to the prospect. Most of the time I do not allow the prospect enter to my office with a companion. I will ask very, very politely to the person to wait outside.
In my opinion is very difficult to deal with a student that comes with spouse or parent or a friend. Some of them dont know what to ask, and let their companion to be their " voice". I usually , dont leave the prospect come to my office with any body else. I ask the person (politely ) to wait outside.
