Managing Consumer Disclosures
We are currently working on an improved system as we speak. From having a control on the admissions pieces tht are produced, and a centralized repository of this standard data collection. Once the standard data collection is complete, and a standard template by program, is developed - these materials will be approved by compliance, marked approved, and campuses will be able to centrally order materials as well.
Updated disclosures are posted on our website,as well as printed addendums to the student catalog, enrollment agreement, etc. that the students need to read over, sign and date. I do fully believe that the students read the disclosures. If they clearly did not, I recommend to them that they do.
At our institution we provide a few different avenues for students to access such disclosures. We provide them on our website and have paper copies in the admissions office. Every student prior to completing enrollment here, receives a copy of our college catalog. I know sometimes the content can be overwhelming to a student and to ensure they are reading and comprehending the info it is always a good idea to probe for any additional questions and to direct them to the appropriate department for further clarification.
Kimball,
It is good that you are encouraging your students to read the disclosures, you may want to try asking open ended questions to subtly test their knowledge.
Cindy Bryant
In my experience, students tend to not read the disclosures they are presented with. I try to encourage them to review them and ask me any questions they may have.
Elyse,
Having the students sign off that they received and read the disclosures is the best way to document that the disclosures were given.
Cindy Bryant
My institution gives required disclosures in the "welcome brochure" to any prospective student who visits us physically. For those were speak to remotely, we email them the catalog and link them to a few pages on the website, both of which state the disclosure information. We also make those who submit an application to sign off on the fact that they received and read the disclosures.
Disclosures will be posted on the website. We will also conduct class visits and inform them of any changes.
Our website provides the required disclosures, and our application package has a summary of them. Financial aid applicants are required to sign an acknowledgement that they have read and understand the disclosures. But generally they don't read them carefully, so our enrollment personnel cover the points again during their interviews.
Consumer Information and Disclosures are highlighted on the main website, and we provide a "summary" copy to students before enrolling (per FL regulations). Also, Fin Aid students are required to acknowledge access to + receipt of the info before they can complete their FA paperwork electronically.
do they read and understand? usually not, hence the required Entrance Counseling and Responsible Borrowing conversations, plus a welcome discussion with an assigned finance advisor.
Matthew,
It is fantastic that you are taking this training now. There is a possibility that you will become accredited one day and you will already have an understanding of the federal guidelines.
Cindy Bryant
Our college is a young, unaccredited institution that does not rely on financial aid to achieve a profit. Our school is more of a research institution, and enrolled students are subsidized by employers and other other non-student aid means. As a result, we need not comply with required disclosures under Federal Law.
However, we are in full compliance with CIE. All required state disclosures are made via the college catalog and enrollment agreement.
Disclosures are posted on the website, marketing material, welcome package and any material that is being provided to the students or potential students has been approved by the compliance depratment. Everyone working with potential syudent and students are traied as well.
Gabriela ,
It is interesting that the admissions adviser must sign the disclosure along with the student. This actually holds the admissions adviser to a higher standard.
Cindy Bryant
The admissions office has several documents that are given to the students once registerted. Also, the admission advisor reviews it so the student can understand it before signing the documents.
The admissions office has several documenst that are given to the students upon registration and in order to indure that they understand both the admissions advisvor and student both have to sign the documents.
Our organizations consumer disclosures are located on our company website and all of our print materials is up to date and approved by our compliance division. Additionally, our catalog is provide to students as well as a comprehensive orientation prior to starting to ensure understanding of materials. Ultimately as an organization we advocate our students to do additional reading and promote those standards through out the student life cycle.
We have weekly meetings within our team as well as weekly calls with all of our campuses to ensure we are abreast of any changes that are made.
Sheffian,
Thank you for joining the forum. I support the idea of reading through the packet and signing at a later date.
Cindy Bryant
All disclosures must be posted on the website. Admissions is trained to discuss these in interviews with students and they must sign acknowledgements. All disclosures are approved by home office. Mass emails are sent out to students with updates and changes. I feel that students who are really interested in the school do take the time to read and understand to ensure they are enrolling into an institution that will meet their expectations.
