Our admissions reps are instructed to guide those questions to our office. We like to keep those things separate as possible, just as if someone asks me about their grades I direct them to the registrars office. This is just the best way to ensure the student is getting accurate information.
Thomas,
I agree it is very important to have the Financial Aid counselor knowledgeable and up to date on all the options available to students. The student should feel comfortable that they are getting current and accurate information to lead them down the right path.
Cheryl Kesson
It goes beyond the Admission Dept. The Finncial Aid counselor should be the one that is fully knowlegable in both loan types and loan repayments so when he counsels a student he can explain in detail the commitment that they have chosen and also see their options.
Matt,
Yes, it is definitely important that any other departments that discuss financial aid avoid acronums, complex terminology, and detailed descriptions. While they can touch on topics of importance, they should refer students to you for the complexities!
Diana Mateer
I completely agree; although other departments may have the knowledge there may be some confusion with terminology, thus confusing the student.
Annaliett,
Knowledge of both the loan types and the improtance of loan repayment makes your counseling very effective for students. Students know their options and the seriousness of the choices they make. It sounds as if you are doing a very effective job with both!
Diana Mateer
No, as a Financial Aid Rep I am qualified to talk to new students not only about the different loans avaliable but to explain the importance of repaying the student loans
shawn,
A consistent message from all departments helps a student view every staff and faculty member as a trusted resource who will listen to every concern and address it fairly. This builds student retention and success at your school.
Diana Mateer
I am in complete acomplete agreement with you. All departments must be on the same page when it comes to the students concerns
shawn,
It is the responsibility of Admissions to give the student an accurate portrayal of the school and its true costs and then to let the Financial Aid Office help the student make a financial plan to pay those costs. In that way the two offices are complementing each other and providing a complete picture of the school to a prospective student.
Diana Mateer
I would agree, because if the fa officer and admissions rep are on the same page, the student will know just how important fa loan are.
tiera,
You have listed the three reliable sources of financial information for students. It's true that other departmental staff may have good intentions, but they do not have complete information and may only be a source of confusion or misinformation. Through training and communication about your role, you can make other departments aware of the wisdom in filtering financial questions through Financial Aid or Accounting.
Diana Mateer
I believe the only Departments that should discuss payment plans with a student are the Financial AId department, The Bursar's department, or the Accounting department. Any other departments should refer students with questions regarding payment plans to one of the above listed departments to avoid any confusion on the students part. Ever heard the saying too many cooks spoil the broth? Well i believe the same goes for matter of money.
Ashley,
The separation of duties between admissions and financial aid is not just a federal requirement, as you have noted it is a very good practice to avoid conflicts of interest in the enrollment process. Admissions and Financial Aid have different functions but can still be complementary as the offices should have the same goal--to provide students with an encouraging, supportive experience while sharing valuable information about programs and how to finance them.
Diana Mateer
At our school we feel that a clear separation between the admissions functions and financial aid functions help create a check and balance in the enrollment processes
Correct, admissions should not discuss financial aid but be there to guide the student to the correct professional who can answer their questions. While a student may feel more comfortable with their admissions representative they need to be getting the information from the most knowledgeable source.
I think that admissions should direct students to financial aid with any questions pertaining to financial aid. Rules and regulations are constantly changing and admissions may not be aware of such changes. It is important that students get the correct information at all times.
I agree with most of the others in this thread of discussion- the admissions should be encouraging but the real discussions should come from the person or people with the most education regarding financial aaid- those in that department.
If Admissions talks to the student about cash payments while in school, can't that help establish a habit of paying off education loans from the very beginning?
I agree. Students may disclose pertinent personal information to a financial aid advisor that they may not want others to be aware of.
