I find when third party statements are required, it's harder to get the proper third party than it is the statement. Our students tend to have plenty of people, friends, cousins or classmates, that want to help them and be a third party to their situation. However, students that are in need of these statements don't normally have a teacher, counselor or clergy that can be the proper third party for these judgments.
Does anyone else have this issue? How do you help the student?
Donn,
Many participants commented on the difficulty of collecting third party statements that they were comfortable with utilizing in this process. This may be a difficult process; however, you must ensure the accuracy statement and that you are confident with the person providing. If not, you would have to decline performing this process. Often times these situations are difficult and pull at your sympathy nature; however, documentation is required.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
This is one of the most difficult kinds of documentation unless the student can provide a police report or court document. The handbook says that the third party statement is from someone that knows the student’s situation—such as a teacher, counselor, medical authority, member of the clergy, prison administrator, government agency, or court—should establish the unusual circumstances. Most of the time, I ask them if there is any of these authorities that knows the situation and the answer is a resounding no. Usually they tell me that the only people that know about the situation is a friend or relative. The handbook allows a statement from the student or family member, but only as a last resort.
I agree it is easier to collect information for a younger student, they seem to keep in touch with their counselors. We dont find students able to get statements from clergy because the dont have contact with a church. I find when PJ are done students usually have to go to the county to obtain letter. Our document s from grandparents were they where given temporary custody. Yes this can be hard for the student because they have to relive there past, when trying to move forward.
Mazoe,
Many of the participants commented on the difficulty associated with collecting these statements; however, you may be the first one to comment on being able to discern if the statement was legit. Not being able to determine if the statement is from a creditable source is definitely an issue. The expectation would be to deny and you are comfortable with the accuracy and source of the documentation.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
Yes. Because it’s sometimes hard to trust that the third party source is telling the truth or the information provided is actually coming from whoever the student claims it’s from. We now live in a world where everything can be done if you have The Internet so; I found that verifying that the documents provided are legit is the hardest.
Jeffery,
This can be a tricky situation; however, I have found speaking with the third party to be beneficial in resolving their concerns. There are times that a third party does not want to assist and that normally means that you are not reaching the entire story from the student. It is important to document to ensure the protection of the student, federal student aid and the institution.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
Collecting statements from a 3rd party has always been difficult for me . The best results have come from speaking with the 3rd party directly to obtain the information that is needed. If not able to speak with 3rd party it is important to get all important information from student to try and resolve the problem.
Myles,
Great idea Myles, Sometimes the third party is uncomfortable or not exactly sure what type of statement is needed. It helps if the FA Administrator can communicate with the third party to let them know that their statement must explain the student's situation exactly as they know it to be.
regards,
David McGuffee
Hi Chyrl,
I believe it to be very easy considering. A lot of our students go to various religious institutions and their pastor's and fellow clergy members are usually very willing to help.
Thanks.
Myles
Erin ,
Many participants commented on the difficulty that exist in these situations and some indicated personally reaching out helped the third party to get comfortable with the statement. However, if the third party is uncomfortable that may mean the student's situation is not being accurately depicted. You must be comfortable with the accuracy of all third party statements and be willing to defend if called into questions by an auditor or program review officer.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
I find it very difficult every time we need documentation for the dependent student from the third party or even the unwilling parents.
Brenda,
Interesting point of view. Most of the participants find that providing an understanding to the third party on the significance and requirements behind these statements assist the third party in understanding their responsibility. It is important that each Aid Administrator finds the best approach and be willing to show flexibility when it is necessary.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
I would not collect them from a third party. I feel it should be the students obligation to collect these documents. A professional judgment can cover very private situations and third parties might not always be willing to share information with out the students request anyway.
Not usually but sometimes it is because when you send the student home to get the statements, there can be a disconnect between what we told the student we need in the statements and what were actually written and given to us. This is why it is always important to write everything that is needed in the statement down so the student has it for reference.
I have not run into a problem with getting third party letters in support of the student's case. Typically we will call the third party when the student is at our desk to ask them if they are willing to participate and tell them what they are being asked to provide and allow them a chance to ask any questions. This helps to take the pressure off of the student from having to ask without support or knowing the answers to the questions that people ask. Often times, the most common question from the third party is why am I being asked to do this and the student is unsure what to tell them. By us explaining that they are helping the student complete their financial aid file and supporting the students decision to continue their education they are more than willing to help.
sharita,
You are correct - providing this additional step will encourage a third party of the importance and necessity of the information. It is important that we as FA Administrators strive toward improving the process and increasing confidence in our students and the process.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
I agree speaking with the third party informing them how we need documentation inorder to complete the financial aid so the student will benefit from it. The third party agrees and is more willing to help the student since hearing from a Financial Aid Officer.
Sergio,
You standard process is a good approach to satisfy third party statements. It is important to ensure the student's situation is accurately documented. You are charged with protecting the federal programs, students and the institution.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
We usually ask for three statements. Sometimes it is difficult for the student to collect more than one. We ask them to go to their high school counselor or principal, to their church, or even their doctor to ask for these.
