Catherine Ammenti

I have a better understanding of the differences between a leader and a manager.  My role as PD is still a combination of both leadership and management - definitely more heavily management-based though.  

Managers are really the coordinators in charge of carrying out the leader's goal/vision.  The leader needs to be aware of the overall progress but the manager is selecting who will carry out which component of the goal and when.  

It is interesting how management and leadership tend to be either used interchangeably or are vaguely defined so as to use them interchangeably or avoid specific mention of the exact traits that would identify either word.  

The FA department needs to be supported by other departments in order to maintain best compliance.  The chair of the FA department is responsible for ensuring all appropriate staff and faculty have a basic understanding of what that support looks like. 

Mandatory consumer disclosures include: FA available and eligibility requirements, graduation and transfer out rates, employment information, school costs and information about the facilities.  

It is important that FA is not involved in the disbursement of FSA funds.  Similarly, the Student Accounts department should not be able to manipulate the data involved in what Financial Aid is awarded to a student.  The departments must work together to ensure students are receiving their financial aid in a legal and responsible manner and if the student is no longer eligible for FSA funds, the institution must comply with regulations to ensure the money is returned to the appropriate entity.  

Satisfactory Academic Progress is reviewed annually for programs that are more than 1 year in length and at the end of each term if under one year.  Student progress should be continually monitored to ensure SAP and programs should be notified if a student's SAP is in jeopardy.  

The Admissions and FA departments should work together to support prospective students by providing accurate and honest information within the confines of their respective areas of expertise.  Admissions should not be giving financial aid advice and should facilitate an appointment with an FA advisor so the applicant can get the best support the organization has to offer.  

The exit interview is an important step in the auditing process and it helps if both points of contact and another member of campus leadership is available for the meeting.  Do not argue with the findings but definitely ask clarifying questions and possibly offer additional information that may clear the organization of a potential citation.  

Keeping all records up to date and easily accessible for an auditor is very important.  Having practice with how to respond to auditor questions is also necessary.  If you are interviewed, answer only the question that is asked and avoid filling in "dead space" in the conversation.