Anne Rodriguez

I learned that default prevention does not end when a student leaves the school. Students need to understand the options available to them if they are having difficulty making their loan payments. This includes understanding loan consolidation, lower payment options, deferment, and forbearance. These options can help borrowers manage their payments and avoid falling into default.

I learned that exit counseling is an important part of helping students understand their loan responsibilities when they leave school or experience a change in enrollment. I also learned the importance of providing students with timely notifications regarding changes in enrollment and disbursements so they are aware of how these changes may affect their financial aid and loan obligations.

I learned that effective borrower communication is important in helping students understand their loan responsibilities and take ownership of their financial obligations.

I learned that building financial literacy should start when a student first arrives at the school. It is important to help students understand their financial aid, budgeting, loan responsibilities, and how their decisions can affect them financially in the future.

Audits are important in keeping the school in compliance and students funded properly. 

I learned that the three reporting entities play an important role in financial aid reporting and that it is important to understand when changes need to be reported on the ECAR. I also learned that keeping the information current helps ensure the school’s eligibility and reporting remain accurate and compliant with federal requirements.

I learned more about the importance of accurately reviewing R2T4 calculations and understanding how a student’s withdrawal date and percentage of the payment period completed can affect their financial aid eligibility. I also learned how COD is used to review and confirm a student’s federal aid and how important it is to make sure the information in our system matches what is reported to COD.

These modules helped me better understand the importance of timeliness, accuracy, and customer service in Financial Aid. I learned about FAFSA-to-ISIR processing, awarding and disbursing aid, repackaging awards, handling crossover and new award year students, maintaining accurate student files, and providing quality service when assisting students and resolving complaints.