Financial Aid
Even when we are not required to know everything about the financial aid programs, scholarships and loans, I believe it is our duty as agents to provide all the information, assistance and help to the prospect, so they are able to do the right thing when applying for it.
In other words, it is our responsibility to assure that our prospects are correctly informed and have all the help they need from us.
Luz,
When the questions arise with FA, details regarding this topic should be cautious in nature so as not to mislead your client. It is always best to lead those questions to the experts.
Because we are each agents in a highly regulated industry, and because the rules and laws that govern us change, it is important that we only discuss what we know to be accurate.
When it comes to financial aid, the financial aid officers at our institution are highly trained and this is their specialty.
When it comes to addressing the questions of our prospective students concerning financial aid, I believe it is best left to the experts...our FAOs's. The last thing we would want to do is to misinform a prospective student regaarding financial aid, as we all know this is a critical piece of their knowledge needed in order to make an informed decision.
Although in essence you may be right I believe that all financial matters should be addressed by a financial aid specialist because they are the ones who really know and understand all the ins and outs of getting financial aid, scholarships and/or loans.
I believe it is our duty to inform and assist our prospects with the admissions process. All matters regarding financial aid should be handled only by the financial aid department
Susan,
Excellent response! Financial aid is best left to the experts. It is important not to mislead the prospective students.
Carlos,
Financial aid is an area best left to the experts. Good advice!
I believe that our financial aid team is the best resource for these specific types of questions. They are trained and have the most up to date information. It is important to not mis- lead students even if not intentional. If we do not know the information, we should not guess!
Dawn,
You are absolutely correct. Good advice to all.
I definitely agree that we as agents should know how tuition assistance can be offered by our own institution. However, since we are going to be licensed as admissions reps, officers, agents ect. The financial aid portion should ultimately be left up to the financial aid department. A simple word or implementation may and possibly will mislead a student. It's always best, I believe, the informaiton that we are not licensed to disclose should never be discussed but directed to the correct department.
Mike,
That is very good advice, indeed! There is nothing wrong in deferring to the right department or person. Financial aid is there to assist!
We do not duscuss the ins and outs of financial aid with our student as admissions reps at our school because that is done by the financial aid advisors. It is our absolute duty to make sure that the student is referred for help when ever needed so that they unjderstand the process, what to excpet, and how it will all work.
Carla,
Yes, financial aid details should always be referred to the Financial Aid Office. It is important to not mislead the prospective student.
It is best to have student discuss their financial aid with a finance advisor to ensure they are getting all of the information. In addition the student should be informed on responsible borrowing and understand that financial aid is a combination of loans, scholarships and grants. It is a sensitive are and they should be completely exposed to all of the options as well as a true understanding of the terms and conditions of accepting financial aid.
Cheree,
You are right in leaving the financial aid questions to be experts.
WE all have to know a little about F/A
Drew,
It is important to make sure the prospective student is guided to the Financal Aid experts.
I agree. At our campus, our admissions reps are taught not to discuss financial aid in detail, but to leave it to the financial aid representatives. The admissions reps can only say we offer grants and loans and that financial aid will see what you qualify for based on your current situation.
I have seen and heard so many admissions reps try to discuss and explain financial aid and they inevitably get something wrong or make a statement that could be misinterpreted. I always feel more comfortable just letting the financial aid experts handle the specifics.
Ashley,
Great advice. Leave the financial aid to the experts.
I agree that agents need to know the generalities of financial aid and should know if very well; however, I also agree that specific questions should always be referred to a trained financial aid advisor. The last thing I would want if I was in the student's shoes is to receive incorrect or insufficient information about how I can fund my education; that's not fair to the student. Just when you think you understand financial aid, beware there is so much you don't know as an admissions representative.
