Administrative and Student Support
Program Review
2010-2011
Department:
Financial Aid
Prepared by: Debbie Tunsil
Approved by: Linda Croley
Date Submitted: 11/15/12
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Section 1- Profile
Purpose: defines what the program is supposed to accomplish on a daily basis. The purpose is related to the Institutional mission, guides the department, and forms the basis for goals and objectives
The mission of the Financial Aid Department is to assist students with the financial aid application process and to promote access to information about financial aid.
Vision
Vision: For our customers to become "Raving Fans".
Department Goals and Related College Strategic Plan Goal (SPG):
Goals are broad, general statements that define the program’s direction for continuous improvement. Goals are the framework for the more specific objectives. (Objectives will be identified in later in the Planning Section of this report.
Goal Type Goal
Customer Service Provide Excellent Customer Service + 1% to make our customers become “Raving Fans”.
Student Success Provide Assistance and Education to students so they will gain the ability to identify and successfully apply for available financial aid programs
Community Services
Visit district high schools to educate potential students about college and career planning
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Section 2 - Description
What are the key functions and services the department provides?
Provide guidance, assistance and information to help students successfully complete the FAFSA online application.
Provide information about federal financial aid programs (Title IV)
Who are the key users of the department services? How does the department support student learning? (can be directly or indirectly)
Students are the key users of the department services. Students who take advantage of the department’s services are learning the skills necessary to navigate through the online application process and make decisions about their financial future.
What other departments and academic programs on campus does the department interact with regularly? Explain the nature of those interactions.
Admissions-for high school transcripts and residency; Registrar’s Office –for the evaluation of college transcripts, enrollment verifications for borrowers, add/drops and withdrawals, change of majors, GPAs; Business Office –accounts payable; Advising Office-degree audits
How does the department support community needs?
The department provides educational workshops about financial aid services to the district high schools.
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Section 3 - Resources
Describe the following institutional support for the department: Staff
Name FT/PT/Temp Position Credentials
Debberin Tunsil FT Financial Aid Director Master’s degree Becky Westberry FT Associate Director Master’s degree Tiffany Givens FT Financial Aid
Specialist
Bachelor’s degree Denise Morrissette FT Financial Aid
Specialist
High school plus 72 credits Evelyn Koch FT Financial Aid
Specialist
High school diploma Bobbie Starling FT Financial Aid
Specialist High school plus 63 credits Melinda Green FT Senior Office Assistant Associate of Science
Staff Professional Development Activities
Training opportunities are provided as SPD funds are available. We also take
advantage of free webinars offered by student aid agencies and DOE. In 2010-2011, three staff members (including the Director) were able to attend state, regional
(SASFAA) and federal training (FSA). In 2011-2012, three staff members attended training at a state conference (FASFAA) and a federal training conference (FSA). The Director was able to attend a director’s meeting. In 2012-2013, staff has already attended PSAV training and New Aid Officer’s training for the newest staff member.
Describe the adequacy of the following resources:
Facilities: We need additional office space for one staff member to address
privacy/confidentiality issues when counseling students. Also, we need to provide a place where students can use the computer to file their FAFSA in an area less open. Equipment: Good.
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Section 4 – Accomplishments
Accomplishments
Financial aid default rate decrease: The institution's 2007 cohort default rate was 9.6%, down from 12% in 2006. The institution's 2008 cohort default rate was 9.4%, down from 9.6%. The rate continues to decrease because of the continued
collaboration between the Financial Aid Office and OSFA Outreach staff. It is our goal to continue to lower the rate.
Accepted FAFSA applications: Of the 3,746 students who completed the FAFSA application at Florida Gateway College for the 2009-2010 academic year, only 3% were rejected at the CPS (Central Processing System).
Effectiveness of the financial aid workshops: There were 111 eligible Top 20% Scholarship recipients. Out of that total, 100 students enrolled at FGC during the 2009-2010 academic year.
Minimal audit findings: With any findings controls/procedures are put in place to correct them.
Revamped SAP appeal process: The 2010-2011 Program Integrity Rules, among many topics, addressed when schools should monitor the academic progress of Title IV students and changes to the appeal process. Florida Gateway College has always monitored the progress of financial aid students after each semester; however, we made significant changes to the appeal process and requirements.
Volume of students during peak times: During the week of add/drop 2012, our office assisted approximately 1038 students in the Financial Aid Office on top of the
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Section 6 – Action Plan
Objective Task Assessment Timeline
Review and update processes as necessary to keep compliant with new Title IV Program Integrity rules
To successfully use the
college’s ERP system (Banner) to manage compliance with new Title IV Program Integrity Rules.
In financial aid, there are always updates and patches needed to keep our software current, so the timeline is on-going.
Improving
communication to our students
To better utilize the technology available to us in
communicating vital
information about their status.
On-going
Develop a financial literacy program to assist students with managing a budget, school and life management, repayment of your student loan, and managing your credit.
The Financial Aid Office will provide financial literacy workshops on campus with the assistance of the Office of Student Financial
Assistance (OSFA) Outreach representatives. Also plans for OSFA Outreach staff to speak to Student Success classes. FAO will incorporate on-line
links through Mapping Your Future and NyFF
(Navigating Your Financial Future) to accomplish this goal.
