Self-service financial aid requires student awareness
Students often cringe at the thought of financial aid problems.
If information is not processed correctly, problems arise. The money may not be awarded or comes to less than was expected.
“It is important that students take initiative to be aware of financial aid information and processes so problems can be avoided,” said Director of Student Financial Services Jeanne Enebo.
A self-service program requires students to be more responsible in following steps correctly and knowing the rules of financial aid.
Student financial aid status is viewable on campus connection at www.ndsu.edu/ ndsu/deott/registrar/connect/.
“Dispersement of financial aid used to take place in the Memorial Union Ballroom three days in the fall and two in the spring,” Kari Fischer, business office account tech said.
With the use of Campus Connection, students only have to come to the ballroom if they have a balance due or if there is probation on their account.
“Financial aid disbursement usually runs smoothly,” Fischer said. “Other than freshman confusion, people tend to figure out how processes work.”
Fall semester tends to be slightly more confusing but a large part of that is freshman trying to figure out the system Fischer said.
NDSU offers information to freshman during orientation about financial aid and filling out the FAFSA.
“I felt overwhelmed about how to deal with financial aid,” Patrick Dunlep, a sophomore majoring in civil engineering said. “I never knew much about financial aid or how much to expect from it.”
Dunlep said students would benefit from having more instruction with financial aid.
“We have brochures and literature to help students with the process,” Fischer said. “Having sessions other than orientation may be something to look at in the future.”
Appointments are always available for students who need assistance or have questions said Enebo.
Two common things students forget when preparing financial aid are the promissory note with the lender and entrance loan counseling said Fischer.
“Update your address on Campus Connection. If this isn’t updated it will stop a check causing problems with financial aid,” Fischer said.
Updates and reminders are always provided on the financial aid homepage—dates and deadlines are important to watch for.
“Watch what you are registering for,” Fischer said. “Students don’t notice extra fees sometimes.”
Registering for on-line courses, math 99 and extracurricular activities often boost tuition; more money can be taken from a student’s financial aid pool added Fischer.
“Being eligible for aid does not guarantee a student will receive the full amount,” Enebo said.
Students on academic suspension will not receive financial aid—they do receive aid when on academic probation though.
There is an appeals process for students on suspension.
“Life happens and we understand that so students always have the option to appeal,” Enebo said.
If students do not maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher they are placed on academic probation. After one semester of academic probation they become academically suspended said Enebo.
Enebo said, “66.6 percent of attempted credits must be completed at the end of the semester. Attempted credits being courses registered for after the drop with no “W” day. Completing less than the 66.6 percent will also put a student on academic probation and eventually suspension.”
For more information on financial aid visit the website at www.ndsu.edu/finaid. View campus connection for a current status on student finances.