Practical Uses of the Web for the Financial Aid Office Thomas M. Ratliff Director of Student Financial Services Southwestern Oklahoma State University SWASFAA President 2003 WOW!

What position does your site hold? Receptionist Answer basic questions Hand out forms Connect incoming calls to staff Counselor Cover issues deeply Encourage students to make good decisions Be a resource on a wide variety of aid issues or Poster - just hanging there

Key Words for Web Sites Attractive Interesting Functional Informative Easy Basics Flow Surprises Color Motion Changing Downloadability

Key Information on Home Page Welcome Office details Hours Location Phone Email address Title IV school code Topical Menu by Fund Steps Resources Timeline Most often asked questions

Student Data Access Let students check on their: Documents Award Letter Disbursements SAP Appeals Scholarship announcements Eliminates mailing costs Speeds notification process

Functionality Appointment book Chat night opportunities Loan repayment calculator EFC estimator Financial Aid Quiz

Highlights of Scholarship Screen Consistent headers Graphics - recognized logo Pop out menus still give access to main menu items

Links Add a wealth of knowledge access to your site Give visual diversity Should be used as a new window to not lose users from your site Update their own information Must be checked regularly to confirm location has not been changed

Contact Screen Shows all staff, including student workers Permanent staff have Individual pictures Areas of specialty Direct contact info Email addresses Gives a familiarity to student Helps make the office a welcoming, familiar place

Forms on the Web Downloadable for printing Electronically usable could directly load data into your computer system Eliminates hand entry Speeds the response time Gives students more control over timing of their processing Firewall could be a limiting factor though Web forms can be colorful

Forms on the Web (cont.) Government documents can be pulled directly from IFAP and other sources Could also link to government forms site rather than load from yours Not likely to download data if linking Offer Acrobat Reader on your site for those who may need it to use your forms

Policies and Procedures Layout data to allow for easy printing Can have pop out boxes with examples Give clear explanations Links to government regs and statutes if you want an immediate justification for your policies

Web Effectiveness Connect to your audience Quickly give them what they want Help them enjoy the ride Reduce your busy-work Simplify your processes Present your office in a good light

Practical Uses of the Web for the Financial Aid Office Thanks for coming! Thomas M. Ratliff Director of Student Financial Services Southwestern Oklahoma State University SWASFAA President 2003 WOW!