1. Survival Toolkit for New Financial Aid Professionals Rachael Fournier Assistant Director of Financial Aid University of Dallas

2. Agenda Why this topic? Organizational Factors Resources Institutional vs. State/Federal Policy Practical Applications Personal Applications

3. When you think of financial aid, what words come to mind?

4. Organizational Mission Know your organization’s mission Often detailed in Mission Statement –Purpose of the organization –Goals –Culture –Norms The Mission drives priorities –Impacts funding, initiatives & decision-making –Dictates how at least some of your time will be spent

5. Organizational Structure: Where do I fit? Where does your FA Office fit into the structure? How your office is structured can impact its function Is it more… –Enrollment- Oriented? –Revenue-Oriented? –Retention-Oriented? –Combination? Whose name belongs here?Campus DirectorMe FA Officer

6. Know Where to Go Financial aid is often cyclical When you enter the cycle can impact what you’re learning There’s a lot to know at all once = information overload Knowing where to go for information is important Organize resources in a way that works for you

7. Federal Resources Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP) –Financial Aid Handbook –SAR Comment Codes: info about c-flags & how to resolve them –Worksheets: EFC calculations, R2T4 & verification –Dear Colleague Letters: subject-specific clarification (i.e. 150% Direct Subsidized Loan Limit) FSA Publications (www.fsapubs.gov)www.fsapubs.gov –Paper FAFSA –Direct Loan handouts –College Preparation Checklist (community outreach)

8. State Resources Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board –www.thecb.state.tx.uswww.thecb.state.tx.us –State laws –Data resources (enrollment #’s, institution lists, etc.) www.collegeforalltexans.com –Exemptions & waivers –Grants, Scholarships & Work Study –Loans & Repayment Programs www.hhloans.com –College Access Loan (CAL): interest rates & application –Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program –Texas B-On-Time Loan (BOT): forgiveness requirements

9. Institutional vs. Federal/State Policy Regulations often leave room for interpretation Schools choose how to implement certain programs Important to know what is regulated & what is an institutional policy Ex: How many hours per week can a work- study work? Ex: How much do you award your students in SEOG? Being mindful of the difference can allow for flexibility Practice can help decrease transition time to new roles/positions

10. Networking Regulations often require information from multiple departments to implement Important to maintain relationships Take advantage of volunteer opportunities with other departments Helps you learn about the student experience

11. Cross Training Students think of FA offices as a collective, not by job function Knowing enough to talk about each area can help decrease repeat traffic or wait times Increases customer satisfaction Versatility can lead to broader knowledge base

12. Shadowing Helpful to know how other offices operate –Identify ways to streamline processes –Coordinate timing of events –Simplify student processes –Identify overlapping duties –Increase connection between departments Leads to greater customer satisfaction

13. Mentoring Look out for mentoring opportunities –Value as both a mentee and mentor Promotes knowledge-sharing Provides a sounding board for specific issues not addressed in regulations Ex: TASFAA mentor program

14. Beware of Burnout Burnout is a state of exhaustion 1 –Emotional –Mental –Physical Caused by extreme and persistent stress 1 Symptoms 1 –Lack of energy, patience, motivation or satisfaction –Disturbed sleep patterns –Feeling cynical or critical at work

15. Beating Burnout: Stress Management Take the time! Identify what relieves your stress Build stress relief into your day Set boundaries 1 –Saying “no” can be hard –Preserves energy for future use Reach out to support systems The work you do is incredibly important. Taking time to manage stress can help you engage in better quality interactions with those you serve.

16. Questions? Comments? Concerns?

17. Contact Information Rachael Fournier Assistant Director of Financial Aid University of Dallas rfournier@udallas.edu

18. References 1. Smith, M., Segal, J. & Segal, R. (2015). Preventing burnout: Signs, causes and coping strategies. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/pr eventing-burnout.htm 9/25/15. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/pr eventing-burnout.htm