1. 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!

2. 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

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

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

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

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

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

13. 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

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

17. 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

19. 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

21. 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

27. 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

28. 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!