The upcoming reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965 provides opportunities and presents challenges for financial aid administrators. This article outlines steps that aid administrators can take and challenges they may face in preparing for and responding to new legislation.

This training document for financial assistance professionals discusses ensuring program integrity in student financial aid and describes some tools for ensuring internal and external program integrity. The training focuses on these tools and resources: (1) the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Schools Portal; (2) the Information for Financial Aid…

This document is the second in a series of "core curriculum" courses designed by Student Financial Assistance (SFA) "University," a training program for SFA employees. The one-day course traces the history of student financial assistance, describes what the SFA organization looks like today, and outlines the standards to which SFA must adhere to…

A study of the factors related to job satisfaction among financial aid administrators suggests that how well the job fits the individual's expectations of employment accounts for job satisfaction best, regardless of intrinsic or extrinsic job orientation. Implications for the management of financial aid offices are examined. (MSE)

This monograph provides guidance to financial aid administrators in navigating the waters of computer systems selection and implementation. It outlines the various areas where aid officers rely on computer assistance and discusses technology-driven personnel issues, institution-wide system integration, and emerging technologies that will affect…

Drawing on results of a Florida project, it is argued that statewide evaluation of college student financial aid programs, involving institutional aid officers, system-level administrators, and others may promote change beneficial to students and administrators. Emphasis is on the role institutional aid administrators can play in such a…

The many changes that have taken place in the college student financial aid system in recent years have necessitated a series of operational and programmatic adjustments for financial aid administrators and their offices. Changes include increased aid availability, complexity of student circumstances, and regulation. Even greater program…

This guide provides information for schools considering whether to participate in the Federal Direct Student Loan Program, and it offers advice on how to plan for and operate the loan program at an individual school. The information in the guide is presented in a way that follows the steps that need to be taken in planning and implementing the…

Colleges can and should do much to improve the management of financial aid offices in a time of reduced funds. Exemplary programs provide a framework for improvement, consisting of two key elements: assessment of office management needs based on the overall campus structural development and good basic management procedures. (Author/MSE)

It will be easier for financial aid offices to have automated interfaces with federal systems than to maintain manual, paper-based exchanges. Guidance on how to structure a planning process that will take advantage of this new environment are provided. Institutional decisions will depend on past and current practice. (MLW)

Before a sound and cost-effective aid program can be developed in a community college, its importance must be understood by the college's administration. Steps to be taken and the aid officer's role in administering and promoting an effective program are outlined. (Author/MSE)

It is recommended that student financial aid administrators undertake more research to improve their knowledge and control of their programs, understand the effects of policies, and help correct beliefs and attitudes. Choosing a research topic, creating credibility, and writing a complete report are discussed. (MSE)

Because of the integral relationship of student financial aid with student recruitment and retention, budgeting, program design and development, student services, and long-range institutional planning, it is useful to review organizational structure periodically to ensure visibility of the financial aid function within the institution. (MSE)

Increased responsibilities placed on financial aid offices and the results of a survey of Georgia public two-year colleges suggests the need for a staffing formula based not on the number of aid applicants but on standards more clearly reflecting the institution's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for all students. (MSE)

This guide is intended to help financial aid administrators (FAAs) interpret student financial aid information that appears in the Student Aid Report (SAR), a paper output document sent to the student, or in an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR), which is an electronic record sent to the institution. The guide explains the codes and…