Letter to the Editor

Normally I would not respond to an article about one of our Student Affairs Offices. However, I felt the Financial Aid article on August 22nd was both misleading and discouraging to students who may need financial aid. At a minimum, it did a disservice to the staff in the Financial Aid office who this year have processed aid for more than 12,000 students totaling over $28 million in record time and with very few complaints.

Yes, getting through to the Financial Aid office by phone can be frustrating, especially at peak periods – including near the end of the summer. That is also the time when many students who have missed previous deadlines contact the Financial Aid office to see if they are eligible for aid.

Many students prefer to stand in line – or call on the phone -to confirm that their status to receive aid is correct, even though much of that information is available for viewing online through the student portal. We will continue to look for ways to improve our phone service – especially during peak periods.

I have looked into the situations involving the two students and the author of the article regarding their financial aid status. Their circumstances were each unique and affected by many factors - not necessarily attributed to the Financial Aid office - and I will be glad to meet with each student to further discuss their cases.

I respect and appreciate the staff writers of The Collegian for their commitment to covering stories for our students. However, I am also committed to ensuring that those offices that go the extra mile to serve our students are accurately portrayed.

Paul M. Oliaro (Dr. O)
- Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students