Effectively Communicating with Offices💡🏢 

Admissions Office: Got questions about application requirements, majors/programs, deadlines, or want to schedule a campus visit? Reaching out to the admissions office is your first step. Be concise in your emails or phone calls, provide your full name, and always double-check the information you provide.

Advising Office: Once you're admitted, the advising office becomes your go-to for academic guidance. Whether you need help selecting courses, planning your major, or understanding graduation requirements, your advisor is there to assist you. Schedule an appointment ahead of time and come prepared with questions, or check for drop-in times if there is no appointment availability.

Financial Aid Office: Submitting your FAFSA or WASFA is only the first step to securing funding possibilities. The Financial Aid Office of the college(s) you listed will contact you for the next steps before awarding you a financial aid package. Stay on top of it and submit any additional information they may request. Submit quickly or contact them ASAP if you have any questions. Communicate any changes or corrections to your financial aid information quickly to avoid delays in processing. 

Financial Aid Corrections/Changes 🔍✅

🚨FAFSA Announcement: On March 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education announced that the ability for students to make updates and corrections to their Financial Aid forms will be available in the first half of April. In advance of that implementation, they will provide detailed information to partners, students, and families on how to correct the most common FAFSA form errors, including no signatures and selecting ‘yes’ to applying for unsubsidized loans only (Question 8).

Stay Informed: Keep track of any updates or changes in your financial situation that may affect your eligibility for financial aid. This could include changes in family income, unexpected expenses, or additional scholarships or awards you've received.

Submit Documentation Promptly: If you need to make corrections or updates to your FAFSA or WASFA, make them as soon as it becomes available. Submitting required paperwork promptly ensures that your financial aid package is processed in a timely manner. Follow up with the financial aid office to ensure that everything is in order. Reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your financial aid package.

Ways to Communicate with Financial Aid Offices 📩 📞

Email: Most financial aid offices prefer communication via email. When sending an email, be sure to use a professional tone and include your full name, student ID number (if applicable), and a clear subject line. Be concise in your message and clearly state your question or concern. Depending on the size of your campus, give them a few days to get back to you. If it is a time-sensitive matter, make sure to reach out ahead of time, or call them or stop by in person if able instead.

Phone: If you need immediate assistance or have a complex question, call the financial aid office. Be prepared to provide identifying information to verify your identity, primarily your full name and Student ID number, and have any relevant documents or information on hand and ready to go. You can leave them a voicemail if they can’t get to the phone, leave your name, student ID, and the best number to call you back at. You can accompany the voicemail by following up with an email as well. 

In-Person: If you're on campus, you can also visit the financial aid office in person. Check their hours of operation and be prepared to wait if they're busy. Remember to bring any necessary documentation or forms with you. Look online if you need to schedule an appointment first or for drop-in hours. Some schools might still have virtual drop-in hours as well.