Financial aid counseling has moved to The Depot in order to create a better service experience for students.
It has become apparent over the years that students are confused where they should go to receive financial aid services. Previously, counseling was split between The Depot and advisers in Zellner Hall.
Bart Herridge, dean of Student Services and Retention said, “We had people going to see counselors that needed simple questions answered, and we can do that in The Depot better. So by combining those resources it creates a better service experience for students.”
Now students will report directly to The Depot for any questions involving financial aid. Appointments are no longer necessary with counselors ready to accept walk-ins. A space that was formerly the presidential dining room has now been converted into a private meeting room for financial aid counseling.
The decision was made this summer in hopes of improving the old system. Student Financial Services reorganized in order to provide greater clarity for students and align work functions of financial aid with the areas of strength within the university. The trickle-down effect of that reorganization was changing the location of financial aid counseling.
Kevin Campbell, chief enrollment officer, was a part of the decision to reorganize the Student Financial Services.
“We heard students share their experience of being confused between when they should contact The Depot and when they should contact Student Financial Services,” Campbell said. “We’ve simplified the confusion by centralizing financial aid counseling within The Depot.”
This transition is one that will provide students with a better and a more convenient environment for those to receive the help they need, Herridge said. It not only improves the logistics of how students will receive financial aid advice but also improves the quality of that advice. Herridge said he believes that The Depot will be able to provide students with a deeper level of counseling now that it has been centralized.
“My goal in all of this and the perspective that I take is that I am always trying to bring to the table what is the best for our students,” Herridge said.
