ERAU advises students on activation
Priyanka Kumar
Issue date: 2/2/10 Section: Campus News
As students transitioned into another semester this spring, Embry-Riddle provided a Student Help Center for students who needed guidance with the activation process or any financial counseling.
During the first week of school, a team of trained helpers were able to answer questions and guide students in eight different stations beneath a tent that was set up near Canaveral Hall.
According to Dr. Nancee Bailey, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, the one-on-one help system was designed to heighten students' awareness of the activation process.
"Students received a greater understanding on subjects like tuition and fees, we advised them and provided the next step to what they needed to do," Bailey said.
One of the topics covered in the Student Help Center was students meeting University financial obligations - making payments was one of the main reasons students sought help.
In comparison to the Fall 2009 semester, Bailey, Karen Williams, Director of Financial Aid Operations, and Alana Martin, Assistant Bursar, all felt that the Help Center was as successful in its goal of reaching out and helping students, although fewer students came with questions. This semester around 500 students went to be advised, whereas last semester, when the Help Center was first emphasized and introduced, the number was close to double, with 1,100 students asking for help or just visiting to meet obligations.
If obligations are not met, according to Bailey, the current deadline before students lose any or all privileges is Feb. 5, 2010. Privileges that students may lose include the use of Eagle Cards, housing, classes and others.
Although classes have been in session for over two weeks, Bailey, Williams, and Martin feel that ERAU is still helping students.
"There are scholarships available from donors and such, there are some requirements in terms of GPA but everything is looked at, everyone should apply," said Bailey.
The team is encouraging students to apply online for scholarships available in the "Student Services" tab on ernie.erau.edu. The deadline to apply is Feb. 15.
According to Williams, ERAU has been notified that Bank of America has currently halted lending certain loans. To accommodate students who are struggling financially, Williams suggested using other lenders or to apply for financial aid early in the process.
"The point is to be proactive," Bailey concluded.
Upcoming changes to the activation process include earlier deadlines for payment for Summer B.
"We're trying to have the deadline 10 days prior to school starting so everything can be organized early," Bailey said.
During the first week of school, a team of trained helpers were able to answer questions and guide students in eight different stations beneath a tent that was set up near Canaveral Hall.
According to Dr. Nancee Bailey, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, the one-on-one help system was designed to heighten students' awareness of the activation process.
"Students received a greater understanding on subjects like tuition and fees, we advised them and provided the next step to what they needed to do," Bailey said.
One of the topics covered in the Student Help Center was students meeting University financial obligations - making payments was one of the main reasons students sought help.
In comparison to the Fall 2009 semester, Bailey, Karen Williams, Director of Financial Aid Operations, and Alana Martin, Assistant Bursar, all felt that the Help Center was as successful in its goal of reaching out and helping students, although fewer students came with questions. This semester around 500 students went to be advised, whereas last semester, when the Help Center was first emphasized and introduced, the number was close to double, with 1,100 students asking for help or just visiting to meet obligations.
If obligations are not met, according to Bailey, the current deadline before students lose any or all privileges is Feb. 5, 2010. Privileges that students may lose include the use of Eagle Cards, housing, classes and others.
Although classes have been in session for over two weeks, Bailey, Williams, and Martin feel that ERAU is still helping students.
"There are scholarships available from donors and such, there are some requirements in terms of GPA but everything is looked at, everyone should apply," said Bailey.
The team is encouraging students to apply online for scholarships available in the "Student Services" tab on ernie.erau.edu. The deadline to apply is Feb. 15.
According to Williams, ERAU has been notified that Bank of America has currently halted lending certain loans. To accommodate students who are struggling financially, Williams suggested using other lenders or to apply for financial aid early in the process.
"The point is to be proactive," Bailey concluded.
Upcoming changes to the activation process include earlier deadlines for payment for Summer B.
"We're trying to have the deadline 10 days prior to school starting so everything can be organized early," Bailey said.
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