Dean of Admissions Archives

Welcome to FAS’ Consulting Corner

September 30, 2022

Welcome to FAS’ Consulting Corner! In conjunction with launching our new website, we want to use this space to share relevant information with financial aid and student business services practitioners. It’s a safe and reliable place to get the latest news on what’s happening in financial aid and student finance all around the country. We’ll tackle issues from maintaining rigorous compliance standards and leveraging technology, to giving your students the best possible experience. Our consultants are thought leaders with a combined 1,600 years of experience in their respective fields. Higher Education is an industry that’s always in motion. There is always something new to talk about, so check back often. We’re adding fresh content all the time. Whether you’re considering services, need guidance or resources, or just want to connect with FAS, we’ve got something for you.

FAS Helps Marymount University Keep Performance at a High Level

March 1, 2021

Challenge

Marymount is a comprehensive Catholic university that offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees through the Schools of Design, Arts, Humanities, Business and Technology, Sciences, Mathematics, Education, and the Malek School of Health Professions. With its Arlington, Va., location, students have a wide variety of internship opportunities in Washington, D.C., from Capitol Hill and the Smithsonian to the National Institute for Health and international corporations. When the school’s financial aid director’s position became available, Dr. William Bissett, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs, reached out to FAS.

Solution

“I knew about FAS because I had a good experience working with them at another institution,” said Dr. Bissett. “We had an inexperienced team at Marymount, and I knew they needed guidance while we searched for a new director.” FAS Consultant Ron Elmore, who was familiar with Marymount’s software system, stepped in for three months to direct and oversee day-to-day operations and mentor the staff. When a new financial aid director was hired, his engagement was extended so he could help with her orientation.

Results

“FAS has the reputation for hiring very experienced, competent financial aid professionals who deal with a variety of situations, size up the issues and make an immediate impact,” said Dr. Bissett. He noted that Elmore’s recommendations and support kept operations running smoothly and helped improve student satisfaction. “In Ron, we not only found a good financial aid professional, but also were fortunate enough to find a good person who mentored and trained our staff with empathy.”

VCFA and FAS: A Well-Oiled Financial Aid Machine

November 6, 2018

Challenge
Nestled on a hill overlooking picturesque Montpelier, Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) offers artists and writers a transformative, progressive graduate education experience through its master of fine arts programs and unique master of arts program in art and design education. In 2008, VCFA acquired its historic Vermont College campus and three master of fine arts programs from Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, which had owned the campus since 2001. After the transaction, VCFA turned to FAS to administer its student financial aid.

Solution
“We never had a stationary moment since we became independent,” said VCFA Controller/Bursar Katie Gustafson. “It’s an incredibly dynamic place, whether we’re adding new programs for our 360 students or starting a fund raising campaign to renovate our buildings.” The college signed its first contract with FAS in 2008 to help implement its own financial aid process. Gustafson noted that for a period of time, the college had discussed bringing its financial aid in-house. “But as FAS and VCFA grew together, we saw that students were incredibly well-served,” she said.
“FAS is very good at decreasing the stress level among students and helping them understand how financial aid works.”

Results
FAS Manager of Full Service Wanda McLaughlin and FAS Client Services Manager Daphne Parks worked closely with Gustafson to provide comprehensive financial aid remote processing. “Everything they do is so efficient,” said Gustafson. “We’ve had clean compliance audits every year, and it doesn’t get any better than that.” Every year, the trio reviews and tweaks processes to make sure that everything is working well. “We have a well-oiled machine,” Gustafson said. “While we are different from any other school, FAS’s willingness to engage with us in our culture is admirable. I think that’s what the broad FAS mission is all about. Any school would be smart to consider working with FAS, but nobody can have Wanda or Daphne!”

Welcome to FAS’ Consulting Corner

FAS Helps Marymount University Keep Performance at a High Level

VCFA and FAS: A Well-Oiled Financial Aid Machine

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