Assessments from the Federal and State government, along with internal assessments, have shown that many students and parents lack knowledge in U.S. Department of Education and State of  NY financial aid procedures on how to obtain and maintain student grants, loans and federal work study. Once students have obtained financial aid grants or loans, and work study, the problem is in understanding how to maintain them, thus making the overall financial aid process confusing, overwhelming, and stressful for the students and parents that are economically challenged to finance their education. Student and parent awareness in understanding how this process works is vital in helping students reach their educational goals.

In past years the primary objectives of the Financial Aid Office has been to educate students and families on their personal rights and responsibilities as financial aid recipients. Financial Aid is more than simply filling out an application. Realizing these challenges, the Office has moved in the direction of educating students that financial aid is a partnership between students and parents, SUNY Orange, and the Federal and State government. We have increased our literature on consumerism, disclosures, and transparency using technology as our primary means for delivery. Educational awareness for financial aid works collaboratively with Admissions, Academic Advisement, IT and Student Accounts departments in creating a seamless process to help ease a student’s college experience.

FA TV is a conceptual educational center that fulfils the above requirements, and we would like to expand this model to a physical Financial Aid/Student Affairs educational center.