DES NEWSLETTER

The Division of Enrollment Services Newsletter
Southern Methodist University
An Electronic Newsletter of
Undergraduate Admission, Financial Aid, Student Financial Services, and the University Registrar

Volume I, Issue X         October 2002

   

STAR ACHIEVEMENTS

$21 million collected!

CONGRATULATIONS
Laura Del Rio, Stephanie Nonnemacher, Chris Salone, and Pat Woods -a great Tx BUC$ conference.

Jaynell Harrell - was married on October 12th.

STAFF LEAVING
Betiel Hailemichael, Student Financial Specialist

NEW STAFF
Christina Alexander, Financial Aid Specialist

ANNIVERSARIES
Laura Del Rio - 10 Yrs!

Chris Salone - 4 years

BIRTHDAYS
 Barbara Waters - Oct. 10

Alison Odom - Oct. 14

Stan Eddy - Oct. 15

Diana Russell - Oct. 23

Teresa Torres - Oct. 24

Melissa Stanford - Oct. 26

Sharla Roderick - Oct. 26

Marc Peterson - Oct. 31

If you are not on the list and should be, this is produced from the Employee Roster on the V drive.  Let Kathy know if there is an error.

 

VIPs - Very Important Ponies 

 

Some of our VIPs this month are:

I would like to offer my thanks to your pleasant, talented, can-do, staff (in the Registrar's Office) -- especially the following who always go the extra mile, and are prompt, efficient, and cheerful.
 Laura Phelps - I often have to contact her about a system problem with transfer work or exam credit.  Laura almost always is able to fix such problems immediately, but when she can't, she makes appropriate referrals and stands ready to help further in any way she can.

Norm Lieber - If he's at his desk, you can bet Norm will answer his phone.  At crunch time, this is a life-saver.  Norm also is efficient, cheerful, and accommodating.

Kelly McMillan - Incredible is the term that best describes Kelly.  She is willing to help out with any and everything, whether it has an apparent connection to her area or not.  Her joyful spirit is infectious, and her assistance is invaluable.

It would take forever to list all who deserve similar commendation, and the many omissions from the above list in no way should imply that anyone is less than helpful or cooperative.  I just feel that the folks I have mentioned above deserve extra special recognition.  . . . and you already know how wonderful Peggy Boykin is.

James Swenson - is a big 10! - James did a great job helping me and discovered that I was overcharged for parking and got me a refund for that.  He was very thoughtful, helpful, and courteous.  You should consider him as an asset to your team!  I would definitely give him a 10 for his excellent performance. - James helped a student with a stop payment on a refund check.  Student was very upset about the process and was assured that the matter would be taken care of.  Student was very please with James' assistance and help.

Sarah Parsons - took charge and helped one of my PMBA students with an ACH that did not post to his checking account.  Student was very upset,  Sarah told the student she would take care of the situation.  Thanks, Sarah.

Kelly McMillan - is very attentive, supportive, and caring!

Catherine Hadnot - was very pleasant and helpful on the phone.

Lillie Rose - handled my request with a can-do professional attitude.

FYI from Enrollment Services

 Prefilled Application
The Admission office has developed a Prefilled Application.  This fall a pilot program will be undertaken that involves sending prefilled applications to targeted students.  Honors students, students of color, and students from predetermine geographical locations will be sent an application that has been completed with the students information from PeopleSoft.  In addition the student will receive a personalized letter, and merit scholarship and financial aid information. 

eApplication
All Texas prospects with e-mail address on record will be sent an ePostcard that will link the student to the online application as well as information on financial aid and merit scholarships.

Change in Federal Financial Aid Disbursement - As of October 1, 2002 school such as SMU with a low loan default rate will no longer be exempt from two provisions of the Higher Education Act.  While most in Congress agreed that the two provisions should be extended, an acceptable cost offset was not found.  The two provisions are:
- All Federal aid must be disbursed in two installments without regard to the period of enrollment.  Students enrolled for only one term in an aid year will have their disbursement made at two separate times.  This will particularly impact spring transfer students or graduate student entering in the spring.
- First time borrowers will have the first disbursement of their aid withheld for 30 days. 
House passes legislation to increase the amount of federal loan debt forgiveness for teachers.  The US House of Representatives approved legislation to increase the amount of federal loan debt forgiveness for teachers in Title I schools from $5,000 to $17,500.  However, it is unlikely that the Senate will take up the legislation before the election.  This means that the legislation will not take effect until passed by the Senate and signed by the President.

 


 

DON'T FORGET
 VOTE - November 5th
 It's a responsibility as well as a right.

DIVISION MEETINGS
Next Division Staff Meeting
- November 6 - 8:30am H-T Forum

Division Highlights

Important Dates and Things:
 Monthly Statements Due - Oct. 18
Financial Service Indicators On Oct. 21
Spring Enrollment Appts - Oct. 31
SF Month End - Oct. 31 5pm
Run Spring Invoices - Nov. 18
Mnthly Statement Due Date - Nov. 20
SF Month End - Nov. 22
Run Spring Invoices - Nov. 25
Run Spring Invoices - Dec. 2
Begin Emailing Invoices - Dec. 3
SF Month End - Dec. 13
UG Payment Due Date - Dec. 16
 

Oktoberfest
 Celebrating another great year!

Thanks to the party helpers!
Erin, Chris, Donna, and Kathy (behind the camera). 
Monica provided moral support.
 (click on photo for more of the fun.)

Blanton Building
Rising from the ground!



Blanton Cam
 

Quotation of the Month

The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.
Herbert Spencer


      STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Below are links to material developed or collected at Professional Conference, Workshop, Seminars, Professional Journals, etc.  Click on the title of the item in which you are interested. Material is formatted so that you may print a copy.
Marketing Your Message
 Elizabeth Henry, Vice President and Marketing Manager, Key Educational Resources