The Daily Bulletin Archive

In preparation for summer and fall 2014 registration, this week’s FACTS article focuses on academic advising. The Financial Aid for Academic Advising guide examines several academic scenarios and offers ways for academic advisers to provide targeted assistance to students. As 85 percent of Buffalo State students receive some type of aid, it is very important that students and the academic community fully understand the financial aid implications of academic decisions.

Below are three central points:

1. Use DegreeWorks. Only courses required for a student’s current major are aid eligible; taking nonrequired courses will negatively affect continued aid eligibility. Academic advisers are encouraged to review a student’s Degree Audit to ensure correct course registration. The “All College Elective Credits Above Degree Requirements” category in DegreeWorks is very helpful to identify courses not being used to fulfill degree requirements.
2. Create a manageable schedule. Students who repeatedly fail or withdraw from classes often experience trouble with their financial aid eligibility. Academic advisers can assist students with identifying a reasonable course load.
3. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). All students receiving financial aid must successfully meet certain standards to maintain eligibility. At-risk or ineligible SAP students may seek additional guidance from academic advisers. The federal SAP guide has been created to summarize federal SAP standards.

If you have questions regarding this article, please contact us at finaid@buffalostate.edu or ext. 4902. All questions and answers will be posted in the “You Asked for It” section of the FAO website. Click on the “Faculty and Staff” link (bottom left).