Financial aid can be a complicated and complex process for faculty and students alike, but that may change with the recent launch of UH Financial Aid TV and various faculty and staff training sessions.

“Scholarships and Financial Aid is always looking for ways to better communicate with our students and parents,” said Janette Carson, assistant director of customer service in the Department of Scholarships and Financial Aid. “We believe that UH Financial Aid TV is an excellent resource that provides to-the-point answers for many financial aid questions in a format that is convenient and user friendly.”

The new system will use streamline video segments to present information about applying for financial aid, understanding the free application for federal student aid, grants, verification, scholarships, loan programs and repayment, satisfactory academic progress and, even, education tax benefits.

Directed at UH students and high school seniors, UH Financial Aid TV is a tool that makes these difficult concepts simpler, Carson said. As time goes on, the system will incorporate new information that is specific to the University of Houston.

“Our department is committed to increasing the number of avenues available for acquiring information,” Carson said. “In 2007, we launched a series of publications that cover a variety of topics such as the Texas application for state financial aid, work-study, summer aid and so much more. We also developed a comprehensive Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid, which walks a student through the financial aid process and the types of aid available here.”

The Department of Scholarships and Financial Aid not only launched UH Financial Aid TV, it also is offering its first Financial Aid 101 training session for faculty and staff.
 
“We believe a partnership with our colleagues across campus will improve communication with our students and help ensure a positive experience during their time at the University of Houston,” Carson said. “The response to the sessions has been amazing, and we have filled each session already, which is exactly what I expected on our campus.”

The department plans to offer additional financial aid training sessions in November.

John-Michael Haines