Twin Cities (March 2017 updates)

Graduation rates trending up
The 4, 5, and 6-year graduation rates for the Twin Cities campus all went up with the 2016 data snap. The 4-year graduation rate exceeded the Regents’ goal of 65% (officially 65.2%), while we missed the 6-year rate goal of 80% (officially 78.9%). Based on the degrees already awarded and the applications for degree through summer 2017, this year’s graduation rates have the potential to be 1.5% to 4.2% higher.

Financial aid ISIR code 399
With the implementation of Prior, Prior Year (PPY) this year, students and families were required to use the 2015 tax information for two aid years, 2016-17 and 2017-18, when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Sometimes this has resulted in instances of conflicting information between the two aid years, and the financial aid office must resolve these data conflicts. When this occurs, Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR) code 399 flags these records.

During this transition year to PPY, the conflicting FAFSA information may actually impact financial aid that has already been disbursed for a previous term. In some instances, this can even result in the office having to take back aid from students from the previous year.

For students in these situations, the Twin Cities campus has instituted a special protocol to help mitigate some of the negative consequences of having financial aid ‘pulled back’ after a term has already ended. Specifically for students in this situation, we will waive some late fees, consider alternative payment plans if necessary, and be more lenient on hold release appeals to allow registration and avert future enrollment cancellation.

Unlike standard verification, resolving 399 codes can be more complex and take more time for the financial aid office staff to resolve as there is often more information that needs to be collected, reviewed, and verified.

Live Like a Student (LLAS) receives grant for international student video series
Live Like a Student (LLAS), the financial wellness campaign comprised of members from One Stop Student Services, Continuity and Compliance, and the Office of Student Finance, recently applied for and was granted a $23,000 budget to create financial wellness outreach specifically for international students. The funding is provided from the International Student Academic Enhancement Services Fee. Professionally created videos geared toward the international student community will be created and distributed to help specific populations understand financial wellness. Additionally, One Stop staff will present at Global Gopher Week to engage in a face-to-face setting with international students. If you have questions about LLAS or this announcement, please reach out to Betsy Everts at everts@umn.edu.

University to host Higher Education Financial Wellness Summit
One Stop Student Services at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is thrilled to host the 4th Annual Higher Education Financial Wellness Summit (The Summit) from July 30-August 1, 2017! The Summit unites educators with a passion for student financial wellness and connects those who value the significance in students' understanding of how to manage their personal finances. Previous host institutions have been The Ohio State University and Indiana University. Program proposals and early bird registration deadlines are on March 31, 2017. The conference will take place at The Commons Hotel on the Minneapolis campus.

Please let either Nate Peterson (pete2787@umn.edu) or Betsy Everts (everts@umn.edu) know if you have any questions about this conference, Live Like a Student, or the financial wellness outreach campaign on the Twin Cities campus.

Welcome new staff
Remy Abdullahi joined ASR - IT Custom Application Development team on March 13. He reports to Kristy Davis with Ian Whitney serving as his team lead. His office is in 160 Williamson.

David Engen joined Continuity and Compliance on March 8 in the position of Multimedia and Instructional Designer (Acad Technician 3). David is located in 160 Williamson and reports to Stacey Tidball.

Christina Leighton joined Continuity and Compliance on March 14 in an 18-month position of Editor/Writer and reports to Carin Anderson. She is located in 160 Williamson.

Alison Link joined ASR-IT Student Data and Analytics team on March 20 in the temporary position of Developer 2. She reports to Kristy Davis, with Jeff Idle serving as the team lead, and is located in 160 Williamson.