The lines are long. The wait is even longer. Phone lines are always busy, and if the call goes through, oftentimes you are told that you have called the wrong department.
A description that sounds more like the Department of Motor Vehicles than a school offered service, the VCU Financial Aid Department can create just as much of a headache as the DMV.
Upon arriving at VCU, many students find that they must contact the Financial Aid Department in order to receive their federal assistance in paying for school. When they call or visit the office, though, they encounter the same headache as those before them.
During the fall Welcome Week, several freshmen tell horror stories of waiting two hours in a line for the Financial Aid Department, only to be told that they must first visit the Department of Student Accounting, or some similar process.
Current freshman Cedric Ndaw says
Like many fellow students, junior Megan Russo waited at the start of the spring semester for a disbursement of loans to her personal account, to pay for books and bills. She was forced to wait nearly a month before hearing from the Financial Aid Office, though.
It was not until she called directly that she learned of outdated information on her account holding up the process. Each year, addresses must be updated, regardless of whether or not they have changed, leading to situations such as Russo’s. She has finally begun to receive her aid, but “it comes in checks for really weird amounts, and they don’t really come on a regular schedule.”
Tips for Dealing with the Financial Aid Department:
· Call Ahead
It is possible that a visit to the office is not necessary, and issues can be dealt with over the phone.
· Have all documentation before visiting
Prepare all available documents and information
· Be Courteous
As with all aspects of customer service, common courtesy can help to expedite the process. A poor attitude will make help significantly less likely.
· Check eServices in the MyVCU Portal
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