Brad Barnett, Associate Vice President for Access & Enrollment Management/Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships at James Madison University, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to check back in on the unusual situation this year’s FAFSA delays have put institutions in and what steps can be done by enrollment managers to best prepare for the challenges that those delays present. Brad tells Gil about how institutions like JMU are leveraging tools like net price calculators and fostering an environment of reassurance to ensure that they are in the best position to handle the processing burden of the FAFSA backlog once the decisions start.

Brad contrasts the typical university with those utilizing the CSS profile and how they will differ in processing these backlogs at each place. Brad and Gil reiterate the need for tailored communication strategies in higher ed, particularly for low-income, first-generation students who face compounded barriers to higher education.

For Your Institution Podcast is a production of Mongoose Research.

Introduction and Welcome | 00:00 

Discussion on FAFSA Delays and Impact on Enrollment | 01:28 

Challenges and Strategies in Financial Aid | 03:25 

Importance of Communication | 03:41 

Impact of FAFSA Delays on Decision Making | 08:00 

Advice for Institutions Navigating FAFSA Delays | 10:42 

Potential Impact on Low-Income and First-Generation Students | 14:20 

Resources and Support for Under-Resourced Schools | 18:10 

Conclusion and Contact Information | 20:30 
 

RELEVANT LINKS:

• Brad’s Email Address
• Brad’s LinkedIn
• Brad’s profile on JMU
• FYI: Tackling FAFSA Delays: Insights for Enrollment Management Professionals with Emily Coleman
• FYI: How AI and the New FAFSA are Shaping Financial Aid with Brad Barnett