Higher Education Assistance Group
News & Insights
Greetings!

The end of the COVID-19 national emergency this spring brought additional changes to financial aid and, now, the three-year student loan repayment pause is coming to an end this fall. As HEAG consultant Kianna Page notes in her spotlight interview below, "FA is an ever-changing industry" and "knowledge is power." Our blog posts this month highlight student loan forgiveness programs that your students may be eligible for, as well as an overview of how machine learning and artificial intelligence have the potential to optimize the financial aid process, reduce fraud, and tailor financial aid packages to students' individual needs.

As you head into the fall semester, please contact us if your institution is facing challenges or needs help due to additional demand. We have the experience to seamlessly integrate with your staff and take on any type of financial aid work or special projects. We also offer full financial aid support and outsourcing.

-The HEAG Team
What We Forgot About Student Loan Forgiveness and Other Relief Programs

With the Biden administration’s sweeping loan forgiveness program in front of the Supreme Court and the now three-year student loan repayment pause coming to end either naturally or via bipartisan legislation, borrowers may be panicked about having to pick up, or in some cases, start repayment. It should be noted, however, that the federal student loan programs have several avenues to offer borrowers relief from onerous loan payments, including opportunities for loan forgiveness. You can give your alumni and your current students peace of mind by sharing information about the programs.

Keep reading to learn about programs that are available.
Technology Support & Systems Analysis

Our Technology Support & Systems Analysis solutions can help your institution improve workflow processes, better utilize existing technology, and implement new financial management software – all of which can improve the financial aid experience for students and their families.

Our Approach to Technology Projects
We are experienced in all aspects of financial aid technology solutions. Our approach to technology projects is focused on creating more efficient processes that enhance student satisfaction by delivering cost-effective solutions. As financial aid compliance experts, we also work to ensure that your financial aid office is following sound business and regulatory practices.
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence: Transforming the Future of Financial Aid
One area that technology, specifically Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), could profoundly impact is the administration of Federal Financial Aid programs. Technology advances can potentially revolutionize how financial assistance is distributed, making it more efficient, accessible, and equitable for students and institutions. In this blog, we examine the role of ML and AI in the future of financial aid, discussing their potential to optimize processes, reduce fraud and tailor financial aid packages to individual needs. Keep reading to learn more.
Consultant Spotlight
Kianna Page, HEAG consultant
How long have you been with HEAG?

This September, I will have worked for HEAG for two years.

What is something few people know about you?

I’m a part-time comedian, fur mom and ovarian cancer survivor. 

What was your first job?

Since age 15, I’ve always had a job. My first job was with the Chicago Park District, and my first professional job was in the banking industry at PNC Bank where I worked as a part- and full-time teller, universal banker, and finally a relationship manager. 

When you’re not consulting, what other hobbies/interests do you have? 

I enjoy reading urban fiction and will also be reading The Intelligent Investor and I Will Teach You to Be Rich. I’m enrolled in African American Studies and learning software and system applications this fall. I also help friends and family with the FAFSA and FA understanding. 
Kianna Page
Tell us a little about yourself.

I have a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA. I’ve obtained two FA certifications: Application Processing and R2T4. I am someone who takes the initiative and my peers gravitate to me for answers. I don’t always know the answer, but I take the initiative to find the answer. I’m multifaceted and am a leader as well as team oriented. I’m detailed oriented and observant. I advocate for my peers/colleagues to work smart not hard and divert the unused energy towards another task or action. 

What are some of the FA tasks you have performed and excelled at?

I excel at the following:

  • Counseling and educating students and families on the available financial aid options
  • Assisting with the performance of file review and ISIR verification
  • Assisting with processing Title IV funds including student eligibility, awarding, and disbursement authorization and notifications
  • Navigating and troubleshooting system issues
  • Assisting with the evaluation of SAP
  • Assisting with Professional Judgements
  • Assisting with the completion of monthly reconciliation reports
  • R2T4 calculations

What advice would you give to a school looking to bring in an FA consultant? 

Prepare for change. Consultants are subject matter experts who offer guidance to help you operate a smooth FA office. Believe me, the beginning is rough. Creating structure and a solid foundation are the main priorities for consultants. 

What makes HEAG unique or special compared to your work experiences elsewhere?

HEAG is unique because of the wealth of resources, information and experience from my colleagues who became family. I’ve expanded my knowledge base since starting with HEAG. There is always training to assist with knowledge gaps and learning curves. FA is an ever-changing industry. Knowledge is POWER and key to our success at HEAG.

What do you enjoy most about your current role with HEAG?

The flexibility of being remote and obtaining work/life balance. 
617.928.1975 I www.heag.us I info@HEAG.us