The U.S. Department of Education, in an April 2, 2009, “Dear Colleague”
letter (GEN-09-04) reminded aid administrators of the latitude permitted them
under the professional judgment provisions of the law. Issuing such a broadcast
communication reflects the federal government’s concern for the economic
plight in which some students and their families find themselves. Dear
Colleague letters focused on students in particular situations, such as those
affected by natural disasters, have been issued in the past, but the April 2009
letter shows the gravity of concern for the economic stresses that currently
affect so many.
In the past, some administrators have shied away from exercising professional
judgment. The reasons included inadequate staffing, concern for exceptions in
audits, and not having enough financial aid funds. Others, concerned for public
perception of their institutions, have not wanted to recognize additional need
that they may not be able to meet or to add to the burden of institutional aid
budgets. Some of these reasons may be valid while others are not, but if ever
there were a time for aid administrators to consider individual students’
situations, make adjustments in budgets and need determinations, and work to
find the extra resources to provide access, address increased need, and help
retain students in school, now is that time.
In this Issue • Timothy Stokes of Tacoma Community College and Patricia Somers of the
University of Texas at Austin consider what influences the postsecondary
enrollment decisions of students, with a special focus on those choosing a
two-year institution.
• Jacob Gross, Osman Cekic, Don Hossler, and Nick Hillman of Indiana
University provide a review of research literature related to student loan
defaults and summarize the findings of the most pertinent studies.
• Jeffrey Kash and Scott Lasley of Western Kentucky University review the
merit-based Kentucky Education Excellence Scholarship program, examine its
outcomes and demographics, and make recommendations for revisions.
Transitions The Journal of Student Financial Aid benefits greatly from the work of the
volunteers who serve on the editorial board. We note with thanks the past
service of Emily Attridge of the Stetson University College of Law, Daniel
Barkowitz of Columbia University, Natala Hart of the Ohio State University,
Annita Huff of Washburn University of Topeka, Bridget Terry Long of the
Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Carlia Smith of the University of
Arkansas System. We are grateful to welcome to the editorial board Jacob
Gross of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Indiana
University and Alicia Harris of Oklahoma City Community College.
Joe Paul Case
Editor, October 2009
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators 3
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