This process has vastly improved with PeopleSoft. The system is smart enough to automatically determine which applications are incomplete and produce a letter requesting the missing information from those students. Another PeopleSoft efficiency is that detailed information on all students who have applied for financial aid has been consolidated into one place. Under the legacy system, student records were kept in two databases. The DePaul database contained only summary information on each student, while the federal database contained a more complete record.
Extra keystrokes means extra time, and the process of reviewing applications was slowed down.
Now it's much easier. Bradshaw says these examples represent a huge increase in efficiency in his department. It's this type of innovation that really makes a difference. Staff now will have added time to better cultivate relationships with students and their families and help demystify financial aid for them.