Classification: Four-year private college or university; Historically Black College or University.

Modules Used:

• Module 1: Get a Grip on Your Finances: Smart Spending for Students.

How Used: Entrance counseling.

Program Description: USA Funds^® Life Skills^® Module 1: Get a Grip on Your Finances: Smart Spending for Students provides the infrastructure for the entrance-counseling program for student-loan borrowers at Wilberforce University. New students participate in group counseling sessions when they arrive for orientation in the fall. The director of financial aid and a USA Funds representative facilitate the large-group sessions of 50-75 students. The sessions generally last for an hour. In addition, general information about financial aid and information specific to Wilberforce University are included in the presentations.

Staffing Requirements: The financial-aid director and a USA Funds representative facilitate Module 1.

Recommendations: The various modules of USA Funds Life Skills can be offered for different purposes to different audiences. The director of financial aid believes there are multiple opportunities to integrate the modules in other venues. In addition to complementing entrance counseling, she suggests introducing the program as an outreach opportunity. The academic modules are appropriate for the deans to consider as strategies for helping students make the transition to college. The director of financial aid currently is considering ways to use the program in exit counseling.

Campus Contact:
Shilene Perry, Financial Aid Director
Phone: (937) 376-2911
E-mail: sperry@wilberforce.edu