USA Funds Customer Profile: Fort Hays State University

Founded in 1902 on the grounds of an old military outpost in Kansas, Fort Hays State University (FHSU) now exerts an influence that extends worldwide. Fort Hays State University offers four colleges and 30 departments of study to 4,500 on-campus students. In addition, FHSU offers degrees and continuing-learning opportunities to 1,500 distance learners worldwide. One such example is the university's participation in the Navy College Partnership program, which offers bachelor's degrees to Navy service members anywhere in the world. The Virtual College, the continuing studies program at FHSU, delivers courses to the civilian population through the Internet, video and CD-ROM.

Fort Hays State University offers additional programs and services to the public. One Virtual College sociology course is specifically targeted to promote healing for those affected by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The university offers scholarships to individuals who might benefit from this course. The FHSU campus also is home to the Docking Institute of Public Affairs, a public-policy research institute that works with state, local and regional communities to analyze policy and develop strategies for future success. The Docking Institute was instrumental in developing and implementing the Financial Fitness Foundation, a Kansas financial-literacy program for students.

FHSU was among the first to use debit-card technology with students. The debit card serves as both a student-identification card and debit card and is ideal for students enrolled in the Virtual College. After students apply their financial-aid to tuition and fees, the financial-aid office applies any excess funds to students' debit cards, rather than issue checks to the students.

Forth Hays State University strives to remain true to its philosophy of "affordable success." Because it is located in western Kansas, the school serves students from agricultural areas. According to Craig Karlin, director of Financial Aid, "FHSU works to remain as affordable as possible to serve the neediest student population in the state. We had the lowest tuition increase of any school in the region in order to meet the needs of the rural population we serve."

Fort Hays State University couples its philosophy of "affordable success" with its participation in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). With USA Funds as its primary student-loan guarantor, FHSU uses the Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN) and is moving toward the e-signature process, as well as electronic award and tracking letters. Karlin points out that a good working relationship and open communication with USA Funds has been key to this successful partnership. "If a guarantee issue arises, I call and get a prompt response, and the issue is resolved quickly." Karlin adds that his office receives prompt answers to policy and regulatory questions as well.

As Fort Hays State University begins its next 100 years of service, Karlin shares that the financial-aid office, as well as other campus offices, will continue to re-evaluate processes and procedures for improvement in order to adapt to an ever-changing world.