Financial aid advisors are in the Library/Learning Crossroads next to the reference desk Monday through Friday to answer general questions about financial aid.
The services these advisors can provide include helping students navigate the student information system, showing students how to read their award letters, and assisting with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Director of Financial Aid, Scholarships, Veterans and Foster Youth Programs Anafe Robinson, said students do not have to make an appointment to speak with an advisor.
“We wanted another location students can go to if they have general questions,” Robinson said.
“We thought the library would be a good location because we have a lot of students there,” Robinson said. “If there are a lot of students waiting for an advisor, the advisor may not be able to assist an individual student with his or her FAFSA application.”
According to Robinson, there are plans to eventually provide financial aid advisors in the First Year Experience or Center for Academic Success areas.
Amairany Solano, pre-veterinary science major, said it’s convenient for all students.
“I personally have no idea where the actual financial aid office is, so being able to come to the library to ask them [advisors] financial aid questions I have is pretty cool,” Solano said. “I also think it beats the hassle of having to wait in a long line.”
The financial aid advisors are limited to general questions. According to Robinson, they cannot take documents from students because they do not have access to the database.
If students need to submit documents, they must go to the financial aid office, which is located on the second floor of the Students Services Building.
Pierce student Mercedes Breaux is in her second year and found out about the library advisors by reading a sign in the financial aid office.
“No one actually said anything, but I read it,” Breaux said. “I was like ok, I can go to the library and I came here and spoke with someone.”
According to Robinson, there have been financial aid advisors in the library since the 2015 fall semester.
“We have been advertising it the last two semesters on our website,” Robinson said. “Students should check there for important information. The website is up to date.”
The financial aid website can be accessed by going to PierceCollege.edu and clicking Fees and Financial Aid on the homepage.
The first workshop for financial aid is on September 21 at 1 p.m. on the second floor of the Student Services Building in the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services office.
Advisors are in the library Monday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
