11:05 a.m., March 23, 2010----The University of Delaware has announced the formation of a new Office of Student Financial Services, which will bring together the offices of Scholarships and Financial Aid and Billing and Collection in a single unit for better service to students and their families.

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The reorganization provides a single point of contact for students and families, bringing together all of the services and processes related to financing a higher education and thus making it easier for them to get the information they need in one contact.

In addition, Student Financial Services will continue to enhance its electronic processes and online functions to broaden the services available to meet clients' needs.

By July 1, all Student Financial Services employees will be housed together in the Student Services Building on Lovett Avenue.

“We are pleased to announce this reorganization and the creation of the new Office of Student Financial Services,” said Rob Specter, vice president for finance, who noted this is a model that has been adopted by many other universities. “Our students and their families rightfully expect exceptional and reliable financial services. This reorganization was undertaken to significantly improve UD's capacity to serve.

“Our primary mission is to best serve students and families at the University of Delaware and we believe this reorganization will accomplish that goal by delivering seamless services to meet their needs,” said Mona Adams, assistant vice president for Student Financial Services. “This will eliminate confusion for students and families and provide the University community with greater efficiency.”

Melissa Stone, director of Student Financial Services, said, “The close interaction of financial aid and billing are critical and we are pleased to be able to offer enhanced services through this new office.” She noted that staff will have exposure to a broader array of topics as a result of the reorganization, offering them an advantage in providing services to students and their families. "With staff working together in one unit, the ability to share information and effectively resolve financial aid and billing issues will be enhanced. Better coordination of billing and aid award activities should reduce confusion and improve accuracy and reliability."

“Over the years the Office of Admissions has experienced nothing but friendship and support from our wonderful colleagues in Financial Aid,” said Louis Hirsh, director of admissions. “As they become part of a newly reorganized Office of Student Financial Services, we look forward to more of the same. We expect that the reorganization will enable our colleagues to offer even better service to the many UD students and parents who depend upon them.”

Questions regarding the reorganization should be directed to Melissa Stone via email at [mstone@udel.edu].

Students and families with financial aid questions can call Student Financial Services at (302) 831-2126 or visit the Web site.