ACOE_Self-Study

chairs and the vice president for academic affairs, the registrar develops the schedule of course offerings and creates the College calendar. All classroom reservations must be approved by the registrar. The registrar is an ad hoc member of the Curriculum Committee and the Committee on Course and Standing. Responsible for advising and assisting students who seek financial aid, including loans, scholarship, grants and Federal Work Study, the director of financial aid provides students with all necessary information and forms to apply for and receive financial aid and, in turn, submits all appropriate information to lending institutions and governmental agencies. The director also maintains student financial data, reporting it as required by the College, as well as by state and federal agencies. The director of financial aid is an ad hoc member of the Committee on Scholarships and assists that committee in developing guidelines for the distribution of awards. The director of the Career Development Center and Minority Enrichment is responsible for meeting the career needs of SUNY Optometry students, residents and alumni. Working in collaboration with academic affairs, clinical education, and Alumni affairs, the director of career development implements signature programs and events like the Family of Mentors Program and the Annual SUNY Optometry Career Symposium, and creates opportunities for busy students and professionals to connect and create meaningful relationships important to career development and career advancement. Many individualized services are also available for the College community including career counseling and help improving interviewing and resume writing. The director of the Career Development Center functions to help students, residents, and alumni envision, develop and achieve a fulfilling optometric career. 6.4.1 At a minimum, student services must include financial aid and debt counseling, academic counseling, learning support services, career placement assistance, and access to information technology support. Financial Aid and Debt Counseling On the days that prospective students are interviewed at SUNY Optometry, each applicant is provided with information on housing and financial aid programs, as well as the process for applying for federal financial aid (please see brochure in Appendix VI-10 . As part of this initial session, students receive information about student loan debt and learn how the budgeting choices they make now will influence the amount of debt they carry upon graduation. Students are counseled on the importance of setting up and keeping a budget. Students are also provided with general information regarding their rights and responsibilities as well as an introduction to debt management. Canadian and foreign students are notified of specific programs that apply to them. The financial aid office sends entering optometry students letters with relevant financial aid information and additional information ( Appendix VI-11a ). Once the student is evaluated for aid, he/she is sent an award letter stating his/her financial aid eligibility, budget and program eligibility.

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