Art Weeden, Director of Financial Aid

An Interview with Art Weeden
By Kristine Overacre ’09

 

What would you like parents of current and prospective students to know about the way you approach your work?

I work primarily with prospective students and their families. Call or visit our office. We will help parents and students as much as we can. We keep an upfront, honest and open-door policy, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. We want families to receive the most accurate and helpful information possible.

What is the biggest mistake most parents make when it comes to financial aid?

A lot of parents assume things. You can’t make assumptions based on someone else’s circumstances. Many parents ask if they should apply for financial aid. My response is, if you know you can write a check for the tuition you probably won’t get a whole lot out of the financial aid system. If you are a parent wondering, "How am I going to do this?" then you need to fill out the forms to allow us to show you the tools available to you to fund an education. Parents need access to what’s available to them, even if they choose not to avail themselves of it.

Does the current instability of the economy change financial aid?

I predict that we will have more families in here this year than previously. Fortunately, there are mechanisms in place to deal with unusual circumstances, like job loss, an uninsured catastrophic illness, death, divorce or whatever. We recognize that these things happen in families. When they occur, decisions must be made, and we want everyone to know that there are options.

It’s very important to us that we keep a student in school. We want them to be able to finish what they have started. We are a service office—we try to help everyone as much as we can. Need-based financial aid is about access for the students with the ability and talent to succeed.

I know some people would rather not come into our office. It can be difficult for some people, but one of my goals is to have people feel better about themselves and about Rhodes when they leave our office than they felt when they came in. I guess it’s relevant that I used to be a counselor. I really love talking with students and parents.

I want parents to understand how this process works and to put families in the position to make an informed decision.

Do you have any tips for parents?

If you are even considering financial aid, you should know the priority deadlines for applying. File as early and as accurately as you can. It’s best to work from a completed tax return.

Any advice for parents who are already concerned about paying for college and professional schooling?

I have never, in my 28 years of experience, heard of a student admitted to professional  school (med school or law school) who couldn’t go based on finances. The funds are available. Of course, it’s best to plan ahead but it’s a lot easier to control short-term plans with a long-term goal in mind. You have to keep first things first.

Print