NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

11/13/2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Student input has helped Northwestern State University receive higher marks in the latest ACT College Opinion Survey.

The10 areas of greatest improvement were in billing and fee payment schedules, financial aid, general registration procedures, classroom facilities and variety of courses offered. The other areas were availability of financial aid information prior to college, college in general, testing and grading system, security/safety and the general admissions procedure.

"Those areas in which Northwestern showed the greatest improvement were those which we have worked diligently to improve," said NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb. "The administration looked closely at the results of the 2001 College Opinion Survey and began addressing the top student concerns. These results show that Northwestern listens to its students and is working to improve all areas of the university."

The survey was conducted using a random sample of Northwestern students which reflected the University's student body.

Technology has helped Northwestern better serve its students. NSU has placed its catalog and schedule of classes online. Students with more than 30 hours can register on the Internet at their convenience. Students with account balances can pay those balances using a credit card

"We have made the process of registration easier, so that students no longer have to stand in line for many services," said NSU Registrar Lillie Frazier Bell. "Students have told me that registration is a breeze."

Northwestern's Office of Financial Aid has made itself more visible, setting up information booths during the year and providing more information for students.

"We have worked to make students more aware of the various deadlines for financial aid," said Director of Financial Aid Misti Chelette. "More staff have been added to provide students with more individualized attention. Parts of the financial aid process have also been automated, so that students can receive their aid more quickly."

Chelette encourages students to contact her office by e-mail, and personally answers about 30 requests a day. The Office of Financial Aid keeps its Web site updated and makes sure prospective students receive all needed federal financial aid forms when they make an inquiry.

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