StateU: Public University Financial Aid Crisis During Disbursement Deadline

Quick Reference

  • Organization: Public higher education institution, 25,000 students, 3,500 faculty/staff across multiple campus locations
  • Key Assets at Risk: Student financial records (FAFSA data, SSNs), Banking information for disbursements, Academic records and enrollment systems, Student personal information
  • Business Pressure: Friday financial aid disbursement deadline (48 hours away)β€”3,200 students awaiting spring semester payments, summer housing deposits due within days, fall registration dependent on summer housing confirmation
  • Core Dilemma: Complete disbursements on time supporting 3,200 students’ housing and registration needs BUT process payments through potentially compromised systems risking FERPA violations, OR Delay disbursements for security verification protecting student data BUT students lose housing deposits and fall semester enrollment
Detailed Context
Organization Profile

Type: Public higher education institution Size: 25,000 students, 3,500 faculty/staff, multiple campus locations

Key Assets:

  • Student financial records (FAFSA data, SSNs)
  • Banking information for disbursements
  • Academic records and enrollment systems
  • Student personal information
Student Pressure

Financial Aid Deadline: Friday (48 hours away) Students Affected: 3,200 students awaiting spring semester disbursements Immediate Stakes: Summer housing deposits due within days Downstream Impact: Fall registration dependent on summer housing confirmation

Marcus’s Situation: Senior computer science student, summer internship requires local housing, deposit deadline tomorrow morning

Cultural Factors
  • Student-centered mission: β€œStudent success” often overrides other considerations
  • Financial aid office: Extreme seasonal pressure during disbursement periods
  • IT security perception: Seen as barrier to student services rather than protection
  • Emergency exception culture: Critical academic calendar periods justify shortcuts
  • Staff training: Prioritize student needs and quick service delivery