How to communicate financial information to Gen Z students
March 2, 2022
Once an institution knows how students learn, steps can be taken to gather key stakeholders from across campus and perform a detailed assessment of the current communication landscape. An institution can create a timeline and inventory of current communications and communication methods, review policies and deadlines for the campus, and assess any gaps or identify strengths using the model above. It is essential to incorporate parents and guardians where appropriate, include personalized messaging, and integrate technology to help overcome financial and accessibility barriers.
After effective communication has been established, further outreach can become more nuanced and customer service friendly. Communication can empathize with challenges students and families face financially and promote student development and growth instead of taking on a punitive nature (such as SAP letters and tuition appeals).
Lastly, institutions should continue to utilize data for decision making and outreach and automate processes across multiple offices to limit the red tape and confusion. Financial departments should gain access to Orientation, First Year Program classes and events, and other large-scale student-facing events. These strategies will help support all students, but our current Generation Z students most certainly.
Sources
- EHL Insights: An introduction to teaching Gen Z students, by Jean-Baptiste Berguerand.
- The Chronicle of Higher Education: Teaching in the Age of Disinformation Propaganda and conspiracy theories are everywhere. What’s a professor to do?, by Beth McMurtrie, 2021
- Notre Dame of Maryland University: The Evolution of Communication Across Generations, 2019
- EAB: How to effectively reach Gen Z in 2021, by Madeleine Rhyneer, 2021
- EAB: 3 ways technology can help overcome financial barriers, by Christina Hubbard, 2021
- EAB: Are your emails to students limiting your equity efforts?, by Meacie Fairfax, 2021
- EAB: Clearly Communicate Price and Financial Aid
- EAB: Minimize Financial Attrition