Letter to Students - February 9, 2006
Dear Students,
On March 6, 2006, Financial Aid information will be available in the new, web-based student self service system that was unveiled in November. Called WISER (Web Administrative Computing for Everyone Remix), this new system gives you access to all your personal, academic and financial data, including information related to Corporate, Continuing and Distance Education (CCDE). A new web page, http://wiser.umb.edu, provides access to WISER and instructions for logging in and using the system.
As you begin to use the new Financial Aid portion of WISER, please take note of the following:
- New Navigation
Instead of navigating to the Financial Aid Office web site through WISER, where you then needed to use your previous ID and password for the former WISE system, you can now access all your financial aid information under the Finances link in Learner Services. The enclosed insert shows you how to navigate to this new part of the system. - New Functionality
Under the Finances link in Learner Services, you will be able to use new functionality to help you manage your financial aid needs. Among other things, you will be able to view your financial aid information as well as reduce and/or decline student employment and student loan awards. The enclosed insert provides more detailed explanations on this information.
For all current students applying for financial aid, you need to apply by May 1 for priority for federal and institutional aid and to meet the deadline for state aid. Use FAFSA on the Web, the first link under Financial Aid in WISER, to apply. - Information on the 05-06 Aid Year is not accessible
Beginning February 28, 2006, you will not be able to access information for the 05-06 Financial Aid Year in the new system. To get information on aid from that year, you will need to visit the One Stop on the Upper Level of the Campus Center.
Your current User ID and password to WISER will now get you into all areas of the new system. You should get in the habit of checking WISER often to view award and disbursement information and to monitor your Financial Aid “To Do” lists (located in the Personal Portfolio section of Learner Services). In the future, you will also be notified via your UMass Boston e-mail account if your awards change.
If you need assistance in accessing WISER, please contact IT Service Desk (formerly known as Helpdesk) at 617-287-5220, or send an email to ITservicedesk@umb.edu, or visit the IT Service Desk on the third floor of the Healey Library on campus (mail drop: 090-03-007). . If you have questions about your financial aid, please visit the One Stop on the Upper Level of the Campus Center.
We appreciate your patience as we work to implement this final piece of the new system.
Sincerely yours,
Judy Keyes
Director of Financial Aid