Case Study: Southern Oregon University transforms financial aid processes with Ellucian

How Southern Oregon University Makes Manual Verification Simple with Ellucian Student Financial Success Products

Southern Oregon University, a public university serving more than 6,000 students annually, needed to simplify a complex financial aid experience that affected enrollment and student persistence. With 82% of enrolled students receiving financial aid and many going through verification or appeals, the university wanted a clearer, more student-friendly process. Ellucian’s Banner SIS served as the foundation for its financial aid operations.

Ellucian implemented Student Forms, Campus Communicator, and Scholarship Universe to digitize verification, streamline professional judgement appeals, improve award-letter communication, and better match students with scholarship opportunities. The results included going from more than a week behind on verifications to staying current, boosting award-notification engagement from about 5% to at least 35% open rates, and helping distribute more aid more effectively, including $3.6 million in Raider Aid and $1.5 million from foundations and donors.

Southern Oregon University

Kristen Gast

Director of Student Financial Aid