Financial Aid Day Combines Facts and Fun for Students

Cheryl Morrison, interim director of Student Financial Services, hosted a Financial Aid Awareness Day last semester to help students better understand the process of applying for and receiving student loans and grants.

According to Morrison, it is important to engage students even before they realize they may need financial services. With that goal in mind, the event focused on preparing students for the upcoming academic year, with games that centered on financial aid concepts.

"Just telling students to do the FAFSA is not enough," said Morrison. "We need to help them. We want people to know we are here and approachable. Based on my own experience as a young college student who didn't know anything about available resources, that's why I relate so deeply to students today."

Morrison emphasized that Student Financial Services supports students' academic success and financial needs, and she was pleased with the day's success. "We had a good turnout," she reflected. "More than 70 students participated throughout the day, including in the games."

The event featured interactive activities such as Jenga, Connect Four, a toss game, and Wheel of Fortune—all incorporating financial aid questions—along with York College prizes. Computers were also available, and staff members were on hand to assist students with completing the 2026–2027 FAFSA.

Overall, the event raised strong awareness not only of Student Financial Services' availability but also of the importance of filing financial aid applications early. The strong turnout came as no surprise, as the event was intentionally designed to appeal to students' curiosity, sense of fun, and desire for community, creating an engaging and welcoming environment for learning about financial aid.