Canisius University adopted Arbol several years ago to help students bridge unexpected financial gaps.
The university recognized that a proactive, personalized and intuitive approach would put the power back into students’ hands and help them take advantage of the resources that were created to support them.
Canisius has reported strong success with this program, introducing it to larger cohorts of students each year and seeing improved data in regarding paying bills on time, persistence and retention.
The university’s coordinator of counseling and student support services, Dontee Sylvester, recently spoke to Arbol about what he’s seeing in the modern higher ed landscape.
Let’s talk about your high-level goals.
“I believe that my institution is responsible for giving students all of the financial resources possible to help them fund their education,” says Sylvester.
"'Supporting students well' in my department is a holistic approach. I find that I can't fix one problem without addressing other problems/stressors in my students' lives. Being present when they need my assistance. Answering their questions genuinely and honestly. And doing my job to the best of my ability and with fidelity."
What keeps you up at night?
"My biggest concern is student motivation and success. I wouldn't say it keeps me up at night, but it is something that is always on the forefront of my mind and something I'm constantly working to combat and overcome.
I think what's most urgent is student book costs and travel home. I see students struggling to pay their bills after their Financial Aid has been dispersed. So, if a student has a bill of say $300, it is tough for their family to come up with the remainder."
What makes your department’s work unique?
"We spend a lot of time with our students from when they first step foot onto campus during their Summer Scholars Academy. Seeing that we are a smaller program in a big lake, it makes it easier for us to build connections with our students and get to know them in a more personal, individualized way."
You’re boots on the ground with students. Could you share some insight on working with them?
"My biggest concern is student motivation and success. I wouldn't say it keeps me up at night, but it is something that is always on the forefront of my mind and something I'm constantly working to combat and overcome,
Most of my students will try to work hard to the best of their ability. There are some outliers, but for the most part, students want to do well."
Through the dedicated efforts of leaders like Dontee Sylvester and tools like Arbol, the university empowers students to take charge of their education and well-being.
