Financial Aid

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Today for our Staff Spotlight story we’re sitting down Lisa Brooker, our Director of Financial Aid, to learn more about her and this important department.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Lisa! Please tell us a little about your educational and professional background, what led you to Schoolcraft College and how long you’ve been with us.

Lisa Brooker: My journey with financial aid began in 2006 when I was hired in as a student assistant. I loved the atmosphere in the office and in the College. I had great co-workers and was learning so much in such a fast-paced office. I remained working in the office part time after I completed my Associate degree at Schoolcraft.

Once I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology at Eastern Michigan University, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to end up, but I didn’t hesitate to accept a full-time position in the office while I figured it out. It was around that time I started really working with students. I could really relate to them since I had so recently gone through the same processes I was helping them navigate. I started to see a future in this career, and while making my way through the office, I got my MBA from Baker College. I am now settling into my fourth month as the position of Director of Financial Aid.

Lisa Brooker
Lisa Brooker, Director of Financial Aid.

Schoolcraft College: From a high level, can you please explain what the Financial Aid department does? And also what it doesn’t do?

Lisa Brooker: In the simplest of terms: Financial Aid awards students grants, scholarships, work-study and student loans. To break that down a little, we first help students and their families navigate through the application processes. This often begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is an annual application that is the basis for most types of student aid.

Once that is complete we can better get a picture of what types of aid might be an option for individual students. We work under federal regulations, college policies, and timelines to move students through the process of each various award. Throughout the year we have various processes to ensure students are maintain eligibility and we make adjustments to awards, as needed.

We work closely with the Student Accounts Office, but they have very different functions. This can sometimes cause confusion because we share an office. They are responsible for payment plans, third-party payments, MET (Michigan Education Trust), MESP (Michigan Education Savings Program), and past-due balances.

Schoolcraft College: What does a “typical” day look like for you and your team? What are the busiest times during the academic year?

Lisa Brooker: Days can look very different in our office depending what time of year it is and where we are in the current semester. The summer (most specifically late July – early September) is our busiest time. We receive the most applications and see the most students during this time. Most of our awards run on an annual basis. So we get more students at the start of fall than any other semester, as many of them only need to see us once per year.

This is when documents can take the longest to process since we have more coming into the office than other times in the year.

This is also when we see longer wait times for our phone calls. As soon as Fall classes start, we are gearing up for Winter aid applications. After classes are underway each semester, we monitor changes such as students who change their schedule or earn a No Show (NS) grade by not showing up to classes. This often results in reductions or recalculations in a student’s aid. Once grades post, we verify that students are eligible for future semesters by meeting academic progress requirements.

Schoolcraft College: What piece of advice do you have for students, parents and others as they begin the process with financial aid? What’s the best way to get started? And what are some tips to avoid frustration?

Lisa Brooker: First, ask questions and do not wait. We are here to help and want our students to understand what they need to do to remain eligible for aid. We understand these processes are complex, can seem intimidating or even violating to some. We can only answer questions if they are asked.

We also recognize that things change, last-minute decisions are made, and things are forgotten. Financial Aid is very time-driven; there are deadlines we have to stick by and things that take us time to complete as well. The earlier you can get the process started, typically the less stressful it will be. File your FAFSA early each year, even if you do not think you will qualify. That opens you up to more opportunities once completed.

Questions do not end when you get awarded. As I mentioned, things are constantly changing throughout the year and semester. If you want to withdraw from a class – talk to us first. If you are struggling – let us know, we can see what options may be best for you to consider. Finally, be mindful to check your SC mail and Ocelot Access. Most all of our communication goes to one or both of those resources and it is important to read (and understand) notifications that go out.

Schoolcraft College: What are some highlights for you so far in your new role?

Lisa Brooker: I am very lucky with my team – both my staff and other offices we work with. One thing that sets Schoolcraft apart in my mind is that the people want to be here. Our staff wants to work here and wants to help our students. Our students want to be here as it is a great place to get an education. We see students in all walks of life, and I’ve found we can all learn from each other.

Being in this role I am able to make decisions and influence change. I have never lost the relatability I have with our students and fully remember how daunting college can be. I carry that with me and hope to be a part of positive changes for our students from that perspective.  

Schoolcraft College: What’s the best way for people to reach Financial Aid?

Lisa Brooker: Come see us! We are in the office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You also can call us at 734-462-4433, or email us at [email protected]. We host and are part of various events around campus, including help with FAFSAs and other aid-related presentations. If there is a topic you would like to see covered – send us an email and we can see if we can work it in.

Schoolcraft College: Thank you, Lisa! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Lisa Brooker: Thank you for allowing me this time and to share a little about me and my office. As I’ve mentioned – don’t hesitate to come see us with any and all questions! It’s great seeing faces back around campus!

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Prestigious program now in 14th year

Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid

Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid, has been named a member of the Michigan Chronicle’s latest class of Men of Excellence.

The Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Awards, in its 14th year, recognizes local African American men who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are men who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and integrity who continue to break the mold and effect change in their professions and community.

Williams’ leadership, ability and overall professional excellence as Director of Financial Aid at Schoolcraft College are vital to connecting Schoolcraft College students to the financial resources they need to complete their educational goals. The basic responsibilities of his role include ensuring compliance with federal and state legislation, Title IV administration, and regulatory requirements for all student aid programs.

Of particular note, Williams oversaw the department that dispersed a total of $14,192,651 of federal aid from three waves of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, with every dollar accounted for in an independent audit.

Williams also actively develops plans to inform and educate students about all aspects of financial aid as well as streamlining processes to deliver financial aid. Williams’ acumen and passion have been noted by his peers as he has been elected to serve in leadership roles in several prominent state and regional organizations, including:

  • President and Vice President of the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association
  • State of Michigan Representative of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
  • State of Michigan Representative of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

“I’m extremely honored to be one of this year’s Men of Excellence,” Williams said. “I’m deeply appreciative of the role the Michigan Chronicle plays in our community to ensure Black voices are heard and acknowledged, and I sincerely thank them for including me in this year’s class of Men of Excellence.”

In addition to his work at Schoolcraft College, Williams willingly gives back to the community and acts as a mentor in several ways. As a youth football coach for nearly 20 years, for example, including the last seven with the Detroit Spartans, he has mentored hundreds of young people. He’s helped them on a path of success that includes college scholarships, doctors, entrepreneurs and even pro football players – all with a message of becoming positive and productive members of their community. Williams also has willingly lent his professional expertise to adults in teaching them the principles of saving to help secure a more stable financial future.

Williams and the rest of this year’s Men of Excellence class will be inducted on Thursday, January 27, at The Eastern in the Eastern Market area of Detroit.

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These two important departments sometimes get confused

Learning, of course, is the goal of any college experience. Part of that education means familiarizing yourself with some unfamiliar terms. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

As part of an occasional series, we’ll explain phrases, lingo or topics to add to your college vocabulary. We call it “Say What?” If there’s a topic you’d like to see covered, please send suggestions to [email protected]. 

Today we’ll learn about the differences between two departments at Schoolcraft College that are sometimes confused: Financial Aid and Student Accounts. 

Signs for both financial aid and student accounts
The departments of Financial Aid and Student Accounts are both in the McDowell Student Center. 

In a general sense, financial aid refers to resources a student might use to pay for higher education, such as grants, scholarships and loans.

Student Accounts, on the other hand, is responsible for all of the billing related to Schoolcraft College. This department does NOT handle financial aid.

With both Financial Aid and Student Accounts, it’s best to get as early of a jump as possible on your business to hopefully avoid headaches later on.

Let’s take a quick look at each department, starting with Financial Aid.

Things to know about Financial Aid

For just about any sort of financial aid, the starting point is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, which you complete online. For some, filling out the FAFSA is pretty straightforward. For others, it’s a long and involved process. You can save your work, so if you have to stop, that’s OK. 

Basic information to have handy includes:

  • Your social security number
  • Your driver’s license number
  • Federal tax return (Student/Parent when applicable)
  • Anything else that shows reported income
  • The school you’re attending or interested in attending

It’s best to file the FAFSA as early as possible. Again, as the name states, it is free to fill out – no fees whatsoever. 

Getting back to student financial aid, there are five main types:

  • Federal Grants: Requires a FAFSA application. Grants are need based and given without repayment requirements.
  • Federal Work Study: Requires a FAFSA application. This program allows students to earn money to pay for their college education. These positions are not guaranteed.
  • State Programs: State-sponsored programs such as Tuition Incentive Program, Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS), Michigan Education Trust (MET) and Michigan Education Savings Plan (MESP).
  • Scholarships: Are given without repayment requirements but may have many factors involved in meeting requirements, often need and academic levels. There is a separate application required. A number of scholarships may require that a student has completed a FAFSA.
  • Loans: Requires a FAFSA application. Funds are available to students. All loans must be repaid with interest. Repayment begins when you are no longer attending college at a part-time credit level or graduation.

It’s best to explore your options and possibilities with each source and use each to best advantage. Most students pay for college through a combination of financial aid. Schoolcraft College’s Financial Aid team can help answer questions.

Looking into scholarships

Schoolcraft College currently has over 300 scholarships for students. Non-traditional students and those from underserved populations are especially encouraged to explore what’s offered. 

Keep in mind that these are just the start – many entities offer scholarships as well. As with working to find the right job or internship, networking skills can help you find scholarships, too. Some students may qualify for the Detroit Promise scholarship opportunity. There are also other scholarship avenues students can pursue like Scholarship America and FastWeb! that lists multiple scholarship opportunities any student can receive. 

Learning about loans

In a general sense, loans are available from two sources: The federal government or lenders. The federal government distributes federal loans at a fixed interest rate. These rates are generally lower to those from a private lender.

A lender such as a bank or other institution offers two types of loans – secured or unsecured. A secured loan is backed by collateral, such as a house or other property or assets. Secured loans basically offer some security for the lender and generally have lower interest rates. Unsecured loans do not have this type of backing and generally have higher interest rates.

Depending on your financial situation, it may be advantageous to have a co-signer for your private loan. In fact, the lending institution may require it.

To learn more:

For more information about financial aid at Schoolcraft College, please visit the financial aid webpage at schoolcraft.edu/aid. You can also reach the department via email and phone at [email protected] or 734-462-4433. 

Things to know about Student Accounts

Again, Student Accounts is a separate department from Financial Aid. Its role is to help students understand their billing and answer questions and review the steps needed to keep your account in good standing.

They also can help make sure any college savings plan funds you’re using are sent to your account and ensure any refunds are properly credited.

One avenue students are urged to consider is establishing a payment plan as soon as they register for classes. It’s interest-free and can help spread out what you need to pay over a longer period of time, giving you more flexibility and convenience. 

As a reminder, all tuition and fees are due within three weekdays of registration.

If your class is to be paid for by your business or other third party, Student Accounts can help coordinate those payments as well.

Student Accounts also can provide any tax forms that might be needed and can assist international students with payments coming from outside the United States.

To learn more

For more information about, please visit the Student Accounts webpage. You also can reach the department by email at [email protected].

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Explore all possibilities to help ease the burden

Learning, of course, is the goal of any college experience. Part of that education means familiarizing yourself with some unfamiliar terms. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

As part of an occasional series, we’ll explain phrases, lingo or topics to add to your college vocabulary. We call it “Say What?” If there’s a topic you’d like to see covered, please send suggestions to [email protected]. 

Today we’ll learn about ways you can pay for school through financial aid.

Think of financial aid as the umbrella term for all the ways to pay for higher education, and it comes in many forms. For just about any sort of financial aid, the starting point is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, which you complete online. 

Most students pay for college through a combination of financial aid. Schoolcraft College’s Financial Aid team can help answer questions.

A computer screen with the Schoolcraft website open
The homepage of Schoolcraft College’s Financial Aid Department is a good starting point for any questions you might have.

For some, filling out the FAFSA is pretty straightforward. For others, it’s a long and involved process. You can save your work, so if you have to stop, that’s OK. 

Basic information to have handy includes:

  • Your social security number
  • Your driver’s license number
  • Federal tax return (Student/Parent when applicable)
  • Anything else that shows reported income
  • The school you’re attending or interested in attending

It’s best to file the FAFSA as early as possible. Again, as the name states, it is free to fill out – no fees whatsoever. 

Getting back to student financial aid, there are five main types:

  1. Federal Grants: Requires a FAFSA application. Grants are need based and given without repayment requirements.
  2. Federal Work Study: Requires a FAFSA application. This program allows students to earn money to pay for their college education. These positions are not guaranteed.
  3. State Programs: State-sponsored programs such as Tuition Incentive Program, Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS), Michigan Education Trust (MET) and Michigan Education Savings Plan (MESP).
  4. Scholarships: Are given without repayment requirements but may have many factors involved in meeting requirements, often need and academic levels. There is a separate application required. A number of scholarships may require that a student has completed a FAFSA.
  5. Loans: Requires a FAFSA application. Funds are available to both students and their parents. All loans must be repaid with interest. Repayment begins when you are no longer attending college at a part-time credit level or graduation.

It’s best to explore your options and possibilities with each source and use each to best advantage. Most students pay for college through a combination of financial aid. Schoolcraft College’s Financial Aid team can help answer questions.

Looking into scholarships

Schoolcraft College currently has over 300 scholarships for students. Non-traditional students and those from underserved populations are especially encouraged to explore what’s offered. 

Keep in mind that these are just the start – many entities offer scholarships as well. As with working to find the right job or internship, networking skills can help you find scholarships, too. Some students may qualify for the Detroit Promise scholarship opportunity. There are also other scholarship avenues students can pursue like Scholarship America and FastWeb! that lists multiple scholarship opportunities any student can receive. 

Schoolcraft College currently has over 300 scholarships for students. Non-traditional students and those from underserved populations are especially encouraged to explore what’s offered.

CARES Act Funding

Schoolcraft College recently received its disbursement from the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act to assist those who incurred financial hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic. The College is now accepting applications for CARES 3 Grant funding to support enrolled and previously enrolled (since March 2020) students who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. 

To apply for CARES 3 visit Scholarships to see a variety of options.

You will need to complete the General Scholarship Application first and then you can select “Apply To” on the CARES 3 application to answer the additional questions. 

Grant overview:

  • Awards will range from $800 – $1,500 per semester
  • The grant funds will be awarded based on responses in the application
  • Students only need to submit one (1) CARES III application for multiple semesters 
  • Award continuation will depend on utilization and availability of funds
  • Grant will be awarded after confirmation of attendance for the semester

This grant is intended to help students with expenses that may impact their ability to complete their course(s). Applicants will be required to certify that they have coronavirus related financial need for education costs or emergency costs.

Expense examples:

  • Past due balances
  • Tuition and fees
  • Books and supplies
  • Housing costs
  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Medical and mental health care

Learning about loans

In a general sense, loans are available from two sources: The federal government or lenders. The federal government distributes federal loans at a fixed interest rate. These rates are generally lower to those from a private lender.

A lender such as a bank or other institution offers two types of loans – secured or unsecured. A secured loan is backed by collateral, such as a house or other property or assets. Secured loans basically offer some security for the lender and generally have lower interest rates. Unsecured loans do not have this type of backing and generally have higher interest rates.

Depending on your financial situation, it may be advantageous to have a co-signer for your private loan. In fact, the lending institution may require it.

To learn more

For more information about financial aid at Schoolcraft College, please visit the financial aid webpage at schoolcraft.edu/aid. You can also reach the department via email and phone at [email protected] or 734-462-4433.

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Staff from key departments available Saturday, August 7, to assist you

Schoolcraft College will offer “one-stop shopping” to take care of everything students need for the Fall 2021 semester on “Super Saturday” this Saturday, August 7.

New and current students can get help with Admissions, Financial Aid, Academic Advising or Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days. Services will be available on site at the McDowell Student Center and by phone.

DepartmentPhone number
Admissions734-462-4683
Advising734-462-4429
Financial Aid734-462-4433
Registration734-462-4426

Registration is open now. Classes begin Monday, August. 30.

“We’re pleased to bring back ‘Super Saturday’ to help our students conveniently take care of all their business on one day either by phone or in person at the McDowell Student Center,” said Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer.

  • Photo 1
  • Photo 2
Photo 1: The Schoolcraft College Bookstore will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on each Super Saturday.
Photo 2: Take advantage of an upcoming Super Saturday to get ready for the Fall 2021 semester.

Services available on each Super Saturday include:

  • Apply for admission
  • Take placement tests
  • Register for fall classes
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Meet with an academic advisor to select courses, discuss majors and find out how close you are to earning your degree

We recommend new students bring:

  • SAT/ACT scores (if taken in the last three years)
  • High school and college transcripts (if available)
  • Photo identification

“We’re pleased to bring back ‘Super Saturday’ to provide additional hours for our students to take care of their business either by phone or in person at the McDowell Student Center,” 

Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer

For more information, please contact the Answer Center by calling 734-462-4426 or emailing [email protected].

The Schoolcraft College Bookstore will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 7, as well.

The McDowell Student Center is located on the southern end of the main campus in Livonia (Haggerty Road between Six and Seven Mile Roads) and is visible from Haggerty Road.

Free parking is available in both the C (Center) and S (South) parking lots.