AMSA

AMSA's Local Chapter Project Directory

PROJECT DESCRIPTION/CONTACT INFORMATION
Project title Student Loan Consolidation Speaker - Jeff Wanic
Project type(s) Speaker
Date completed 01/01/2006
Chapter University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Project Coordinator Snehal Patel
Summary of project This meeting was organized to give students information regarding in-school loan consolidation. Since interest rates are on their way up, consolidating would allow one to lock in the current interest rate on their loans to avoid having to pay more interest upon graduation.

Mr. Wanic has given talks on student loan consolidation for AMSA in the past (at least once, the year before). Since Mr. Wanic is an employee of Graduate Leverage, a private company that provides financial advice regarding student loans, there was a potential conflict of interest: we wanted unbiased information; he wanted to give information as well as make a plug for his company. He eventually agreed to modify his presentation. Furthermore, financial aid advisors from UTSWs financial aid office were invited to sit in on the meeting to provide some balance if it was needed.

As long as interest rates are expected to go up, this speaker’s information will be useful.

Content area Debt
Number of participants 80
Participant hours involved 80 hour(s)
PROJECT PLANNING
Coordinator roles
Coordinator hours hour(s)
FUNDING & ADVERTISING
Total project cost 150
Project funding Other grant
Funding breakdown of sources and/or donations:
Project advertising Email publicity, flyers
PROJECT EVALUATION
Success rating
(1 = unsuccesful, 5 = very successful)		 5
Lessons/suggestions Communicate with your Financial Aid office and let them know that you have invited a speaker who will be talking about loan consolidation and medical student debt.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Comments Adding a follow-up component, such as a legislative update or drive (e.g. call-in) would help turn this speaker event into a successful organizing event.