Breaking the Silos: Creating a Connected Financial Support System for Students

Jacob Kopera – Niagara University

More than 30% of students miss tuition deadlines each term — even though most institutions offer payment plans, scholarships, and emergency aid. Why? Because support is often fragmented, misaligned, and hard to navigate.Higher education institutions across the East Coast are confronting an inflection point: demographic headwinds, enrollment volatility, rising operating costs, and escalating capital needs are converging at a time when financial flexibility is increasingly scrutinized by credit markets.

This session explores the underlying causes—from departmental silos and communication breakdowns to financial literacy gaps—and offers actionable strategies to boost student financial engagement. Hear how Niagara University is leveraging integrated technology and strengthening cross-functional collaboration to turn disconnected tools into a cohesive financial support system—one that promotes timely payments, operational efficiency, and long-term student success.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the key factors driving missed tuition payments.
  • Learn how cross-functional collaboration improves student financial support.
  • Explore technology solutions that streamline tuition payments and communications.

CPE Available

  • 1 Credit: Finance