August 6, 2008
Who’s Who at OGSLP?
Leca Van Buren
Department: Loan Services
Title: NSLDS Specialist
Years with OGSLP: 1½ years
How do your daily duties impact OGSLP’s customers?
I help schools, lenders and borrowers resolve errors that can occur in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), which may keep a borrower from obtaining additional financial aid. I also help our customers navigate NSLDS efficiently.
What advice would you give to someone in our industry who’s new to working with student loans?
I would offer the following tips, which have served me very well.
- Take the time to create resource documents and keep them updated. These documents can save valuable time during the busiest part of the year.
- Visit www.ogslp.org for valuable information, updates and financial aid resources! Use the many products and services available to you from OGSLP. Our Policy, Compliance and Training, School/Lender Support Services, Early Assistance/Default Prevention, Oklahoma Money Matters and Loan Services staff are knowledgeable and willing to answer questions and offer guidance.
- Remain flexible and keep the big picture in mind. We’re here to help you make the financial aid process an enjoyable experience for students and parents
What do you find most challenging about working with student loans?
Ch-ch-changes! Staying current on new and pending legislation and deciphering how these changes may impact loan services, schools, lenders and borrowers is a daily challenge.
What are some of the unique services that Loan Services offers our customers?
Loan Services Specialists work closely with other departments in our agency to counsel students and parents and help them feel informed and empowered throughout the financial aid process. We provide constant support to our school and lender customers by helping them work through processing issues, correct errors, and update critical borrower information.
What are your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy reading true crime novels and anything relating to forensic science. I like to cross-stitch and I enjoy watching reality television.