There are many life events that can disrupt a student’s college education, but none more severe than the loss of a parent. Given the severity of such a disruption, it is startling how...
Read More
GRADGUARD IS AN AUTHORITY ON PROTECTING THE INVESTMENT STUDENTS AND FAMILIES MAKE IN HIGHER EDUCATION
We invite you to join us in advancing our mission to promote greater student success by mitigating the risks that may impact their investment in a higher education.
More than 300 colleges and universities trust GradGuard to protect their students and institutions through our exclusive tuition and renters insurance programs.
WE AIM TO SHARE INSIGHTS & BEST PRACTICES USED BY INSTITUTIONS TO SUPPORT STUDENT SUCCESS
We connect the dots between disparate data points & research studies.
We showcase best practices and trends used to mitigate risks.
We design solutions that benefit students and enable schools to protect and attract students.
College Renters Insurance
If your school wants to avoid difficult collections issues from student caused damage or doesn't replace stolen or damaged property, GradGuard's exclusive college renters insurance program is designed for you.
College Tuition Insurance
If your school wants to reduce the cost of student withdrawals or doesn't provide 100% refunds to students due to illness, injuries & more, GradGuard's exclusive college tuition insurance program is designed for you.
Stay up to date
By John Fees,
July 18, 2018
Testimonial - "Tuition Insurance Was Such A Lifesaver"
The best way to understand the value of GradGuard's tuition insurance to schools and college families is to hear from a customer who enrolled in the program.
Read More
By GradGuard,
March 16, 2019
Does your campus provide 100% refunds? If not, learn how GradGuard's tuition insurance can.
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education and when they do, GradGuard's tuition insurance program can help verify that each student has been given...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2018
2018 NACUBO SFS - Tuition Refunds & More
Today it was my pleasure to join Mike Reynolds of Auburn University to present at the annual NACUBO Student Financial Services conference. It is always good to share the stage with a...
Read More
By John Fees,
November 19, 2018
More Evidence - Adoption of Tuition Insurance by Schools Continues to Grow
2018 has been a milestone year for GradGuard.
Read More
By John Fees,
March 4, 2018
Reducing the Cost of College Student Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 16, 2018
84% of schools do not provide 100% refunds, but GradGuard's tuition insurance can.
Just a year ago, I was pleased to announce that schools and families now have access to world-class service and valuable protections offered exclusively through GradGuard's Tuition...
Read More
By GradGuard,
April 27, 2018
2018 PDG Bursars Conference Presentation - Decision Design & College Confidence
GradGuard was pleased to participate in a panel discussion at this week PDG Bursar 2018 Conference on the topic of The College Confidence Index and Transparency: Helping Students and...
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 5, 2018
2018 PDG Student Financial Services Conference Presentation
GradGuard is pleased to participate in a panel discussion at today's PDG Student Loan 2018 Conference. John Fees, co-founder of GradGuard and Paige Lee from Allianz Global Assistance ...
Read More
By GradGuard,
June 27, 2017
New College Insurance Search Tool Makes It Easy for Parents to Protect Their Students and Investment
Paying for college can be a challenge but thanks to a new innovative college search tool providing valuable protection for your college student is easy as ever. The average published...
Read More
By John Fees,
April 18, 2018
College Confidence & More + Bursars 2018
There are several gatherings of higher education officials that I find to be filled with essential truths.
Read More
By John Fees,
May 2, 2017
Student Health & Helping to Reduce the Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals with GradGuard Tuition Insurance
GradGuard's mission is to help protect the investment student's and their families make in a higher education. We aim publish research and bring attention to trends of vital interests to...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 22, 2016
Insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference
This started as a simple post to share some insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference, held last week in Memphis, TN.
Read More
By GradGuard,
July 13, 2016
Do you wish you could provide 100% refunds for students?
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education...and when they do, GradGuard's tuition insurance can help pay for the potential financial loss...
Read More
By John Fees,
June 2, 2017
Protecting International Students
This is a big week for professionals who serve international students.
Read More
By John Fees,
June 9, 2016
Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals
As colleges and universities conclude the Spring term and prepare for a new academic year, it is worthwhile to pause to evaluate the cost of student withdrawals on your campus. Clearly...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 5, 2017
Taking Tuition Insurance to the Next Level
We are very pleased to be working with Allianz Global Assistance to help take tuition insurance to the next level. Very pleased to share this public announcement. Thanks to our...
Read More
By John Fees,
April 24, 2017
2017 Trends & Topics for Student Financial Services
Over the years of working with more than 200 colleges and universities, we have learned that there are many higher education...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 25, 2016
NACUBO Annual Meeting - Ensuring Student Success
By GradGuard,
April 28, 2015
Common Practices in Managing College Tuition Refunds & Disclosures
We believe it is vital to understand the common practices of colleges and universities, which is why each year we seek to sponsor research on important topics of concern to both...
Read More
By John Fees,
November 8, 2017
Helping to Reduce the Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals with GradGuard
GradGuard's mission is to help protect the investment student's and their families make in a higher education. We aim publish research and bring attention to trends of vital interests to...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2017
45% of Schools Surveyed Report an Increase in Student Medical Withdrawals
The 2017 Survey on Student Withdawals & Refunds has revealed that nearly half of schools survyed report an increase in student medical withdrawals.
Read More
By GradGuard,
September 22, 2016
Professional Development Group Webinar On Best Practices for Disclosing & Managing Tuition Refunds
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education...and when they do, GradGuard's Tuition Protection Plan can help pay for the potential financial loss...
Read More
By GradGuard,
August 4, 2015
The Cost of Medical Withdrawals
Though student medical withdrawals are infrequent, they appear to be a growing concern for institutions and the families they serve. A 2015 survey of college officials estimated that...
Read More
By GradGuard,
January 30, 2018
Education Dive Webinar on Growing Confidence of Students & Families
The growth in medical events that can disrupt a students education is a concern for everyone committed to increasing college completion. The data in the chart below demonstrates the...
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 2, 2015
Transparency is a Topic Larger than Texas
We recently attended Texas Buc$ - a conference of the student financial services staff and bursars throughout the great state of Texas. GradGuard student benefit programs are available...
Read More
By GradGuard,
July 30, 2015
Tuition Refund Policy Disclosure Process
As students return to campus for the start of college, we like to remind our college and university partners to recommit to disclosing their refund policies to each student. A 2014...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 16, 2015
Tuition Payment Plan Protection
According to the NACUBO SFS report, as of 2013 95% of institutions surveyed offered tuition payment plans.
Read More
By John Fees,
May 18, 2015
Impact of Student Financial Services Policies & Procedures Report by NACUBO
The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) recently published the first update to its Student Financial Services Policies and Procedures Report since...
Read More
By GradGuard,
September 29, 2017
"Look Right" - Helping Students and Families Take Informed Action Webinar
Have you ever noticed that in life - easy stuff get's done. Making it easy for students to make good decisions is a cornerstone of a well-designed education experience. For instance, p...
Read More
By GradGuard,
September 18, 2017
Webinar - Transparency - Helping Students and Families Take Informed Action
Please join Professional Development Group's education series for a webinar led by John Fees, co-founder of GradGuard and Craig Lockwood, of Tuition Management Systems as they discuss...
Read More
By John Fees,
February 2, 2017
NPR Story on student Who did not complete her degree due to illness and is now defaulting on her student loan
National Public Radio published this story on student loan defaults and begins with a former student who did not complete their degree due to a medical illness.
Read More
By GradGuard,
May 4, 2016
Does your campus provide 100% refunds?
If your campus does not provide 100% refunds for medical withdrawals, GradGuard recommends that your institution provide notice to each student of your refund policy and also provide...
Read More
By John Fees,
February 18, 2016
Not to be Missed 2016 Conference Presentations
It is reassuring to find so many higher education officials focused on issues related to increasing college completion rates.
Read More
By John Fees,
March 19, 2017
March Conference Season & Data That Leaders at NACUBO, NASPA and Ellucian can Agree On
March is a busy month for our higher education colleagues. With the NACUBO Student Financial Services conference, NASPA's annual meeting and Ellucian Live occuring all during the same...
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 14, 2016
Reducing the Cost of Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 18, 2018
Testimonial - "Tuition Insurance Was Such A Lifesaver"
The best way to understand the value of GradGuard's tuition insurance to schools and college families is to hear from a customer who enrolled in the program.
Read More
By John Fees,
September 5, 2018
2018 Campus Safety Magazine Article
This article appeared first in the August 2018 Campus Safety Magazine. New approaches to renters insurance programs are helping protect students and colleges from common risks, such as...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2018
2018 NACUBO SFS - Tuition Refunds & More
Today it was my pleasure to join Mike Reynolds of Auburn University to present at the annual NACUBO Student Financial Services conference. It is always good to share the stage with a...
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 19, 2015
FEMA Report: Campus Fire Fatalities 2000 - 2015
The United States Department of Fire Administration published a useful report titled "Campus Fire Fatalities in Residential Buildings" detailing the factors that are leading to...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 16, 2018
84% of schools do not provide 100% refunds, but GradGuard's tuition insurance can.
Just a year ago, I was pleased to announce that schools and families now have access to world-class service and valuable protections offered exclusively through GradGuard's Tuition...
Read More
By GradGuard,
April 27, 2018
2018 PDG Bursars Conference Presentation - Decision Design & College Confidence
GradGuard was pleased to participate in a panel discussion at this week PDG Bursar 2018 Conference on the topic of The College Confidence Index and Transparency: Helping Students and...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 20, 2018
URMIA - The Case for Student Renters Insurance
I shared this post recently with for the March edition of URMIA Insights - (University Risk Management and Insurance Association). The message, however, is important for other leaders...
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 5, 2018
2018 PDG Student Financial Services Conference Presentation
GradGuard is pleased to participate in a panel discussion at today's PDG Student Loan 2018 Conference. John Fees, co-founder of GradGuard and Paige Lee from Allianz Global Assistance ...
Read More
By John Fees,
December 21, 2015
Controversy & Campus Reports on Clery Data
Kelly Field wrote in the November 25, 2015 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education an important article (“How Much Can Campus-Crime Reports Tell Us About Sexual Assault?”) on what...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 30, 2016
Renters Insurance For Summer Program Residents
The ACUHOI community forum offers a robust place for housing professionals to discuss topics. Today a discussion occured regarding institutional policies for summer programs. Schools,...
Read More
By John Fees,
January 7, 2015
5 Essential Questions for Higher Ed in 2015
By John Fees,
June 2, 2017
Protecting International Students
This is a big week for professionals who serve international students.
Read More
By John Fees,
April 24, 2017
2017 Trends & Topics for Student Financial Services
Over the years of working with more than 200 colleges and universities, we have learned that there are many higher education...
Read More
By GradGuard,
June 22, 2015
Trends & Best Practices in Implementing Renters Liability & Protection Programs
Requiring students to live on campus has many benefits, but it also creates an often unforeseen risk for students and their families. In fact, published research supports this...
Read More
By GradGuard,
October 2, 2015
Adopting a Preferred Renters Insurance Program
The College Board indicates that more than 1,237 institutions now guarantee student housing for all freshmen with many institutions requiring students to live on campus. This requirement...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 25, 2017
Decision Design in Education - Make It Easy
Have you ever noticed that in life - easy stuff get's done. Making it easy for students to make good decisions is a cornerstone of a well-designed education. For instance, placing a...
Read More
By GradGuard,
December 15, 2015
Renters Insurance Discussion within ACUHOI
It was great to see ACUHOI discussion regarding the value of renters insurance in their message boards / forums. These are really useful discussions and it is great to see the variety...
Read More
By GradGuard,
July 13, 2015
Utilizing Student Benefits to Attract, Retain, and Protect Students
Last week we delivered a show-case presentation with leaders in higher education enrollment management at the RuffaloNoelLevitz - 2015 National Conference on Student Recruitment,...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 6, 2015
2015 RuffaloNoelLevitz - National Conference
We are pleased to be attending the RuffaloNoelLevitz - 2015 National Conference on Student Recruitment, Marketing, and Retention in Boston next week. From our experience, this...
Read More
By John Fees,
December 15, 2014
The Real Issue: Failing to Graduate Is Costly
David Leonhardt is the editor of Upshot at the New York Times and posted a useful article titled The Reality of Student Debt Is Different From the Clichés. It reminds me of the...
Read More
By John Fees,
November 2, 2016
The Biggest Crisis in Higher Ed Isn't Student Debt, It's Students Who Don't Graduate
This is a follow-on to a LinkedIn post I created in 2014 and Titled: The Real Issue: Failing to Graduate is Costly. The statement remains even truer today. The National Center for...
Read More
By GradGuard,
March 6, 2017
Student Housing Leader Joins GradGuard, an Authority at Designing and Implementing Student Benefits Programs
GradGuard, an authority at designing and implementing student benefit programs that help schools to attract and retain students, is pleased to announce that Wimer Alberto, Assistant...
Read More
By GradGuard,
September 29, 2017
"Look Right" - Helping Students and Families Take Informed Action Webinar
Have you ever noticed that in life - easy stuff get's done. Making it easy for students to make good decisions is a cornerstone of a well-designed education experience. For instance, p...
Read More
By GradGuard,
September 18, 2017
Webinar - Transparency - Helping Students and Families Take Informed Action
Please join Professional Development Group's education series for a webinar led by John Fees, co-founder of GradGuard and Craig Lockwood, of Tuition Management Systems as they discuss...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 18, 2018
Testimonial - "Tuition Insurance Was Such A Lifesaver"
The best way to understand the value of GradGuard's tuition insurance to schools and college families is to hear from a customer who enrolled in the program.
Read More
By GradGuard,
March 16, 2019
Does your campus provide 100% refunds? If not, learn how GradGuard's tuition insurance can.
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education and when they do, GradGuard's tuition insurance program can help verify that each student has been given...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2018
2018 NACUBO SFS - Tuition Refunds & More
Today it was my pleasure to join Mike Reynolds of Auburn University to present at the annual NACUBO Student Financial Services conference. It is always good to share the stage with a...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 4, 2018
Reducing the Cost of College Student Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 16, 2018
84% of schools do not provide 100% refunds, but GradGuard's tuition insurance can.
Just a year ago, I was pleased to announce that schools and families now have access to world-class service and valuable protections offered exclusively through GradGuard's Tuition...
Read More
By John Fees,
November 16, 2015
"Transfarency" by Southwest Airlines / Transparency for Students
Have you noticed a new strategic marketing campaign created by Southwest Airlines? If not, you can check the entire campaign on their website.
Read More
By GradGuard,
June 27, 2017
New College Insurance Search Tool Makes It Easy for Parents to Protect Their Students and Investment
Paying for college can be a challenge but thanks to a new innovative college search tool providing valuable protection for your college student is easy as ever. The average published...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 2, 2017
Student Health & Helping to Reduce the Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals with GradGuard Tuition Insurance
GradGuard's mission is to help protect the investment student's and their families make in a higher education. We aim publish research and bring attention to trends of vital interests to...
Read More
By GradGuard,
July 13, 2016
Do you wish you could provide 100% refunds for students?
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education...and when they do, GradGuard's tuition insurance can help pay for the potential financial loss...
Read More
By John Fees,
June 2, 2017
Protecting International Students
This is a big week for professionals who serve international students.
Read More
By John Fees,
June 9, 2016
Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals
As colleges and universities conclude the Spring term and prepare for a new academic year, it is worthwhile to pause to evaluate the cost of student withdrawals on your campus. Clearly...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 5, 2017
Taking Tuition Insurance to the Next Level
We are very pleased to be working with Allianz Global Assistance to help take tuition insurance to the next level. Very pleased to share this public announcement. Thanks to our...
Read More
By John Fees,
November 8, 2017
Helping to Reduce the Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals with GradGuard
GradGuard's mission is to help protect the investment student's and their families make in a higher education. We aim publish research and bring attention to trends of vital interests to...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2017
45% of Schools Surveyed Report an Increase in Student Medical Withdrawals
The 2017 Survey on Student Withdawals & Refunds has revealed that nearly half of schools survyed report an increase in student medical withdrawals.
Read More
By GradGuard,
September 22, 2016
Professional Development Group Webinar On Best Practices for Disclosing & Managing Tuition Refunds
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education...and when they do, GradGuard's Tuition Protection Plan can help pay for the potential financial loss...
Read More
By GradGuard,
August 4, 2015
The Cost of Medical Withdrawals
Though student medical withdrawals are infrequent, they appear to be a growing concern for institutions and the families they serve. A 2015 survey of college officials estimated that...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 16, 2017
Do you provide 100% refunds?
If your institution does not provide 100% refunds to students then it is prudent to determine how your college or university can verify that the institution has disclosed its refund...
Read More
By GradGuard,
January 30, 2018
Education Dive Webinar on Growing Confidence of Students & Families
The growth in medical events that can disrupt a students education is a concern for everyone committed to increasing college completion. The data in the chart below demonstrates the...
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 2, 2015
Transparency is a Topic Larger than Texas
We recently attended Texas Buc$ - a conference of the student financial services staff and bursars throughout the great state of Texas. GradGuard student benefit programs are available...
Read More
By GradGuard,
July 30, 2015
Tuition Refund Policy Disclosure Process
As students return to campus for the start of college, we like to remind our college and university partners to recommit to disclosing their refund policies to each student. A 2014...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 18, 2015
Impact of Student Financial Services Policies & Procedures Report by NACUBO
The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) recently published the first update to its Student Financial Services Policies and Procedures Report since...
Read More
By GradGuard,
May 4, 2016
Does your campus provide 100% refunds?
If your campus does not provide 100% refunds for medical withdrawals, GradGuard recommends that your institution provide notice to each student of your refund policy and also provide...
Read More
By John Fees,
February 18, 2016
Not to be Missed 2016 Conference Presentations
It is reassuring to find so many higher education officials focused on issues related to increasing college completion rates.
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 14, 2016
Reducing the Cost of Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2018
2018 NACUBO SFS - Tuition Refunds & More
Today it was my pleasure to join Mike Reynolds of Auburn University to present at the annual NACUBO Student Financial Services conference. It is always good to share the stage with a...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 4, 2018
Reducing the Cost of College Student Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
January 19, 2015
Dr. King's Lessons on Leadership
This weekend, I took the time to reread Dr. Martin Luther King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail that he composed on April 16, 1963. Dr. King's letter addressed themes of social justice...
Read More
By John Fees,
November 16, 2015
"Transfarency" by Southwest Airlines / Transparency for Students
Have you noticed a new strategic marketing campaign created by Southwest Airlines? If not, you can check the entire campaign on their website.
Read More
By John Fees,
April 18, 2018
College Confidence & More + Bursars 2018
There are several gatherings of higher education officials that I find to be filled with essential truths.
Read More
By John Fees,
December 21, 2015
Controversy & Campus Reports on Clery Data
Kelly Field wrote in the November 25, 2015 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education an important article (“How Much Can Campus-Crime Reports Tell Us About Sexual Assault?”) on what...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 22, 2016
Insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference
This started as a simple post to share some insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference, held last week in Memphis, TN.
Read More
By John Fees,
January 7, 2015
5 Essential Questions for Higher Ed in 2015
By John Fees,
April 24, 2017
2017 Trends & Topics for Student Financial Services
Over the years of working with more than 200 colleges and universities, we have learned that there are many higher education...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 25, 2017
Decision Design in Education - Make It Easy
Have you ever noticed that in life - easy stuff get's done. Making it easy for students to make good decisions is a cornerstone of a well-designed education. For instance, placing a...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 25, 2016
NACUBO Annual Meeting - Ensuring Student Success
By GradGuard,
April 28, 2015
Common Practices in Managing College Tuition Refunds & Disclosures
We believe it is vital to understand the common practices of colleges and universities, which is why each year we seek to sponsor research on important topics of concern to both...
Read More
By John Fees,
December 15, 2014
The Real Issue: Failing to Graduate Is Costly
David Leonhardt is the editor of Upshot at the New York Times and posted a useful article titled The Reality of Student Debt Is Different From the Clichés. It reminds me of the...
Read More
By GradGuard,
September 22, 2016
Professional Development Group Webinar On Best Practices for Disclosing & Managing Tuition Refunds
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education...and when they do, GradGuard's Tuition Protection Plan can help pay for the potential financial loss...
Read More
By GradGuard,
August 4, 2015
The Cost of Medical Withdrawals
Though student medical withdrawals are infrequent, they appear to be a growing concern for institutions and the families they serve. A 2015 survey of college officials estimated that...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 16, 2017
Do you provide 100% refunds?
If your institution does not provide 100% refunds to students then it is prudent to determine how your college or university can verify that the institution has disclosed its refund...
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 2, 2015
Transparency is a Topic Larger than Texas
We recently attended Texas Buc$ - a conference of the student financial services staff and bursars throughout the great state of Texas. GradGuard student benefit programs are available...
Read More
By GradGuard,
July 30, 2015
Tuition Refund Policy Disclosure Process
As students return to campus for the start of college, we like to remind our college and university partners to recommit to disclosing their refund policies to each student. A 2014...
Read More
By GradGuard,
May 4, 2016
Does your campus provide 100% refunds?
If your campus does not provide 100% refunds for medical withdrawals, GradGuard recommends that your institution provide notice to each student of your refund policy and also provide...
Read More
By John Fees,
February 18, 2016
Not to be Missed 2016 Conference Presentations
It is reassuring to find so many higher education officials focused on issues related to increasing college completion rates.
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 14, 2016
Reducing the Cost of Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 8, 2016
Data: Increasing College Completion Rates
The National Student Clearinghouse® Research Center™ recently published state specific data regarding college completion rates. The information is valuable to policy makers in general...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 18, 2018
Testimonial - "Tuition Insurance Was Such A Lifesaver"
The best way to understand the value of GradGuard's tuition insurance to schools and college families is to hear from a customer who enrolled in the program.
Read More
By GradGuard,
March 16, 2019
Does your campus provide 100% refunds? If not, learn how GradGuard's tuition insurance can.
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education and when they do, GradGuard's tuition insurance program can help verify that each student has been given...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2018
2018 NACUBO SFS - Tuition Refunds & More
Today it was my pleasure to join Mike Reynolds of Auburn University to present at the annual NACUBO Student Financial Services conference. It is always good to share the stage with a...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 4, 2018
Reducing the Cost of College Student Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
September 13, 2018
Survey Finds Families Struggle to Navigate FAFSA; Financial Aid Officers are Parents' Top Pick for College Planning Advice
Since Bill Suneson and I founded GradGuard, we have always been focused on providing useful insights to the trends facing higher education.
Read More
By John Fees,
May 16, 2018
84% of schools do not provide 100% refunds, but GradGuard's tuition insurance can.
Just a year ago, I was pleased to announce that schools and families now have access to world-class service and valuable protections offered exclusively through GradGuard's Tuition...
Read More
By John Fees,
November 16, 2015
"Transfarency" by Southwest Airlines / Transparency for Students
Have you noticed a new strategic marketing campaign created by Southwest Airlines? If not, you can check the entire campaign on their website.
Read More
By GradGuard,
June 27, 2017
New College Insurance Search Tool Makes It Easy for Parents to Protect Their Students and Investment
Paying for college can be a challenge but thanks to a new innovative college search tool providing valuable protection for your college student is easy as ever. The average published...
Read More
By GradGuard,
July 13, 2016
Do you wish you could provide 100% refunds for students?
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education...and when they do, GradGuard's tuition insurance can help pay for the potential financial loss...
Read More
By John Fees,
June 9, 2016
Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals
As colleges and universities conclude the Spring term and prepare for a new academic year, it is worthwhile to pause to evaluate the cost of student withdrawals on your campus. Clearly...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2017
45% of Schools Surveyed Report an Increase in Student Medical Withdrawals
The 2017 Survey on Student Withdawals & Refunds has revealed that nearly half of schools survyed report an increase in student medical withdrawals.
Read More
By GradGuard,
September 22, 2016
Professional Development Group Webinar On Best Practices for Disclosing & Managing Tuition Refunds
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education...and when they do, GradGuard's Tuition Protection Plan can help pay for the potential financial loss...
Read More
By GradGuard,
August 4, 2015
The Cost of Medical Withdrawals
Though student medical withdrawals are infrequent, they appear to be a growing concern for institutions and the families they serve. A 2015 survey of college officials estimated that...
Read More
By GradGuard,
January 30, 2018
Education Dive Webinar on Growing Confidence of Students & Families
The growth in medical events that can disrupt a students education is a concern for everyone committed to increasing college completion. The data in the chart below demonstrates the...
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 2, 2015
Transparency is a Topic Larger than Texas
We recently attended Texas Buc$ - a conference of the student financial services staff and bursars throughout the great state of Texas. GradGuard student benefit programs are available...
Read More
By GradGuard,
July 30, 2015
Tuition Refund Policy Disclosure Process
As students return to campus for the start of college, we like to remind our college and university partners to recommit to disclosing their refund policies to each student. A 2014...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 18, 2015
Impact of Student Financial Services Policies & Procedures Report by NACUBO
The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) recently published the first update to its Student Financial Services Policies and Procedures Report since...
Read More
By GradGuard,
May 4, 2016
Does your campus provide 100% refunds?
If your campus does not provide 100% refunds for medical withdrawals, GradGuard recommends that your institution provide notice to each student of your refund policy and also provide...
Read More
By John Fees,
February 18, 2016
Not to be Missed 2016 Conference Presentations
It is reassuring to find so many higher education officials focused on issues related to increasing college completion rates.
Read More
By John Fees,
March 19, 2017
March Conference Season & Data That Leaders at NACUBO, NASPA and Ellucian can Agree On
March is a busy month for our higher education colleagues. With the NACUBO Student Financial Services conference, NASPA's annual meeting and Ellucian Live occuring all during the same...
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 14, 2016
Reducing the Cost of Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
January 22, 2015
Who Pays for College When a Parent Dies?
There are many life events that can disrupt a student’s college education, but none more severe than the loss of a parent. Given the severity of such a disruption, it is startling how...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 18, 2018
Testimonial - "Tuition Insurance Was Such A Lifesaver"
The best way to understand the value of GradGuard's tuition insurance to schools and college families is to hear from a customer who enrolled in the program.
Read More
By GradGuard,
April 27, 2018
2018 PDG Bursars Conference Presentation - Decision Design & College Confidence
GradGuard was pleased to participate in a panel discussion at this week PDG Bursar 2018 Conference on the topic of The College Confidence Index and Transparency: Helping Students and...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 16, 2018
84% of schools do not provide 100% refunds, but GradGuard's tuition insurance can.
Just a year ago, I was pleased to announce that schools and families now have access to world-class service and valuable protections offered exclusively through GradGuard's Tuition...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 20, 2018
URMIA - The Case for Student Renters Insurance
I shared this post recently with for the March edition of URMIA Insights - (University Risk Management and Insurance Association). The message, however, is important for other leaders...
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 5, 2018
2018 PDG Student Financial Services Conference Presentation
GradGuard is pleased to participate in a panel discussion at today's PDG Student Loan 2018 Conference. John Fees, co-founder of GradGuard and Paige Lee from Allianz Global Assistance ...
Read More
By GradGuard,
June 27, 2017
New College Insurance Search Tool Makes It Easy for Parents to Protect Their Students and Investment
Paying for college can be a challenge but thanks to a new innovative college search tool providing valuable protection for your college student is easy as ever. The average published...
Read More
By John Fees,
April 18, 2018
College Confidence & More + Bursars 2018
There are several gatherings of higher education officials that I find to be filled with essential truths.
Read More
By John Fees,
December 21, 2015
Controversy & Campus Reports on Clery Data
Kelly Field wrote in the November 25, 2015 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education an important article (“How Much Can Campus-Crime Reports Tell Us About Sexual Assault?”) on what...
Read More
By John Fees,
June 2, 2017
Protecting International Students
This is a big week for professionals who serve international students.
Read More
By John Fees,
June 9, 2016
Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals
As colleges and universities conclude the Spring term and prepare for a new academic year, it is worthwhile to pause to evaluate the cost of student withdrawals on your campus. Clearly...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 5, 2017
Taking Tuition Insurance to the Next Level
We are very pleased to be working with Allianz Global Assistance to help take tuition insurance to the next level. Very pleased to share this public announcement. Thanks to our...
Read More
By GradGuard,
July 13, 2015
Utilizing Student Benefits to Attract, Retain, and Protect Students
Last week we delivered a show-case presentation with leaders in higher education enrollment management at the RuffaloNoelLevitz - 2015 National Conference on Student Recruitment,...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 6, 2015
2015 RuffaloNoelLevitz - National Conference
We are pleased to be attending the RuffaloNoelLevitz - 2015 National Conference on Student Recruitment, Marketing, and Retention in Boston next week. From our experience, this...
Read More
By GradGuard,
March 4, 2015
Is Your Campus A "Mall" for Thieves?
In July 2014, The Arizona Republic published an article that described a local university as a "Mall for Theives". Considering recent studies, this seems to be true at many campuses...
Read More
By John Fees,
December 15, 2014
The Real Issue: Failing to Graduate Is Costly
David Leonhardt is the editor of Upshot at the New York Times and posted a useful article titled The Reality of Student Debt Is Different From the Clichés. It reminds me of the...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 16, 2015
Tuition Payment Plan Protection
According to the NACUBO SFS report, as of 2013 95% of institutions surveyed offered tuition payment plans.
Read More
By John Fees,
June 19, 2015
Tell Us - What Do You Wish You Knew When You Were 20?
Over the past few years, GradGuard has often shared a terrific book by Tina Seelig, What I Wish I knew When I Was 20.
Read More
By GradGuard,
September 29, 2017
"Look Right" - Helping Students and Families Take Informed Action Webinar
Have you ever noticed that in life - easy stuff get's done. Making it easy for students to make good decisions is a cornerstone of a well-designed education experience. For instance, p...
Read More
By GradGuard,
September 18, 2017
Webinar - Transparency - Helping Students and Families Take Informed Action
Please join Professional Development Group's education series for a webinar led by John Fees, co-founder of GradGuard and Craig Lockwood, of Tuition Management Systems as they discuss...
Read More
By John Fees,
September 5, 2018
2018 Campus Safety Magazine Article
This article appeared first in the August 2018 Campus Safety Magazine. New approaches to renters insurance programs are helping protect students and colleges from common risks, such as...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 26, 2018
Growth in campus fires and crimes confirm the value of renters insurance for college students.
Each year, our GradGuard team makes an effort to update key data regarding campus safety and crime. We review Clery Act reports as well as other sources of data such as the FBI's...
Read More
By John Fees,
January 30, 2019
Trends in On-Campus Safety & Fires
The end of 2018 proved once again that fires within student housing is a chronic and enduring problem. In fact, if 2018 was like prior years, when Clery Act data is finally tabulated it...
Read More
By John Fees,
October 30, 2018
Campus Fires Continue - GradGuard can help.
In the past few weeks, campus fires in university residence halls have been reported at Mississippi State University, Duke University and University of Oakland.
Read More
By John Fees,
March 20, 2018
URMIA - The Case for Student Renters Insurance
I shared this post recently with for the March edition of URMIA Insights - (University Risk Management and Insurance Association). The message, however, is important for other leaders...
Read More
By Steve Fucci,
January 8, 2016
Hoverboards & Everyday Risks on Campus
Two Thousand and sixteen has wasted no time in generating the first “Hot Button” issue for our higher education colleagues in on-campus housing and risk management:
Read More
By GradGuard,
June 27, 2017
New College Insurance Search Tool Makes It Easy for Parents to Protect Their Students and Investment
Paying for college can be a challenge but thanks to a new innovative college search tool providing valuable protection for your college student is easy as ever. The average published...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 30, 2016
Renters Insurance For Summer Program Residents
The ACUHOI community forum offers a robust place for housing professionals to discuss topics. Today a discussion occured regarding institutional policies for summer programs. Schools,...
Read More
By Bill Suneson,
August 24, 2015
Do College Students Need Renters Insurance?
We are often asked by friends and family preparing to send their kids to college about student renters insurance. This is not surprising since many news stories and insurance agents...
Read More
By GradGuard,
June 22, 2015
Trends & Best Practices in Implementing Renters Liability & Protection Programs
Requiring students to live on campus has many benefits, but it also creates an often unforeseen risk for students and their families. In fact, published research supports this...
Read More
By Steve Fucci,
April 21, 2016
Helping Schools Protect Students
In our work with college and university officials we often hear two topics that are a great concern. Officials are concerned about bad press regarding student crime and campus safety....
Read More
By GradGuard,
October 2, 2015
Adopting a Preferred Renters Insurance Program
The College Board indicates that more than 1,237 institutions now guarantee student housing for all freshmen with many institutions requiring students to live on campus. This requirement...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 25, 2017
Decision Design in Education - Make It Easy
Have you ever noticed that in life - easy stuff get's done. Making it easy for students to make good decisions is a cornerstone of a well-designed education. For instance, placing a...
Read More
By GradGuard,
December 15, 2015
Renters Insurance Discussion within ACUHOI
It was great to see ACUHOI discussion regarding the value of renters insurance in their message boards / forums. These are really useful discussions and it is great to see the variety...
Read More
By GradGuard,
March 4, 2015
Is Your Campus A "Mall" for Thieves?
In July 2014, The Arizona Republic published an article that described a local university as a "Mall for Theives". Considering recent studies, this seems to be true at many campuses...
Read More
By John Fees,
October 11, 2016
ACUHOI - Business Operations Conference
It was wonderful to see so many colleagues last week attending the annual ACUHO-I Business Operations conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Arizona is home for many of our GradGuard team...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 31, 2017
2017 New & Improved - College Renters Insurance
I love the spring. The last day of March, however, brings the reality that Major League Baseball spring training is ending and the hot Arizona summer will soon be upon us.
Read More
By GradGuard,
January 23, 2017
Managing Property Losses & Damages from Short Term Residents & Summer Programs
There continues to be a growing interest in how schools manage the risks associated with the management of summer camps & conferences. This is a timely topic and one that GradGuard's...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 10, 2016
No Need for Hoverboards at ACUHO-I or on Campus
Our GradGuard team is looking forward to the annual ACUHO-I conference this week in Seattle. The annual ACUHO-I meeting is the best gathering of leaders in student housing and residence...
Read More
By John Fees,
January 22, 2015
Who Pays for College When a Parent Dies?
There are many life events that can disrupt a student’s college education, but none more severe than the loss of a parent. Given the severity of such a disruption, it is startling how...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2018
2018 NACUBO SFS - Tuition Refunds & More
Today it was my pleasure to join Mike Reynolds of Auburn University to present at the annual NACUBO Student Financial Services conference. It is always good to share the stage with a...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 4, 2018
Reducing the Cost of College Student Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 20, 2018
URMIA - The Case for Student Renters Insurance
I shared this post recently with for the March edition of URMIA Insights - (University Risk Management and Insurance Association). The message, however, is important for other leaders...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 22, 2016
Insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference
This started as a simple post to share some insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference, held last week in Memphis, TN.
Read More
By Steve Fucci,
April 21, 2016
Helping Schools Protect Students
In our work with college and university officials we often hear two topics that are a great concern. Officials are concerned about bad press regarding student crime and campus safety....
Read More
By John Fees,
July 25, 2016
NACUBO Annual Meeting - Ensuring Student Success
By John Fees,
December 15, 2014
The Real Issue: Failing to Graduate Is Costly
David Leonhardt is the editor of Upshot at the New York Times and posted a useful article titled The Reality of Student Debt Is Different From the Clichés. It reminds me of the...
Read More
By John Fees,
November 2, 2016
The Biggest Crisis in Higher Ed Isn't Student Debt, It's Students Who Don't Graduate
This is a follow-on to a LinkedIn post I created in 2014 and Titled: The Real Issue: Failing to Graduate is Costly. The statement remains even truer today. The National Center for...
Read More
By GradGuard,
August 4, 2015
The Cost of Medical Withdrawals
Though student medical withdrawals are infrequent, they appear to be a growing concern for institutions and the families they serve. A 2015 survey of college officials estimated that...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 16, 2015
Tuition Payment Plan Protection
According to the NACUBO SFS report, as of 2013 95% of institutions surveyed offered tuition payment plans.
Read More
By John Fees,
February 18, 2016
Not to be Missed 2016 Conference Presentations
It is reassuring to find so many higher education officials focused on issues related to increasing college completion rates.
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 14, 2016
Reducing the Cost of Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 8, 2016
Data: Increasing College Completion Rates
The National Student Clearinghouse® Research Center™ recently published state specific data regarding college completion rates. The information is valuable to policy makers in general...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 18, 2018
Testimonial - "Tuition Insurance Was Such A Lifesaver"
The best way to understand the value of GradGuard's tuition insurance to schools and college families is to hear from a customer who enrolled in the program.
Read More
By John Fees,
March 25, 2019
Growing Collegiate InsurTech Platform Achieves Scale with 300th School Partner
When Bill Suneson and I co-founded GradGuard, we had a shared vision that we could reduce the risk of college by creating relevant insurance programs that were designed to benefit...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 1, 2019
GradGuard's college search engine makes it easy for college families to protect their students and investment from the risks of college life.
NATIONAL COLLEGE DECISION DAY IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS COMPLETING COLLEGE FOR FUTURE FRESHMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2018
2018 NACUBO SFS - Tuition Refunds & More
Today it was my pleasure to join Mike Reynolds of Auburn University to present at the annual NACUBO Student Financial Services conference. It is always good to share the stage with a...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 16, 2018
84% of schools do not provide 100% refunds, but GradGuard's tuition insurance can.
Just a year ago, I was pleased to announce that schools and families now have access to world-class service and valuable protections offered exclusively through GradGuard's Tuition...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 20, 2018
URMIA - The Case for Student Renters Insurance
I shared this post recently with for the March edition of URMIA Insights - (University Risk Management and Insurance Association). The message, however, is important for other leaders...
Read More
By John Fees,
April 18, 2018
College Confidence & More + Bursars 2018
There are several gatherings of higher education officials that I find to be filled with essential truths.
Read More
By John Fees,
December 21, 2015
Controversy & Campus Reports on Clery Data
Kelly Field wrote in the November 25, 2015 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education an important article (“How Much Can Campus-Crime Reports Tell Us About Sexual Assault?”) on what...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 22, 2016
Insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference
This started as a simple post to share some insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference, held last week in Memphis, TN.
Read More
By John Fees,
July 25, 2016
NACUBO Annual Meeting - Ensuring Student Success
By GradGuard,
November 23, 2015
Twitter Voices for Higher Education & Safety
Twitter is a vibrant social media channel with colleagues in and around the college and university marketplace. Here are some of my favorite voices within organizations, companies and...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 19, 2017
March Conference Season & Data That Leaders at NACUBO, NASPA and Ellucian can Agree On
March is a busy month for our higher education colleagues. With the NACUBO Student Financial Services conference, NASPA's annual meeting and Ellucian Live occuring all during the same...
Read More
By John Fees,
September 5, 2018
2018 Campus Safety Magazine Article
This article appeared first in the August 2018 Campus Safety Magazine. New approaches to renters insurance programs are helping protect students and colleges from common risks, such as...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2018
2018 NACUBO SFS - Tuition Refunds & More
Today it was my pleasure to join Mike Reynolds of Auburn University to present at the annual NACUBO Student Financial Services conference. It is always good to share the stage with a...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 4, 2018
Reducing the Cost of College Student Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 20, 2018
URMIA - The Case for Student Renters Insurance
I shared this post recently with for the March edition of URMIA Insights - (University Risk Management and Insurance Association). The message, however, is important for other leaders...
Read More
By John Fees,
November 16, 2015
"Transfarency" by Southwest Airlines / Transparency for Students
Have you noticed a new strategic marketing campaign created by Southwest Airlines? If not, you can check the entire campaign on their website.
Read More
By Steve Fucci,
April 21, 2016
Helping Schools Protect Students
In our work with college and university officials we often hear two topics that are a great concern. Officials are concerned about bad press regarding student crime and campus safety....
Read More
By John Fees,
November 2, 2016
The Biggest Crisis in Higher Ed Isn't Student Debt, It's Students Who Don't Graduate
This is a follow-on to a LinkedIn post I created in 2014 and Titled: The Real Issue: Failing to Graduate is Costly. The statement remains even truer today. The National Center for...
Read More
By John Fees,
October 11, 2016
ACUHOI - Business Operations Conference
It was wonderful to see so many colleagues last week attending the annual ACUHO-I Business Operations conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Arizona is home for many of our GradGuard team...
Read More
By GradGuard,
August 4, 2015
The Cost of Medical Withdrawals
Though student medical withdrawals are infrequent, they appear to be a growing concern for institutions and the families they serve. A 2015 survey of college officials estimated that...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 31, 2017
2017 New & Improved - College Renters Insurance
I love the spring. The last day of March, however, brings the reality that Major League Baseball spring training is ending and the hot Arizona summer will soon be upon us.
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 14, 2016
Reducing the Cost of Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 10, 2016
No Need for Hoverboards at ACUHO-I or on Campus
Our GradGuard team is looking forward to the annual ACUHO-I conference this week in Seattle. The annual ACUHO-I meeting is the best gathering of leaders in student housing and residence...
Read More
By John Fees,
September 5, 2018
2018 Campus Safety Magazine Article
This article appeared first in the August 2018 Campus Safety Magazine. New approaches to renters insurance programs are helping protect students and colleges from common risks, such as...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 20, 2018
URMIA - The Case for Student Renters Insurance
I shared this post recently with for the March edition of URMIA Insights - (University Risk Management and Insurance Association). The message, however, is important for other leaders...
Read More
By Steve Fucci,
January 8, 2016
Hoverboards & Everyday Risks on Campus
Two Thousand and sixteen has wasted no time in generating the first “Hot Button” issue for our higher education colleagues in on-campus housing and risk management:
Read More
By John Fees,
March 30, 2016
Renters Insurance For Summer Program Residents
The ACUHOI community forum offers a robust place for housing professionals to discuss topics. Today a discussion occured regarding institutional policies for summer programs. Schools,...
Read More
By Bill Suneson,
August 24, 2015
Do College Students Need Renters Insurance?
We are often asked by friends and family preparing to send their kids to college about student renters insurance. This is not surprising since many news stories and insurance agents...
Read More
By GradGuard,
June 22, 2015
Trends & Best Practices in Implementing Renters Liability & Protection Programs
Requiring students to live on campus has many benefits, but it also creates an often unforeseen risk for students and their families. In fact, published research supports this...
Read More
By GradGuard,
October 2, 2015
Adopting a Preferred Renters Insurance Program
The College Board indicates that more than 1,237 institutions now guarantee student housing for all freshmen with many institutions requiring students to live on campus. This requirement...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 25, 2017
Decision Design in Education - Make It Easy
Have you ever noticed that in life - easy stuff get's done. Making it easy for students to make good decisions is a cornerstone of a well-designed education. For instance, placing a...
Read More
By GradGuard,
December 15, 2015
Renters Insurance Discussion within ACUHOI
It was great to see ACUHOI discussion regarding the value of renters insurance in their message boards / forums. These are really useful discussions and it is great to see the variety...
Read More
By GradGuard,
March 4, 2015
Is Your Campus A "Mall" for Thieves?
In July 2014, The Arizona Republic published an article that described a local university as a "Mall for Theives". Considering recent studies, this seems to be true at many campuses...
Read More
By GradGuard,
January 23, 2017
Managing Property Losses & Damages from Short Term Residents & Summer Programs
There continues to be a growing interest in how schools manage the risks associated with the management of summer camps & conferences. This is a timely topic and one that GradGuard's...
Read More
By John Fees,
September 5, 2018
2018 Campus Safety Magazine Article
This article appeared first in the August 2018 Campus Safety Magazine. New approaches to renters insurance programs are helping protect students and colleges from common risks, such as...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 26, 2018
Growth in campus fires and crimes confirm the value of renters insurance for college students.
Each year, our GradGuard team makes an effort to update key data regarding campus safety and crime. We review Clery Act reports as well as other sources of data such as the FBI's...
Read More
By John Fees,
January 30, 2019
Trends in On-Campus Safety & Fires
The end of 2018 proved once again that fires within student housing is a chronic and enduring problem. In fact, if 2018 was like prior years, when Clery Act data is finally tabulated it...
Read More
By John Fees,
October 30, 2018
Campus Fires Continue - GradGuard can help.
In the past few weeks, campus fires in university residence halls have been reported at Mississippi State University, Duke University and University of Oakland.
Read More
By John Fees,
March 20, 2018
URMIA - The Case for Student Renters Insurance
I shared this post recently with for the March edition of URMIA Insights - (University Risk Management and Insurance Association). The message, however, is important for other leaders...
Read More
By GradGuard,
June 27, 2017
New College Insurance Search Tool Makes It Easy for Parents to Protect Their Students and Investment
Paying for college can be a challenge but thanks to a new innovative college search tool providing valuable protection for your college student is easy as ever. The average published...
Read More
By John Fees,
June 2, 2017
Protecting International Students
This is a big week for professionals who serve international students.
Read More
By John Fees,
May 25, 2017
Decision Design in Education - Make It Easy
Have you ever noticed that in life - easy stuff get's done. Making it easy for students to make good decisions is a cornerstone of a well-designed education. For instance, placing a...
Read More
By John Fees,
October 11, 2016
ACUHOI - Business Operations Conference
It was wonderful to see so many colleagues last week attending the annual ACUHO-I Business Operations conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Arizona is home for many of our GradGuard team...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 31, 2017
2017 New & Improved - College Renters Insurance
I love the spring. The last day of March, however, brings the reality that Major League Baseball spring training is ending and the hot Arizona summer will soon be upon us.
Read More
By GradGuard,
January 23, 2017
Managing Property Losses & Damages from Short Term Residents & Summer Programs
There continues to be a growing interest in how schools manage the risks associated with the management of summer camps & conferences. This is a timely topic and one that GradGuard's...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2018
2018 NACUBO SFS - Tuition Refunds & More
Today it was my pleasure to join Mike Reynolds of Auburn University to present at the annual NACUBO Student Financial Services conference. It is always good to share the stage with a...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 4, 2018
Reducing the Cost of College Student Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 2, 2017
Student Health & Helping to Reduce the Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals with GradGuard Tuition Insurance
GradGuard's mission is to help protect the investment student's and their families make in a higher education. We aim publish research and bring attention to trends of vital interests to...
Read More
By John Fees,
June 9, 2016
Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals
As colleges and universities conclude the Spring term and prepare for a new academic year, it is worthwhile to pause to evaluate the cost of student withdrawals on your campus. Clearly...
Read More
By GradGuard,
April 28, 2015
Common Practices in Managing College Tuition Refunds & Disclosures
We believe it is vital to understand the common practices of colleges and universities, which is why each year we seek to sponsor research on important topics of concern to both...
Read More
By John Fees,
November 8, 2017
Helping to Reduce the Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals with GradGuard
GradGuard's mission is to help protect the investment student's and their families make in a higher education. We aim publish research and bring attention to trends of vital interests to...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2017
45% of Schools Surveyed Report an Increase in Student Medical Withdrawals
The 2017 Survey on Student Withdawals & Refunds has revealed that nearly half of schools survyed report an increase in student medical withdrawals.
Read More
By GradGuard,
August 4, 2015
The Cost of Medical Withdrawals
Though student medical withdrawals are infrequent, they appear to be a growing concern for institutions and the families they serve. A 2015 survey of college officials estimated that...
Read More
By John Fees,
February 2, 2017
NPR Story on student Who did not complete her degree due to illness and is now defaulting on her student loan
National Public Radio published this story on student loan defaults and begins with a former student who did not complete their degree due to a medical illness.
Read More
By John Fees,
March 19, 2017
March Conference Season & Data That Leaders at NACUBO, NASPA and Ellucian can Agree On
March is a busy month for our higher education colleagues. With the NACUBO Student Financial Services conference, NASPA's annual meeting and Ellucian Live occuring all during the same...
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 14, 2016
Reducing the Cost of Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 18, 2018
Testimonial - "Tuition Insurance Was Such A Lifesaver"
The best way to understand the value of GradGuard's tuition insurance to schools and college families is to hear from a customer who enrolled in the program.
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2018
2018 NACUBO SFS - Tuition Refunds & More
Today it was my pleasure to join Mike Reynolds of Auburn University to present at the annual NACUBO Student Financial Services conference. It is always good to share the stage with a...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 16, 2018
84% of schools do not provide 100% refunds, but GradGuard's tuition insurance can.
Just a year ago, I was pleased to announce that schools and families now have access to world-class service and valuable protections offered exclusively through GradGuard's Tuition...
Read More
By John Fees,
April 18, 2018
College Confidence & More + Bursars 2018
There are several gatherings of higher education officials that I find to be filled with essential truths.
Read More
By John Fees,
March 22, 2016
Insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference
This started as a simple post to share some insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference, held last week in Memphis, TN.
Read More
By John Fees,
January 7, 2015
5 Essential Questions for Higher Ed in 2015
By John Fees,
July 25, 2016
NACUBO Annual Meeting - Ensuring Student Success
By John Fees,
December 15, 2014
The Real Issue: Failing to Graduate Is Costly
David Leonhardt is the editor of Upshot at the New York Times and posted a useful article titled The Reality of Student Debt Is Different From the Clichés. It reminds me of the...
Read More
By John Fees,
May 16, 2017
Do you provide 100% refunds?
If your institution does not provide 100% refunds to students then it is prudent to determine how your college or university can verify that the institution has disclosed its refund...
Read More
By John Fees,
February 18, 2016
Not to be Missed 2016 Conference Presentations
It is reassuring to find so many higher education officials focused on issues related to increasing college completion rates.
Read More
By John Fees,
January 22, 2015
Who Pays for College When a Parent Dies?
There are many life events that can disrupt a student’s college education, but none more severe than the loss of a parent. Given the severity of such a disruption, it is startling how...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 13, 2018
2018 NACUBO SFS - Tuition Refunds & More
Today it was my pleasure to join Mike Reynolds of Auburn University to present at the annual NACUBO Student Financial Services conference. It is always good to share the stage with a...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 4, 2018
Reducing the Cost of College Student Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
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By John Fees,
January 19, 2015
Dr. King's Lessons on Leadership
This weekend, I took the time to reread Dr. Martin Luther King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail that he composed on April 16, 1963. Dr. King's letter addressed themes of social justice...
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By John Fees,
December 21, 2015
Controversy & Campus Reports on Clery Data
Kelly Field wrote in the November 25, 2015 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education an important article (“How Much Can Campus-Crime Reports Tell Us About Sexual Assault?”) on what...
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By John Fees,
March 30, 2016
Renters Insurance For Summer Program Residents
The ACUHOI community forum offers a robust place for housing professionals to discuss topics. Today a discussion occured regarding institutional policies for summer programs. Schools,...
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By GradGuard,
December 15, 2015
Renters Insurance Discussion within ACUHOI
It was great to see ACUHOI discussion regarding the value of renters insurance in their message boards / forums. These are really useful discussions and it is great to see the variety...
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By GradGuard,
August 4, 2015
The Cost of Medical Withdrawals
Though student medical withdrawals are infrequent, they appear to be a growing concern for institutions and the families they serve. A 2015 survey of college officials estimated that...
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By John Fees,
July 16, 2015
Tuition Payment Plan Protection
According to the NACUBO SFS report, as of 2013 95% of institutions surveyed offered tuition payment plans.
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 14, 2016
Reducing the Cost of Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
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By John Fees,
May 1, 2019
GradGuard's college search engine makes it easy for college families to protect their students and investment from the risks of college life.
NATIONAL COLLEGE DECISION DAY IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS COMPLETING COLLEGE FOR FUTURE FRESHMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES
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By John Fees,
April 8, 2019
Leading on-campus renters insurance program now available for off-campus & private student housing.
Student Housing Operators looking to protect their property and increase profitability are smart to consider GradGuard’s off-campus renters insurance program.
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By John Fees,
March 25, 2019
Growing Collegiate InsurTech Platform Achieves Scale with 300th School Partner
When Bill Suneson and I co-founded GradGuard, we had a shared vision that we could reduce the risk of college by creating relevant insurance programs that were designed to benefit...
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By GradGuard,
March 16, 2019
Does your campus provide 100% refunds? If not, learn how GradGuard's tuition insurance can.
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education and when they do, GradGuard's tuition insurance program can help verify that each student has been given...
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By John Fees,
January 30, 2019
Trends in On-Campus Safety & Fires
The end of 2018 proved once again that fires within student housing is a chronic and enduring problem. In fact, if 2018 was like prior years, when Clery Act data is finally tabulated it...
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By John Fees,
November 21, 2018
New Career Opportunities at GradGuard
Are you interested in working with a mission driven company that is dedicated to colleges and universities as well as the students they serve? We are currently hiring and offer exciting...
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By John Fees,
November 19, 2018
More Evidence - Adoption of Tuition Insurance by Schools Continues to Grow
2018 has been a milestone year for GradGuard.
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By GradGuard,
November 5, 2018
2018 PDG Student Financial Services Conference Presentation
GradGuard is pleased to participate in a panel discussion at today's PDG Student Loan 2018 Conference. John Fees, co-founder of GradGuard and Paige Lee from Allianz Global Assistance ...
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By John Fees,
October 30, 2018
Campus Fires Continue - GradGuard can help.
In the past few weeks, campus fires in university residence halls have been reported at Mississippi State University, Duke University and University of Oakland.
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By John Fees,
September 13, 2018
Survey Finds Families Struggle to Navigate FAFSA; Financial Aid Officers are Parents' Top Pick for College Planning Advice
Since Bill Suneson and I founded GradGuard, we have always been focused on providing useful insights to the trends facing higher education.
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By John Fees,
September 5, 2018
2018 Campus Safety Magazine Article
This article appeared first in the August 2018 Campus Safety Magazine. New approaches to renters insurance programs are helping protect students and colleges from common risks, such as...
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By John Fees,
July 26, 2018
Growth in campus fires and crimes confirm the value of renters insurance for college students.
Each year, our GradGuard team makes an effort to update key data regarding campus safety and crime. We review Clery Act reports as well as other sources of data such as the FBI's...
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By Steve Fucci,
July 23, 2018
The Top Five Reasons GradGuard Loves the ACUHO-I National Conference (in no particular order)
1. Great people and partnerships: Every year we get to spend time with good people, partners who have become friends, friends who have become partners and those who are just friends!...
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By John Fees,
July 18, 2018
Testimonial - "Tuition Insurance Was Such A Lifesaver"
The best way to understand the value of GradGuard's tuition insurance to schools and college families is to hear from a customer who enrolled in the program.
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By Wimer Alberto,
June 20, 2018
Introducing, The GradGuard Emerging Housing Professional Scholarship
GradGuard, an authority at designing and implementing student benefit programs that help institutions of higher education to attract and retain students, is pleased to announce the...
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By John Fees,
May 16, 2018
84% of schools do not provide 100% refunds, but GradGuard's tuition insurance can.
Just a year ago, I was pleased to announce that schools and families now have access to world-class service and valuable protections offered exclusively through GradGuard's Tuition...
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By GradGuard,
April 27, 2018
2018 PDG Bursars Conference Presentation - Decision Design & College Confidence
GradGuard was pleased to participate in a panel discussion at this week PDG Bursar 2018 Conference on the topic of The College Confidence Index and Transparency: Helping Students and...
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By John Fees,
April 18, 2018
College Confidence & More + Bursars 2018
There are several gatherings of higher education officials that I find to be filled with essential truths.
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By John Fees,
March 20, 2018
URMIA - The Case for Student Renters Insurance
I shared this post recently with for the March edition of URMIA Insights - (University Risk Management and Insurance Association). The message, however, is important for other leaders...
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By John Fees,
March 13, 2018
2018 NACUBO SFS - Tuition Refunds & More
Today it was my pleasure to join Mike Reynolds of Auburn University to present at the annual NACUBO Student Financial Services conference. It is always good to share the stage with a...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 4, 2018
Reducing the Cost of College Student Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By GradGuard,
January 30, 2018
Education Dive Webinar on Growing Confidence of Students & Families
The growth in medical events that can disrupt a students education is a concern for everyone committed to increasing college completion. The data in the chart below demonstrates the...
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By John Fees,
November 8, 2017
Helping to Reduce the Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals with GradGuard
GradGuard's mission is to help protect the investment student's and their families make in a higher education. We aim publish research and bring attention to trends of vital interests to...
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By GradGuard,
September 29, 2017
"Look Right" - Helping Students and Families Take Informed Action Webinar
Have you ever noticed that in life - easy stuff get's done. Making it easy for students to make good decisions is a cornerstone of a well-designed education experience. For instance, p...
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By GradGuard,
September 18, 2017
Webinar - Transparency - Helping Students and Families Take Informed Action
Please join Professional Development Group's education series for a webinar led by John Fees, co-founder of GradGuard and Craig Lockwood, of Tuition Management Systems as they discuss...
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By GradGuard,
June 27, 2017
New College Insurance Search Tool Makes It Easy for Parents to Protect Their Students and Investment
Paying for college can be a challenge but thanks to a new innovative college search tool providing valuable protection for your college student is easy as ever. The average published...
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By John Fees,
June 2, 2017
Protecting International Students
This is a big week for professionals who serve international students.
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By John Fees,
May 25, 2017
Decision Design in Education - Make It Easy
Have you ever noticed that in life - easy stuff get's done. Making it easy for students to make good decisions is a cornerstone of a well-designed education. For instance, placing a...
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By John Fees,
May 16, 2017
Do you provide 100% refunds?
If your institution does not provide 100% refunds to students then it is prudent to determine how your college or university can verify that the institution has disclosed its refund...
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By John Fees,
May 5, 2017
Taking Tuition Insurance to the Next Level
We are very pleased to be working with Allianz Global Assistance to help take tuition insurance to the next level. Very pleased to share this public announcement. Thanks to our...
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By John Fees,
May 2, 2017
Student Health & Helping to Reduce the Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals with GradGuard Tuition Insurance
GradGuard's mission is to help protect the investment student's and their families make in a higher education. We aim publish research and bring attention to trends of vital interests to...
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By John Fees,
April 24, 2017
2017 Trends & Topics for Student Financial Services
Over the years of working with more than 200 colleges and universities, we have learned that there are many higher education...
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By John Fees,
March 31, 2017
2017 New & Improved - College Renters Insurance
I love the spring. The last day of March, however, brings the reality that Major League Baseball spring training is ending and the hot Arizona summer will soon be upon us.
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By John Fees,
March 19, 2017
March Conference Season & Data That Leaders at NACUBO, NASPA and Ellucian can Agree On
March is a busy month for our higher education colleagues. With the NACUBO Student Financial Services conference, NASPA's annual meeting and Ellucian Live occuring all during the same...
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By John Fees,
March 13, 2017
45% of Schools Surveyed Report an Increase in Student Medical Withdrawals
The 2017 Survey on Student Withdawals & Refunds has revealed that nearly half of schools survyed report an increase in student medical withdrawals.
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By GradGuard,
March 6, 2017
Student Housing Leader Joins GradGuard, an Authority at Designing and Implementing Student Benefits Programs
GradGuard, an authority at designing and implementing student benefit programs that help schools to attract and retain students, is pleased to announce that Wimer Alberto, Assistant...
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By John Fees,
February 2, 2017
NPR Story on student Who did not complete her degree due to illness and is now defaulting on her student loan
National Public Radio published this story on student loan defaults and begins with a former student who did not complete their degree due to a medical illness.
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By GradGuard,
January 23, 2017
Managing Property Losses & Damages from Short Term Residents & Summer Programs
There continues to be a growing interest in how schools manage the risks associated with the management of summer camps & conferences. This is a timely topic and one that GradGuard's...
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By GradGuard,
November 14, 2016
Reducing the Cost of Withdrawals
If you are like many college and university officials, you are facing a growing number of student withdrawals. Student withdrawals are a costly event for everyone. Institutions...
Read More
By John Fees,
November 2, 2016
The Biggest Crisis in Higher Ed Isn't Student Debt, It's Students Who Don't Graduate
This is a follow-on to a LinkedIn post I created in 2014 and Titled: The Real Issue: Failing to Graduate is Costly. The statement remains even truer today. The National Center for...
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By John Fees,
October 11, 2016
ACUHOI - Business Operations Conference
It was wonderful to see so many colleagues last week attending the annual ACUHO-I Business Operations conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Arizona is home for many of our GradGuard team...
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By GradGuard,
September 22, 2016
Professional Development Group Webinar On Best Practices for Disclosing & Managing Tuition Refunds
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education...and when they do, GradGuard's Tuition Protection Plan can help pay for the potential financial loss...
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By John Fees,
July 25, 2016
NACUBO Annual Meeting - Ensuring Student Success
By GradGuard,
July 13, 2016
Do you wish you could provide 100% refunds for students?
Every year, unexpected events happen that can often disrupt a student's education...and when they do, GradGuard's tuition insurance can help pay for the potential financial loss...
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By John Fees,
July 10, 2016
No Need for Hoverboards at ACUHO-I or on Campus
Our GradGuard team is looking forward to the annual ACUHO-I conference this week in Seattle. The annual ACUHO-I meeting is the best gathering of leaders in student housing and residence...
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By John Fees,
June 9, 2016
Growing Cost of Student Withdrawals
As colleges and universities conclude the Spring term and prepare for a new academic year, it is worthwhile to pause to evaluate the cost of student withdrawals on your campus. Clearly...
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By GradGuard,
May 4, 2016
Does your campus provide 100% refunds?
If your campus does not provide 100% refunds for medical withdrawals, GradGuard recommends that your institution provide notice to each student of your refund policy and also provide...
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By Steve Fucci,
April 21, 2016
Helping Schools Protect Students
In our work with college and university officials we often hear two topics that are a great concern. Officials are concerned about bad press regarding student crime and campus safety....
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By John Fees,
March 30, 2016
Renters Insurance For Summer Program Residents
The ACUHOI community forum offers a robust place for housing professionals to discuss topics. Today a discussion occured regarding institutional policies for summer programs. Schools,...
Read More
By John Fees,
March 22, 2016
Insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference
This started as a simple post to share some insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference, held last week in Memphis, TN.
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By John Fees,
March 8, 2016
Data: Increasing College Completion Rates
The National Student Clearinghouse® Research Center™ recently published state specific data regarding college completion rates. The information is valuable to policy makers in general...
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By John Fees,
February 18, 2016
Not to be Missed 2016 Conference Presentations
It is reassuring to find so many higher education officials focused on issues related to increasing college completion rates.
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By Steve Fucci,
January 8, 2016
Hoverboards & Everyday Risks on Campus
Two Thousand and sixteen has wasted no time in generating the first “Hot Button” issue for our higher education colleagues in on-campus housing and risk management:
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By John Fees,
December 21, 2015
Controversy & Campus Reports on Clery Data
Kelly Field wrote in the November 25, 2015 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education an important article (“How Much Can Campus-Crime Reports Tell Us About Sexual Assault?”) on what...
Read More
By GradGuard,
December 15, 2015
Renters Insurance Discussion within ACUHOI
It was great to see ACUHOI discussion regarding the value of renters insurance in their message boards / forums. These are really useful discussions and it is great to see the variety...
Read More
By GradGuard,
November 23, 2015
Twitter Voices for Higher Education & Safety
Twitter is a vibrant social media channel with colleagues in and around the college and university marketplace. Here are some of my favorite voices within organizations, companies and...
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By GradGuard,
November 19, 2015
FEMA Report: Campus Fire Fatalities 2000 - 2015
The United States Department of Fire Administration published a useful report titled "Campus Fire Fatalities in Residential Buildings" detailing the factors that are leading to...
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By John Fees,
November 16, 2015
"Transfarency" by Southwest Airlines / Transparency for Students
Have you noticed a new strategic marketing campaign created by Southwest Airlines? If not, you can check the entire campaign on their website.
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By GradGuard,
November 2, 2015
Transparency is a Topic Larger than Texas
We recently attended Texas Buc$ - a conference of the student financial services staff and bursars throughout the great state of Texas. GradGuard student benefit programs are available...
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By GradGuard,
October 2, 2015
Adopting a Preferred Renters Insurance Program
The College Board indicates that more than 1,237 institutions now guarantee student housing for all freshmen with many institutions requiring students to live on campus. This requirement...
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By Bill Suneson,
August 24, 2015
Do College Students Need Renters Insurance?
We are often asked by friends and family preparing to send their kids to college about student renters insurance. This is not surprising since many news stories and insurance agents...
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By GradGuard,
August 4, 2015
The Cost of Medical Withdrawals
Though student medical withdrawals are infrequent, they appear to be a growing concern for institutions and the families they serve. A 2015 survey of college officials estimated that...
Read More
By GradGuard,
July 30, 2015
Tuition Refund Policy Disclosure Process
As students return to campus for the start of college, we like to remind our college and university partners to recommit to disclosing their refund policies to each student. A 2014...
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By John Fees,
July 16, 2015
Tuition Payment Plan Protection
According to the NACUBO SFS report, as of 2013 95% of institutions surveyed offered tuition payment plans.
Read More
By GradGuard,
July 13, 2015
Utilizing Student Benefits to Attract, Retain, and Protect Students
Last week we delivered a show-case presentation with leaders in higher education enrollment management at the RuffaloNoelLevitz - 2015 National Conference on Student Recruitment,...
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By John Fees,
July 6, 2015
2015 RuffaloNoelLevitz - National Conference
We are pleased to be attending the RuffaloNoelLevitz - 2015 National Conference on Student Recruitment, Marketing, and Retention in Boston next week. From our experience, this...
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By GradGuard,
June 22, 2015
Trends & Best Practices in Implementing Renters Liability & Protection Programs
Requiring students to live on campus has many benefits, but it also creates an often unforeseen risk for students and their families. In fact, published research supports this...
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By John Fees,
June 19, 2015
Tell Us - What Do You Wish You Knew When You Were 20?
Over the past few years, GradGuard has often shared a terrific book by Tina Seelig, What I Wish I knew When I Was 20.
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By John Fees,
May 18, 2015
Impact of Student Financial Services Policies & Procedures Report by NACUBO
The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) recently published the first update to its Student Financial Services Policies and Procedures Report since...
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By GradGuard,
April 28, 2015
Common Practices in Managing College Tuition Refunds & Disclosures
We believe it is vital to understand the common practices of colleges and universities, which is why each year we seek to sponsor research on important topics of concern to both...
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By GradGuard,
March 4, 2015
Is Your Campus A "Mall" for Thieves?
In July 2014, The Arizona Republic published an article that described a local university as a "Mall for Theives". Considering recent studies, this seems to be true at many campuses...
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By John Fees,
February 4, 2015
Is College Worth It?
Is College Worth It? This is the provocative question that Arizona State University President, Dr. Michael Crow, addressed during a recent community conversation. His thoughtful,...
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By John Fees,
January 22, 2015
Who Pays for College When a Parent Dies?
There are many life events that can disrupt a student’s college education, but none more severe than the loss of a parent. Given the severity of such a disruption, it is startling how...
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By John Fees,
January 19, 2015
Dr. King's Lessons on Leadership
This weekend, I took the time to reread Dr. Martin Luther King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail that he composed on April 16, 1963. Dr. King's letter addressed themes of social justice...
Read More
By John Fees,
January 7, 2015
5 Essential Questions for Higher Ed in 2015
By John Fees,
December 31, 2014
Top 7 - Not to Be Missed 2014 Topics in Higher Education
2014 was filled with many experiences, events and articles have stayed with me and continue to make me think about challenges facing the U.S. education system. Here is a summary of...
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By John Fees,
December 15, 2014
The Real Issue: Failing to Graduate Is Costly
David Leonhardt is the editor of Upshot at the New York Times and posted a useful article titled The Reality of Student Debt Is Different From the Clichés. It reminds me of the...
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Topic: College Completion
By John Fees,
April 18, 2018
College Confidence & More + Bursars 2018
There are several gatherings of higher education officials that I find to be filled with essential truths.
Read More
By John Fees,
April 24, 2017
2017 Trends & Topics for Student Financial Services
Over the years of working with more than 200 colleges and universities, we have learned that there are many higher education...
Read More
By John Fees,
November 2, 2016
The Biggest Crisis in Higher Ed Isn't Student Debt, It's Students Who Don't Graduate
This is a follow-on to a LinkedIn post I created in 2014 and Titled: The Real Issue: Failing to Graduate is Costly. The statement remains even truer today. The National Center for...
Read More
By John Fees,
July 25, 2016
NACUBO Annual Meeting - Ensuring Student Success
By John Fees,
March 22, 2016
Insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference
This started as a simple post to share some insights from the 2016 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference, held last week in Memphis, TN.
Read More
By John Fees,
March 8, 2016
Data: Increasing College Completion Rates
The National Student Clearinghouse® Research Center™ recently published state specific data regarding college completion rates. The information is valuable to policy makers in general...
Read More
Dynamic Distribution & Enrollment Platform
GradGuard built a dynamic technology platform that manages speciality insurance programs in the complex eco-system of higher education.
Easy to implement voluntary student benefit program
No cost to schools
Turnkey and tech enabled enrollment process
Broker Friendly
GRADGUARD PROVIDES VALUABLE SCHOOL & STUDENT BENEFITS
GradGuard student benefit and insurance programs are designed to assist colleges in addressing essential activities to their mission. Since 2008, GradGuard’s insurance programs have protected more than 650,000 students and families.
Recruitment: GradGuard benefits provide confidence to students and their families that the school is committed to providing relevant protections to what is often the 2nd largest investment in a families life.
Retention: GradGuard tuition and renters insurance products help students overcome unexpected financial losses due to medical events or property losses.
- Our tuition insurance pays any remaining bills and helps the student afford to return to classes.
- Our renters insurance pays for property losses and helps schools avoid an adversarial collections issue from students who are found liable for unintentional damages the cause.
Revenue: GradGuard's insurance programs pay for losses due to student medical withdrawals and property losses so the school does not have to.
Reputation: We enable schools to be completely transparent about institutional policies, refund polices and resident liability.
- Our tuition insurance provides refunds when schools may not.
- Our renters insurance replace stolen or damaged property when schools may not.
Higher Education Expertise
GradGuard applies our knowledge of higher education, risk management and digital technology and to develop and distribute insurance and benefit programs that help schools attract and retain students. Acting as the exclusive collegiate market program manager with our selected underwriters, GradGuard executes all consumer marketing & enrollment processes.
Trusted
Schools who agree to provide GradGuard's digital enrollment process, provide greater value and protection to their students than is ordinarily available.
Technology
GradGuard's advanced technology integrations with leading technology providers enable students to make an active choice to protect themselves within the billing, housing and student health waiver processes.
Partnerships
GradGuard works with leading insurance brokers, student loan companies, enrollment consultants and other firms to support their strategic objectives.
Innovative Student Benefits
GradGuard works closely with schools and partners to mitigate the unique risks facing institutions, students and families.
Student Health Plan: GradGuard continues to evaluate how to address the student health insurance needs of college students and new graduates. We continue to seek relevant solutions and aim to relaunch Student HealthPlan.com in the future.
Higher Education Loan Protection: GradGuard has deep knowledge of the student loan industry and aims to work with schools to attract students through a tuition guarantee that will pay the cost of student loans in the case a graduate is under-employed.
Tuition Continuity Plan: GradGuard has worked to create a student benefit that will enable students to pay for the entire cost of college in the unexpected death of a tuition payor / parent. The benefit is included within the cost of college, similar to how term life insurance is provided to employees.
TRUSTED BY NEARLY 300 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
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