The Branch Model Case Study

Abstract

This book uses the Branch or Interspersed model to describe a situation in which personal financial education emanates from several sections within a university. The university represents the tree and the sections from which financial education emanates are the branches. These sections may or may not be connected to or even know of each other. California State University Northridge (CSUN) best typifies this model. In this model, two academic departments offer their own personal financial education initiatives, programs, and courses. There are family financial management courses, general education courses in personal finance, and a sequence of courses leading to CFP Certification Examination. In addition, there are the Center for Financial Planning and Investment, a financial literacy program managed by the Financial Aid Office, and a “Financial Literacy Affinity Group,” affiliated to the University’s Institute of Community Health and Wellbeing. The chapter discusses the units’ roles in furthering personal financial education on the campus and the challenges they face in making their programs different yet relevant.