If ever there was a year to attend the NASFAA Conference, 2009 is the one. In a year that has seen reauthorization, negotiated rule making, proposed changes in the structure of the aid programs, and an economic crisis, we all need the up-to-the-minute information that you can only find at our national conference. When your plate is overflowing with everything from new consumer disclosures to changes to the program participation agreement, the guidance of policy experts and the shared wisdom of your colleagues can help you find the right choices for your students. Now is not the time to try to go it alone!
The 2009 Conference concentrates a year's worth of training and information into four days. A full slate of sessions by the Department of Education - on everything from the FAFSA simplification to income-based repayment to TEACH Grants - will help you answer questions like:
When are new requirements effective?
What is required to stay in compliance?
What steps do I need to take right away?
What do other offices at my institution need to know?
Do I need to redo anything that I've done so far?
Information-packed interest sessions - on topics from working with students in a financial crisis to expediting financial aid through technology - will help you to answer the broader questions, such as:
What impact will recent changes have on my students?
What are other schools in similar situations doing?
Can technology or new procedures help us maintain superior student service in the face of all of these changes?
How do I prepare for the coming year?
Budgets are tight across the nation, but if you're wondering if you can afford to attend the NASFAA Conference this year, ask yourself a far more important question: Can you afford not to?
Electronic registration is open now on the NASFAA Web site. I'm looking forward to seeing you in San Antonio in July.
By Cheryl Lyons
Director of Financial Aid, University of Central Arkansas, and 2009 National Conference Chair
Posted 05/12/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.
