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Sessions & Speakers

From Data to Decisions: Quantifying Workload to Drive Strategic Workforce Planning

Session Type:

General Session

Tracks:

Financial aid offices are increasingly challenged to meet rising service demands with limited resources. This session introduces a strategic framework for quantifying workload and translating it into actionable workforce planning.

Using NASFAA’s Staffing Model and Financial Aid Administrator (FAA) Competency Model as foundational tools, attendees will learn how to capture task-level data, identify seasonal and cyclical trends, and convert workload into full-time equivalent (FTE) staffing needs. The session will demonstrate how to use this data to support staffing proposals, guide organizational restructuring, and inform professional development strategies. Real-world examples will illustrate how workload analysis can uncover inefficiencies, promote equity, and build a sustainable staffing structure aligned with institutional goals and student success.

This session is designed for financial aid leaders, managers, and analysts seeking to make data-informed decisions about staffing and operations. By integrating NASFAA’s Staffing and Competency Models into workload analysis, attendees will gain practical tools to optimize their workforce, enhance service delivery, and support long-term planning.

Wednesday, July 15

12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

Webinar

Session Speakers

Isaac Ehlers

Isaac Ehlers, FAAC

Senior Assistant Director
Iowa State University

Sector: Public 4-Yr

Sarah Freestone

Sarah Freestone, FAAC

Director of Financial Aid
Drake University

Sector: Nonprofit

Chad Olson

Chad Olson, FAAC

Director of Student Financial Aid
Iowa State University

Sector: Public 4-Yr

Chad is the Director of Student Financial Aid at Iowa State University. Chad began his financial aid adventure as a graduate assistant at Iowa State over 20 years ago. He has served as MASFAA (Midwest) and IASFAA (Iowa) President, and enjoys serving on the Site Committee for both associations. He has been recognized with the MASFAA Meritorious Service Award and the IASFAA John Heisner Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tricia Stouder

Tricia Stouder

Senior Assistant Director, Work-Study Student Employment
Iowa State University

Sector: Public 4-Yr

Student Employment, Work-Study



Please note: Session titles, descriptions, speakers, and dates/times are subject to change.