7 Tips to Get the Most Out of NASFAA
The much-anticipated National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) 2024 annual conference is just a few days away and this year’s event promises to be another amazing one. And after this past year, it’s safe to say financial aid professionals need a chance to unwind with others who understand (and survived!) the challenges this year presented.?
For those of you who are unable to attend, we will miss you. But be sure to keep an eye out for our highlights post where we’ll wrap up key moments and takeaways from the event.?
In addition to the fun events planned during the week, NASFAA is a great opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. Below, we’ve compiled a list of seven things you must do to get the most out of your week at #NASFAA2024.
From FAFSA delays and formula errors to technical glitches and delayed decision days, financial aid faced its fair share of challenges this past year. But guess what - you survived! And NASFAA is the perfect place to celebrate ISIRviving. In addition to the networking receptions throughout the conference, we also invite you to join us in the NASFAA 5K ! Not only will walking or running help you to stay healthy, but you’ll also have a chance to explore Milwaukee, support a great cause, and celebrate with your peers.??
During the event, you can also register for and attend Regent Education’s session on June 17 to receive your official ISIRvived cup. Quantities are limited so be sure to register soon!
While NASFAA is a learning opportunity, it’s important to take time to enjoy yourself, too.? Make sure you allow time to leave the conference venue and explore all Milwaukee has to offer. You can stroll through the Milwaukee Public Market and taste artisan ethnic foods, window shop at local boutiques and antique stores in the third ward, or taste test local beers at the local breweries. If you’ve never been to Milwaukee, you’re in for a treat!?
Connecting with your peers is one of the best parts of NASFAA. Not only is it an opportunity to gain fresh insight, brainstorm new strategies, and learn best practices, but it’s also a chance to lament the challenges from the past year. NASFAA offers numerous fun events throughout the week where you can meet other attendees, including Community Day, Charity 5K Run/Walk , the evening event at the Harley Davidson Museum , and the Charity Trivia Night.
In addition to networking with fellow financial aid professionals, you can connect with leading vendors who offer innovative solutions and strategies to improve financial aid management. Regent Education is hosting 15 for 15 meetings: give us 15 minutes of your time, and we’ll give you a $15 Starbucks gift card! It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Regent’s suite of financial aid management solutions and enjoy coffee on us! Book your time now or stop by our booth (#706) to schedule your meeting.
Being a multi-tasker at NASFAA pays off. Sign up for our lunch & learn on Tuesday, June 18 where you can enjoy a delicious meal while learning how Regent Fund automates scholarship and fund allocation across scenarios ranging from very simple to the most complex.? We’ll also highlight our comprehensive data integration, intuitive UI, and personalized automation capabilities. And we’ll share key client successes and insight into our upcoming roadmap. Save your spot now - space is limited!
It’s no secret that competition for students is heating up. And while many of the traditional decision points such as affordability, programs of study, and location continue to factor into their choice, students today are also considering whether or not institutions offer them the flexibility to pursue higher education on their terms.?
That’s why many institutions are exploring non-standard terms, subscription periods, and non-term enrollment models, including CBE, as alternative ways for students to reach their educational goals. A key piece of the puzzle, however, is the ability to offer financial aid in support of these programs.?
Competency-based education is gaining support on the national stage, and Regent Education is here to support it. If CBE or other flexible enrollment models are part of your institution’s strategy - or if they will be in the future - then make sure to add this session to your agenda. Amber Garrison Duncan, PhD of the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) , will share what CBE is and is not, the urgency of CBE now, and financial aid considerations and solutions. If your institution is implementing or considering CBE, then this session is a must-attend!
Think about your financial aid management (FAM) solution and ask yourself:
If you answered no to either of these questions, then you should consider exploring a new FAM. And there is no better place than NASFAA to do your research. Browse the exhibit hall to learn about the innovative solutions transforming financial aid management - and be sure to swing by booth #706 to see what Regent Education has to offer.
In addition to exploring the exhibit hall, you should also add this session to your agenda. In it, you’ll learn how Regent Award Suite automates and customizes financial aid across all enrollment models, freeing up valuable time for what truly matters: the students. Our cloud-based, holistic suite of financial aid solutions transforms financial aid management, and with it, you’ll answer a resounding “YES!” to the questions above.?
One of the biggest benefits of attending NASFAA is the chance to hear from your peers. Throughout the event, institutions will present new strategies, best practices, and institutional success. We suggest adding as many of these inspiring sessions to your agenda as you can, including this one featuring Herzing University . During their session, Herzing University will share how they integrated their #CRM and #FAM and the results they achieved, including increased student engagement, optimized financial aid processes, and improved collaboration and efficiency.??
This year’s NASFAA event is poised to be another great one. We can’t wait to see you there!
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