NYSFAAA Conference 2019 Agenda

Monday, October 28, 2019 Room

10:30- 3:00pm Preconference training- NASFAA Module- Verification (preregistration required) Salon D

1:00-5:00pm Vendor Set Up Foyer

3:00- 5:00 pm Registration Open Foyer

3:30- 7:30 pm NYS Museum Visit (preregistration required) Meet in Hotel Lobby

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

8:00- 12:30pm Registration Open Foyer

9:00- 12:30pm Vendor Area Open Foyer

10:00- 11:15am Key Note- Becoming a Catalyst for Change Salon E-H

Erin Gruwell helped 150 of her students - many of whom were written off by the education system - to use the power of education to write a book, graduate from high school and attend college.  In her inspiring presentation, Gruwell tells the story of this extraordinary journey - from poverty and despair to hope and promise - with stops at Anne Frank’s House and Auschwitz and then on to Capitol Hill and Congress.  Erin challenged her students to overcome the seemingly insurmountable problems of poverty, racism, and violence.  How can we all become role models for tolerance, respect, and cooperation? Erin Gruwell teaches us all how we can become 'Catalysts for Change.’

Presenter: Erin Gruwell, Educator, Author, and Founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation

Moderator:Janice Hilbrink, Pace University

11:30 - 12:30pm How the New Tax Code is Impacting Financial Aid Salon A

How the New Tax Code is Impacting Financial Aid - Most of the changes to the tax code enacted in December 2017 were implemented in the 2018 tax year. Financial aid officers will begin to see these changes as they review income-adjustment based professional judgments. This session will take a look at the changes that will most impact financial aid eligible families and any guidance the Department of Education has issued related to these changes. Topics covered will include the new Form 1040, the elimination of Forms 1040A and 1040EZ and its impact on a student's eligibility for the simplified EFC or Auto Zero EFC formula, and how changes in the tax code may change students' EFCs, ability to finance their education, and meet their financial obligations to their schools.

Presenter:Robert Weinerman, Director of Training, Iron Bridges Resources

Moderator: Patti Donahue, Binghamton University

Veterans on Campus Salon B

An overview of current VA and NYS benefits and resources as well as best practices when assisting veterans and their families.

Presenter: Cinda Quattrini, Education Liaison Representative, Department of Veterans Affairs

Moderator:Tom Dalton, EdFinancial Services

Troubleshooting FSA ID Issues Salon C

This session is an overview of the FSA ID application process and explores best practices for creating usernames and passwords. Participants will learn how to identify and resolve basic issues with passwords and matching information from the FSA ID to information on the FAFSA.

Presenter:LaSonya Griggs, Associate Dean of Enrollment Management, Tompkins Cortland Community College

Moderator:Amy Valentine, Culinary Institute of America

The Personalities and Politics that Impact New York State Student Aid Funding Salon D

The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities represents 100+ private, not-for-profit colleges and universities and has spent more than half a century advocating for student aid programs. Two CICU staffers, Director of Communications Emily Morgese and Assistant Director of Government Affairs Tom Schnurr, will dive into the issues that are most important in today’s financial aid landscape and share their perspectives on the personalities and politics that impact state student aid funding. In particular, they will cover how new policies come about (including the Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Award), why others are perennially targeted for budget cuts (like Opportunity Programs), and while still others seem to fly under the radar (TAP). Their presentation will provide insight on how the new Democrat-led Legislature has changed the dynamic in Albany and point to lessons from the recently-completed 2019-20 State Budget process and offer tips for effective advocacy.

Presenters:

Emily Morgese, Director of Communications, Commission of Independent CollegesTom Schnurr, Assistant Director of Government Affairs, Commission of Independent Colleges

Moderator:Susan Nesbitt Perez, Commission of Independent Colleges

12:30 - 1:45pm Lunch, President's Welcome Salon E -HNASFAA Update – Karen McCarthy

2:00- 4:30pm Registration Open Foyer

2:00 - 5:00pm Vendor Area Open Foyer

2:00 - 3:00pm Staff Experience: Transitioning from traditional offices to ONE STOP environment Salon A at a large urban institution

Results found in the Student Satisfaction Surveys of New Students, indicate that BMCC is in need of new service standards. The Offices of Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid and Testing have joined together to provide more streamlined service to our students, in an effort to decrease the amount of visits to campus, time spent in lines, and consistency of information provided to students. The following presentation will show how BMCC, with total enrollment over 25,000, is in the midst of transitioning from a traditional model of service to a 3 tier system of one enrollment center; the One Stop. This session will focus on staff experiences through the eyes of directors involved

in planning as well as the lived experience of the staff members who have transitioned to the new one stop unit. Pain points, positive outcomes, and lessons learned will be shared.

Presenter:Julia Meltreger, Enrollment Management Specialist, Borough Manhattan Community College

Moderator:Anne Sullivan Polino, Bryant and Stratton College

Exercising Professional Judgement: Ramp Up Your PJ Fitness! Salon B

In this session, we will explore statutory allowances pertaining to a school's ability to exercise professional judgment (PJ) to assist students seeking federal student aid support. We will explore school PJ policies and what is and is not PJ, documentation requirements, and how PJ interacts with verification. In addition, we will discuss the different kinds of professional judgment including cost of attendance adjustments, EFC data element adjustments, dependency overrides, parent refusal to support, and denying or reducing Direct Loans.

Presenter:TBD

Moderator:Tiffanie Karcher, Marist College

The Higher Education Committee of 50 Salon C

Convened by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), the Higher Education Committee of 50 set out to develop policy solutions to help surmount obstacles preventing students from enrolling in, paying for, and graduating from college. The Higher Education Committee of 50 was comprised of college presidents, enrollment managers, admissions staff, financial aid and bursar leaders, members of governing boards, students, and other leaders from all sectors of postsecondary institutions. In this session, David will discuss the work of The Higher Education Committee of 50 and share the policy recommendations its members put forth to improve and increase college access, affordability, accountability and transparency.

Presenter:David Sheridan, Director of Financial Aid, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs

Moderator:Samantha Veeder, Associate Dean of College Enrollment, Director of Financial Aid, University of Rochester

“Financial Literacy: Where to Begin?” Salon D

As financial literacy is incorporated into work institutions across the country, many are seeking to maximize the impact of their programs with limited resources. This session will consist of ideas on how to initiate a new program as well as how to enhance existing programs. SUNY Oneonta and Marist College will highlight the planning and implementation of a key financial literacy event on each of their campuses tailored to their campus-specific needs as well as discuss scaling other aspects of financial literacy programs from campus to campus.

Presenter:Kevin Sutton, Financial Literacy Coordinator, SUNY OneontaStefanie Cusano, Assistant Director, Student Financial Services, Marist College

Moderator:Priscilla Armsby, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

3:00 - 3:30pm BREAK Foyer

3:30 - 4:30pm Making it Rain with Cash Management Salon A

This session will provide policy and operational guidance on the cash management requirements. The session will include information about making disbursements, notices, authorizations, the advance, HCM1, HCM2 and reimbursement payment methods, returning funds, and books and supplies. This session will also explain the role played by the Department's systems (such as COD and G5) for disbursement, draw downs, and reconciliation of federal student aid funds.

Presenters: Gregory Rinderle, Director, McClintock CPA

Moderator:Adrienne King, Bank Street College of Education

S-A-P for You and Me Salon B

This session will offer a high level review of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), including an explanation of key concepts such as qualitative assessments, quantitative assessments, and maximum time frames. Financial aid warnings, probation periods, appeals, and academic plans will be addressed in detail. Examples will demonstrate the elements a school is required to include in its SAP policy.

Presenter:TBD

 Moderator:Sandra Gattuso, Suffolk Community College

Amended Tax Returns and IRS Request Flag 07 Salon C

The Department of Education and the IRS changed the IRS Data Retrieval Tool in 2018-2019 to allow even people who filed amended tax returns to use it. As a result, schools are having to collect and review more Forms 1040X than ever before. And, they are discovering that the documents the school is required to collect from students selected for verification does not contain all the information they need to complete verification. This session explores the Department's requirements, IRS Form 1040X, the IRS record of account transcript, and presents a way for schools to meet the Department's documentation requirements and verification/conflicting information requirements at the same time.

Presenter:Robert Weinerman, Director of Training, Iron Bridges Resources

Moderator:Keith Babich, CommonBond

Graduate/Professional School Town Hall Salon D

Currently there is an intense nationwide focus on student loan debt. In particular, higher-level graduate/professional student debt seems to stand out, with some frequency, in these discussions. During this session, all participants will have an opportunity to share their views on what they believe is fact and what is fiction when it comes to Grad/ Prof student debt. There will also be discussion on the many proposals regarding new repayment and loan forgiveness programs, as well as any other Grad/Prof topics you bring with you.

Presenter:Darrin Rooker, Director of Financial Aid, New York Chiropractic College

Moderator: Cynthia Roach, Syracuse University

5:00 - 6:15pm President's Reception Empire

6:15pm Dinner on your Own

8:00-9:00pm Bingo- with prizes Empire

9:00-11:00pm Evening Entertainment ChatsMusic by Joe Gorman

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

7:00-8:30am Morning Walk/Run in The Crossings Park Meet in hotel lobby

8:30- 12:00pm Registration Open Foyer

8:30 -12:00pm Vendor Area Open Foyer

8:00 - 9:30am Breakfast and Federal Update Salon E -H

Presenter:TBD

Moderator:Mary Lou Kutchma, Marist College

9:40 - 10:40am Financial Aid Communications Salon A

Financial Aid communications can help or hurt the overall efficiency of the financial aid office. Over communicate, and no one will read what you send them. Under communicate, and you'll find students and their families at your door clamoring for information. Getting the right balance is key to efficient processing, work life balance, and cordial team members.

Presenters:

Maximo Flint-Morgan, Associate Director of Communications- Financial Aid Office, Syracuse University

Moderator:Tony Gabriel, Culinary Institute of America

How to Survive Audits Salon B

To provide Institutions with a brief background to audits and their importance; to explain best practices to follow prior to, during, and after the audit; detail the top most common compliance issues and discuss possible solutions. Annual audits are required by the Department of Education. This process ensures that Institutions remain compliant by not only identifying risks or liabilities, but by assisting Institutions in enhancing their administrative capabilities. It also ensures that students are protected, as well as taxpayer dollars that help fund the T4 programs are being used properly. Lastly, the audit process allows for any necessary corrective action(s) to be determined and implemented.

Presenters:Gregory Rinderle, Director, McClintock CPAHoward Leslie, Vice President, Financial Aid, Berkeley College

Moderator:Brian Smith, SUNY Cobleskill

The EFC Formula Salon C

If you’ve been in financial aid for more than five minutes, you probably know what an EFC is.  But do you know how an EFC is calculated?  Have you ever had students or parents ask you why their EFC is what it is, when their next door neighbor with similar income has a totally different EFC?  Have you had people complain to you that the FAFSA only looks at income, and doesn’t care about expenses?  This session will familiarize you with what goes on in the Central Processing System’s brain in the 1.5 seconds between the time you submit the FAFSA and the time the confirmation page shows up on your screen. 

Presenter:Perry Brown, Financial Assistance Counselor, The College of Westchester

Moderator:Rochelle Filler, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Engaging Students via Chatbot: 24/7 Technology for a 24/7 World Salon D

Looking for innovative, leading edge ways to engage with your students? Come learn how artificial intelligence is helping campuses answer student questions. In a 24/7/365 world, students expect consistent answers all day every day through their phones, tablets, laptops and other media. This session will explore how SUNY Monroe Community College is increasing student engagement and satisfaction while relieving pressure on staff. The audience will also participate by sharing their experiences & successes when it comes to engaging students. 

Presenters:Melissa Jarkowski, Director of Financial Aid Operations, Monroe Community CollegeShannon Sheaff, Director of School Partnerships, FATV

Moderator:Cindy Garvey, St. Thomas Aquinas College

10:40 - 11:00am BREAK Foyer

11:00 - 12:00pm Year-Round Pell Salon A

This session will provide an overview of Year-round Pell Grant concepts and technical concerns.  We will also review scenarios submitted by NYSFAAA attendees that have presented particular Year-Round Pell implementation challenges.

Presenter:TBD

Moderator: Perry Brown, College of Westchester

Resources and Tools of the Trade Salon B

In a profession that requires knowledge in everything from counseling to tax preparation, from federal regulations to financial literacy, where does one turn for assistance? This session will provide timely and practical insight to help you stay up-to-date on ever-changing regulations and offer best practices to keep you on the pulse of our profession.

Presenter:Kerry Lubold, Associate Director of Financial Aid, Plattsburgh State

Moderator:Adrienne King, Bank Street College of Education

Privacy Awareness and Action Panel Salon C

Privacy Awareness and Action training emphasizes the importance of privacy safeguards, explains privacy protection, and details your responsibilities for protecting privacy information regardless of format. And don't forget about you and your family. Thieves are hunting you down as well.

Presenters:Tom Dalton, Director of Sales and Marketing Northeast Region, Edfinancial ServicesChristine DeSousa, National Director School Relation Solutions, ECMCHoward Leslie, Vice President, Financial Aid, Berkeley CollegeTerrance McGowan, CIO/Vice President, Monroe College

Moderator: Randi Moore, St. Peter’s Health Partners Schools of Nursing

Because We Are Living in a Multi-Media World Salon D

In this session, we'll share the formula for connecting with Generation Z and learn how expanding messaging across campus is essential to connecting with today's youth and in reaching your institution's enrollment and retention goals. Join us to learn about the unique and engaging outreach strategies you can use on your campus to connect with Gen Z and hear how The College of Saint Rose's Financial Aid Office launched a successful multi-media campaign in collaboration with their Marketing Department.

Presenters:Steve Dwire, Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid, College of St. RoseTemeka Easter, Director of Social Media, Sallie MaeMike Hickling, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, College of St. Rose

` Moderator:Stephanie Stock, Sallie Mae

12:00 - 2:00pm LUNCH, Regional Awards Salon E - HEASFAA Remarks Marie Johnson, EASFAA President

2:00- 4:00pm Registration Open Foyer

2:00 -4:00pm Vendor Area Open Foyer

2:15 -3:15pm DACA/Undocumented Students: Not the Typical Aid Applicant Salon A

This session will explore the barriers and challenges that face DACA and Undocumented students when it comes to receiving financial aid. Presenter will explain the difference between DACA and Undocumented, as well as who qualifies as an eligible non-citizen. As this population continues to grow, it is important to understand their unique challenges as well as ways that we can support them when they arrive on campus. This presentation will also explore the impact of the current immigration climate when students arrive on campus. In addition, we will look at the resources the University of Rochester has in place to support this population as it relates to financial aid and their overall success on campus.

Presenter:Lucinda Snyder, Senior International Financial Aid Counselor, University of Rochester

Moderator:Diane Donahue, SUNY New Paltz

Professional Ethics and Standards – Student Data Sharing Update Salon B

This is a two-topic session. Part 1: Is the measure of your professional ethics and standards limited to just your own specific words and behavior? Part 2: When it comes to Student Data Sharing, over the past few years schools have been chasing a moving target as to whom they can share data, how they can share data and specifically what data can be shared. We will review the current guidance

Presenter: Darrin Rooker, Director of Financial Aid, New York Chiropractic College

Moderator:Debra Evans, Adelphi University

If Only I Knew: Using Emotional Intelligence in Leading a Financial Aid Office Salon C

Have you ever wondered why some people work so well together? Have you ever had to unsnarl an unhappy group of workers? While much has been discussed about hiring highly intelligent and motivated people using the magic formula of an exceptional staff plus a user-friendly computer system which should equal quality performance and outcomes, this equation is only two-thirds true. A not so new approach to business and group psychology developed in ‘70s is the proverbial third leg to a stable and successful team in the financial aid office. This session will explore this third dimension as it applies to leading a successful financial aid team in our ever changing and challenging industry.

Presenter:Heather McDonnell, Sarah Lawrence College, retired

Moderator:Lisa Simpson, NYS Higher Education Services Corporation

How to Gain the Benefits of Automating the Financial Aid Process & Salon D the Implementation of Dynamic Forms

This presentation will discuss different avenues available to financial aid offices to help in creating an automated and more efficient workflow for the general processes in the office. We will review options in vanilla banner, report writers, and schedulers. We will also examine the implementation of Dynamic Forms and the program's pros and cons.

Presenter: Rob Zasso, Director of Financial Aid, Dutchess Community College

Moderator:Sean Hudson, Trocaire College

3:15-3:45pm BREAK Foyer

4:00 - 5:00pm How to Compliantly Manage the Federal Work Study Program Salon A

Learn how to keep your students, college and auditors happy by managing the smallest TIV program with the highest exposure.

Presenter:

Jessica Bure, Federal Work Study Coordinator, Berkeley College

Moderator: Lisa Papke, Genesee Community College

Financial Aid and Athletics Salon B

This session will review policy and producers that will assist the both the financial aid and athletic operations. Both Division 1 and Division 2 compliance matters will be reviewed.  Lots of regulations between the two offices! 

Presenters: Dan Robinson, Director of Financial Aid- Pleasantville Campus, Pace UniversityJoe Weglarz, Executive Director, Student Financial Services, Marist College

Moderator: Cynthia Roach, Syracuse University

It's Your Time Salon C

How well do you manage your time? If you're like many people, your answer might not be completely positive! Perhaps you feel overloaded, and you often have to work late to hit your deadlines. Or maybe your days seem to go from one crisis to another, and this is stressful and demoralizing. Many of us know that we can be managing our time more effectively; but it can be difficult to identify the mistakes that we're making, and to know how we can improve. This session will aid you in recognizing some common pitfalls and identify strategies and tips you can use to overcome them.  

Presenters: Patricia Donahue, Director, Financial Aid Operations, Binghamton UniversityCindy Garvey, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, St. Thomas Aquinas College

Moderator: Renee Nunziato, Suffolk Community College

Public Navigating the Student Loan Landscape: Salon D

Eligibility, Repayment, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness

This session will discuss the current state of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness - PSLF program. It will delve into eligible loans, repayment plans, eligible employment as well as a discussion on common pitfalls and how to avoid them. The topic will also discuss the Department of Education’s effort to accommodate borrowers’ repayment plan selection error through the institution of the Temporary Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (TEPSLF).

Presenter: Clem LaPietra, Executive Director Office of Loan Management, Monroe College

Moderator: Janice Hilbrink, Pace University

4:00 pm Vendor Break Down Foyer

5:30 - 6:30pm Cocktail Reception Foyer/Salon E-H

6:30- 8:30pm Awards Banquet Salon E - H

8:30pm Entertainment- Chats

Trivia Challenge- Teams with prizes

Thursday, October 31, 2019

8:00 - 9:00 am BREAKFAST, NYSFAAA Scholarship Salon E - HNYSFAAA Business Meeting

9:00 -10:00am Endowed Scholarships- Awarding Tips for Success! Salon A

Endowed Scholarship awarding processes can be complicated. Come hear what is working at Pace University as they share best practical awarding process and tips. Bring your coffee and share what your school is doing! After a short presentation on successful management of endowed funds, there will be a round table discussion to network and hear what is working. You, too, can master this challenging process.

Presenter:

Janice Hilbrink, Director of Endowed Scholarships and Financial Aid Training InstitutePace University

Moderator:Roberta Daskin, Sarah Lawrence College

Mandatory Reporting- Tips and Tricks Salon B

Financial Aid Directors often spend days (or is it weeks?) behind closed doors completing a myriad of reports/surveys throughout the year. This session will explore in detail the preparing of the FISAP and mention some of the other common annual reports, as well as offer insight, tips, and best practices. Then, when you need to complete your first cycle of reports, the FISAP will no longer be considered a “dirty word”.Attendees are encouraged to bring a copy of their latest FISAP to the session to see the relations to their own institution.

Presenter: Scott Atkinson, Director of Enrollment Services Emeritus, SUNY Brockport

Moderator: Tami Gilbeaux, Inceptia

Repayment Rates and 5 to 10 year Cohort Default Rates and much more OH MY! Salon C As discussions in Washington continue for schools to have MORE SKIN IN THE GAME, it has become apparent that the 3-year CDR is not the metric of the near future by which colleges will be measured. Instead, the focus has turned to student repayment success in addition to CDRs going into 5, 10, and possibly life of loan periods. Berkeley will share how they created a team who managed their CDR through grace and delinquency outreach. Learn how we started as a homegrown team using homegrown software, and now transitioning to a purchased software (ECMC – will demonstrate) which increased efficiencies 100%. See how our focus has evolved from the 2-year, 3-year, and now 5-year CDR as well as encouraging student repayment activity. Also, learn how Berkeley then fully engaged ECMC realizing it was time to do MORE and having less to do it with. If we have time, we will tell more about SKIN IN THE GAME. Otherwise – catch us at breaktime.

Presenters: Linda Athearn-Forster, Director, Student Financial Literacy, Berkeley CollegeDavid Deibel, School Relations Director, ECMC SolutionsHoward Leslie, Vice President, Financial Aid, Berkeley College

Moderator: Brian Smith, SUNY Cobleskill

Managing Your Perkins Portfolio during a Time of Change Salon D

This session will update you on the regulatory changes that have occurred since the Perkins Program expired, discuss the negative impact on college campuses as revealed through a COHEAO survey, review the new requirements for FISAP reporting, and share the advocacy efforts that COHEAO is engaged in regarding the proposed Perkins ARC Loan Program.

Presenter:Maria Livolsi, Director, SUNY Administration

Moderator:Joe Weglarz, Marist College

10:00 - 11:00am HESC and State Education Department Updates Salon E - H

The State Education Department will provide a brief review of TAP law and regulations with emphasis on the changes which can impact students in their final year of TAP eligibility followed by HESC providing an update of new initiatives.

Presenters: Barbara Hochberg, Director of Grants and Scholarships, NYS Higher Education Services CorporationChristopher Fernando, Supervisor of Higher Education Programs, NYS Education Department

Moderator:Lisa Simpson, NYS Higher Education Services Corporation

11:00 - 12:00pm Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Salon E - H

An overview of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General’s role in preventing, detecting, and investigating fraud, and how schools can help.

Presenters: Geoff Wood, Special Agent, US Department of Education Office of Inspector General

Moderator:Howard Leslie, Berkeley College