TASFAA Spring Update!!

It’s one of the busiest times of year for most of us, but as we celebrate National Volunteer Week beginning on the 12^th, I’d like to take some time to recognize all of the TASFAA folks who volunteer in our association and beyond.

First, TASFAA Governmental Relations Committee Chair Ron Gambill (Edsouth) and member Larry Rector (Johnson University) visited Washington, D.C. to lobby for various Federal Student Aid issues.  Larry’s account of the trip was featured on the SASFAA Nine News blog.  They met with two Senators and three Representatives over the two day trip.  Thank you Ron and Larry for representing TASFAA and advocating for our Tennessee students!

Next, former TASFAA President and Director of Financial Aid at Lee University, Marian Dill was chosen to serve as a Primary Negotiator, representing private, non-profit institutions for the U.S. Department of Education’s Negotiated Rulemaking on Title IV loan issues.  Marian is currently serving as the Vice President of SASFAA and was recently voted SASFAA President-Elect for the 2015-2016 year.  Kudos to Marian on her achievements! 

Most recently, President-Elect Dick Smelser attended the NASFAA Leadership & Legislative Conference & Expo.  The conference helps prepare state association presidents and leaders from across the United States.  Dick was also able to advocate for our students on Capitol Hill, even being invited to the “Tennessee Breakfast” with Senators Alexander and Corker.  We look forward to your year as President Mr. Smelser!

Last but not least, I want to acknowledge the work of Leah Louallen and the 2015 TASFAA Conference Committee.  We have an amazing agenda this year, full of great presenters (including David Bartnicki), as well as lots of fun.  We have a new conference location at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro, a powerhouse opening speaker in June Cline, and surprises you won’t want to miss.  Please make plans to join us April 26-29, for “TASFAA: A Growing Family Tree”.  http://tasfaatn.com/Conference

As always, I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve as President of this amazing association, with such a spirit of friendship and volunteerism.  I salute each of you this National Volunteer Week. 

Thanks for all you do TASFAA family!

Celena

TASFAA Members,

To encourage new members to pursue professional development opportunities and to enhance success within the financial aid profession, TASFAA is proud to offer the Clyde Walker Professional Development Scholarship.  The scholarship was named in honor and in memory of Clyde Walker who passed away September 23, 2013.  Mr. Walker was a Past President of TASFAA and had been a member of the association for many years.  He chaired and served on many TASFAA committees and a mentor to many.  He was Chair of the Association Governance Committee at the time of his passing.  This scholarship will cover the cost of registration for one (1) participant to attend the SASFAA New Aid Officers Workshop.  The 2015 SASFAA New Aid Officers Workshop, will be held June 14-19 at Thomas More College, Crestview Hills, KY.

Eligibility Requirements:  To be eligible for the TASFAA Professional Development Scholarship, the applicant must:

• Be a current TASFAA member who has not previously attended the SASFAA New Aid Officers Workshop.
• Have five (5) years or less of financial aid experience.
• Complete the application.
• Submit a current resume and a letter of recommendation from the Financial Aid Director at the applicant’s institution.
• Submit an original statement with the application. The statement should be at least one typed page in length on the following topic: Discuss the value and importance of student aid and how it relates to your choice of the Financial Aid profession.

Additional Information:

The scholarship will cover the cost of the SASFAA New Aid Officers Workshop registration.  The applicant is responsible for any remaining costs associated with the workshop (travel, etc.).

Preference may be given to a past TASFAA New Aid Officers Workshop attendee.

Applications (and all required documents) must be submitted to Larry Rector, TASFAA Training Committee Chair, no later than April 10, 2015.  The winner will be announced at the TASFAA annual conference, April 26-29 at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro, TN.  All applicants are encouraged to attend the conference if possible.

We look forward to receiving your application!  Good luck!

Celena Tulloss

2014-2015 TASFAA President

Clyde Walker Professional Development Scholarship Application.docx

February 2015 Webinar Sessions and Descriptions

                                                 

(Revised Title)  An Exploration of the 150% Direct Subsidized Loan Limit

Category: Program Administration

There is now a limitation on the period for which a borrower may receive a Direct Subsidized Loan. Join us as we take an exploration of the 150% Loan Limit. We will show you how to correctly calculate the maximum eligibility period and subsidized usage period.  We will also review what happens borrowers lose their interest subsidy benefits and helpful ways you can educate them of the changes. 

 

Specific topics covered include:

·         Understanding the maximum eligibility period

·         Examining loss of eligibility 

·         Exploring ways to educate your borrowers

 

Presenters:   Jamie Malone (internal SME) and Michiale Schneider

Date: February 2 at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=tac345ae0bebfecd1cffe22226d6b49ba

(NEW) Embracing Your New Leadership Role – Plans, Tips, and Perspectives

Category: Professional Development

 

• Are you new to leadership and wonder what to expect in your new role?  Since leadership is not just a one size fits all opportunity it's important to understand what you should or should not do during the transition period.  This session aims to share common tips derived from other leaders within the financial aid community that transcends through multiple levels of the leadership hierarchy that will assist you in being an effective, well-rounded leader.

Topics to be discussed:

• ·         Common tips for transitioning leaders

• ·         Unveiling of new challenges

• ·         The  90-day plan of a new role

 

Presenters: Keyimani Alford and Michiale Schneider

February 4 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t20345d900af438a8274fbc48981943fd

February 17 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t0580fb26c603638da528abf483ad5161

(NEW)  Who’s Defaulting and Why: An In-depth Look at the Root of Loan Default

Category: Default Management

 

Borrowers default because they don’t pay—they don’t’ pay because their payments are unaffordable.  However, unaffordability is one of the many reasons why borrowers struggle in repayment.  There are others.  We’ve identified who’s defaulting and why so that you can better understand which borrowers may have problems in repayment.  We’ll also show you how to gather your own findings so that you can develop more targeted interventions.   Getting to the root of loan default is the key that can move the needle on your rate and help the borrowers you serve.

•  Topics to be discussed:

• ·         An examination of loan defaulters

• ·         How and where to identify school-specific data

• ·         How to create targeted default prevention initiatives—using your data to develop a plan

Presenters:  Roger Eldridge (internal SME) and Tasha McDaniel

February 11 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t631795eb01b673d36082e424401a605b

Identity Theft: Help Students Avoid this Epidemic

Category: Financial Wellness

Every minute approximately 19 people fall victim to identity theft. Do you know how to help your students avoid this epidemic?   Identify theft is the fastest growing crime in America and young people between the ages of 18-24 are the most likely to be affected.  But there are ways that your students can proactively protect themselves. This webinar will show you how you can inform and counsel your students so they can protect themselves from identity thieves and potential scams.

 

Specific topics covered include:

• ·         Techniques for prevention

 

Presenters: Michiale Schneider and Tasha McDaniel

 

February 3 at 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t5686a9644249fa52be3f9194a096680c

Dependency Status Dilemmas
Category: Program Administration

Are your students confused about how to answer dependency questions on the FAFSA? When should you consider a dependency override? We'll review ways to help your students while maintaining compliance.

Specific topics covered include:

• Does a student's self-sufficiency make them independent?
• How does the IRS definition of a "dependent" differ from the FAFSA?
• Who is considered to be a "Homeless Unaccompanied Youth?"

 

Presenters: Michiale Schneider and Keyimani Alford

 

February 3 at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=ta6eca8af83a2cb87e06cb493753b1144

February 5 at 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=tad1da7c6c4aad0c4232d7a506b295ce6

 

Financial Literacy: What You Need to Know to Educate Your Students

Category: Financial Wellness

Financial education helps student’s make wise decisions about money and credit.  You can create and tailor your own financial literacy programs by mastering basic concepts. This train-the-trainer session will give you all of the essentials you need to provide financial education to your students. You’ll be able to take what you’ve learned and create your own presentation to educate your students so that they make wise financial choices both during school and after graduation.

Specific topics covered include:

• How credit scores are generated
• How different types of loans – including student loans—impact credit history
• How to craft your own program

 

Presenters:  Michiale Schneider and Tasha McDaniel

February 4 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=ta40f4c0071c21f6ce9c1f0dff00ceac6

February 10 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=tf17521945bf5a53852e09d7055c6d20f

Verification: Four Simple Steps to Completion

Category: Program Administration

Get the right dollars to the right students, on time. We’ll show you the easiest steps to completing verification based on recent policy changes and review common issues that arise.

Specific topics covered include:

• Determining who needs to be verified
• Reviewing required documentation
• Resolving conflicting information
• How to understand IRS transcripts – and when to ask for more information
• Making corrections

Presenters:  Keyimani Alford and Michiale Schneider

 

February 10 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=tfd4bc958ce68e5c79226d96fabde65df

Professional Judgment Perplexities

Category: Program Administration

Professional Judgment is helps you target funds to students with exceptional need. But Professional Judgment principles must be applied wisely and responsibly in order to be effective and compliant. 

This participatory session reviews complex case studies to show how you can help students get the aid they need by making adjustments to either the expected family contribution (EFC) or the student’s cost of attendance.

 

Specific topics covered include:

• Why and when to use professional judgment
• Permissible actions and required documentation
• Common scenarios – loss of income, changes in assets, extraordinary expenses
• Dependency override
• Maintaining a professional judgment policy

 

Presenters:  Michiale Schneider and Keyimani Alford

 

February 12 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t93fbe43e6e728db56eb0e1fa6b79ac11

Anatomy of a Cohort Default Rate

Category: Default Management

Have you ever dissected your cohort default rate?  Attend this session to learn what factors and circumstances affect your default rate. Do you know what factors and circumstances affect your rate? Things to consider include defaulted loans from students who attended multiple schools, the timing of deferments, and the impact of loan consolidation and rehabilitation. This session will review all of these situations so you can better understand your rate and help your borrowers.

 

Specific topics covered include:

• How the Department calculates cohort default rates
• Timing of loan default
• The impact of consolidation, deferments, and forbearance on CDRs
• Special circumstances that could be included in the cohort default rate calculation
• When and how are CDRs sent to schools

Presenters:  Tasha McDaniel and Michiale Schneider

 

February 17 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t8fde4a93e2dc40dbbdc687fbd7210cb9

 

Decoding CDR Reports and Correcting Data

Category: Default Management

 

Draft Cohort Default Rates are due to be released in February. Do you know how to review your report for accuracy? Learn how you can review CDR reports and when to challenge, appeal and adjust to ensure your school’s rate is an accurate reflection of your borrower’s experience in repayment.

 

Specific topics covered include:

·         The Cohort Default Rate (CDR) cycle

·         Challenges, Adjustment and Appeals

·         Common appeal errors to avoid

Presenters:  Tasha McDaniel and Michiale Schneider

 

February 18 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t4f67d9917eec03c7668b573b5f537797

February 26 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=tff6be901c3155bdfe2124775932cf911

 

Tax Filing Rules: What Financial Aid Administrators Need to Know

Category: Program Administration

Get a refresher on tax filing rules in advance of the 2015-16 verification cycle to better identify and resolve issues during the file review process. This webinar will take you through tax rules to ensure the data elements used to calculate the expected family contribution are correct.

 

Specific topics covered include:

• IRS filing guidelines and thresholds
• Comparing filing status to FAFSA results

• ·         Tax filing status and verification processes

 

Presenters:  Michiale Schneider and Keyimani Alford

 

February 19 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t4d0c6156727e19dd5bd192749776ed35

January 2015 Webinar Sessions and Descriptions

 

Reaping Results with a 12-Month Default Prevention Action Plan

Default prevention results can be achieved when a plan is developed and executed properly. Do you know how to create an actionable 12month plan that reaps results?  If you’re like many schools, developing a plan requires time and resources that may be limited.  During this session we will show you how to put together a 12-month action plan that is manageable.  We’ll walk through the plan month by month, demonstrating strategies that you can deploy to help you manage default rates and reap results.

 

Specific topics covered include:

• Grace period outreach
• Outdated contact updates
• Early awareness campaign
• Loan rehabilitation outreach

Presenters: Tasha McDaniel and Michiale Schneider

Date: January 8^th @ 3:00pm EST

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t6329023d7635075c1fea650fa98760de

Identity Theft: Help Students Avoid this Epidemic

Every minute approximately 19 people fall victim to identity theft. Do you know how to help your students avoid this epidemic?   Identify theft is the fastest growing crime in America and young people between the ages of 18-24 are the most likely to be affected.  But there are ways that your students can proactively protect themselves. This webinar will show you how you can inform and counsel your students so they can protect themselves from identity thieves and potential scams.

Specific topics covered include:

Presenters: Michiale Schneider and Tasha McDaniel

Date: January 13^th @ 3:00pm EST

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t2f767e948af0b41b0e34705914dbf8a6

Professional Judgment Perplexities

 

Professional Judgment is helps you target funds to students with exceptional need. But Professional Judgment principles must be applied wisely and responsibly in order to be effective and compliant. 

This participatory session reviews complex case studies to show how you can help students get the aid they need by making adjustments to either the expected family contribution (EFC) or the student’s cost of attendance.

Specific topics covered include:

• Why and when to use professional judgment
• Permissible actions and required documentation
• Common scenarios – loss of income, changes in assets, extraordinary expenses
• Dependency override
• Maintaining a professional judgment policy

Presenters: Michiale Schneider and Keyimani Alford

Date: January 13^th @ 12:00pm EST

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t9f37be1bcbb608d687f775f3d506f3af

Managing Loan Default: Making a Difference in 60 Minutes

Managing default prevention activity is important to your institution but requires resources and time. We can show you how to improve your default rate with just a little extra effort each month.  By dedicating just 60 minutes each month, you can lower your school’s cohort default rate, and facilitate your ultimate goalundefinedhelping students avoid the negative consequences of loan delinquency and default.

 

Specific topics covered include:

• ·         Options for contacting late stage delinquent borrowers - emails, letters, and phone calls

• ·         Promoting IBR and Pay As You Earn to early and mid-stage delinquent borrowers

• ·         Reaching out to borrowers during their grace period

Presenters: Tasha McDaniel and Michiale Schneider

Date: January 14^th @ 12:00pm EST

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t27615d8612df8f74ebee6c28bc13de10

Date: January 22^nd @ 3:00pm EST

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t50b58e679dc8c4f4f2be55993bf79078

Verification: Four Simple Steps to Completion

Get the right dollars to the right students, on time. We’ll show you the easiest steps to completing verification based on recent policy changes and review common issues that arise.

 

Specific topics covered include:

• Determining who needs to be verified
• Reviewing required documentation
• Resolving conflicting information
• How to understand IRS transcripts – and when to ask for more information
• Making corrections

Presenters: Keyimani Alford and Michiale Schneider

Date: January 14^th @ 3:00pm EST

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t27528cfeae7a7b52f4e610b1dfdc4321

Supervising Student Employees: Tools of the Trade

 

Student employees are a vital resource for your office but a challenge to supervise. Do you have the tools needed to effectively manage your student workers to achieve optimal success? Because they are part time, with varying schedules, and diverse attitudes towards employment and academics, student employees provide you with unique supervisory challenges.  Attend this mini session to learn tools to help you better supervise your student employees and help them achieve success for your office and their future careers.

 

Specific topics covered include:

• Understanding the challenges of supervising students
• Diversifying your management style
• Knowing the student employee culture

 

Presenter: Keyimani Alford and Tasha McDaniel

Date: January 15^th @ 3:00pm EST

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t2053e274043b805b056de613407e5588

Tax Filing Rules: What Financial Aid Administrators Need to Know

Get a refresher on tax filing rules in advance of the 2015-16 verification cycle to better identify and resolve issues during the file review process. This webinar will take you through tax rules to ensure the data elements used to calculate the expected family contribution are correct.

Specific topics covered include:

• IRS filing guidelines and thresholds
• Comparing filing status to FAFSA results
• Tax filing status and verification processes

 

Presenters: Michiale Schneider and Keyimani Alford

Date: January 29^th@ 12:00pm EST

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t7ca8e389e55ef586139c4ef401a7d5a7

(NEW) Helping Students Reach Their College Education Dreams and Avoid Student Loan Nightmares

Do you find it challenging to meet the full needs of your students through financial aid? Often you might experience them turning to student loans without first exploring other options. By educating them, they will be better equipped to make smarter choices, become financially responsible, and have less student loan debt upon graduation.

Specific topics include:

• ·        Identify borrowing trends

• ·        Explore ways to search for additional “gift” aid

• ·        Share the impact of borrowing loans

Presenters: Michiale Schneider and Tasha McDaniel

Date: January 20^th @ 3:00pm EST

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t376b1713f53adc75ab4527bd0d38e662

 

Where Are You: Strategies for Locating Borrowers

Staying in touch with borrowers is an important part of a default prevention strategy. If borrowers don’t stay connected after they leave school, how can you find them?  Many students leave school and stay connected through the alumni and other associations, friends, and even faculty and administration.  Others leave and make it difficult to be found. Many of them have loan debt but have neglected their payment obligation.  Locating them can be a challenge.  This session will discuss tools and strategies that you can use to find borrowers.  We will also share what Great Lakes does to locate borrowers and the rules and regulations all must follow.  

 

Topics covered include:

• Free and fee-based skip tracing tools
• The use of social media
• Rules and regulations
• Working with third-party servicers
• What Great Lakes does to locate borrowers

 

Presenters: Lynn Murphy (Great Lakes SME) and Tasha McDaniel

Date: January 29^th @ 3:00pm EST

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=tf730feb6032cc52427879f35e05ffb20

 

(NEW) Final Rules: Changes to the PLUS Loan Credit Requirements

New final rules issued in October 2014 made changes to the PLUS loan to include modifying the definition of “adverse credit history” and requiring loan counseling for PLUS borrowers who have extenuating circumstances or who have an endorser. We’ll give you an overview of the regulatory changes and how these changes could impact your PLUS borrowers.  We’ll also take a take a look at the derogatory actions that contribute to an adverse credit history and how they are reflected on the credit report.

 

Specific Topics Include:

• ·         Changes to the PLUS credit criteria

• ·         Examples of derogatory actions

• ·         Extenuating circumstances

• ·         Loan counseling requirement

• ·         Validity extension for credit checks

• ·         Release of PLUS default rates

Presenters: Tasha McDaniel and Nancy Masten

Date: January 21^st @ 12:00pm EST

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=t7ad4864332a3a12baf7501e601c8e247

Date: January 27^th @ 3:00pm EST

https://glhec.webex.com/glhec/k2/j.php?MTID=te1bcf28c7921c81ac9e0c68bc97ede37

TASFAA Family,

The year is coming to a close and most of us will enjoy extra time off with our friends and family.  As we celebrate the holidays, please remember the members of our TASFAA family who are in need of our support this holiday season.

 

First remember those facing medical issues.  Those include Furmonte’, son of Gwen Fleming, former TASFAA secretary from TCAT Ripley.  Furmonte’ suffers from asthma and went into the hospital with a collapsed lung in September.  He has undergone several surgeries and remains hospitalized with multiple complications.  Next, our friend Mike Jones from TSU remains in a long-term care facility after a major scare with his heart.  Also, Craig Harris’s infant daughter Emery has undergone heart surgery and may face more over the coming months.  Craig was a long-time TASFAA member working for several different sponsor partners.  In addition, Vic Lemons, husband of Jamie Lemons, One-Stop counselor at UTK, is battling lupus and pancreatic cancer.  Last, Robbie Snapp from MTSU has both undergone knee replacement surgery and faced medical issues with her mother.  All of these folks ( as well as anyone I may have missed) could use a little TASFAA love this holiday season!

 

We have also recently seen the passing of some dear members of our TASFAA family.  In the past few weeks, we have lost Wayne Fletcher, founder of Wayne’s Barber and Beauty School and husband to TASFAA member Melissa Fletcher, Bill Grizzard, the “Pickle Man”, longtime sponsor partner and TASFAA friend, and Tom Zminkowski, former First Tennessee, TSAC and USAF employee.

 

As I reflect on 2014 and the first half of my TASFAA Presidency, I couldn’t be more proud of our state and our members.  For those of you who were able to join us for dinner at FSA, it truly felt like a family meal.  As member of TASFAA, we aren’t just colleagues; we become true, lifelong friends.    Thank you for this opportunity to serve, I am both humbled and grateful to be a part of this wonderful organization.  Enjoy the season and all my best wishes to all of you for an incredible 2015!

Celena

The TASFAA Executive Board wishes you a 

Good afternoon,

    I want to be sure you are aware of our upcoming webinars covering important information about the October 10 – 12, 2014 Sallie Mae and Navient transition.  While we became two separate companies in May, we will be officially separating our operations and systems soon.  

  By attending one of these webinars you will learn about changes to the way you will work with Sallie Mae including how to contact our new School Assist team, how to use OpenNet and access reports from our Document Direct (DDI) tool.   You will also learn how to access account information using Navient’s School Servicing Portal as well as reports on Navient serviced loans.   We will also share with you what to expect on the transition weekend.

   This webinar is ideal for members of your financial aid staff as well as the business office.    Please go to SallieMae.com/schoolresource to register.   There are several dates available so I hope there is one that fits your schedule.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. 

Sincerely,

Sonja McMullen

 

Director of Business Development

O:  615.665.4494 | C:  615.430.8035

sonja.mcmullen@salliemae.com

www.salliemae.com

We survived August and we’ve almost made it through September! As our offices are slowing down (at least a little) TASFAA activity is gearing up! We hope you will be able to join us for the Fall Training Series October 7,8 or 9. Larry Rector and the Training Committee have worked hard to put together a jam-packed agenda, full of the updates and information you need. Our friends from TSAC will be joined by the incomparable David Bartnicki. If you have not yet registered, space is limited!! Please note that we have already moved the East location to Johnson University, in order to accommodate more attendees. Register today at http://tasfaatn.com/Fall.


Your TASFAA Executive Board and 2015 Conference Committee will also be meeting in October. You will soon see the “Call for Sessions” from Conference Chair Leah Louallen, so please let us know what you would like to see at our April conference! TASFAA is about YOU, so tell us what type of training you need!

Last but not least, Financial Aid Appreciation Day is Wednesday, October 15. We want to see our TASFAA family celebrate! Send us pictures and let us know how you celebrate all the hard work you do for students and parents! Pictures can be posted to our Facebook group or emailed to administrator@tasfaatn.com.

Happy Fall Y’all!
Celena

Registration is now OPEN for the TASFAA Fall Training Series, sponsored by TSAC! We hope you will join us for a day packed full of updates and information from our friends at TSAC and the incomparable friendly neighborhood “Fed”, David Bartnicki!

Topics will include:

• Federal Update
• Verification
• Consumer Information
• TSAC Update
• Effective Communication with Diverse Populations

Register online TODAY at www.tasfaatn.com/fall .

We looking forward to seeing you October 7, 8 and 9!
~TASFAA Training Committee

October 2014 Webinar Titles and Descriptions

Perfecting Your Policies and Procedures Manual

Are you meeting administrative capability requirements? Are you ready for an audit or program review? Does your staff know the policies and procedures necessary to ensure proper compliance? Your Policies and Procedures Manual is the first thing ED will want to see. This session makes sure your office has well-defined policies and procedures are in place. A thorough manual can also serve as a step-by-step guide for staff members.

Specific topics include:

• Key components of a manual
• Regulatory guidance
• Tools for schools

October 1 @ 3 PM, Eastern time

Perfecting Your Policies and Procedures Manual

Presenters: Michiale Schneider and Tasha McDaniel

Clock-hour Programs and R2T4

Return of Title IV (R2T4) doesn't have to be daunting. This session walks through a clock-hour example to help you understand what it is and when it applies so you can effectively counsel students and help them make informed decisions about withdrawing from school.

Specific topics covered include:

• ·         R2T4 basics: what it is, when it applies, the formula components for clock-hour programs
• ·         Reviewing a hand calculation
• ·         Post-withdrawal disbursements

October 1 @ 12 PM, Eastern time   

Clock-hour Programs and R2T4    

Presenters: Keyimani Alford and Linda Peckham

Making the Call: What to Say to Delinquent Borrowers

If calling delinquent borrowers is part of your default prevention strategy--or should be, this webinar is for you. Through the use of role playing, this session will help increase your comfort level, teach you how to handle common objections, and how to ask for a payment without coming off as pushy.

Specific topics covered include:

• Demonstration of soft skills needed for making calls
• Importance of questioning, listening, acknowledging, and prefacing
• How to ask for payment and explore other payment possibilities
• What to do when a caller tries to brush you off
• How to deal with emotional borrowers

October 7 @ 12 PM, Eastern time     

Making the Call: What to Say to Delinquent Borrowers

Presenters:  Tasha McDaniel and Hannah Achtor

 

Reaping Results with a 12-Month Default Prevention Action Plan

Default prevention results can be achieved when a plan is developed and executed properly. Do you know how to create an actionable 12-month plan that reaps results?  If you’re like many schools, developing a plan requires time and resources that may be limited.  During this session we will show you how to put together a 12-month action plan that is manageable.  We’ll walk through the plan month by month, demonstrating strategies that you can deploy to help you manage default rates and reap results.

Specific topics covered include:

• Grace period outreach
• Outdated contact updates
• Early awareness campaign
• Loan rehabilitation outreach

October 8 @ 3 PM, Eastern time

Reaping Results with a 12-Month Default Prevention Action Plan

October 23 @ 12 PM, Eastern time  

Reaping Results with a 12-Month Default Prevention Action Plan

Presenters: Tasha McDaniel and Michiale Schneider

Difficult Conversations: How to Manage Conflict While Providing Customer Service

Does your front line staff know how to deal with difficult situations in positive ways? This webinar will demonstrate proven techniques for diffusing conflict while providing great customer service.  The financial aid process can be frustrating and emotionally challenging for both parents and students. This heightened anxiety can play itself out in the aid office when parents and students direct anger and frustration at counselors or front line staff. Your teams’ ability to diffuse a difficult conversation and create a problem-solving approach is crucial to your customer service effort.

Presenter:

Shannon Patterson, M.S., Instructor in Business Administration and Conflict Management at Argosy University.

Specific topics covered include:

• Bridging conflict management and customer service
• Depersonalizing anger and emotion
• Using reflective listening to gain control
• Strategies for problem-solving that result in trust

Date: October 9 @ 12 PM, Eastern time      

Difficult Conversations: How to Manage Conflict While Providing Customer Service

Presenters:  Michiale Schneider and Tasha McDaniel

 

FERPA, Social Media, and the Financial Aid Office:  Communication and Compliance

Financial aid offices are using social media to communicate important financial aid information to students.  Do you know how to balance FERPA protection with this public communication medium? As you build your social media communities and encourage students to follow you, your office also needs to ensure your strategy is FERPA compliant. This interactive session will provide specific guidance on what can and cannot be posted and how to respond to students who post private information on your page.

Specific topics covered Include:

·         FERPA, friends, and followers – what are the issues?

·         Defining educational records and legitimate educational interest in the social media space

·         School posts vs. student posts – how and when does FERPA law apply?

October 9 @ 3 PM, Eastern time  

FERPA, Social Media, and the Financial Aid Office:  Communication and Compliance

Presenters: Linda Peckham and Liz Gross

 

The Student Loan View from the Credit Reporting Cycle

 

The choices borrowers make with their student loans-both positive and negative-are reflected on their credit reports. Do you know how to explain the credit reporting cycle to your students? This session will walk through the credit reporting cycle to demonstrate the effects of timely loan payments, as well as the impact of delinquency and default on long term credit history. Attend this session to learn ways for educating your students.

Specific topics covered include:

• ·         How and when loans are reported to the credit bureaus
• ·         The impact on a borrower’s credit report based on their repayment plan and status
• ·         Strategies for educating borrowers to improve their financial health

 

October 15 @ 3 PM, Eastern time

The Student Loan View from the Credit Reporting Cycle

October 21 @ 12 PM, Eastern time

The Student Loan View from the Credit Reporting Cycle

Presenters: Tasha McDaniel and Michiale Schneider

Your First Day as New Director: 5 Things You Need to Do to Ensure Success

Are you a new Financial Aid Director or aspire to be one? New aid directors face unique challenges in their first days on the job. This session will help you successfully transition to your new role.

Specific topics covered include:

• ·         First day essentials: security updates and reports to review
• ·         Assessing your office culture – your team and your peers
• ·         Identifying roles and responsibilities
• ·         Securing resources

October 16 @ 3 PM, Eastern time 

Your First Day as New Director: 5 Things You Need to Do to Ensure Success

Presenters: Linda Peckham; Janet Dodson, Associate Director, Tuition Exchange; and Past NASFAA Chair

Gail Holt, Dean of Financial Aid, Amherst College

Financial Aid for Beginners

Learn the basics of financial aid and gain an understanding of how different programs work and how financial need is determined. This session will review how students apply for financial aid and how the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) fits into the application process to help you better respond to the needs of your students and help them see that a college education is possible.

Specific topics covered include:

• Deciphering the language of Financial Aid
• Student eligibility requirements
• Types of financial aid programs
• Importance of FERPA privacy provisions

October 23 @ 3 PM, Eastern time

Financial Aid for Beginners

  

October 30 @ 12 PM, Eastern time     

Financial Aid for Beginners

Presenters: Linda Peckham and Keyimani Alford

Understanding the Verification Process

Baffled by the complexities of verification? This session will give you the information you need to simplify the verification process into three easy steps. We’ll also define some common issues found during the review process and how you can resolve them.

Specific topics covered include:

• Understanding verification requirements
• Step-by-step instructions for reviewing documentation and completing the verification process
• How to resolve verification findings

October 28 @ 3 PM, Eastern time 

Understanding the Verification Process

Presenters: Linda Peckham and Keyimani Alford

Applying Federal Methodology

How is a student’s financial need determined? Learn how Federal Methodology is used to calculate a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC)undefinedand be able to calculate an EFC. You’ll be better prepared when making financial aid awards.

Specific topics covered include:

• Purpose of Federal Methodology
• Guiding principles of Need Analysis
• Components
• Manual EFC calculations
• Special circumstances

October 22 @ 3 PM, Eastern time   

Applying Federal Methodology

October 29 @ 12 PM, Eastern time     

Applying Federal Methodology

Presenters: Linda Peckham and Keyimani Alford

Database Matches: Resolving Common Comment Codes

This session reviews how the database matches following FAFSA completion impact student aid eligibility and what you can do to help resolve any issues that arise. Leave feeling confident about resolving C-codes and conflicting information.

Specific topics covered include:

• Review of the Central Processing System database matches
• Guidance on resolving database mismatches
• Types of conflicting information and how to resolve them

Date: October 29 @ 3 PM, Eastern time 

Database Matches: Resolving Common Comment Codes

Presenters: Linda Peckham and Keyimani Alford

Understanding the FAFSA: It All Starts Here

Get a comprehensive overview of the FAFSA. This session steps you through the FAFSA line by line. We’ll help you feel comfortable assisting your students so they can correctly complete this crucial first step to receiving federal financial aid.

Specific topics covered include:

• Applying for financial aid
• Answering dependency questions
• Processing the FAFSA

October 21 @ 3 PM, Eastern time  

Understanding the FAFSA: It All Starts Here

October 28 @ 12 PM, Eastern time     

Understanding the FAFSA: It All Starts Here

Presenters: Linda Peckham and Keyimani Alford

Loans 101: Understanding the Basics

Learn the basic details of the different federal loan programs so you can better understand, process, and encourage your students to make good borrowing decisions.

Specific topics covered include:

• Guidelines for educating students on the impact of borrowing loans
• Types of federal loans and how they compare
• Repayment options available to students
• Using NSLDS
• The consequences of delinquency and default and what you can do to help borrowers avoid them

October 30 @ 3 PM, Eastern time

Loans 101: Understanding the Basics

Presenters: Linda Peckham and Keyimani Alford