Blog
July 10, 2024
Takeaways from the 2024 NASFAA National Conference
Attain Partners had the pleasure of attending the 2024 National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) National Conference in Milwaukee, WI. This conference serves as the largest annual event where financial aid professionals from various institutions come together to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in the field of student financial aid. Featuring various sessions, workshops, and keynote speakers, attendees came away with valuable insights and networking opportunities.
At the 2024 NASFAA National Conference, participants had the opportunity to:
- Attend sessions about federal financial aid policies and regulations
- Learn about new tools and technologies for financial aid administration
- Network with peers and industry experts
- Participate in professional development workshops
- Explore innovative solutions to common financial aid challenges
TAKEAWAY 1: We must continue promoting higher education access and supporting students.
Outgoing NASFAA President and CEO Justin Draeger made quite an entrance to deliver opening remarks—on a Harley Davidson. Yes, that’s correct, he zipped down, around, and up to the stage with a roar. During his remarks, Draeger addressed not only the challenges of the past year but also the ongoing difficulties facing the profession, including fluctuating gainful employment regulations, staffing shortages, the pandemic, and notably, FAFSA simplification—he also emphasized how professionals in the field have consistently risen to meet these challenges. Reflecting on his career at NASFAA, Draeger encouraged his colleagues to find their own sense of calm and self-care to continue advancing the mission of promoting access to higher education.
Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from Emmy- and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa, who began with a personal speech that explored her storied career, detailing how journalism has connected her to various communities, and highlighting the importance of using one’s own experience to tell one’s story. Hinojosa’s keynote concluded by recognizing financial aid professionals as crucial to higher education access and urging them to use their roles to prioritize and support students.
TAKEAWAY 2: We are improving and future-proofing our financial aid tools, processes, and teams.
Aside from hot topic sessions like An Overview of Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment Reporting Requirements, FAFSA Simplification, and the NASFAA Open Forum, attendees had the opportunity to learn about product and software innovations in the exhibition hall, including the interim staffing for financial aid services we offer at Attain Partners.
TAKEWAY 3: Financial aid professionals are stronger when we work together.
The NASFAA Conference is well-known for fostering a collaborative environment where professionals can share their experiences and learn from one another, ultimately enhancing their ability to support students in achieving their educational goals.
It’s been a tough year for financial aid and many financial aid administrators have experienced numerous challenges from the rollout of the 2024 – 2025 FAFSA, staffing needs, to daily office operations. “Talking with conference participants and listening to their experiences and stories was a key highlight of the conference,” said Jessika Smith, Senior Associate at Attain Partners.
Developing personal connections and shared experiences helped drive the conversations at the Attain Partners booth as we discussed individual challenges and how the Attain Partners team can assist by serving as consultants—these discussions are paramount to providing solutions for financial aid administrators.
Maximizing the Value of the NASFAA National Conference for Every Financial Aid Professional
Attending the NASFAA conference as a higher education professional is more than just a few days away from the office. It’s an invaluable opportunity to ask questions, network, and come together through both good and tough times. Whether you’re a first-time attendee discovering a passion for financial aid, a long-time director seeking the support and knowledge to motivate your staff and stay updated with ever-changing policies, or upper management gaining a deeper understanding of how financial aid impacts all aspects of higher education operations, the benefits of attending the NASFAA National Conference are extensive and far-reaching, regardless of your role.
Attain Partners – Financial Aid Management and Student Support
At Attain Partners, we offer customized financial aid consulting services to a broad range of clients—from small community colleges to large state universities—in all forms of operational restructuring in systems and procedures. The hallmark of our process is our approach, tailored to meet the needs of each client.
Using comprehensive financial aid assessments, we provide schools with a customized action plan to streamline processes and improve efficiencies while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.
Contact us today to learn how we can serve your institution.
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