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Join us for FA 101/201, an affordable, one-day training (9:00am – 3:30pm) designed for financial aid and student services professionals. Participants can choose between two learning tracks: 

Perfect for new financial aid professionals (less than one year of experience) or anyone who wants to better understand the basics of financial aid. This session is also ideal for academic advisors, TRIO advisors, business office staff, and high school counselors who work closely with navigating financial aid.

Geared toward financial aid professionals with some experience who are ready to strengthen their knowledge and expand their skills in more advanced areas. 

General session (for both tracks):

• The Secret Sauce of Great Customer Service

• Financial aid can be stressful for students, families, and staff alike. In a field where we often deliver complicated information, difficult answers, and decisions that directly impact a student’s education, how we show up matters. This session will explore the “secret sauce” behind great financial aid customer service: empathy, patience, kindness, and understanding. We’ll talk about how to navigate difficult conversations, respond to frustrated students and families, set healthy boundaries, and turn challenging interactions into opportunities to build trust. Come ready to laugh, reflect, share experiences, and leave with a few new tools you can put to work the very next day. Because sometimes the best customer service we can provide starts with taking care of ourselves.

Breakout Sessions:

FA 101 topics:                                               

• The Art (and Science) of Cost of Attendance - Creating a Cost of Attendance is both an art and a science. In this session, we'll explore the regulations, discuss institutional flexibility, and work through real-life examples to help you develop accurate, compliant, and student-centered budgets.

• The Oregon Aid Toolbox: Exploring State Financial Aid Programs - There’s more to financial aid in Oregon than federal and institutional funding! Join us for a closer look at the financial aid programs offered by the State of Oregon and how they can support students in reaching their educational goals. We’ll explore the state aid landscape, including key programs, eligibility requirements, application and awarding processes, and important considerations for financial aid professionals. Whether you’re new to Oregon state aid or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will help you better understand the programs available and how to help students navigate their options.

• Student Eligibility: The Rules of the Game - What makes a student eligible for financial aid? This session will cover the core federal eligibility requirements, including citizenship, enrollment, degree status, satisfactory academic progress, and more. Through discussion and examples, participants will strengthen their understanding of eligibility requirements and learn strategies for handling common situations.

• Beyond the Cubicle: Building Connections & Collaboration - Great financial aid offices don’t just happen—they’re built by people who trust, support, and learn from one another. This session explores how we can create a stronger team culture through communication, collaboration, trust, and shared purpose. We’ll look at the small things that make a big difference in how we work together, navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and support one another. Come ready to share ideas, reflect on your team’s culture, and discover ways we can build a more connected and collaborative financial aid office.

FA 201 topics:

• Professional Judgment: Making the Call - When a student’s financial circumstances don’t fit neatly into the FAFSA, professional judgment can help bridge the gap. This session explores the ins and outs of PJ, including special circumstances, unusual situations, documentation, and making consistent, well-supported decisions. Through real-world examples and case studies, we’ll practice putting the rules into action and making the call with confidence.

• FA Detective: Solving the Mystery of Conflicting Information - Put on your detective hat! We’ll explore what happens when the information we receive doesn’t quite match up. Learn how to spot red flags, determine when additional information is needed, resolve discrepancies, and document your decisions. Bring your detective skills—we’ll work through cases and solve the mysteries together.

• The Direct Loan Landscape: Navigating What’s New - This is your chance to speak with financial aid professionals from across the sectors regarding the new Schedule of Reduction calculation  and Repayment Options. You will have an opportunity to hear different perspectives, share experiences, and discuss the challenges and questions these changes bring to our work. 

• Putting the Pieces Together: The Financial Aid Packaging Puzzle - Financial aid packaging can feel like a puzzle—with eligibility, budgets, resources, enrollment, and regulations all playing a part. Join us as we put the pieces together and explore the decisions and considerations that go into building a student’s financial aid package.

Includes: Lunch and snacks 

Have questions? Email Kathy Campbell or Kyna Burgett.