2020 Conference = 2020 Virtual Academy

Register for the Virtual Academy 

2019 Business Meeting Minutes

2020 Treasurer's Report

SWASFAA is excited to off a free virtual conference, via Zoom, to all SWASFAA members.  The Virtual Academy will include webinar presentations that cover a wide variety of professional development topics. 

Wednesday, November 4, 10am (CST) is the opening session.  SWASFAA's President Mendy Schmerer will kick off the Virtual Academy.  Joining us will be NASFAA National Chair, Brenda Hicks, and NASFAA President and CEO,  Justin Draeger.  During this session the SWASFAA Business Meeting will also be conducted.

Registration is free, can it get any better than that?  Yes, it can.  After each session, there will be  virtual  drawing for a gift card to be given to one lucky participant.  At the end of the Virtual Conference,  a conference registration to next year's 2021 Annual Conference in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico, will be given to one lucky Virtual Academy participant.  So, please be sure to register and join in on the learning opportunities (and gifts).

We encourage you to take some time in this pandemic-planning world to reinvest in yourself and your profession all from the comfort of your desk.   

Please note all session times are Central Standard Time (CST), please plan accordingly.  Sessions will be recorded and posted to the SWASFAA site for those registered for the Virtual Academy.

Program of Events (Click here)

Wednesday, November 4, 10:00AM (CST): Virtual Academic Kick-Off with SWASFAA President Mendy Schmerer, NASFAA Chair, Brenda Hicks, and NASFAA President & CEO Justin Draeger. Business Meeting to be conducted at this time.

Wednesday, November 4, 2:00PM - 3:30PM (CST) "Birds of a Feather". Participants will have the opportunity to talk with their peers about current hot topics in world of financial aid.  Break out rooms for :  2 Year and Technical Schools, 4 Year Schools, Graduate/Professional Schools, and Associate Members. 

Thursday, November 5, 10:00AM - 11:30AM (CST): "Stop, Listen and Learn: How One System Office Created a Culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion." Presenters: Amy Cable and Quinton Taylor.  Session moderated and sponsored by Nelnet.

Thursday, November 5, 2:00PM - 3:30PM (CST): "Policies and Procedures Pathway: In-Depth Considerations."  Presenters:  Shannon Crossland and James Smith.  Session moderated and sponsored by Earnest Student Loans, a Navient Company.

Thursday, November 5, 4:00PM - last call (CST):    "Kickin' Back with Denise" Come join our social hour, hosted by Denise Welch.  Catch up with old friends, make new acquaintances, grab your favorite libation.  Join in on the fun.

Monday, November 9, 10:00AM - 11:30AM (CST) "Campus Collaboration" Presenter: Brenda Hicks, NASFAA Chair. Session moderated and sponsored by The NHHEAF Network.

Monday, November 9, 2:00PM - 3:30PM (CST) "Outsourcing Verification - What to look for." Presenters: Nick Martinez and Anthony Morrone.  Session moderated and sponsored by Inceptia.

Tuesday, November 10, 10:00AM - 11:30AM (CST) "Identifying & Managing Workplace Stress." Presenters: Carol Swenson and Debbie Murphy.  Session moderated and sponsored by Ascendium.

Tuesday, November 10, 2:00PM - 3:30PM (CST)  "R2T4" Presenter: Lisa Hopper.  Session moderated and sponsored by KHEAA.

Questions?  Email Janell Valdez, javaldez@salud.unm.edu .