Training and Workshops
When to Push Forward and When to Pivot
Tue, Oct 20, 2026 @ 2 PM ET
Have you ever wondered whether you’re investing your time and energy in the things that matter most? For financial aid professionals, competing priorities, unexpected challenges, and constant demands can make it difficult to know when to keep pushing forward, when to pivot, and when to listen to your inner voice.
Join Dr. Tisa Silver Canady for an honest and reflective conversation about navigating growth, setbacks, change, and well-being—both professionally and personally. Drawing from her varied career experiences, she will share lessons learned about making meaningful choices, embracing new directions, and continuing to move forward with intention.
This session invites you to pause and consider what balance, success, and purpose look like in your own life. Whether you’re facing a crossroads, managing competing demands, or thinking about what comes next, you’ll leave with fresh perspective and encouragement to trust your journey.
Certified Financial Aid Administrator Training Workshop
Monday, October 19, 2026
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Berkeley College, Woodland Park, NJ
Registration Deadline is October 14, 2026
This intensive, fast-paced CFAA Training Workshop will run for approximately 7 hours, with an hour break for lunch, in a condensed format, covering everything you need to prepare for the Certified Financial Aid Administrator (CFAA) Program knowledge exam. And we are offering it in two locations!
This training will be led by:
- Anne McDermott, FAAC®, AVP of Enrollment Management/Chief Financial Aid Officer at Salve Regina University
- Alex Guiral, FAAC®, Associate Vice President of Financial Aid at Berkeley College
What you’ll get: A complete overview of the exam A deep dive into the 12 key knowledge areas A practice test The opportunity to take the certification exam at no cost.
Who Can Attend: EASFAA and NASFAA members eligible for the FAAC exam: Check your eligibility HERE.
Limited Spots: Only 25 seats available for each training, first come, first served!
Don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity—register now using the link below
AI Basics: What It Is, How to Use It, and What to Watch For
Tue, Nov 3, 2026 @ 2 PM ET
Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but where do you start? Join us for Part 1 of our two-part AI series as we break down the basics of using AI thoughtfully and effectively in financial aid and higher education. We’ll explore popular AI platforms and institutional licenses, strategies for writing stronger prompts, developing your AI’s “voice,” appropriately disclosing AI use, and recognizing—and avoiding—the telltale signs of AI-generated writing (such as the overuse of em dashes).
And because no AI conversation is complete without some healthy skepticism, a few EASFAA "AI Skeptics" will join us to ask the hard questions and challenge our panelists along the way. Hosted by Jessica Calhoun from Syracuse University; Brianna Juaire from Northeastern University; and J’Dale Berner from Finger Lakes Community College. Then join us for Part 2 of the series on Tuesday, November 10th, where we’ll turn our attention to AI compliance, policy, and responsible use.
Certified Financial Aid Administrator Training Workshop
Thursday, November 5, 2026
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Registration Deadline is October 29, 2026
This intensive, fast-paced CFAA Training Workshop will run for approximately 7 hours in a condensed format, with an hour break for lunch, covering everything you need to prepare for the Certified Financial Aid Administrator (CFAA) Program knowledge exam. And we are offering it in two locations!
This training will be led by:
- Gena Bolling, FAAC®, Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment and Chief Enrollment Compliance Officer, Cornell University
- Lyndsay Johnson, FAAC®, Associate Director, Stony Brook University
What you’ll get: A complete overview of the exam A deep dive into the 12 key knowledge areas A practice test The opportunity to take the certification exam at no cost.
Who Can Attend: EASFAA and NASFAA members eligible for the FAAC exam: Check your eligibility HERE.
Limited Spots: Only 25 seats available for each training, first come, first served!
Don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity—register now using the link below
Professional Judgement
Tuesday, November 17th
9:00-12:00
University of New Hampshire
Registration Deadline is November 12, 2026
This training will be led by Megan Hanson, Senior Student Financial Services Specialist, Southern New Hampshire University.
This session will provide you with the meaning, purpose, and underlying principles of professional judgement (PJ); areas of financial aid administration to which PJ is applied; and general documentation requirements applicable when exercising PJ.
The key concepts you will learn in this lesson include:
- Statutory authority
- Definition of PJ
- Unusual circumstances
- Special circumstances
- Purpose and principles of PJ
- PJ policies and procedures
- PJ triggers
- Areas of PJ; areas where PJ does not apply
- Role of PJ documentation; types of PJ documentation
- PJ during a disaster, emergency, or economic downturn
Requests to host a Tuesday @ 2 training can be made by any current member or committee. The training committee request that the following steps be followed when requesting a training session and date.
- Please check the date on the EASFAA calendar to verify if the date is free of other activities.
- Please have requested date, session topic/title, description, presenter, and presenter bio information ready upon requesting the training.
- Complete the Training Session Request Form found below. Once submitted the Tuesday @ 2 chairs will review your request and be in touch.
(The above link is not to register for a training.)
Click the link below to browse through recordings and slides from past events.
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