Day 1 - Financial Aid Basics
Financial Aid Basics will provide a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of financial aid. It is ideal for professionals new to financial aid or those looking to strengthen their knowledge and skills in supporting families through the financial aid process. You will gain a solid understanding of key concepts and processes in financial aid, including an overview of the award lifecycle.
| 12:10 PM – 12:15 PM ET |
Welcome and Session 1 Introduction
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| 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM ET |
Session 1
Financial Aid: An Essential Element in Enrollment
Geordie Mitchell, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement, La Jolla Country Day School
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| 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM ET |
Session 2
The ABCs and 123s of Financial Aid: Vocabulary, Timelines, and Starting from Square One
Jenni Biehn, Dean of Enrollment Management, Westtown School
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| 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM ET |
Break
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| 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM ET |
Session 3
Award Lifecycle: Where They Live, How They’re Shared, and Who Oversees Them
Russ Gagarin, Director of Financial Aid, Landon School
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| 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM ET |
Session 4
Data Made Simple: Your First Steps
James Eberhart, Director of Financial Aid & Associate Director of Admission, Chadwick School
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Day 2
Combines practical strategies with the human aspects of financial aid, covering topics such as affordability, data, and family relationships. The day concludes with a 'Conversation with Colleagues' breakout session focused on how to market financial aid programs.
| 12:10 PM – 12:15 PM ET |
Welcome and Session 1 Introduction
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| 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM ET |
Session 1
Is Affordability Costing Your School Inquiries?
Heather Graham, Product Management Director, VenturEd Solutions
Sam Rosenfeld, Sr. Director of Solution Strategy and Partnerships, VenturEd Solutions
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| 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM ET |
Session 2
Beyond the Numbers: Building Relationships with Financial Aid Families
Christina Townsend Hartz, Director of Admission & Financial Aid, University School
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| 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM ET |
Break
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| 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM ET |
Session 3
Managing Data with Confidence: Spreadsheet Skills for Financial Aid Teams
Alex Ragone, Director of Admission and Enrollment Management, Norwood School
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| 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM ET |
Session 4
Conversation with Colleagues: How We Market Financial Aid
Chuck English, President, English Marketing Works
Join your peers for an open, no-slides conversation about how schools communicate the value of financial aid.
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Day 3
Looks ahead with a focus on data, strategy, and leadership. Sessions will explore advanced financial aid practices, effective marketing strategies for families, and aligning institutional philosophy with budget realities. The day closes with a session on the evolving role of financial aid in independent education.
| 12:10 PM – 12:15 PM ET |
Welcome and Session 1 Introduction
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| 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM ET |
Session 1
Advanced Practices: Beyond Net Tuition Revenue
Drew Cocco, VP of Client Experience, Clarity
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| 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM ET |
Session 2
Role of Financial Aid in Your School’s Financial Sustainability
Geordie Mitchell, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement, La Jolla Country Day School
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| 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM ET |
Break
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| 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM ET |
Session 3
Aligning Mission and Money: Matching FA Philosophy with Budget Reality
Genieve Rankel, Director of Financial Aid, Buckingham Browne & Nichols
Drew Cocco, VP of Client Experience, Clarity
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| 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM ET |
Session 4
Investing in Opportunity: The Evolving Role of Financial Aid Professionals in Independent Education
Janice Crampton, Executive Director & CEO, AISAP
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