2026 ISFAA Annual Conference

Welcome and Introductions

Presenter: Colby Shank, ISFAA President, Ivy Tech CC 

Please Join us as our ISFAA President officially opens the conference, followed by introductions of our special guests and valued exhibitors.

Premium Sponsor Spotlight: SoFi and Next Gen Web Solutions

The Caring University: A Roadmap to Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kevin McClure, Chair of the Dept. of Educational Leadership, University of North Carolina Wilmington 

Dr. Kevin McClure is a Professor of Higher Education and Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. His research on college leadership, workplace culture, and organizational care has been featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education, national conferences, and his latest book, The Caring University released July 2025. Dr. McClure provides practical strategies and actionable steps for leaders in order to create supportive environments, to build sustainable, people-first campuses where staff can thrive.

Dr. McClure’s book may be purchased online at The Caring University | Hopkins Press.

Moderator: Colby Shank, ISFAA President, Ivy Tech CC

Break Out Sessions – Choose the one that best fits your professional level.

Level 1: New; Level 2: Intermediate; Level 3: Experienced

Stronger Together Through Knowledge: Key Insights into Private Student Lending

Presenters: Matt Barr-SoFi, Donette Downing-Sallie Mae, Deb Gossman-College Avenue,
Michael Jones-Citizens, and Bill Wozniak-INvested 

Moderator: Raina Chezem, Elm Resources

In this session you will be learning about federal policy changes, the private student loan market, what isn’t changing in the financial aid landscape, how private loans work, key considerations when evaluating them, credit fundamentals, and lender lists—all foundational pieces needed to understand and discuss private student loans effectively.

The Hub

Starting Stronger Together: A Newcomer’s Welcome!

Presenters: Sarah Owen, Ivy Tech CC & Amber Phillips, IU Indianapolis 

Moderator: Ron Herrell, Purdue Fort Wayne

Whether you are brand new to financial aid or just new to ISFAA, this session is your perfect starting point! Join us as we introduce you to the heart of ISFAA—our mission, our history, and the vibrant community that drives our work. You’ll learn about the benefits of membership, insider tips for making the most of your conference experience, and practical ways to get involved in committees, events, and leadership opportunities. Discover how, through shared purpose and collaboration, we are truly Stronger Together!

Social Speedway

Understanding Citizenship and Immigration Status with Financial Aid Eligibility

Presenter: Mike McClure, Vincennes University

Moderator: Chester Priest, KHEAA

Many may find the financial aid process confusing, especially for refugees, immigrants, and non-US citizens. In this session, we will navigate together through some of the difficult issues with FAFSA and citizenship. Collectively, we will expand our knowledge and understanding of how the many immigration statuses affect financial aid eligibility.

Innovation Station

Recognizing Priorities in Work & Life for Self-Care
(Work – Life Balance Cards Sort Reflection)

Presenter: Sara Kinder, MSW, LCSW, Work + Life Coordinator, Healthy IU 

Moderator: Sara Lambie, IU Online

In this session, participants will be actively engaged to identify and prioritize their personal and professional needs and values to determine what would benefit them most at work and/or home. Participants will be guided through a goal-setting exercise to create a concrete plan addressing at least one of their identified needs as a measure of self-care and advocacy. Additional ideas for self-care during turbulent times will also be discussed.

Community Corner

President's Reception

Join ISFAA colleagues for drinks and refreshments.

Dinner on Your Own

Restaurant guide provided by Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel attached.

Breakfast on your Own

Assorted juices, fruit, yogurt, granola bars and coffee will be available.

General Session: OB3/Negotiated Rulemaking Update

Presenter: Will Shaffner, MOHELA 

Moderator: Colby Shank, ISFAA President, Ivy Tech CC

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) has created broad changes to federal student aid programs, impacting everything from Pell Grants and student loans to institutional accountability measures. Our conversations will cover some of these changes as well as any updates to the negotiated rulemaking process concerning the OB3 provisions. Our objective is to provide attendees with an understanding of the legislative changes and anticipated timelines for implementation.

Break Out Sessions – Choose the one that best fits your professional level.

Level 1: New; Level 2: Intermediate; Level 3: Experienced

Building your skills as a Leader: Emotional Intelligence 101

Presenter: Heidi Carl, NASFAA National Chair, Purdue 

Moderator: Carrie Stone, Inceptia

Want to learn more about Emotional Intelligence and how to regulate your own emotions and help to cheer up or calm down another person. You will gain skills to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. Learn how to harness emotions and apply them to tasks like thinking, behavior and problem solving. Be prepared to participate by taking your own Emotional Intelligence Assessment and share with others as we learn together.

The Hub

(Part 1 of 2) Stronger Together: Basics of Compliance and Supporting Students

Mary Nucciarone, Notre Dame

Moderator: Bill Wozniak, INvested

This session is broken down into two sessions. This first session is designed to provide a refresher on the basics of professional judgment and satisfactory academic progress (SAP). As the profession changes and federal rules become more complex, gather with colleagues who are seeking high level information and a network to help to navigate complex regulations.

Social Speedway

Work-Study that Works: Strategies for a Stronger Campus

Presenters: Cordell Chenault, Ivy Tech CC & Caleb Fendrich, Ivy Tech CC 

Moderator: Kevin McNamara, Earnest

This session examines strategies for creating a cohesive, resilient work-study program that benefits on-campus departments and community non-profit partners alike. We’ll cover ways to strengthen student support, improve supervisor relationships, and streamline communication across all placement sites. Participants will walk away with practical approaches to help their work-study community thrive together.

Building Community: Let’s Navigate Modules Together

Presenters: Les Cintron, Ivy Tech CC and Nicole Trice, Ivy Tech CC 

Moderator: Lynne Garcia, Next Gen Web Solutions

Join us for a practical discussion on modules, payment periods, and compliance considerations, and how institutional collaboration helps create resilient systems that support students wherever learning happens.

Business Meeting and MASFAA Update

Presenter: Emily Haynam, MASFAA President, University of Missouri

Business Meeting Agenda

General Session: NASFAA Update

Presenter: Heidi Carl, NASFAA National Chair, Purdue University 

Moderator: Colby Shank, ISFAA President, Ivy Tech CC

Break Out Sessions – Choose the one that best fits your professional level.

Level 1: New; Level 2: Intermediate; Level 3: Experienced

Workforce Pell Is Here – Is Your Office Ready?

Presenter: Colby Shank, ISFAA President, Ivy Tech CC 

Moderator: Mark Riggs, Monogram

The expansion of Pell Grant eligibility to short-term workforce programs brings new opportunities for students — and new operational questions for financial aid offices. This session will cover what you need to know to prepare for Workforce Pell, including key compliance considerations, systems readiness, and what this means for Indiana students. Whether your institution is already offering eligible short-term programs or just starting to explore them, you'll leave with a clearer sense of what's ahead and how to get ready.

The Hub

(Part 2 of 2) Stronger Together: Basics of Compliance and Supporting Students

Moderator: Donnette Downing, Sallie Mae

This is the second session of a two-session series designed to provide a refresher on the basics of verification and R2T4. As the profession changes and federal rules become more complex, gather with colleagues who are seeking high level information and a network to help to navigate complex regulations.

Social Speedway

Enrollment Management Essentials: A Guide for Financial Aid Professionals

Presenter: Nathan Lohr, Purdue University 

Moderator: Michael Jones, Citizens

Curious about enrollment management and how financial aid plays a critical role? This session is designed for financial aid professionals looking to expand their knowledge and understand the key components of enrollment management. We'll explore the intersection of financial aid, admissions, and the bottom line, discussing how aid leveraging strategies can shape student enrollment decisions and impact institutional goals. Whether you're considering a career in enrollment management or just want to deepen your understanding, this session will provide practical insights into how financial aid professionals can influence and support successful enrollment outcomes.

Innovation Station

Understanding Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Determinations and Policies

Presenter: Caleb McKay, SchoolHouse Connection

Moderator: Deb Gossman, College Avenue

Unaccompanied homeless youth face unique barriers to higher education, yet access to financial aid and higher education is one of the strongest tools for preventing future homelessness. This session highlights FAFSA barriers, federal requirements for homeless youth determinations, recent policy guidance affecting financial aid for unaccompanied homeless youth, and strategies and best practices for supporting these students.

Break Out Sessions – Choose the one that best fits your professional level.

Level 1: New; Level 2: Intermediate; Level 3: Experienced

Bridging the Gap: Private Loan Strategies in a Post-PLUS Landscape

Presenters: Sherri White, Butler University, Julia Ford, Marian University, and
Garnet Tipton, Hanover College 

Moderator: Alex Miller, MOHELA

This session will examine how financial aid professionals can reframe counseling conversations, set clear expectations, and help prospective and incoming students evaluate private loan options responsibly. Topics include packaging considerations, compliance boundaries, communication strategies, and how to support students who are navigating this shift for the first time.

The Hub

A Shared Responsibility: Monitoring Adds, Drops, and Withdrawals

Presenters: Sarah Soper, IU Indianapolis & Megan Watson, IU Indianapolis 

Moderator: Matt Barr, SoFi

This session will provide an overview of how Financial Aid monitors student enrollment changes—adds, drops, and withdrawals—to ensure compliance with Title IV regulations. Participants will learn how enrollment data is reviewed, how changes can impact aid eligibility and disbursement, and how cross-campus collaboration plays a critical role in maintaining compliance while supporting students.

Social Speedway

Building Community with Robots: Office Tools and AI for the Financial Aid Professional

Presenters: Amanda Fishman, Butler & Nathan Lohr, Purdue 

Moderator: Will Shaffner, MOHELA

This introductory session is designed for financial aid professionals who are new to technology, nervous about AI, or unsure where to start. Using clear language and practical examples, the session demonstrates how office tools and AI can save time, improve consistency, and support your daily work without increasing risk or complexity. No technical background required—if you’ve ever said “I am not a tech person,” you’ve come to the right place.

Innovation Station

10 Common Questions Schools Have About A Federal Program Review

Presenter: Tammy Harrison, Director of Client Services, NASFAA 

Moderator: Caleb Fendrich, Ivy Tech CC

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) conducts program reviews to ensure schools are complying with the requirements governing Title IV aid programs. While the possibility of significant financial fines and liabilities can make these reviews feel daunting, institutions don’t have to face them alone. By learning about the different types of reviews, what may trigger a review, and the potential financial implications, schools can prepare proactively - strengthening compliance, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another as a resilient community committed to student success.

Break Out Sessions – Choose the one that best fits your professional level.

Level 1: New; Level 2: Intermediate; Level 3: Experienced

Stronger Together: Strengthening Veteran Success Through Education and Community

Presenters: Lori Sprague, Ivy Tech CC & Guests 

Moderator: Nathan Lohr, Purdue University

Veteran student success is built on more than education benefits alone—it thrives through strong community and collaboration. This session explores how VA education benefits, campus partnerships, and community connections work together to create resilient support systems for Veterans. Attendees will gain insight into strategies that strengthen compliance, access, and long-term success by leveraging a “stronger together” approach.

Supporting Students: Solutions & Resources for Common FAFSA Issues

Presenters: Robert Sommers, Taylor University. & Matt Krieg, INvested 

Moderator: Tim Maggio, Navy Federal CU

We expect FAFSA simplification to make the process easier, yet some still encounter obstacles when completing this critical form. This session highlights solutions for common FAFSA issues that families face as well as review practical tips gleaned from application filing across the state. Join the conversation as we work together to address the FAFSA challenges that remain.

Internal and External Threats Facing Title IV Institutions

Presenters: Sarah Soper, IU Indianapolis & Sara Lambie, IU Online 

Moderator: Janet Balok, Ivy Tech CC

Admissions application fraud poses significant risks to Title IV institutions, threatening both compliance and student integrity. This session will explore internal vulnerabilities and external schemes that exploit financial aid processes, including identity theft and falsified documentation. Through shared strategies and collaborative insights, we’ll discuss how institutions can build resilience and strengthen defenses by leveraging partnerships and cross-departmental coordination. Together, we can create a united front to protect students and uphold institutional trust.

Innovation Station

Email content: How much is too much to share?

Presenters: Amber Phillips, IU Indianapolis & Abby Clifton, IU Indianapolis 

Moderator: Teresa Vasquez, Ivy Tech CC

Email is one of the most common—and most risky—communication tools in financial aid. This interactive session uses real-world case studies to examine “bad” emails and uncover common pitfalls related to clarity, tone, compliance, and oversharing. Participants will work in small groups to revise messages and leave with practical tips and strategies they can apply immediately.

Community Corner

BINGO! – Click to register NOW for your cards and dauber! The Hub
Join us for a fun night of BINGO! to raise funds for Foster Success. Doors open at 6:00 pm and BINGO begins at 7:00 pm. Bring your $22 to register if you didn't register in advance. And if you want more chances to be a winner, bring extra cash for pull tabs and the 50/50 raffle.

The Hub

Break Out Sessions – Choose the one that best fits your professional level.

Level 1: New; Level 2: Intermediate; Level 3: Experienced

Scholar Track Training

Presenters: Angel McAllister, ICHE & Caitlin Mahoney, ICHE

Moderators: Desiree Contreras, Western Governors University

Stronger together through collaboration and learning! This ScholarTrack working session is designed to help you build confidence and resilience in navigating state financial aid processes. Bring your laptop, your questions, and come prepared to dive into system functionality, recent legislative changes, and program requirement updates. Together, we’ll explore tools and tips to ensure you’re equipped to support Hoosiers effectively in 2026 and beyond.

The Hub

 Your Professional Village: Tool for Career Growth and Connection

Presenter: Abby Clifton, IU Indianapolis 

Moderator: Kristie Watson, Ivy Tech CC

Your career journey doesn’t have to be a solo climb. In this hands-on session, participants will learn how to craft a standout resume, optimize their LinkedIn profile, and approach networking with confidence. We’ll also explore how to find and foster mentorship relationships that support both personal and professional resilience. Whether you're starting fresh or refining your path, walk away with practical strategies and a toolkit to grow your professional community—because we truly are stronger together.

Navigating Change Together: HRSA Loans as a Resource Beyond Title IV

Presenters: Megan Watson, IU Indianapolis & Courtney Knauff, IU Indianapolis 

Moderator: Kathy Ramsey, Ivy Tech CC

This session will provide a high-level overview of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) loan programs, including their purpose, eligibility, and key regulatory considerations. Participants will learn how HRSA loans can serve as a complementary resource to Title IV aid, particularly in supporting students who may be impacted by recent or ongoing regulatory changes. Attendees will leave with a foundational understanding of HRSA loans and practical insights into how community-driven approaches can help build resilience for both students and institutions during times of change.

Pathways to Possibility: Advancing Foster Youth Success

Presenters: Ali Szymanski, Director of Program Delivery & Jarod Wilson, Senior Director of Impact and Programming 

Moderator: Steve Queisser, Student Connections

Former foster youth face unique challenges as they age out of care and begin their transition to young adult life. Join Foster Success to learn about the programs that empower each former foster youth to create their own journey to self-sufficiency and stability. Foster Success will share their programs and resources that allow young adults to be educated, housed, financially stable, employed, and connected to a support system by their 26th birthday.

ICHE State Update

Presenters: Angel McAllister, State Director for Financial Aid, ICHE & Brooke Kile, Senior Assoc. Commissioner for Business Solutions, ICHE

Moderator: Colby Shank, ISFAA President, Ivy Tech CC

Resilience and strength are cultivated through transparency and community. Join us for an informative session featuring state financial aid legislative changes and system updates. This presentation will outline changes to program requirements and share updates that impact financial aid administration. Together, we will be equipped and informed to support Hoosiers throughout 2026.