USA Funds Offers Fall Financial-Aid Workshops

USA Funds^®’ Fall-2006 Financial-Aid Workshop series begins in October at locations across the country. The free workshops offer the latest information to help financial-aid professionals administer federal student loans and other financial-aid programs.

Workshop topics for the fall-2006 series include:

Federal update. Provides a status report on the reauthorization changes resulting from the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 and previews updates to the 2006-2007 Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the federal student-aid-delivery system.

USA Funds update. Offers a brief history of USA Funds and presents information about some of its philanthropic programs to enhance students’ preparation for, access to and success in postsecondary education.

New federal programs. Provides details about the eligibility requirements and administrative responsibilities of the two new federal grant programs established through the HERA, as well as the legislation’s extension of PLUS-loan eligibility to graduate and professional students.

Calculating the EFC. Tests participants’ understanding of the changes in the HERA and how the changes affect the EFC calculation for 2006-2007. Participants have the opportunity to engage in team discussions of a case study.

Doing more with less. Explores the issue of financial-aid administrators’ being asked to accomplish more with less funding, less time and less manpower. This session provides an opportunity for financial-aid professionals to share with their colleagues their personal tips and tricks for doing more with less.

Identity theft. Summarizes the types of identity theft, how identities can be stolen, precautions to prevent identity theft, and steps to take if identity theft occurs. A concern to all consumers, the threat of identity theft requires that students and employees of postsecondary institutions be aware of how to protect their own and their customers’ confidential information.

Register for a workshop at a location and date convenient for you. Registration and a continental breakfast begin at 8 a.m. The workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. and adjourns at approximately 12:30 p.m.