March 8, 2011

OASFAA Rocks!

What’s more fun in April than submitting your tax return? (Actually, what’s a lot more fun than that?)

How about attending OASFAA’s Spring Conference? It’ll be held April 13-15 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa. Appropriately enough, this year’s theme is Rockin’ through Financial Aid. Rock on!

“The OASFAA Conference is a great opportunity for training and hearing the latest information about changing Federal Student Aid regulations,” said OASFAA President David Barron. “We look forward to rocking out with you at the Hard Rock Hotel.”

Program Chair Alicia Smith has planned some new and exciting items for the OASFAA agenda. In addition to federal updates from ED, she’s also scheduled sessions on veteran’s affairs, homeless youth and ways to provide exceptional customer service to your students. She says, “The spring conference promises to have some rockin’ sessions! We hope to see you there so we can jam together.”

While you’re there, don’t forget to check out informative sessions by two OGSLP teams. Mary Heid, Director for Policy Compliance and Training and Matt McCreary, Policy Analyst, will present the Program Integrity Rules that were added to regulations at the end of October, 2010. Attention will be given to the rules that have a trigger date of 7/1/2011. Rick Edington will provide an update on Friday about services we’ll continue to offer and our plans for the future.

Penny Gandy and Kelli Kelnar have been working on the conference entertainment committee and corporate relations, and have had a great time working with the other committee members. OASFAA encourages anyone in the financial aid community to join a committee to help support the association - it’s a fun and relaxed way to get to know your colleagues. Look for volunteer sheets during the conference and join in. You’ll be glad you did!

Online registration is now open at OASFAAok.org. April 1 is the deadline to register online and the registration fee is $125 for members and $175 for non-members. The cost for one-day attendees is $75.

If you plan to attend the conference, be sure to reserve your hotel room no later than March 12. The conference rate is $83 plus tax and you can contact the hotel by calling 800.760.6700 (toll-free).

You may also be interested in participating in OASFAA’s service project for Citizens Caring for Children. This year they’re requesting duffle bags for Oklahoma’s foster children. Fill your bag with items these kids can really use, such as shampoo, soap, combs, brushes, toothpaste, deodorant and fleece blankets.

We look forward to seeing you there!