Solutions for Success Non-Traditional Workshop

Joanne Horn and Dawn Germano

The evaluations are in and the 2007 HESC sponsored Solutions for Success: A Non-Traditional Workshop held on May 2 was a success.

Attended by financial aid professionals from across New York State, the workshop commenced with a welcome and opening remarks from James C. Ross, President of HESC, followed by presentations and discussions on a variety of topics including:

A one person office approach
e-Desk: A Solutions Model - with GP Flow, e-MPN and EFT Express
Policy update 2007-2008
Town hall meeting that covered the newly introduced SLATE Act
Default Manager: a Web Tool for Default Prevention
FACTS

Financial aid professionals in the non-traditional arena often find themselves working alone, having to understand regulatory and compliance issues while keeping up with technical advances for themselves and their students. The workshop was developed and tailored to help meet the needs of this very unique, hard working group of financial aid professionals.

Many attendees stated that the information presented was very helpful. In addition, just as they valued the content of the sessions, equally important part was the opportunity to meet with colleagues. For many, this was the first time to meet face-to-face to network and share information.

The presentation by Fred Zuccala of Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES was a favorite of his financial aid colleagues and HESC would like to thank Fred for his hard work and dedication to his profession and commitment to the workshop. As one colleague stated, “Fred is a legend and a shining example to our financial aid community.”

Our thanks to all of the presenters. They did a great job of explaining the services, products, and new policies that can make an already successful office become even more efficient.