WASFAA - Western Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

05/07/2026

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With the start of the 2026-27 award year just under two months away, and final regulations being issued just last week, schools across the country are struggling to implement the sweeping changes made under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), prompting some financial aid professionals to warn th...

04/13/2026

Hi . Guess what? We EXTENDED the WASFAA 2026 Conference early Bird Pricing Through April 17! Don't miss out on not only meeting President Melanie Storey, National Chair Heidi Carl, and also 3 Federal Trainers who will be presenting and will have an "Ask-A-Fed" table to helping with all your FSA questions (including OB3 and Loan reduction!) All session information is now posted on the site now: https://www.wasfaa.org/annual_conference.php. See you there!

03/13/2026

Happy Friday ! We’re Fabulous — and Registration is Open for the WASFAA 2026 Conference (with Early pricing available through 4/13/2026!)
When? May 18–20, 2026
Where? Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, Rancho Mirage, CA

Claim Your Fabulous Seat: https://www.viethconsulting.com/members/evr/reg_main.php?orgcode=WASF&evid=61345301
Need Details First? See our sample agenda, justification letter and more at the Conference Page: https://www.wasfaa.org/annual_conference.php

Get ready—WASFAA is bringing the sunshine, style, and spirit of community to the 2026 WASFAA Annual Conference in beautiful Palm Springs! This year’s theme, “We’re Fabulous,” captures the vibrant, retro-inspired energy reflected in the conference logo and sets the tone for a memorable and ...

03/09/2026

Hello from the Spring 2026 WASFAA Executive Council meeting! We missed the folks who couldn't attend, including those who "won" the lottery to attend the FSA conference in DC...but lots of great conversation, great times and looking forward to seeing folks soon at our Conference https://lnkd.in/gmJdcJXv and Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute https://lnkd.in/gyhSV_Js

02/20/2026

🌞WASFAA is bringing the sunshine, style, and spirit of community to the 2026 WASFAA Annual Conference in beautiful Palm Springs 5/18/26-5/20/26. For more information, including registration link, tentative agenda, justification letter, submit a proposal and other updates please visit https://www.wasfaa.org/annual_conference.php🌞

02/11/2026

Attention It's WASFAA 2026 Awards nomination time! The Awards and Scholarships Committee would like to recognize those in our region who have devoted their time to our organization, the financial aid profession and the students for which we all work. Please consider taking the time to nominate someone who has gone above and beyond for a WASFAA Award!

Please review the award descriptions: https://www.wasfaa.org/annual_awards.php. If you know of a fellow WASFAA member or financial aid professional that has done a great job volunteering or promoting financial aid, we would like you to nominate them: https://www.viethconsulting.com/members/form.php?orgcode=WASF&fid=9978531 to be recognized during the WASFAA Annual Conference https://www.wasfaa.org/annual_conference.php

The deadline to submit nominees is February 27, 2025.

Happy Nominating!

Get ready—WASFAA is bringing the sunshine, style, and spirit of community to the 2026 WASFAA Annual Conference in beautiful Palm Springs! This year’s theme, “We’re Fabulous,” captures the vibrant, retro-inspired energy reflected in the conference logo and sets the tone for a memorable and ...

02/06/2026

Just a message from Bronwyn Garrison, your 2025-26 WASFAA president...Hi! :-)...I just wanted to highlight that the Comment Period is open for the federal regulations negotiated under the RISE committee, with comments due "... on or before March 2, 2026." https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/federal-registers/2026-02-05/reimagining-and-improving-student-education. For a great summary of the proposed changes, I highly recommend if you haven't already checking out https://www.nasfaa.org/news-item/37700/You_Have_Questions_We_Have_Answers_Making_Sense_of_the_Student_Loan_Changes_from_OBBBA_s_RISE_Committee and https://www.nasfaa.org/ob3. While WASFAA's members are from multiple schools with multiple perspectives, this is an opportunity for all folks (including school leadership) to comment on the changes and have them reviewed by the department.

01/30/2026

Join us on February 17 from noon to 1:30 pm PST for Best Practices for Supporting Undocumented and Mixed-Status Students.

This webinar, presented by Aliento's Education Coordinator, Angel Palazuelos, addresses common challenges financial aid teams encounter with serving undocumented students. Attendees will learn concrete, practical strategies to better support their students across institutions.

REGISTER HERE! https://www.viethconsulting.com/members/evr/reg_main.php?orgcode=WASF&evid=61440617

The webinar is FREE and open to WASFAA members. It will be recorded, so even if you can't join us on the 17th, please register and a link to the recording will be emailed.

This session addresses common challenges financial aid teams encounter with serving undocumented students, and shares concrete, practical strategies to better support students across institutions.  Presenter: Angel Palazuelos, Education Coordinator, Aliento This webinar will be recorded and a link ...

01/20/2026

Hello everyone! Just wanted to share a reminder that NASFAA Award nominations are due 2/6/26 at https://www.nasfaa.org/Awards. Each year, NASFAA honors those whose work has made a meaningful impact on students, financial aid, and the profession — including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Gold Star Award, Robert P. Huff Golden Quill Award, and Allan W. Purdy Distinguished Service Award. Award winners will be announced this summer at the NASFAA 2026 National Conference in National Harbor, MD. WASFAA has a lot of amazing leaders and it's a great opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge our own! :-)

01/20/2026

Meet Jonathan Ibarra, FAAC®, 2025-26 Diversity Leadership Program Class!

As a first-generation student, Jonathan navigated the complexities of financial aid on his own, including asking his parents sensitive questions about their finances. Drawing on the challenges he once faced, he now helps students manage similar challenges.

Currently, the senior director of processing at Appalachian State University, Jonathan began his journey in financial aid in 2017 as a work-study student. Today, Jonathan extends that commitment beyond the office, serving as advisor to the Latin Hispanic Alliance, mentoring students, and creating space for representation and community on campus.

"I know what it feels like to navigate higher education without seeing yourself represented or knowing where to turn for support," Jonathan shared with NASFAA. "Because of that, I approach my work with empathy, patience, and a commitment to meeting students and families where they are, especially those with Spanish-speaking backgrounds."

Learn more about Jonathan in the brief Q&A: https://ow.ly/YWoa50XWFYm