Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to invite you to join me at the 40th anniversary of the MASFAA Annual Conference. It is only one month away. If you haven’t already registered, don’t wait. This year we will celebrate 40 years of change, vision and hope. I know many training budgets are stretched thin, but the timing and content of this conference is an investment in your office and your staff that should not be missed.

I am pleased to announce that we will open the conference with State Senator Scott Brown, candidate for the US Senate and close the conference with a federal update from David Bergeron, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Education.

If you are a new MASFAA member, this signature professional development and training opportunity will afford you the chance to increase your commitment to the profession as well as knowledge of financial aid regulatory and industry issues and provide valuable social networking opportunities.

If you are an experienced MASFAA member, now is the time to immerse yourself in all the latest guidance and best practices from institutions throughout our state regarding the change that is or will soon be on your campus.

At the Conference from November 4th through 6th in your own backyard of Framingham, you can learn valuable skills and gather information to bring back to your campus on such topics as:

• How to transition to Direct Lending; and move ahead if you already have
• What you will need to know to implement a Net Price Calculator
• How to implement an electronic bill
• How to manage the new world of Veterans Benefits
• How to maintain the highest levels of security and confidentiality (along with customer service)
• What you need to know about Title X, CDR and IBR (or just what they stand for)
• How retention concerns may impact your work and your campus
• Introduction to the Massachusetts College & Career Web Portal
• And many, many, more

In addition, you will be able to participate in a round table discussion specific to issues that impact your type of institution, hear the latest updates directly from NASFAA, EASFAA, OSFA and AICUM and exchange best practices with the usergroup for your financial aid software. Don’t miss an opportunity to receive current guidance on the Higher Education Opportunity Act and the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.

In order to guarantee the hotel room rate in the MASFAA block you should make your reservation no later than Monday, October 12th (see info below).

I look forward to seeing you at the conference.

Gail Holt
MASFAA President

Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center 508-879-7200

The hotel conference rate is $139 plus tax. When calling the hotel to book your room, be sure to mention you are part of MASFAA to receive the conference rate. Please note that you will be charged a deposit of one night’s rate at the time of reservation.

All cancellations must be received 4 days prior to arrival date or the deposit will be forfeited.