07 Mar Spring Conference! Get Excited!
Hello CAFAA,
Spring is just around the corner and so is the CAFAA Conference! Last year brought forward many changes to CAFAA and we are utilizing that momentum going into this year. The CAFAA Conference Committee has been busy planning this year’s conference that will take place May 4th- 6th in Crested Butte. The focus of this event will be on Prior-Prior Year (PPY) and how it will fundamentally change the aid application process with significant implications for financial aid and admissions offices, high school counselors, and various support groups. With that in mind, CAFAA is partnering with the Colorado Department of Education’s Postsecondary Readiness Unit for this year’s conference. The Postsecondary Readiness Unit is doing some exciting things here in Colorado, and nationally, to support FAFSA completion efforts and college preparedness. We are excited to welcome the high school counselors and administrators who are part of this group to discuss how all our resources and efforts can best be utilized to support students in their educational pursuits.
With the focus on changes and adapting to the ever changing game of life (and financial aid), the conference layout will look and feel different from previous years. There will be many new faces and participants from a variety of education backgrounds. This sense of collaboration will facilitate increased participation amongst attendees to discuss and highlight best practices, address concerns, and to strengthen bonds to assist students in their transition from high school to the college or university of their choice.
The conference will also have a Community Chest that will help raise funds for the Adaptive Sports Center located in Crested Butte (http://www.adaptivesports.org/), which is an organization that empowers people with disabilities to participate in a variety of activities in the beautiful state we live in. Bring that loose change you have collected, your pocketbook, or even hold a small fundraiser in your office to submit a contribution to this organization!
It has been a tremendous experience to be part of CAFAA during this time of evolution. It is encouraging to see how CAFAA’s presence continues to grow and encompass the various aspects of education in Colorado, not to mention our continued efforts to support organizations and their impactful work in changing people’s lives in communities across Colorado. If you have any questions about the conference, please let me know. Registration is now open so get signed up and I look forward to seeing you in May.
Have a great day,
Thomas
2016 CAFAA Conference Chair
Therna11@msudenver.edu
Assistant Director of Scholarships MSU Denver
