Frequently Asked Questions


Welcome to the 2025 Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute – The Wild World of Financial Aid! 

We’re thrilled you’ll be joining us for this adventure through the exciting (and sometimes wild!) world of financial aid. To help you get ready, we’ve rounded up answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we've received. Keep an eye out – we’ll be updating this list as more info swings our way! 


Program Information
What is the program schedule and agenda?The program agenda is still being developed but you can find the most recent draft here: https://www.wasfaa.org/docs/Summer_Institute_Schedule_for_Web_1.pdf
What are the different learning tracks available?The WASFAA Summer Institute offers three tailored learning tracks—Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced—designed to support financial aid professionals at every stage of their career. Each track includes opportunities to earn NASFAA U credentials and participate in general sessions aligned with NASFAA’s financial aid competency framework, covering topics like laws and regulations, leadership, technology, and the business of education. Individual descriptions of each track can be found here: (https://www.wasfaa.org/docs/Summer_Institute_Schedule_for_Web_1.pdf)
What are the NASFAA credential opportunities available for each track?

Beginner:

  • Application Processing
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Need Analysis
  • Packaging
  • Pell Grant
  • Professional Judgement
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress

Intermediate:

  • Application Processing
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Need Analysis
  • R2T4
  • Loans

Advanced: 

  • Administrative Capability
  • Application Processing
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Need Analysis
  • R2T4
  • Loans
Can I leave early and still get access to the NASFAA Credentials?

Attendees must be present for sessions to be eligible for NASFAA U Credential tests.


Information on Housing

What is the housing setup on the USD campus? Participants will be housed in apartment-style accommodations. Each apartment has two rooms, two bathrooms, and a shared community area. While each room contains two beds, we will only have two people per apartment, providing additional space and privacy.
Will bedding and towels be provided? Yes, bedding will be provided and includes sheets, a pillow, and an optional blanket. The beds will be made for your convenience. You will also receive one towel and one bar of soap. If you need additional towels, they are available upon request.
Are the apartments air-conditioned?No, the apartments do not have air conditioning. However, rooms will be equipped with fans to help keep you comfortable.
Are there elevators in the housing building? No, the apartments are located on the second floor, and there are no elevators in the building. Please keep this in mind when packing and planning for your stay.
Is there a kitchen in the apartment?Yes, each apartment has a full kitchen, including a refrigerator. This allows you to store food and prepare meals if needed.
Can I bring alcohol?Yes, USD is not a dry campus, and alcohol is permitted. However, please drink responsibly and adhere to any event policies related to alcohol consumption.
Is smoking allowed on campus?No, USD is a non-smoking campus. This includes smoking of any kind, such as cigarettes, vaping, and cannabis.
Can apartments be shared by people of different genders?No, housing assignments will be gender-specific in accordance with USD's housing policies.
What is the checkout time on the last day of the event?The standard checkout time is 9:00 a.m. We are working to secure a later checkout time and will provide updates if we can arrange one.
Will luggage storage be available after checkout?We are currently checking on the availability of luggage storage. More information will be provided as soon as possible.
Is there an option for a full-sized bed?If you need special accommodations, such as a full-sized bed, we may be able to arrange housing in graduate housing. Please reach out to us as soon as possible to discuss your specific needs.
Will on-campus housing be available before and after the event?On-campus housing will be available for an additional $100 on Sunday, June 8th for those arriving early. You can add this as a part of your program registration. However, please note that there will be no on-campus housing available on Friday, June 13th. If you are staying in San Diego after the event concludes, you will need to arrange your own accommodations off-campus.


Information on Food

What dining options are available on campus during the event? Participants will have access to on-campus dining at the Pavilion Dining facility, located at USD. The Pavilion offers a variety of meal options, including fresh salads, international cuisine, grill items, and daily specials. It caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
What are the Pavilion Dining hours?

The Pavilion Dining hours may vary, but typical hours during the academic year are as follows:

  • Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

  • Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Please note that the exact hours during the WASFAA Summer Institute will be confirmed closer to the event date.

Is there a variety of food options at the Pavilion?Yes, the Pavilion offers diverse food choices, including salads, pizza, sandwiches, hot entrées, international cuisine, and freshly prepared items from the grill. There are options for different dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.
Can I use cash or card to pay for meals?Attendees will be given a swipe card with a dollar amount in order to pay for included meals.  The Pavilion also accepts various forms of payment, including cash and credit/debit cards.
Are there options for those with dietary restrictions?Yes, the Pavilion Dining facility provides meals that accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. If you have specific concerns, please feel free to ask staff at the dining hall for assistance in identifying suitable food options.
Are meals included with the event, or do I need to purchase them?

Meals are partially included in the event, with some provided through USD Food Service and others hosted by WASFAA. However, attendees will also need to plan for a few meals on their own.

Meals Provided

  • Breakfast: 4 meals (Tuesday–Friday) through USD Food Service

  • Lunch: 3 meals (Tuesday–Thursday) through USD Food Service

  • Dinner: 1 meal/heavy appetizers provided at a special event on Thursday  

Meals on Your Own

  • Breakfast: 1 meal (Monday)

  • Lunch:1 meal (Friday)

  • Dinner: 3-4 meals (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, depending on travel times)

Are there other dining options on campus besides the Pavilion? In addition to Pavilion Dining, USD has other dining facilities on campus, including coffee shops, grab-and-go markets, and other eateries. However, hours and availability may vary. Pavilion Dining will be the primary dining option during the WASFAA Summer Institute.
Can I bring food back to my apartment?Yes, you are welcome to take food from the dining hall back to your apartment. Since the apartments have refrigerators and full kitchens, you can also store or prepare your own food.

Travel to USD Campus from San Diego International Airport (SAN)
How far is the University of San Diego (USD) from San Diego International Airport (SAN)?USD is conveniently located approximately 6 miles (about a 10-15 minute drive) from San Diego International Airport (SAN).
What are the transportation options from the airport to USD?

There are several ways to get from the airport to the USD campus:

  • Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
    This is one of the quickest and most convenient options. Rides typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and availability.

  • Taxi:
    Taxis are available at the airport, and fares to USD are generally in the $20-$30 range.

  • Shuttle Services:
    Some shuttle services offer transportation to USD, though they may require advance booking.

  • Public Transit (Bus and Trolley):
            You can take public transportation, though it may take longer. Bus route 992 departs from the airport and connects to trolley and bus routes that go near USD.
Where should my rideshare or taxi drop me off on campus?The drop-off location will depend on your housing assignment. Typically, you’ll be dropped off near the main campus entrance or close to your specific housing area. Event staff will provide further directions before your arrival.
Are there any free shuttle services between the airport and USD
USD does not currently offer free airport shuttle services. Participants will need to arrange their own transportation.
How long does it take to get from the airport to USD?By car (rideshare, taxi, or shuttle), it typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Public transit may take 45 minutes to an hour.
What if I arrive late at night? Will I still be able to get to campus?Yes, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate 24/7, as do taxis. Public transportation may have limited service late at night, so plan accordingly if arriving after 10:00 p.m.
Can I rent a car at the airport?Yes, San Diego International Airport has multiple car rental agencies if you prefer to rent a car for your stay. However, parking on campus may be limited, and fees may apply. Check with event organizers if you plan to bring a car.
What is the most budget-friendly option to get to USD?The most budget-friendly option is public transit. You can take the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus route 992 from the airport to downtown San Diego, then transfer to a bus or trolley route that stops near USD. Fares are approximately $2.50 for a one-way trip.
Will there be event staff to greet us when we arrive on campus?Depending on your arrival time, event staff may be available to welcome you and assist with check-in. More information on check-in procedures will be provided prior to the event.

Travel around San Diego from USD Campus
What public transportation options are available near the USD campus?San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers both buses and trolleys to help you get around the city. USD is conveniently located near bus routes and the MTS Green Line trolley, which provides connections to key San Diego destinations.
What are the closest bus and trolley stops to USD?

  • Bus Stops: The closest MTS bus stops to USD are near the main campus entrances.

    • Bus Route 44: Runs between USD and the Old Town Transit Center, where you can transfer to trolleys and other buses.

    • Bus Route 928: Offers additional connections to nearby areas.

  • Trolley Stop: The closest trolley stop is at Old Town Transit Center, which connects to the Green Line trolley. From USD, you can take Bus Route 44 to reach this stop.
How do I get to popular destinations in San Diego using buses and trolleys?

  • Old Town San Diego (5-10 minutes): Take Bus Route 44 from USD to Old Town Transit Center.

  • Downtown San Diego (20-30 minutes): From Old Town, take the MTS Green Line Trolley toward downtown.

  • Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo (30-40 minutes): Take Bus Route 44 to Old Town, then transfer to Bus Route 7 heading toward Balboa Park.

  • Mission Beach and Pacific Beach (30-45 minutes): Take Bus Route 44 to Old Town, then transfer to Bus Route 8 or 9.

  • SeaWorld San Diego (15-20 minutes): Take Bus Route 44 to Old Town, then transfer to Bus Route 8 heading to SeaWorld.

  • Fashion Valley Mall (10-15 minutes): Take Bus Route 44 directly from USD or board the Green Line Trolley at Old Town.
How much does public transportation cost?

  • One-way fare: $2.50

  • Day Pass: $6.00 (includes unlimited rides on buses and trolleys for the day)

  • Compass Card: You can load money or passes onto a reusable Compass Card, available for purchase at ticket vending machines or online.
Where can I buy bus or trolley tickets?

You can buy tickets at:

  • MTS ticket vending machines located at trolley stops and major transit centers, like Old Town Transit Center.

  • Compass Cloud App: Buy and manage tickets and passes through your smartphone.
Are there any apps to help navigate public transportation in San Diego?

Yes, consider downloading these apps:

  • MTS Compass Cloud App: Purchase and store tickets on your phone.

  • Transit App: Provides real-time bus and trolley arrival times, route planning, and trip tracking.

  • Google Maps: Offers detailed public transportation directions and estimated travel times.
How late do buses and trolleys run?

  • Trolley Service Hours: Typically, trolleys operate from around 5:00 a.m. to midnight, though exact times may vary depending on the route.

  • Bus Service Hours: Most buses run from early morning to around 10:00 p.m., with some late-night and weekend options. Be sure to check schedules for specific routes.