SDBSI 2025
Summer Institute 2025 Archive
Held June 9–13 at the University of San Diego
This page contains archived information from the 2025 WASFAA Summer Institute for historical reference.
Are you ready to navigate the Wild World of Financial Aid? The 2025 WASFAA Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute in San Diego brought together financial aid professionals of all experience levels to sharpen their skills, connect with peers, and explore the ever-changing landscape of student aid.
This immersive training, led by seasoned experts, guided attendees through the twists and turns of financial aid policies, best practices, and compliance updates. Whether new to the field or a seasoned pro, participants found valuable insights and practical knowledge to thrive in this dynamic profession.
Why Join This Adventure?
Navigate the financial aid jungle with expert-led sessions
Gain hands-on training tailored to different experience levels
Conquer regulatory challenges and earn a credential in select NASFAA areas
Connect with colleagues from across the region in a fun, supportive environment
Track Descriptions
The Summer Institute offered three learning tracks: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each track included opportunities to earn NASFAA U credentials and participate in general sessions aligned with NASFAA’s financial aid competency framework.
| Beginner Designed for early-career financial aid professionals or those new to the field, this track builds a strong foundation in the principles and practices of student aid administration. NASFAA U Credential Opportunities - Application Processing - Cost of Attendance - Need Analysis - Packaging - Pell Grant - Professional Judgement - Satisfactory Academic Progress In addition to track-specific coursework, all attendees participated in general sessions aligned with NASFAA’s financial aid competency framework, including laws and regulations, customer service, career development, technology, leadership, and the business of education. | Intermediate Geared toward professionals with at least three years of experience in financial aid or a related area, this track deepened understanding of key policies and regulations. NASFAA U Credential Opportunities - Application Processing - Cost of Attendance - Need Analysis - R2T4 - Loans General sessions were aligned with NASFAA’s financial aid competency framework, offering professional development in leadership, technology, laws, and the business of education. | Advanced For professionals with 3+ years experience, this track provided advanced training in complex policy and compliance areas. NASFAA U Credential Opportunities - Application Processing - Administrative Capability - Need Analysis - Consumer Information - R2T4 - Loans Participants also attended sessions on NASFAA’s competency framework, with emphasis on leadership, regulation, tech, and policy strategy. |
Registration Costs
| Registration Type | Fee (through May 9) | Fee (starting May 10) |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Housing (WASFAA Member) | $900 | $1100 |
| On-Campus Housing (Nonmember) | $1050 | $1250 |
| Commuter (WASFAA Member) | $600 | $800 |
| Commuter (Nonmember) | $750 | $950 |
| Parking Pass | $50 | $50 |
Scholarships
Two scholarships were available to WASFAA members. These covered registration, including on-campus housing. The deadline to apply has passed.
Schedule
Sessions began Monday, June 9 at 1:00 PM and ended Friday, June 13 at 12:00 PM. Attendees were expected to be present for all sessions to be eligible for NASFAA U Credential exams.
The final schedule is available here.
Meal Arrangements
Some meals were included through USD Food Service or hosted by WASFAA. Attendees also planned for a few meals on their own. More info can be found on the FAQ page.
Housing
Participants stayed in apartment-style on-campus housing: two rooms and two bathrooms per unit, with only two people assigned per apartment for added privacy. More info is available on the FAQ page.
Refund Policy
- Full refund available for cancellations more than 30 days before the event.
- Within 30 days, refund requests were reviewed by the WASFAA Fiscal Planning Committee and Executive Council.
- Unpaid invoices 30 days before the event resulted in canceled registration unless confirmed.
- Cancellations: email SDBSI25@wasfaa.org
- Refund requests within 30 days: submit this form
Questions?
Visit our FAQ page or contact the Summer Institute chair at SDBSI25@wasfaa.org.
Thank you for being a part of the 2025 Summer Institute. We hope to see you again in 2026!