CONFERENCES

SPRING 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
March 29 - April 1, 2026 
HOLIDAY INN RESORT LUMINA on WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC

Financial Aid Warriors!

On behalf of this year’s conference committee, I am honored to welcome you to the Spring NCASFAA Conference and call upon you to join your fellow Financial Aid Warriors.  As Financial Aid Warriors, you stand on the front lines each day, advocating for access, equity, and the transformative power of education. The work you do demands courage to navigate complex challenges, discipline to master ever-changing regulations, and a heart to serve students and families with integrity and compassion. The strength of a warrior is amplified by their allies. Throughout this conference, you will have the opportunity to sharpen your skills, strengthen your alliances, and renew your sense of mission. Together, we will share strategies, learn from one another, and celebrate victories that come from helping students overcome barriers and claim their future. The fight for opportunity is stronger when we stand side by side. 

We are looking forward to seeing you at the Spring NCASFAA Conference!
Karen King, Conference Chair
[email protected]
 
See video below for a Special Message from our KEYNOTE SPEAKER!
 

    

 ***CLICK HERE FOR AGENDA TIMELINE***
 
CLICK HERE FOR PROGRAM AGENDA
 

 
                                                                   PRESENTATIONS 
 
 
Intermediate Aid Sessions: 
      Emotional Intelligence
      Special Circumstances & Professional Judgment
      SAP 
      Financial Aid Leadership
      Communication That Prevents Escalation
 
NASFAA U Credentials:
      Verification 
      Consumer Information
 
General Sessions:
      Top Ask Regs - OB3 Edition
      Partners in Fraud Prevention - OIG
      State Update
     Federal Update
 
Concurrent Sessions:
     The Critical Role of Lender Lists in the New Lending Era
      Cost of Attendance
      Special /Unusual Circumstance Panel
      Top 10 Compliance Issues
      Financial Aid Taking the Lead on Student Success
     Escape from Default Island
     Creative Solutions to Operations: Compliance & Staffing
     Workforce Pell Updates From NCCCS
    When Documentation Isn't What it Seems
    Federal Work Study: Best Practices
    Be a Self-Defense Warrior
    SAP - What You Need to Know
   The OBBB Impact on Private Lending
   Undergrad/Graduate Loans and Lender Lists
   AI in Financial Aid
   Return to Title IV (R2T4) Warriors
   FSA Debrief (Panel discussion - no handout)
   Return to Repayment
   Financial Aid in Language Your Students Can Understand
 

 

                                                REGISTRATION INFORMATION

 
Registration Fee:
Early Bird Special $275 until March 7, 2026
Late Registration Fee - $300
One Day Tuesday Only - $125
NASFAA U Credential - $35 each (Verification or Consumer Information)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Hotel Info:

 
HOLIDAY INN RESORT LUMINA on WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC - HOTEL IS SOLD OUT
 
 
 
Additional Hotels Available:  

 

Shell Island (on the beach): https://www.shellisland.com/

 Hampton Inn & Suites (Wilmington): Hampton Inn

 
  
 

 

CONFERENCE CHARITY


 PAWS OF WAR

Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of veterans, first responders and their families, particularly those battling invisible wounds like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), by providing them with loyal service dogs that become not just companions but also catalysts for healing. Simultaneously, we rescue and rehabilitate dogs and cats in dire straits, often plucking them from the brink of despair and giving them a new chance at life.  Our reach extends into war-torn regions, reuniting military personnel with the animals they formed bonds with during service.             

                                                                                           CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO CHARITY

                                                                          CLICK HERE TO BID ON CHARITY AUCTION ITEMS

                                              CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON Paws of War

 

 

WORKSHOPS