The Force was truly strong in Troy, NY, last week! From June 1–3, NYSFAAA welcomed its newest class of financial aid professionals to NOVICE 2026, and what an incredible experience it was.
With an epic Star Wars theme guiding the way, our dedicated volunteer instructors helped a group of eager "Young Padawans” (all with less than a year of experience) develop their knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to begin their journeys as financial aid Jedi professionals.
Here is a look back at an incredible three days of growth, networking, and serious fun!
Our attendees didn't just learn; they conquered an intensive, fast-paced curriculum designed to power up their careers. Over 2.5 packed days, they tackled:
- Deep dives into NYS Grants & Scholarships, the HESC DREAM Act, Pell Grants, Student Loans, and SAP.
- Mastering the Student Aid Index (SAI), packaging, federal verification, and navigating the nuances of Professional Judgment.
- From an initial pretest to a final exam, our attendees tracked their own transformation, leaving with the concrete skills and tool navigation knowledge needed to champion financial aid on their home campuses.
A massive thank you to our phenomenal NOVICE committee, our dedicated small group leaders and instructors who volunteered their time and expertise, and the leadership at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy for hosting us.
Let’s congratulate our Novice Class of 2026!
Mark Your Calendars: NYSFAAA Annual Conference 2026
As we celebrate our newest members, we're already looking ahead to the next opportunity for learning, networking, and professional development. The NYSFAAA 2026 Annual Conference will take place October 27–29, 2026, in Albany, New York.
This year's conference will be held entirely at the Albany Marriott, located at 189 Wolf Road, Albany, NY, with all educational sessions, networking events, and lodging conveniently under one roof.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent NOVICE graduate, the Annual Conference is the premier opportunity to:
- Stay current on federal and state financial aid updates
- Participate in engaging educational sessions
- Connect with colleagues from across New York State
- Share best practices and innovative ideas
- Strengthen your involvement within the NYSFAAA community
We encourage you to save the dates now and plan to join us in Albany.
Thank you for being part of the NYSFAAA community. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming webinars, trainings, and—most importantly—at the 2026 Annual Conference! More information can be found here: https://www.nysfaaa.org/annual-conference.
May the Force be with you,
NYSFAAA NOVICE Committee
