Save the Date!!!

Novice Training Program

June 1- June 5, 2020

Mercy College

Dobbs Ferry, NY

The New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association, Inc. will hold its 50th annual Novice Training Workshop from Monday, June 1 - Friday, June 5, 2020 at Mercy College.

This workshop has been primarily designed for financial aid personnel with less than one year of experience.  We encourage admissions and enrollment management personnel, as well as others who would like to gain a complete, comprehensive understanding of financial aid administration to enroll.

The program provides five days of intensive training on the administration of financial aid.  Training is structured in formal, large group presentations and informal small discussion groups.  This gives participants a detailed overview of each topic, followed by the opportunity to discuss special points of interest and to apply their new knowledge using case studies.  All participants are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity for professional growth through group and individual interaction.  The training begins on Monday at 11:00am and ends on Friday at 2:00pm.  Full-time participation in the Workshop is required of all attendees.

A certificate will be awarded on the final day of the workshop, acknowledging active and successful participation in the program.  This participation includes attendance and written/oral interaction within each session (formal and informal groups).  A written test will be administered and the results will be used in conjunction with staff critique to determine each participant’s evaluation.

Location – Mercy College

The main campus of Mercy College is in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., 25 miles north of New York City.  The campus sits on 66 acres overlooking the Hudson River.   Mercy College is located near the Tappan Zee Bridge and is easily accessible via the Metro North train station on campus as well as nearby airports.

Registration and Fees – Online Registration and Fees Available March 2020.

The registration fee includes training, materials, meals, housing, your 2020-2021 NYSFAAA membership, and lots of fun and networking.

Housing and Meals

The conference fee includes three meals daily, coffee, tea, iced tea breaks and social hours.  Please inform us of any special dietary needs.  Participants will live in private dormitory rooms with linen and towel service provided.  Informal attire is appropriate for the workshop.

Transportation

The Dobbs Ferry location of Mercy College is located at 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522.

From Lower Westchester County & New York City:

Saw Mill River Parkway (North):
To Dobbs Ferry Exit. Turn left onto Ashford Avenue. Turn right onto Broadway (Route 9), continue 1/2 mile to entrance on left.

New York Thruway (North):
To Exit 7, Ardsley. Turn right at end of ramp and continue to traffic light. Turn left onto Ashford Avenue. Follow route as above.

From Northern Westchester & Putnam Counties:

Saw Mill River Parkway (South): 
To Dobbs Ferry Exit. Exit onto Ashford Avenue. Follow route as above.

From Rockland & Orange Counties & New Jersey:

Tappan Zee Bridge:
Exit immediately after toll (Exit 9). Turn left at end of ramp onto Broadway (Route 9). Continue 4 miles on entrance on right.

From Westchester County & Connecticut:

Cross Westchester Expressway (West), to New York Thruway (North):
To Exit 9, last exit before Tappan Zee Bridge. Turn left at end of ramp onto Route 119. Turn left at traffic light onto Broadway (Route 9). Continue 4 miles to entrance on right.

Train Schedule:
Mercy College is just a short walk from the Ardsley-on-Hudson Station of the Metro-North Hudson Line. Visit the Metro-North website for the latest schedule.

Air Travel:

Details to come shortly

What to Bring:

Coming soon

See what our attendees have said:

“Due to the immersive experience, it was easier to sink into the mindset of the student and distance yourself from the hub-bub of the day to day life at home. This helped me understand where their questions and concerns are coming from.”

“The greatest strength is that you provide a great deal of information that's not overwhelming. Breaking up in small groups is genius. It enables one to ask questions that they may not feel comfortable asking in the large group setting.”

“I truly appreciated this training program.  I learned a lot and I am thankful for this opportunity, not only to learn but to connect with others. Thank you!”

“Perfect structure for large group lectures following with small group lectures.  Helped to “get” the info and discuss issues we didn’t get in large group.  Another strength is having the Olympics.  I was skeptical at first, but it helped to make us a team and I think we bonded because of it.”