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 cost of the Workshop is $625, which includes NYSFAAA membership for the 2020-21 year.  Vouchers will not be accepted.  You must have registered and paid in full by Wednesday, May 20, 2020.  There will be no refunds after that date.  Contact Renee Nunziato at (631) 451-4469 with any additional questions.

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.

By Car:

Directions from Albany

Take the NYS Thruway (I-90) South and go over the Tappan Zee Bridge.Exit immediately after toll (exit 9). Turn left at end of ramp onto Broadway (Rt. 9). Continue 4 miles on entrance on right.

Directions from the West: (Buffalo)

Take the NYS Thruway (I-90) East to Exit 39 toward I-690 E. Take Interstate I-81South.  Take a slight left onto I-86E and continue onto NY-17E.  Follow signs to 87S and merge on 87S. Go over the Tappan Zee Bridge.Exit immediately after toll (exit 9). Turn left at end of ramp onto Broadway (Rt. 9). Continue 4 miles on entrance on right.

Directions from Lower Westchester County & New York City

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

By Train:

Metro-North Railroad Station

Take Metro-North to:
Ardsley on Hudson Station
*** Visit http://www.mta.info/ for tickets, schedules, arrival, and departure as well as additional information.

Air Travel:

Details to follow shortly.

Survival Techniques

Bring a note pad, pens and pencils with you.  All other materials will be provided at the time of registration, including the infamous NYSFAAA Training Manual.

Previous novice attendees suggest you bring sneakers, an umbrella, an extra towel or two, an extra blanket and your favorite pillow, flip flops, and an alarm clock.

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.”