Conferences and Workshops
(Click here for the 2019-2020 Professional Development Series PDF)
 

Aaron will present NAIS data which shows that financial aid budgets grew significantly, in response to the Great Recession, largely because more higher-income families were becoming eligible for small grants. Many of those "newly needy" families may have demonstrated need for assistance due to temporary setbacks due to layoffs, job change, or reduced  salary or other income. Have these families become accustomed to receiving aid in the past year or two and express a sense of entitlement to it, even when they no longer qualify? How can you counsel these families about their eligibility without jeopardizing their willingness to re-enroll with less financial aid, or none at all? 

Presenter
Aaron Wachholz is the  Regional Director – Midwest & Mid-Atlantic for the National Association of Independent Schools and School and Student Services By NAIS (SSS By NAIS).  Aaron spent the first six years of his career as a teacher in private schools in various roles including middle school history, K-8 physical education, and coaching. He then transitioned into different administrative roles for two years including Athletic Director and Principal. After a professional shift, Aaron worked as a financial advisor for two and a half years serving clients in comprehensive financial planning. For the past four years, he has worked as one of four Regional Directors for NAIS and SSS By NAIS. In his current role he assists NAIS member schools with the resources provided to them by NAIS, works with all schools in his region who use SSS By NAIS for their financial aid management system, and reaches out to new schools who may find value in utilizing the services offered through SSS By NAIS.  

Location
The workshop will take place at the Hotel Indigo, 1244 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL. The Hotel Indigo is located in the Gold Coast neighborhood with easy access to shops, dining and public transportation.

Parking
Hotel Indigo offers valet parking for overnight guests. Pull up to the hotel entrance and valet the car. Bring the valet ticket to the hotel's front desk and the hotel will add the discounted rate of $39 per 24 hours to your hotel room charges and provide an in/out access card.