Summer Institute
Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute
Empowering Financial Aid Professionals at Every LevelEach year, the Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute brings together financial aid professionals from across the WASFAA region for an immersive week of training, professional development, and connection. Whether you're new to the profession or looking to refine your expertise, the Summer Institute offers multiple learning tracks tailored to your experience level.
With instruction from seasoned faculty and opportunities to earn NASFAA U credentials, the Institute equips attendees with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the ever-changing world of student aid.
Each year in mid-June, the Summer Institute travels to a different host campus, offering a fresh setting for professional growth and connection. Financial aid professionals from across the region come together for a week of expert-led sessions, collaborative learning, and community-building. Beyond the classroom, participants enjoy the chance to explore the local area, share meals, and form meaningful connections with peers. For attendees, SDBSI is not only a memorable training opportunity—it’s also a chance to forge lasting connections with colleagues in higher education.
📅 Save the Date!
The 2026 WASFAA Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute will take place in the second week of June. More details are coming soon—mark your calendar and stay tuned!
Learning Tracks
Beginner
Designed for early-career financial aid professionals or those new to the field, this track builds a strong foundation in the principles and practices of student aid administration.
NASFAA U Credential Opportunities:
- Application Processing
- Cost of Attendance
- Need Analysis
- Packaging
- Pell Grant
- Professional Judgment
- Satisfactory Academic Progress
In addition to track-specific coursework, all attendees will participate in general sessions aligned with NASFAA’s financial aid competency framework, including topics like laws and regulations, customer service, career development, technological proficiency, leadership skills, and the business of education. Whether you're in your first role or transitioning into financial aid, this track offers the knowledge and confidence to navigate the fundamentals of the profession.
Intermediate
Geared toward professionals with at least three years of experience in financial aid or a related area, this track deepens understanding of key policies and regulations.
NASFAA U Credential Opportunities:
- Application Processing
- Cost of Attendance
- Need Analysis
- R2T4
- Loans
All participants will also attend general sessions designed around NASFAA’s financial aid competency framework, providing broader professional development in areas such as laws and regulations, leadership, technology, and the business of education. This track is ideal for those ready to take on more complex responsibilities or sharpen their technical skills.
Advanced
Geared toward professionals with at least three years of experience in financial aid or a related area, this track deepens understanding of key policies and regulations.
NASFAA U Credential Opportunities:
- Application Processing
- Administrative Capability
- Need Analysis
- Consumer Information
- R2T4
- Loans
In addition to their credential work, advanced participants will engage in general sessions aligned with the NASFAA’s financial aid competency framework, covering areas such as leadership skills, technological proficiency, laws and regulations, and the business of education. This track is perfect for those leading teams, managing operations, or shaping policy on their campuses.
What to Expect at the Summer Institute
The Summer Institute typically runs for five days, Monday through Friday, and follows a thoughtfully structured agenda to balance learning, community, and rest. While details vary slightly from year to year, attendees can generally expect the following:
- Structured Agenda: Sessions typically begin Monday afternoon and conclude by midday Friday. Programming includes track-specific instruction, general sessions, optional NASFAA U credential exams, and evening activities. Attendees must be present for all sessions to be eligible for NASFAA U Credential tests.
- Scholarships: WASFAA members are invited to apply for scholarships that cover full registration, including on-campus housing. Award availability and deadlines are announced during registration each year.
- Meals: Most meals are included in registration, provided either through campus dining services or hosted by WASFAA. Attendees may be responsible for a few meals on their own, depending on the location and schedule.
- Housing: On-campus housing is typically available and varies by host institution. Accommodations may include suite-style or apartment-style units with shared living spaces. Room assignments are made with attendee comfort and privacy in mind.
Additional details for each year’s Institute—including specific credential offerings, agendas, and policies—are posted as part of the registration process.
Have questions about the Summer Institute?
We’re here to help! Reach out to your 2026 Summer Institute co-chairs at
sdbsi26@wasfaa.org
