A Direct loan goes through stages during the course of a borrower’s education. This session takes a look at what happens from awarding the loan until it reaches repayment. School responsibilities associated with various aspects of the loan life cycle will be highlighted.
Click on one of the links below to register:
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Time: 11:00 am, Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00)
Session Number: 805 325 255
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Time: 2:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00)
Session number: 805 532 351
Profiles in Financial Aid: J.D. Robertson, Dixie State University and UASFAA President
J.D. Robertson and wife Audra
“There is never a dull day in financial aid,” according to J.D. Robertson, the new President of UASFAA (Utah).
J.D. is a 15 year veteran of the financial aid industry, and currently serves as the Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Dixie State University. He received a bachelor degree in psychology from Utah State University and a master degree in public administration from Brigham Young University.
His financial aid experience includes being the Assistant Director at Utah Valley University and the Director at Western Governors University.
J.D. has been very active in both state and regional financial aid associations and has served on the membership, and training and conference program committees for RMASFAA.
One of the most recent challenges J.D. has undertaken is moving the financial aid office into a wonderful new building on campus. “Figuring out how everything should work in our new area was a challenge, but we’re not complaining.” And, just like the industry itself, being President of UASFAA has challenges as well. “Getting people to volunteer is one of the biggest challenges facing our organization.”
J.D. is quick to note that he has an incredible staff to work with. “I couldn’t ask for a better staff.” Their next new project “will be determined by whatever the next new regulation is.”
Looking into the regulatory crystal ball, J.D. says that “with the new Pell LEU in place, let’s move back to year around Pell so students can graduate quicker.”
J.D. and his wife Audra have been married for 24 years and have four children (Cade, Mirissa, Paxton and Byrnlee). Their most enjoyable vacations are when they go to Southern California and just chill on the beach. (J.D.’s iPod may be playing some tunes from Jason Aldean or Led Zeppelin.)
A good meal for J.D. would include hot, spicy food. And, if he could invite any four people to his dinner table, it would be his grandparents. “They all passed away before I was born, so I would cherish an opportunity to sit at the table with them.”
There have been numerous changes in financial aid during J.D.’s 15 years in the industry, ranging from the move to Direct Loans, imaging systems, financial aid software systems, Pell LEU, ….etc. But what has remained constant is how he spends his time when not at work…. with his wife and children (and perhaps watching college sports or Lord of the Rings/Hobbit).
Don Buehrer, Regional Director, Nelnet Partner Solutions
Nsight Plus: Computer Based Training (CBT) Now Available
Are you a new Nsight Plus user or are you a current user who wants to learn more about a specific function? Take a look at our new training module; this module will assist you with understanding the functionality and capabilities available on Nsight Plus. Nsight Plus is an online reporting tool for Nelnet serviced student loans.
This new CBT will walk you through everything you need to know about Nsight Plus – from getting initial access to fully utilizing the reporting capabilities to assist you with managing your Nelnet serviced loans.You can view the entire training course or simply choose a particular section of interest.
Click here to learn more about Nsight Plus and to access our new CBT module.
Ron Hancock, National Manager, Nelnet Partner Solutions
Let’s Talk Cloud…and the Silver Lining
A message from Vincent Grimard, Chief Security Officer
Lately, the Nelnet Corporate Security Group has been getting a lot of inquiries about cloud technologies and cloud storage. So, I thought it may be a good idea to provide a better understanding of both the advantages and risks that come with this new cloud concept. Whether you’re a business leader, a team member, or just a personal user, here are some things to keep in mind.
A technology cloud is software housed online for easy and affordable access. It also presents many great opportunities to the user, such as file access from anywhere, music, pictures, etc. Many of us like the fact that we could work from almost anywhere to assist customers and file share. However, as with any new technology, there are risks and rewards, with the main risks being data protection and the protection of our most important asset—our data.
Now, I’m not trying to scare you, not by any means. Overall, I think cloud tech offers many great advantages—for things you wouldn’t mind sharing with the world. As for my private stuff, well I wouldn’t secure it in a cloud. But that’s just one guy’s paranoid opinion, so take that for what it’s worth. Here’s the general rule of thumb I use: Would it be okay if the information I put in the cloud ended up on the front page of the newspaper? If your answer is “yes,” then the use of a cloud solution is probably something that’s ok. If the answer is “no,” then I would look for a more secure solution.
Whether or not you use cloud for personal or professional use, you should look at cloud as an open file cabinet. A possibility exists that someone, even if it’s only a vendor, has the ability to look at your files; and in most cases, vendors will not accept responsibility for a security breach. In other words, if someone else gets into your files, you’re on your own to deal with the repercussions.
Vincent Grimard, Nelnet Chief Security Officer
A Day In the Life: Ron Day Talks Travel
Ron Day, Director of Financial Aid, Kennesaw State University and NASFAA National Chair
So Ron, you have been traveling so much, Kristi and I thought we would turn this interview toward how you travel. We pulled these travel questions from a recent edition of Delta Sky Magazine. As frequent travelers, we enjoy learning how others make themselves comfy while on the road.
Amy and Kristi: Tell us about your in-flight listening.
Ron: I have an app on my iPad that allows me to listen to music while surfing the internet and sending emails (Slacker – great App). My favorite travel secret is using noise-canceling headphones. They reduce the noise of flying, babies crying, people talking, etc. and allow me to concentrate on my tasks.
A&K: In-flight reading?
Ron: I am usually connected to the internet and checking emails, responding to messages, sending messages to the University and NASFAA, etc. I do read a good bit while on the plane as well. My Kindle has gotten a lot of use this year.
A&K: And inflight snacking ?
Ron: I am not a big snacker on the plane, unless the flight is longer than 4 hours. But you know me; I always have a few animal crackers tucked into my bag just in case.
A&K: Aisle or window?
Ron: I usually sit next to the aisle, unless the flight is early in the morning. Then I try to sit against the window. Nothing like getting your day started right with a power nap propped up against a comfy airplane window.
A&K: What’s your favorite airport?
Ron: As you know, I fly out of Atlanta (ATL) and really like the airport more than others. It may be because it often indicates I am home, but mostly because I am very familiar with the airport and navigate it without a problem.
A&K: What’s been your favorite trip of 2013?
Ron: I am not sure I have a favorite trip; all of them have been remarkable. Being with my colleagues at their state and regional meetings has really been wonderful.
A&K: What’s your favorite part of your travels?
Ron: I must say, and this is certainly not “rocket science,” but coming home is probably my favorite part of travelling. I enjoy being with my colleagues and representing NASFAA at many meetings, but there’s no place like home.
A&K: Do you pack a reminder from home?
Ron: I do not.
A&K: What’s your least favorite part of your travels?
Ron: Hotels. Each and every one is different. Beds are different, pillows are different. I’m an early riser (really early). So not being able to eat breakfast as early as I usually do while at home is difficult.
A&K: Last time we were together we chatted about travel/plane etiquette. Do you want to share your Ron Rules of Travel?
Ron: I am still putting together the “Ten Commandments” of travelling and will be glad to share them later.
Kristi Jones and Amy Moser, Nelnet Southern Regional Directors
Money Monday Reminder: Job Search 101 (June 24)
It takes a savvy candidate to succeed in today’s job market. Learn how to navigate the internship experience—what to focus on and what to avoid. Discover what hiring managers and recruiters most want to see on a new grad’s resume and why having a summer
job improves success in a job search.
Social media is an increasingly significant tool when looking for employment, with a LinkedIn profile a must for all. Understand how it differs from a resume and why. Also, winning the interview is not the end of the road, it’s the beginning. Be aware of the do’s and don’ts of interviewing, along with top questions and how to prepare for them.
Click on one of the links below to register:
Time: 2:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00)
Session Number: 803 442 508
Time: 4:30 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00)
Session Number: 803 643 340
Focus on Your Health: Metabolism
What is metabolism and how does it work? Metabolism is a combination of physical and chemical processes which distribute nutrients which are absorbed into the blood after digestion. There are three factors that determine your metabolic rate: the rate your body uses energy for vital body processes, the rate you burn energy during physical activity, and the rate you use energy during digestion of food.
To speed up your metabolism, first and foremost, exercise. Cardio exercise will increase lean muscle mass, and reduce body fat. And the greatest part about more lean muscle mass is it keeps burning calories throughout the day (increases your resting metabolic rate). Aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling has the added bonus of speeding up your metabolism for 4 to 8 hours after you stop exercising. Second, eat breakfast, and eat 6 small meals a day. Eating breakfast jump starts your metabolism, and eating throughout the day will keep your metabolism working. Third, eat nutritious meals containing fish, dark green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, blueberries and other fruits, whole grains, and at least 8 glasses of water a day. If the cells do not receive sufficient nutrients, they will begin to function less efficiently on smaller amounts, and they will actually store more fat to use during these times of nutritional deprivation. Unfortunately, there are no “magic” foods that will change it dramatically, but incorporating nutrient rich foods will aid in the most efficient processing of energy by the body.
Stay healthy!
Alan Ishida – Regional Director, Nelnet Partner Solutions
