When Disaster Hits at the Worst Possible Time

This session will discuss the impact natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires can have on a financial aid operation, and how various schools prepared staff and students for the aftermath of the disaster. This session will provide first-hand experience from a panel of financial aid professionals and will outline the steps they took to notify appropriate agencies, provide assistance and communications to students, and prepare staff to assist in meeting the needs of hundreds of students affected by the disaster. Information regarding coordinating community resources, lessons learned, and incredible student stories of resilience will be provided.