2026 CASFAA Conference - WONDER where we'll LAND: The Next Chapter in Financial Aid.

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President's Welcome Message

Dear CASFAA Community,

If there is one thing that defines financial aid professionals across California, it is our unwavering resilience and dedication to student access and success. Every day, you navigate complex federal regulations, state policy updates, and evolving institutional needs while keeping the doors of higher education open for hundreds of thousands of students. Your work transforms lives, and on behalf of the CASFAA Executive Council, thank you for your extraordinary commitment to our profession. 

As we look toward the future, I am thrilled to invite you to our premier gathering of the year: the 2026 CASFAA Annual Conference, taking place December 6 – 8, 2026, at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, California. 

This year’s conference theme, "Wonder Where We'll Land: The Next Chapter in Financial Aid," speaks directly to the dynamic moment we are experiencing across postsecondary education. From navigating federal updates under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and new Title IV regulatory mandates to advancing state aid access through Cal Grant expansion and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) initiatives, our operational landscape is shifting rapidly. But while we may wonder where policy changes will take us, one truth remains clear: together, we possess the leadership and expertise to steer our institutions toward success. 

Why You Should Plan to Attend

Brought to you by Conference Co-Chairs Dewayne Barnes and Thomas Le along with our dedicated committees, this year's conference will bring together approximately 700 financial aid leaders, administrators, and advocate partners from every higher education segment in California. 

Here is what you can expect in Universal City:

• Critical Policy & Compliance Guidance: Gain direct insights on emerging federal regulatory requirements, OBBBA updates, and Title IV compliance frameworks to protect institutional capability. 
• Statewide Legislative Analysis: Stay ahead of California budget developments, statutory updates, and CSAC initiatives directly impacting state aid delivery and basic needs integration. 
• Segment-Specific Breakout Sessions: Participate in targeted roundtables designed specifically for California Community Colleges, CSU, UC, Independent, and Graduate/Professional institutions to solve segment-specific operational challenges. 
• Innovative  Partner Solutions: Engage with leading vendors and industry partners in our exhibit hall to discover automated tools, default prevention resources, and student literacy platforms.  
• Unrivaled Networking & Peer Support: Reconnect with colleagues, mentor rising leaders, and build lasting professional connections during dedicated events, including our First-Time Attendee Reception and evening social events. 

 
A Call to Innovation and Community

The CASFAA Annual Conference is more than a professional development event—it is the central forum where California’s financial aid community unites to learn, advocate, and recharge. Whether you are an early-career advisor building technical expertise or a senior director guiding campus strategy, your voice and perspective are vital to our collective success. 

Mark your calendars for December 6 – 8, 2026. Prepare to be informed, inspired, and energized as we tackle complex regulatory changes, support one another, and ensure that student educational choice remains secure. 

I look forward to seeing you in Universal City as we write the next chapter in financial aid together! 

With warm regards and appreciation,

Shawn Domingo
President, California Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (CASFAA)
Financial Aid Director, Delta College