Advanced Training in FAST

Workshop Description

Also offered September 27-28 in Santa Monica, CA.

Join FAST Team Leader and Financial Aid Consultant Brian Fulmer for hands-on training in FAST—and return to your school confident in your ability to make the best financial aid award decisions. Here's your professional development opportunity to really dig into FAST with an expert to direct you and answer your questions by your side.

In the morning session on the first day, Brian will give you a comprehensive walk-through of FAST, including discussion of the tricky area of business income. In the afternoon, you will have a group of completed applications to work with—including some with special circumstances. On the second day, Brian will do a review, and provide more in-depth training in handling business income.

Bring your laptops and your questions! If you are new to FAST, or will use it in the near future, this is a training session you won't want to miss.

The workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. on October 14 and ends at 12 noon on October 15. 

Your $277 fee ($236 for ISM Consortium members) includes continental breakfast both days and break snacks the afternoon of the first day. The Doubletree is offering a special $139 room rate—Call the Doubletree at  302-478-6000 to book your room at this special rate. Palettes Restaurant and Lounge is in the hotel, and it is close to a variety of restaurants.

Workshop Leader Bio

Brian Fulmer

Brian is well-versed in the workings of financial aid, and how schools can best use their dollars for the most impact. Brian has sat on several financial aid committees from a diverse selection of schools, and has trained hundreds of others on the FAST system.  Seeing literally thousands of applications per year has given him the ability to show you how FAST can give you laser-like precision in making awards, and where you need to take much closer looks at what's reported on an application. He is available for school consultations and group presentations, and will help you work through the transition from another service to FAST. By the way, Brian wrote the FAST software, too.

FAQ

1. What does my registration fee include?

All workshop costs, materials, breakfasts, lunch or dinner daily, and social hours are included.

2.  What is not included in my registration fee?

Hotel accommodations and travel expenses. 

3. Where am I going?

The Doubletree Hotel

4727 Concord Pike (U.S. Route 202)
Wilmington, DE 19803
Phone: 302-478-6000 FAX: 302-478-6049
Once you have registered for a workshop, please make your hotel reservation online by using the link on your workshop page or by calling 302-478-6000. The room rate is $139/night if booked by May 29, 2010.

4. How do I get there?

By plane: Philadelphia International is the closest airport. A shuttle to the Doubletree—a 20–30 minute ride—costs about $30. (You get the best price by booking online at delexpress.com.)

Flights to Baltimore (BWI) can be less expensive, but it is an 80-mile trip to Wilmington. A shuttle costs about $125 each way, or you can rent a car at the airport.

By train: There is an Amtrak station in downtown Wilmington. You can request the hotel shuttle for transportation.

By car: Click here for a map and driving directions.

5. What should I wear?

Fall in this area is cool and crisp, in the 50s and 60s usually. Summer temperatures average in the upper 70s but can be as high as the 90s. However, it can get quite hot, into the 90s. The classrooms and guest rooms are usually comfortable, but you may want to dress in layers in case the rooms are too warm or too cool for you. Dress is casual. Wear whatever is comfortable—jeans, sweat shirts, sweaters, etc. For current weather conditions, we recommend checking weather.com.

6. What will the workshop schedule be like?

The meals and social hours listed on this agenda are included as part of your workshop fee.

3-DAY WORKSHOP

First day:
3:30-4 p.m.: Pick up your nametag
4-5:30 p.m.: Session
5:30 p.m.: Dinner
6:45-8:45 p.m.: Session
8:45-9:45 p.m.: Social Hour

Second and third days:
7:15-8:15 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:15-10 a.m.: Session
10-10:15 a.m.: Break
10:15-12 p.m.: Session
12-1 p.m.: Lunch
1:30-3 p.m.: Session
3-3:15 a.m.: Break
3:15-4:45 p.m.: Session
4:45-5:45 p.m.: Social hour

Last day:
7:15-8:15 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:15-10 a.m.: Session
10-10:15 a.m.: Break
10:15-12 p.m.: Session

6-DAY WORKSHOP

Sunday:
3:30-4 p.m.: Pick up your nametag
4-5:30 p.m.: Session
5:30 p.m.: Dinner
6:45-8:45 p.m.: Session
8:45-9:45 p.m.: Social Hour

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday:
7:15-8:15 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:15-10 a.m.: Session
10-10:15 a.m.: Break
10:15-12 p.m.: Session
12-1 p.m.: Lunch with ISM
1:30-3 p.m.: Session
3-3:15 a.m.: Break
3:15-4:45 p.m.: Session
4:45-5:45 p.m.: Social hour
Wednesday:
7:15-8:15 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:15-10 a.m.: Session
10-10:15 a.m.: Break
10:15-12 p.m.: Session
FREE AFTERNOON
5:30 p.m.: Dinner
6:45-8:45 p.m.: Session
8:45-9:45 p.m.: Social hour
Last day:
7:15-8:15 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:15-10 a.m.: Session
10-10:15 a.m.: Break
10:15-12 p.m.: Session

7. What should I bring?

Each workshop is different. You’ll receive a letter from your workshop instructor letting you know what to bring.

8. Where can I work out?

Yes, the Doubletree has a fitness room and a pool. There are several jogging and hiking trails adjacent to the hotel, and the Jewish Community Center is only 1/2 mile away. For a small fee, you can have access to the indoor and outdoor pools, fully equipped weight room, gym, and sauna. The hotel also has complimentary shuttle service to area attractions and golf courses.

9. Can my special dietary requirements be met?

Absolutely. Just give Marie Kelly a call at 302-656-4944, and she’ll make sure your needs are accommodated.

10. How much free time will I have?

There are periods before, between, and after workshop sessions for relaxation, recreation, and socializing.

11. Should I need medical or dental attention, where should I go?

We recommend the following offices, to which the hotel will be happy to provide transportation:.

Silverside Medical Aid Unit
2700 Silverside Road
302-478-1100
Hours: 9-9 Monday through Saturday; 9-6 Sundays and holidays

Dr. Gary Lyons, Jr. D.D.S.
Suite P1, Montchanin Mills
Rockland Road and Route 100
302-654-1765