As we unpack the NPRM, the countdown to OB3 and the need for preparation is getting real. In this episode, Kate Brabandt of College Aid Services led a candid panel discussion focused on what institutions should be doing now to get ready.

Kate is joined by a group of seasoned financial aid leaders: Dr. Heather Boutell (Vanderbilt University), Brenda Hicks (Southwestern College), and Audra Main (Moore Norman Technology Center). Together, they examine proposed changes related to federal loan programs, Workforce Pell eligibility, repayment plans, and expanded institutional accountability requirements across varied institution types.

Programming note: The College Aid Services webinar was presented prior to the NPRM publication, with many details still unknown. Notwithstanding, the observations on operational readiness and compliance considerations to staffing, communication, and change management are firmlygrounded in what campuses are facing. Whether you’re deep in planning or still figuring out where to start, this episode offers actionable insights to help your team face OB3 with clarity and confidence.

Today’s episode is about the elephant in the room, OB3. And let’s be clear: this isn’t a subtle elephant. It’s enormous, standing on the table, demanding the attention of everyone in higher education. No one can pretend they don’t see it.

Emily Baldwin moderates a powerhouse panel on how medical schools are managing the rollout of OB3, and what it means for incoming classes and institutions. She’s joined by Joan Bailey from the University of South Florida, Dr. Heather Boutell of Vanderbilt University, Johnathan Chancellor from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Veronica Herrera with Experian, Dr. Mark Justice from the University of Miami, and Dr. Holly Gilliam from the University of South Carolina.

The conversation gets straight to the point: institutional communication strategy, enrollment impact, operational and systems strain, and why private loans, and the immediate need for credit education, are suddenly front and center.

If OB3 is anywhere on your agenda, you don’t want to miss this conversation, just like you can’t miss that elephant!

Today, we share another of our "How I Got Here" segments led by Emily Baldwin. This series features experienced and upcoming SASFAA leaders as they provide insights into their career journeys to help other SASFAA members uncovertheirs. In this episode, Emily is joined by two outstanding financial aid professionals and SASFAA members, Jernitha Smith, Director of Financial Aid and Veteran Affairs at USC Sumter, and Zachary Christian, Deputy Director at the South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission.

We’re kicking off the new year with a reset, a little transparency, and a lot to talk about. Before we dive in, a fun fact from our listener survey: most likely you’re listening to Swoonpies & Money right now from your office. Your productivity is not our responsibility!

This episode starts with you. We’re sharing the results of our recent listener survey and giving an up-to-date snapshot of who our audience actually is, who’s here, how you found us, and what you want more (and less) of as we move into the year ahead.

Then we get into pop culture. We’re reviewing Season 2 of Severance—what worked, what didn’t, and why it remains one of the sharpest, strangest shows about work, power, and identity. Emily and Willis have thoughts.

And finally, the best part, we’re sharing some genuinely exciting news from co-host Michelle Hemmer. It’s big, it’s joyful, and worth celebrating.

Welcome to the Swoonpies holiday episode. The Swoonie crewis ringing in the season at the Swoonpies and Money holiday party, attempting (and we use that term loosely) to sing “The 12 Days of SASmas.” Expect off-key caroling, inside jokes, and plenty of festive nonsense. Cheers to recording with no rehearsal!

12 Days of SASmas lyrics:

On the first day of Sas-MAS, SwoonPies gave to me

DISTRACTION  from OB3.

On the second day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to me

two-member highlights,

and distraction from OB3.

On the third day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to me

three conference charities,

two-member highlights,

and distraction from OB3.

On the fourth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to me

Four Jedi heroes,

three conference charities,

two-member highlights,

and distraction from OB3.

On the fifth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to me

5 private loans

Four Jedi heroes,

three conference charities,

two-member highlights,

and distraction from OB3.

On the sixth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to me

Six negs a-regging,

FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!

Four Jedi heroes,

three conference charities,

two-member highlights,

and distraction from OB3.

On the seventh day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to me

advice from Dr. Happy,

Six negs a-regging,

FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!

Four Jedi heroes,

three conference charities,

two-member highlights,

and distraction from OB3.

On the eighth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to me

Eight Hooty-Whos,

advice from Dr. Happy,

Six negs a-regging,

FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!

Four Jedi heroes,

three conference charities,

two-member highlights,

and distraction from OB3.

On the ninth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to me

nine states supporting,

Eight Hooty-Whos,

advice from Dr. Happy,

Six negs a-regging,

FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!

Four Jedi heroes,

three conference charities,

two-member highlights,

and distraction from OB3.

On the tenth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to me

ten Baldwin mentors,

nine states supporting,

Eight Hooty-Whos,

advice from Dr. Happy,

Six negs a-regging,

FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!

Four Jedi heroes,

three conference charities,

two-member highlights,

and distraction from OB3.

On the eleventh day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to me

Joan Baily’s pearls of wisdom,

ten Baldwin mentors,

nine states supporting,

Eight Hooty-Whos,

advice from Dr. Happy,

Six negs a-regging,

FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!

Four Jedi heroes,

three conference charities,

two-member highlights,

and distraction from OB3.

On the twelfth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to me

SAM’S LATE NIGHT RAMBLINGS,

Joan Baily’s pearls of wisdom,

ten Baldwin mentors,

nine states supporting,

Eight Hooty-Whos,

advice from Dr. Happy,

Six negs a-regging,

FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!

Four Jedi heroes,

three conference charities,

two-member highlights,

and distraction from OB3!

It’s time for a quick check-in with the Swoonpies Nation. We want to make sure we’re hitting our marks and giving you the content you want to hear. As you know, the SASFAA podcast was launched for members by members, so please take a few minutes to complete the survey and let us know how we’re doing. You can follow the link or keep an eye out for other announcements from the mothership (a.k.a. SASFAA updates).

Swoonpies Listener Satisfaction Survey

https://bit.ly/swoonpies-survey

In this episode, we dive into the highlights from the recent FAFSAA Directors Summit with Alicia Keaton. We’re also joined by Dr. Happy, Sam Dunman, who brings us a fascinating conversation with Mary Preston Jackson, a certified spinal flow practitioner helping people reconnect with their body’s innate intelligence and natural healing ability.

This week, we’re joined by some very special guests who are bringing more than just their appetites — they’re sharing their favorite Thanksgiving dishes, the stories behind them, and the memories that make those recipes so meaningful.

And because gratitude comes in all flavors, our guests are also opening up about what they’re most thankful for this year — from simple joys to quirky holiday dining habits that somehow became family traditions.

Of course, this wouldn’t be Swoonpies and Money without a little twist. After the feature episode, you’re getting the behind-the-scenes version — the rehearsal, with all the laughter, the tangents, and maybe even a few culinarymisfires. Think of it like that bonus episode after your favorite streaming show — the one with outtakes, inside jokes, and just enough frivolity to keep things real.

So grab a slice of pie, pull up a chair, and join us for a Thanksgiving special that’s part gratitude, part good-natured mischief, and 100% Swoonpies and Money.

This week, we’re taking you straight back to chilly Charleston for a full-on SCASFAA Conference retrospective. From OB3 to lip syncing (and everything in between), this episode is a joyful rewind through the sessions, shenanigans, and shared spirit that make South Carolina’s financial aid community one of a kind.

You don’t have to be from the Palmetto State to feel the energy. Tune in for a rerun packed with camaraderie, laughter, and the unmistakable heartbeat of your South Carolina colleagues.

As they say at SCASFAA, we’re small but mighty.

Today, we have another delightfully eclectic episode of Swoonpies and Money. This one’s a true hodgepodge.

First up, a public service announcement about the upcoming SASFAA webinar on November 18, featuring NASFAA MVP Heather Boutell. Then you’ll hear highlights from the recent KASFAA Kentucky Conference and finish with a quick chat with Samantha Hitchcock, President-Elect of GASFAA.

And finally—because it wouldn’t be Swoonpies and Money without a something out of left field—we’ll wrap up with details on the Beaver Moon Swoon Pie Satisfaction Survey. Yes, it’s a thing. You’ll just have to listen.

Welcome to a special edition of Swoonpies and Money. Today, we’re peeling back the curtain on one of the most consequential—and misunderstood—rituals in higher education policymaking: negotiated rulemaking.

Think of “Neg Reg” as the Department of Education’s version of group therapy—except instead of talking feelings, they’re hashing out the fine print of federal regulations that will have a profound impact on all of us.

To help make sense of it all, Daniel Barkowitz sits down with two of the appointed negotiators who’ve been in the room trying to shape the future of higher education policy. And because every federal rule eventually lands on a campus doorstep, we’ll also check in with the good folks at Mercer University for a ground-level view of how OBBA is starting to ripple through their operations.

So, settle in for this timely episode of Swoonpies and Money—where big policy meets campus reality, and the sausage-making of higher ed gets a little sunlight.