Rutherford, NJ— Felician University’s Office of Student Financial Services and Department of Communications recently presented at the New Jersey Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NJASFAA) 2026 Spring Open Forum at Brookdale Community College, offering insight into how to practice effective communication and support professional well-being amid new federal loan changes imposed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Representatives from 30+ colleges and universities across the state were in attendance, with 91 registrants and 70–75 attendees.

Tricia Perrotti, Director of Communications, and Kristin Bombel, Communications Coordinator, presented practical solutions for professionals seeking to strengthen their financial aid communications plans, ensuring students and families can easily understand new challenges, including borrowing limits for graduate and professional student loans, Parent PLUS programs, and the elimination of Grad PLUS loans. Perrotti and Bombel shared examples and strategies for developing cross-departmental calendars to prevent inbox overload, using plain language in both digital and face-to-face communications, and motivating students through objective-based campaigns.

A key point of discussion was why adopting personalization has become non-negotiable for financial aid departments as part of their outreach strategies. Personalization isn’t just a tactic used to inform and engage an audience, but a way for students and parents to feel that their specific needs and academic progress are valued by their institution. This includes financial aid officers being active listeners and a source of hope for students who may not have a safe space at home to discuss financial aid concerns. In these moments, financial aid professionals serve as trusted guides, easing uncertainty and building confidence throughout the process.

The presentation concluded with examples of student-centered engagement tactics for attendees to share amongst their team, such as personalized explainer and offer letter videos, a student-parent bilingual testimonial, and color-coded checklists and calendars. These tactics reinforce the idea that even small, intentional changes in messaging can significantly improve how students, families, and financial aid teams respond to major policy changes and deadlines. For institutions already putting them into practice, they serve as a meaningful reminder of the impact that consistent, student-centered communication can have.

Cynthia Montalvo, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management, received an award at this year’s spring forum in recognition of her service as President in 2012. Over the past seven years, Cynthia has served as co-chair of the training committee, collaborating with Seton Hall University to develop the forum’s agenda and foster meaningful connections with other New Jersey higher education institutions.

Kathy Prieto, Director of the Office of Student Accounts, wrapped up her year as President and will continue in a leadership role at the regional level in the Eastern Association of Student Financial Administrators, while also serving on the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority board representing the Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey.

Both will continue to serve on NJASFAA’s Board of Directors, advancing their mission to promote effective administration of student financial aid in New Jersey through educating, training, and supporting financial aid professionals.

Higher Education Institutions in Attendance:

• Sussex County Community College
• Montclair State University
• Caldwell University
• Brookdale Community College
• Seton Hall University
• Kean University
• Raritan Valley Community College
• Rutgers University – Camden
• Stockton University
• Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University
• William Paterson University
• Rutgers University – New Brunswick
• Middlesex College
• The College of New Jersey
• Felician University
• Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
• UCNJ Union College of Union County, New Jersey
• Rutgers University – Newark
• Warren County Community College
• Ramapo College
• Georgian Court University
• Drew University
• Beth Medrash Govoha of America
• Berkeley College – Garret Mountain
• Passaic County Community College
• Princeton University
• Monmouth University
• Saint Elizabeth University
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Rowan College at Burlington County
• Bloomfield College of Montclair State University
• Hudson County Community College
• Atlantic Cape Community College

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Felician University is committed to supporting academic success at any stage of life. With over 2,700 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students enrolled across the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education, Felician provides diverse learning experiences that equip all students with the skills to meet the demands of today’s society. Over the past five years, Felician University has consistently ranked 3rd among private institutions in New Jersey for best value according to payscale.com and has been recognized as the #1 Safest College Campus in New Jersey according to niche.com. Our Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. We are proud to be designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the thirteenth year, a testament to our dedicated support of Veteran students. Our diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), with underrepresented students comprising more than half of the student population, reflects our inclusive and supportive environment. With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, our Franciscan values of respect for human dignity, compassion, and social justice are woven into the very foundation and development of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University is proudly sponsored by Felician Sisters International (FSI). For more information, please visit https://felician.edu.