A denouement (pronounced day-noo-MAHN) is the final outcome or resolution of a complicated sequence of events. In literature and film, it refers to the concluding part of a story—following the climax—where loose ends are tied up, mysteries are explained, and characters find closure.

Choose Your Own Adventure
After classes let out yesterday afternoon, people did all sorts of things around Wichita. Check out the Photos of the Day see a few.

Photos of the Day

Today’s photos were submitted by Elizabeth Zimmerman, Jordyn Garner, Marissa Patterson, and Clara Lederer.

Scavenger Hunt
This final scavenger hunt Beggs the question, where were those paparazzi and will they be back tonight?

Be sure to find a committee member, direct message @RMASFAA on Instagram, or email Association News at news@rmasfaa.org if you find today’s plush figure so we can wrap on this year’s scavenger hunts.

We’ll be busy rolling out the red carpet for tonight. See you then!

Class Photos
Yesterday’s outfit of the day (OOTD) theme was class colors and we took the opportunity to snap some class photos.

Photos of the Day

Today’s featured photos were submitted by Beth Muggleton, Veronica Muse, Shannon Goff-Schipmann, Jaci Nebeker, Jordan Garner, Crystal Crank, and April Schultz Djibonon (included below).

The Red-Carpet Ready Award

Congratulations to Hunt for Red October for having the best score at the end of Minute to Win It last night, but really we’re all winners because everyone was safe.

There are many more photos coming soon so keep an eye on the Instagram story and future blog posts to see the action.

Scavenger Hunt
Here’s today’s first clue: “If you’re looking for direction, I can help!”

Good luck and be sure to find a committee member, direct message @RMASFAA on Instagram, or email Association News at news@rmasfaa.org if you find today’s plush figure so we can call off the talent search.

Choose Your Own Adventure
Once classes let out this afternoon, you’re own your own (watch out Wichita!). We’ll email a spread sheet with the info from the orange interest forms so you can coordinate with people who are interested in doing similar things. It isn’t too late to make plans with people or remind yourself what you previously signed up to do.

Congratulations to our Lights, Camera, Trivia winners:

Tonya Critz, Minot State University
Angela Zeorlin, Wichita State University

Your Amazon gift cards will be arriving in your email soon!

Thank you to everyone who shared their creativity. Here are a few of our favorite responses to the question:

“If Financial Aid Were a Movie, What Would the Title Be?”

Titanic 2: Sunk Again
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Title IV
The Hunger Games: SOR Edition
Deadline Day (“Behind every acceptance letter is a race against time. When the deadline arrives, hope hangs in the balance.”)
The Good, the Bad, and the Missing Documents
Jumanji

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the trivia challenge so much fun.

The Red-Carpet Ready Award
Competition for the Red-Carpet Ready award is heating up as people continue racking up stars. Don’t forget to wear your name tag so we know who is who AND can give you credit for participating throughout the day/week.

Photos of the Day

Today’s featured photos were submitted by Marissa Patterson, Zach Damp, Mitzi Suhler, and Shannon Goff-Schipmann.

How to submit: 
Direct message @RMASFAA on Instagram
Email Association News at news@rmasfaa.org 

Trivia

After bowling, last night’s trivia turned into speed trivia but these financial aid pros were up for the challenge.

Congratulations to FLC FRCC: Anna Yepez, Zach Damp, Gina Jannone, Azul Ocampo, and Shannon Goff-Schipmann. Find Ginger or Savannah at lunch today to collect your prizes and an extra star.

Scavenger Hunt
Here’s today’s first clue: “Looking for the action? Ask me how to get a life!”

Happy hunting and be sure to find a committee member, direct message @RMASFAA on Instagram, or email Association News at news@rmasfaa.org if you find today’s plush figure.

The Red-Carpet Ready Award
The class with the highest average of stars per student will win this year’s Red-Carpet Ready Award. Don’t worry. We’ve got a schedule of reductions plan in place to prorate for late arrivals and early departures based on the number of stars per days attended​.

Photos of the Day
This year we’ll be doing even more to feature the experience on set at Summer Institute 2026. Throughout each day, attendees are invited to submit photos to be featured as Photo(s) of the Day on the RMASFAA Instagram (@RMASFAA) or the The Exchange blog. We want to see SI from your POV whether it’s a moment in class, at a meal, an activity, or anything in between! Each photo selected earns the submitter a bonus star (point) for the Red-Carpet Ready Award.

Today’s featured photos were submitted by Michelle Graham, Mitzi Suhler, Missy Ostrander, Jenna McMurphy, and Crystal Crank.

How to submit: 
Direct message @RMASFAA on Instagram
Email Association News at news@rmasfaa.org 

We can’t wait to see and share what you capture!

Scavenger Hunt
Each day attendees will have the opportunity to find a souvenir of SI 2026 and an extra star. Plush figures​: popcorn, clapboard, 3D glasses, ticket.​ An initial clue will be shared in the daily blog post and additional clues or status updates will be shared on Instagram @RMASFAA. Here’s today’s first clue:

“The early bird may get the worm, but you probably won’t find this snack until intermission.”

Entertainment Throughout the Week
Last night was also music bingo. Congratulations to everyone who won prizes!

We’ve got even more fun coming up throughout the week.
-Everyday: AM Walks @ 6am (meet outside Shocker Hall), boardgames any time.
-Monday: Bowling (sign ups will be available at lunch), trivia.
-Tuesday: Minute to Win It in Hubbard Hall.
-Wednesday: Choose Your Own Adventure (sign ups will be available today and tomorrow at lunch).
-Thursday: Closing banquet, photo, karaoke, and awards.

Don’t forget to wear your nametags through the week so we know who is here for Summer Institute and can give you any stars you earn.

The curtain is about to rise on RMASFAA Summer Institute! To celebrate this year’s theme, Lights, Camera, Financial Aid, we’re rolling out a movie-themed trivia challenge.

Think you know your movies? Test your knowledge with this mix of film trivia, famous movie quotes, and “name that movie.” Submit your answers to news@rmasfaa.org for a chance to win one of two $10 Amazon gift cards!

Trivia Questions

1. Name the movie: A weatherman finds himself reliving the same day over and over again.
2. Which actress portrayed Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz?
3. Name the movie: After being accidentally left home alone during the holidays, a young boy must protect his house from two burglars.
4. What movie features the famous quote, “There’s no crying in baseball!”?
5. Name the movie: A group of Jamaican athletes unexpectedly competes in the Winter Olympics.
6. Which actor portrayed Forrest Gump?
7. Name the movie: A lawyer who makes his living stretching the truth suddenly becomes unable to tell a single lie.
8. What was the first feature-length animated film ever released?
9. Name the movie: A man stranded on a deserted island develops an unexpected friendship with a volleyball.
10. Which movie features the quote, “You can’t handle the truth!”?

Just for Fun

If financial aid were a movie, what would its title be?

Submit your answers to news@rmasfaa.org by Monday, June 8, for a chance to win an Amazon gift card!

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is top of everyone’s mind. 
We are constantly getting new information, and it can
become overwhelming. Here is a professional resource
list you can use to stay current on the One Big Beautiful
Bill Act.
 
1. U.S. Department of Education / Federal Student Aid
FSA One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates  
Central federal hub for implementation updates
Includes:
Loan scenarios (undergrad, grad, parent PLUS)
Repayment changes
FAFSA impacts
Updated regularly as guidance evolves
 
2. FSA Partner Connect (Knowledge Center) [fsapartners.ed.gov]
Electronic Announcements and Dear Colleague Letters
FAFSA processing changes
ISIR updates
System implementation timelines
 
3. FSA Training Center [FSA Training Center]
OBBBA Webinar Series
Legacy Loan Limit Q&A (April 17, 2026)
Schedule of Reductions (April 10, 2026)
Online Training Course: OBBBA Overview (January 6, 2026)
Four lessons on the following topics:
Student Eligibility
Loan Origination & Disbursement
Loan Repayment & Servicing
School Eligibility & Accountability
Training Spotlight: FSA System Changes Resulting from OBBBA [fsapartners.ed.gov]
Select Statutory & Regulatory Updates on the FSA Training Center page
There are also other systems-related training in the Systems Training drop-down menu
 
4. NASFAA OBBBA Web Center
NASFAA One Big Beautiful Bill Act Web Center
Includes:
Summary charts of changes
Implementation checklists
Loan repayment flowcharts
Pell and loan change briefs
Communication toolkits

My name is Katie Westerhaus and I am in my 5th year as a Financial Aid Advisor at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, NE. My role includes being on the front line of our office, helping students complete the FAFSA, coordinate Federal Work Study placements, complete verification, managing alternative loans, consortium agreements, and many other hats!

Who is your mentor?

Carol Will with Caroll College is my mentor and brings a wealth of experience to her mentorship. She is consistently helpful and known for asking insightful questions that encourage thoughtful reflection and growth. Together, we are focusing on building greater confidence within the financial aid profession, and her guidance has been invaluable to my development.

Why did you decide to join Leadership Pipeline?

I decided to join Leadership Pipeline because I am committed to growing both personally and professionally within the financial aid profession. As I continue to develop my skills and explore future leadership opportunities, I wanted to be intentional about learning from others who share a passion for supporting students and strengthening our field. Being part of a community that values mentorship, connection, and continuous growth felt like the right step for me as I work to become a stronger advocate, colleague, and leader.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned so far?

The most valuable thing I have learned so far is the importance of showing up as my authentic self and understanding that leadership isn’t defined by a title. I’ve learned that I can lead from where I am right now without waiting to be in a formal leadership role.

What is it that you are hoping to come away with at the end of the program?

My hope is to grow more confidence in my role as well as building connections with others in the financial aid field. I enjoy working with our students to help them problem solve and navigate the college experience. We are a two-year institution and our time with students can be quite short. I have seen the impact that our office’s leadership positions can have, and it encourages me to grow professionally.

Would you recommend this program to others?

I would highly recommend Leadership Pipeline to others at any stage of their career. Whether you are new to financial aid or have been in your role for many years, the program offers meaningful opportunities for growth, reflection, and connection. It meets participants where they are, while encouraging continuous learning, confidence-building,

A Candid Presentation

Alyssa Blake – Black Hills State University

Most of us want to grow and improve, both professionally and personally. We desire to become more flexible and resilient. We want to connect deeply with the humans around us and lead well. Leadership Pipeline is an opportunity to dig deep and seek out growth opportunities within a community of like-minded professionals. However, the full truth is that it’s extremely difficult—in the best way possible.

Since leaving education and joining the financial aid community in 2022 as a Financial Aid Advisor at Black Hills State University, I have watched mentors and mentees walk across the stage at each yearly conference. My weary spirit was lifted each time I heard a testimony about their experience within the program. Growth. Change. Community. They – along with members of the audience – were often moved to tears while speaking about Leadership Pipeline. I wanted what they had.

My onboarding experience into the financial aid world was tumultuous at best. Coupled with the mourning of my former teaching profession, I was in desperate need of personal and professional support through the guidance of a mentor. Leadership Pipeline was where I needed to be. I finally applied, convinced it was going to be the magic solution to my challenges. We would pair up and sing kumbaya around the Zoom screen and I would come out a better version of myself!

But, my friends, there is no easy path to growth. I have many, many years of repeated experience with this fact, but for some strange reason, each time I seek out growth, it’s like I see the shiny end result and forget all of the work, vulnerability, and grit it takes to get there.

This is what Leadership Pipeline is truly about:

· LP people are in the arena with you (not just the Zoom room) – in the trenches, back-to-back and arm-in-arm. They know what you are experiencing and they will sit with you in it and encourage you through it.

· As you dig into the vulnerability required to lead well, the LP community is a safe and honest space to share the struggles and shame that have become roadblocks to growing and leading well. This process is completely necessary to move forward. You are not alone – you are not the only one – you are seen.

· Mentor relationships are where you go to analyze, brainstorm, practice, and apply. It’s no surprise that mentors and mentees build lasting personal and professional relationships. You are in each other’s corner and willing to support each other as you do the hard work.

· The reading and conversations demand your full and complete participation. Brene Brown’s “Dare to Lead” is not light and fluffy. It’s a no-BS, take-a-hard-look-at-yourself-and-lean-into-the-discomfort kind of journey. Thankfully, it’s also a – “we’re all human—this is about participation, not perfection—and grace abounds” type of path. If you know, you know!

So, what I am really trying to say is this:

Is Leadership Pipeline for you? Absolutely.

Is it going to be uncomfortable and tough? Absolutely.

Are the outcomes completely worth it? ABSOLUTELY.

Early pricing ends May 2nd, Register now to ensure you don’t miss this award worthy week of training!

Our A-list cast list just dropped – the committee and faculty bios are now live!  Meet the stars who will be directing and producing this year’s blockbuster training experience.

To see the full lineup and to register visit: https://www.rmasfaa.org/summer_institute.php