Virtual Experiences

Our virtual experiences provide opportunities to connect, educate, and inspire each other from the comfort of your own space. The virtual platform hosts a variety of sessions, all designed to offer valuable insights and professional growth opportunities.

Whether you're looking to stay updated on current industry trends, engage with expert speakers, or build connections with colleagues across the country, our virtual experiences offer a dynamic and accessible way to stay connected and informed.

Here are some of our Past Events

Beyond the Ballot Box: Post-Election Legislation’s Impact on Higher Education

On December 5, 2024, PACWEST and Western Student Financial Services hosted the webinar "Beyond the Ballot Box," exploring how the 2024 election impacts the higher education industry. Attendees engaged in insightful discussions and a live Q&A with expert presenters. Catch the full recording here.

California AB 1160: Protecting Students from Creditor Colleges Act

Dive into the complexities of the Protecting Students from Creditor Colleges Act with an expert panel. Insights into how this legislation could reshape debt management practices in higher education.

What is AB 1160?

For Students:

Protects access to education by preventing transcript withholding and registration holds due to debt.
Prohibits third-party debt collection and state tax offsets for student debt.

For Schools:

Raises concerns about financial stability and increased administrative burden.
Limits debt management options and increases compliance challenges.

Guiding Students Through the Student Loan Repayment Resumption Process

Presented by Lori S. Hartung

Lori S. Hartung, Regional Sales Executive for ECSI, led an insightful session on supporting students as they resumed student loan payments. With over 30 years of higher education experience, Lori shared actionable strategies and practical resources to help financial services professionals guide students through this critical transition.

Key Highlights:

Eligibility and Pause Overview: Understanding the payment pause and its impact.
Federal Student Aid Resources: Tools for navigating loan forgiveness and repayment options.
Financial Guidance: Budgeting tips and long-term financial strategies.
Ongoing Support: Addressing common student concerns and offering solutions.

Access the recording and start exploring the Protecting Students from Creditor Colleges Act!

January 16, 2024

Guiding Students Through the Student Loan Repayment Resumption Process

Presented by Lori S. Hartung

Key Highlights:

Eligibility and Pause Overview: Understanding the payment pause and its impact.
Federal Student Aid Resources: Tools for navigating loan forgiveness and repayment options.
Financial Guidance: Budgeting tips and long-term financial strategies.
Ongoing Support: Addressing common student concerns and offering solutions.

Learn More

Nov 8, 2023 10:00 AM Mountain Time

The Impact of the Great Resignation in Higher Ed and the effects of the Return-To-Office policy on Talent Acquisition and Retention

Panel Discussion

Panelists:

Helena Curtis, Executive Director of Talent, Learning & Organizational Development - University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Marisa Martin, Associate Director, Student Fiscal Services - University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Amanda Brierbauer, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Finances - Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
Beth White, Director, Global People Partner, Flywire Corporation
Robin Borough, Director of Talent Acquisition - Chapman University, Orange, CA

During this session, a panel of HR professionals, student finance and services professionals from higher ed and corporate partners will share insight on the effects of the Great Resignation within their organizations. In addition, participants will be able to share their own challenges and solutions when retaining and hiring staff in a work environment still affected by Covid19.

August 9, 2022 at 10:00 am PST

The Leadership Imperative

Presenter, Reg Chhen Stewart, Ph.D.

The Vice President of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Chapman University, Reg Chhen Stewart, Ph.D. will share The Leadership Imperative with us.

In the modern workplace, leaders are under increasing pressure to foster more diverse, equitable, and inclusive professional environments. There are many compelling interests that contribute to this pressure:

• Shifting workplace demographics
• A lack of expertise within the existing personnel
• Competition from peers
• Local, state, or national influencers (including media)

It is our assertion that any professional who thinks the conversation about creating and maintaining a more inclusive workplace does not pertain to them, is a potential liability to the organization and to themselves. This session will explore a five-step process to consider diversity, equity and inclusion within the context of leadership.

June 22, 2022 at 10:00 am PST

U.S. Department of Education - Federal Update

Presenter, Tamy Abernathy

The Department of Education will provide information related to Title IV activities and initiatives, the Department’s regulatory efforts, up-to-date information on the federal loan programs, and other important reminders. If you have questions, here is your opportunity to ask the Department.The end of the year is near, so let's spread some holiday cheer!!

February 24, 2022 at 10:00 am PST

PacWest Virtual Holiday Gathering

Presented by PacWest SFS

The end of the year is near, so let's spread some holiday cheer!!

'Tis the season to be jolly and ROCK your ugly sweater, funny hat, festive necktie or all of the above.

So join us for some fun!!

December 8, 2021 at 11:30 am PST

Self-Renew in Change and Build Resilience

Presented by Jody Urquhart

Humor helps. The ability to laugh at life helps us deal with daily disappointments and setbacks. Humor gives professionals the nerve to serve in our increasingly complex and challenging environment. Join us as we demonstrate how humor helps you stay in control, stay positive, and maintain balance and perspective.

October 13, 2021 at 10:30 am PST

Languishment and Thriving

Presented by Andrew Kami

During the last year, we have seen a development of people experiencing a feeling of being disconnected, no longer “interested” in the same things that they once were and having an overall sense of loss. It doesn’t meet the criteria of depression but is a very powerful and real feeling. There are 5 daily activities that are noted to help a person have a sense of connection and overall greater functioning to re-establish and re-connect to ourselves and others.

July 15, 2021 at 10:30 am PST

Managing the "New Normal" What is "normal"?

Presented by PacWest SFS Committee

With campus staff working remotely or hybrid, what are the strategies within your department for the return to 'norm'? The changes and the challenges of business practice during and after COVID-19.

May 6, 2021 at 10:30 am PST

NACHA Updates That Will Affect Higher Education Payment Processes

Presented by Martha Wilson

In 2020, NACHA released several new rules that will go into effect this year. Two of the new standards will affect the policies and procedures of colleges and universities using Automated Clearing House (ACH) to accept payments and issue funds. Join us for another great session and opportunity to get your questions answered.

March 25, 2021 at 10:30 am PST

Department of Education - Federal Update

Presented by Tamy Abernathy

Attend and learn about upcoming changes and how they will affect your institution. The Department of Education will present the most up-to-date information related to Title IV activities and initiatives, ED’s regulatory efforts, up-to-date information on the federal loan programs, and important reminders. You have lots of questions, and here is your opportunity to get answers.

March 3, 2021 at 11:00 am PST