Agenda

Junice Jones, Partner, CapinCrouse LLP
Rachel McMichael, Partner, CapinCrouse LLP
Bryan Taylor, Chief Investment Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Cornerstone Management

(CPE: Specialized Knowledge)

There are several important areas for forward-thinking institutions to consider as they look ahead to what’s next. Understanding what is driving current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the higher education industry can help your institution plan strategically. 

During this session, we’ll discuss trends in higher education including financial stability, inflation pressures, and student population demographics. We’ll also provide an update on the economy and financial markets, including key considerations you can apply at your institution.

Learning objectives:

Analyze key trends, challenges, and opportunities in higher education and their effect on strategic planning
Assess financial stability from a market perspective and viability in light of thin operating margins
Consider the impact of inflation on the higher education business model 
Address the impact of student body demographics on future institutional planning
Consider institutional strategies in light of current economic and financial environments

Lisa R. Saul, Partner and Uniform Guidance Director, CapinCrouse LLP
Dan Campbell, Partner and Higher Education Services Director, CapinCrouse LLP
Patricia Willhite, Senior Audit Manager, CapinCrouse LLP 
Allison Ward, Partner, CapinTech

This session will cover important compliance updates for higher education institutions to consider, including the Financial Responsibility Standards (FRS), the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, certificate programs, and the Graham Leach Bliley Act (GLBA). We’ll also discuss common compliance findings and the Department of Education’s assessment tools to aid in compliance with student financial aid requirements.

(CPE: Accounting (Governmental)

Learning objectives:

Identify recent FRS updates and best practices
Outline key updates on the new FAFSA process and the implications for institutions
Identify key changes to certificate program eligibility and reporting
Review recent GLBA updates and what institutions should focus on
Assess common compliance findings and Federal Student Aid assessment tools

Ted R. Batson, Jr., Partner, Tax Counsel, and Professional Practice Leader – Tax, CapinCrouse LLP
Chris Purnell, Partner and Tax Counsel, CapinCrouse LLP
Daren Daiga, Partner, CapinCrouse LLP

(CPE: Taxes)

We live in a constantly evolving tax landscape. In this session, we will summarize the most important tax developments for higher education institutions, with a look at what lies ahead in 2024.

Learning objectives:

Identify recent tax changes that directly impact higher education institutions and the broader exempt organization community, including the current state of Employee Retention Credit claims and the new energy credits
Evaluate how recent IRS pronouncements, court cases, and other changes will affect your institution
Determine what your institution might need to do to prepare for the future

Dan Campbell, Partner and Higher Education Services Director, CapinCrouse LLP
Sonia Flores, Controller, Dallas Theological Seminary

(CPE: Finance)

One lesson the pandemic taught us is that traditional budgeting no longer serves the higher education industry well. Join us as we discuss how to improve and streamline the budgeting process with a more responsive budget. We will also discuss effective budget presentation to the institution's governance, executives, and other stakeholders.

Learning objectives:

Reduce your time spent preparing the budget
Improve the accuracy of the budget
Communicate key trends, concerns, and opportunities through the budget