This session was presented at RECONNECT Dive Deep 2025.

The FAFSA Simplification Act introduced sweeping changes to the federal student aid system, posing one of the most significant strategic change management challenges for universities in recent history. This presentation will highlight how one large university successfully navigated these unprecedented changes by fostering a strong partnership between the Office of Student Financial Aid and the central IT department. Through effective collaboration, communication, and innovative problem-solving, the university was able to adapt to new federal regulations, reconfigure its ERP systems, and streamline processes to ensure compliance, navigate challenges, and deliver service for 53,000+ students. This case study will explore the critical strategies and best practices that enabled a successful transition during such a major restructure of Financial Aid. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how collaborative planning and strong interdepartmental partnerships can drive success in managing large-scale regulatory changes, ensuring both compliance and continuity of services.