Lakeland Central School District offered a financial aid workshop for
senior students to help them learn about the college financial process. Alicia Furlong,
assistant director of financial aid at Siena University, led the evening’s conversation as
she shared her expertise at Walter Panas High School on Oct. 8.
Furlong told families they should rely on financial aid counselors at the colleges and
universities to help them move through the process, which often begins with the FAFSA
form. FAFSA is now open for the 2026-2027 school year online.
Furlong explained why the FAFSA is needed and the types of information families need
to include as part of their application. She also said that a financial aid package is not
set in stone. Families should know that if their circumstances have changed, they
should request a re-evaluation. Some of the scenarios include job loss, divorce, or
unexpected medical expenses.
With a background in banking, Furlong has been at Siena since 2019. She earned her
bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh.