Feb 08 FAC - Grapevine, TX

[cucopper]

got the invitation email this afternoon.

2/21 to 2/22 in Grapevine, TX (right by DFW)

no oral presentation requirement for this one, and sounds like this will be the last one without it.

[bdschobel]

Well, second-last one. We're running two old-style (2007 model) FACs in February, both in the Dallas area.

Bruce

[cucopper]

Well, second-last one. We're running two old-style (2007 model) FACs in February, both in the Dallas area.

Bruce

Hi Bruce, what are the dates for the last one? The one I am invited to actually has a semi-clash with my planned vacation, but the email makes it sound like I really have to get in to the one I'm invited, so I faxed in the registration form anyways.

[bdschobel]

February 27-28, if needed. I believe that we're waiting to see how many new FSAs we get from the PD completers before opening up that one.

Bruce

[cucopper]

Thanks Bruce.

[Ellie88]

February 27-28, if needed. I believe that we're waiting to see how many new FSAs we get from the PD completers before opening up that one.

Bruce

Bruce, What's the deadline for applying for one of these Feb '08 FACs?
My last requirement for the FAC will be the completion of the FSA module. The 7 week waiting period for the last module I submitted will end on the last week of December '07.

I hope these FACs will include people like myself.

Thanks.

[bdschobel]

Absolutely not. These "extra" FACs are for PD completers only. They will be "2007-model" FACs. You will need to do a 2008-model FAC, the first of which will be in March. I hope to see you there!

Bruce

[hellen2004]

So basically, the old course 7 seminar is equivalent to the module 6, 7, 8, the 96 hours FA, the DMAC module and the oral presentation in FAC.

Sounds like a lot more efforts needed than for course 7 seminar

[pilotfish]

Absolutely not. These "extra" FACs are for PD completers only. They will be "2007-model" FACs. You will need to do a 2008-model FAC, the first of which will be in March. I hope to see you there!

Bruce

How about those of us who are completing the FSA modules but did PD ages ago?? I'm probably too late anyway, as I'm just submitting my final exercise this week.

[SANDS]

With respect and no deference to the questions asked.
there are FSAs who are completing their conversions under the old requirements (prior to the new 2007 / 2008 conversion rule)

PD was truly their last component (the true intention of this program) was Part 9, the last completion

I believe the fac is for those and also those FSAs have been waiting for months to go to the FAC.

Many did not get a chance to make the cut-off
for November FAC

[FattyMcGee]

So basically, the old course 7 seminar is equivalent to the module 6, 7, 8, the 96 hours FA, the DMAC module and the oral presentation in FAC.

Sounds like a lot more efforts needed than for course 7 seminar
Sounds like you don't understand how much effort was actually put into studying for the Course 7 pre-test, passing the pre-test, pre-reading for the seminar, attending the seminar, and actually completing the final write-up. More? Maybe. Less? Maybe. A lot more? Absolutely not.

[Kenny]

So basically, the old course 7 seminar is equivalent to the module 6, 7, 8, the 96 hours FA, the DMAC module and the oral presentation in FAC.

Sounds like a lot more efforts needed than for course 7 seminar

Areyou really compaining about this?

1) Fatty McGee is right. The difference in effort isn't that much.
2) Some pepole will have to do more, some people will have to do less. That is the nature of a conversion.
3) The only people that have a legitimate complaint were those that passed Course 6. That conversion on an "effort" basis appears to be a joke. But I think most people got that complaining out of the way a year or two ago.

[flight643]

want to be my roomate again Kenny! This time at the FAC!

[FattyMcGee]

want to be my roomate again Kenny! This time at the FAC!
That is an odd way to make someone want to do something...

[campbell]

3) The only people that have a legitimate complaint were those that passed Course 6. That conversion on an "effort" basis appears to be a joke. But I think most people got that complaining out of the way a year or two ago.

I'd like to continue complaining about it.

Naw, no big deal really. It's all a wash in the end.

[pilotfish]

Areyou really compaining about this?

3) The only people that have a legitimate complaint were those that passed Course 6. That conversion on an "effort" basis appears to be a joke. But I think most people got that complaining out of the way a year or two ago.

I don't know -- I failed course 6 twice AND did the fellowship module. That was a lot more effort than passing 6 the first time would have been!!

[ajstudies]

I don't know -- I failed course 6 twice AND did the fellowship module. That was a lot more effort than passing 6 the first time would have been!!

:iatp:

:lol: Me too. What's worse, I failed 220 and 230 before I ever set my eyes on course 6. :duh:

[hellen2004]

No, I am not complaining.

I passed 7 pre-test and I failed course 7 seminar. Actually I found it a lot more useful with the new modules than the old course 7 seminar.

Maybe it is just me: I did not put a lot of time in preparing the course 7 seminar. It could be the reason that I failed. But about the writing up, the 3 EOM exercise and the 96 hours FA did have more to write. My own experience was 10 pages foe module 6, 5 pages for module 7 and 20 pages for FA. Now DMAC needs a 5--15 pages report which would be based on a project.

Based on SoA's guideline, each module should take 30---50 hours. So 4 modules are about 120--200 hours at least. Plus the 30---50 hours work for FA, it is 150--250 hours. I am not sure whether this is, or even closer to how much any one would spend on course 7 seminar.

I am sorry I should have stated it clearly that I meant for those who passed pre-test 7 and failed the seminar. And don't forget that there was only one chance for us 2006 seminar takers.

I passed everything else in the 2000 systems. I got confused that it took so long to get to the final step just because I failed course 7 once. 1--6 and 8 took me 2.5 years and course 7 alone took me two years.

It is a good learning process though and I truly believe all the efforts I put into will, if not already, pay off someday. Just thinking that any one may need to really understand both systems before jumping into conclusions.

Sounds like you don't understand how much effort was actually put into studying for the Course 7 pre-test, passing the pre-test, pre-reading for the seminar, attending the seminar, and actually completing the final write-up. More? Maybe. Less? Maybe. A lot more? Absolutely not.

[Kenny]

want to be my roomate again Kenny! This time at the FAC!

I wish. I still have a long way to go.

[eL Captain]

Bruce,

I have a question. Your earlier comment is that this Feb FAC is for PD passers only. I was not allowed to do PD because I have no unassigned credits. I have now passed all exams, and (just yesterday) submitted my final FSA model.

I took/passed course 7, so I do NOT need to take the DMAC. Am I eligible for this Feb FAC? It would seem logical that I am, given that under the NEW FAC structure, I won't have anything to present on.

How is the SOA handling the FAC for folks that did not do the DMAC?

Thank you.

[bdschobel]

I know this isn't very clear. Maybe this will help: The February FAC(s) are for people who complete their FSA requirements entirely under the rules of the pre-2005 system. Anyone who has a "new" FSA-level component must wait until March. I know that some people won't like that answer, but that's the rule.

Bruce

[botswana]

Thanks, Bruce. So if I had courses 1 through 7, CSP (after failing course 8 in 05 & 06) and PD, I wouldn't be invited to FAC in Feb because CSP is part of the new FSA requirements?

[Ellie88]

botswana and el Captain

Aparently, once you have a FSA part such as CSP, DP or FSA modules to complete you will not be invited to the Feb FAC.

The question I asked Bruce is similar to your question.
I am also one of the late submitters of PD (recently approved) but I also completed the FSA modules. I have credit for DMAC too.

Just one month later...No problem.

[bdschobel]

Thanks, Bruce. So if I had courses 1 through 7, CSP (after failing course 8 in 05 & 06) and PD, I wouldn't be invited to FAC in Feb because CSP is part of the new FSA requirements?That's right.

Bruce

[amimal]

thanks Bruce, I am in the same boat too, but what would we do about the presentation if we didn't have to do the DMAC?

[bdschobel]

Your presentation will need to be based on something else. We're going to provide a list of possibilities.

Bruce

[eL Captain]

Ok, that makes some sense. On the surface, it feels like there will be alot of people that will be wanting the March FAC. Since my last FSA module hasn't been graded/passed yet, I'm technically not yet eligible to register for the March FAC.

My fear is that it fills up before I get my "FSA module approval" from the SOA.

QUESTION: How likely is the March FAC to be filled and me left in the cold? (I really have no feel as to how fast these fill up).

Thanks.

[3rookie]

The SOA deserves a round of applause for adding these FACs. Even if someone is not eligible for these, the March FAC has now become at least a possibility.

[bdschobel]

The SOA tries to serve its members and candidates. When we saw how many people completed PD at the end of October, we knew we had to do something big to handle the load. Otherwise, FACs would have been backed up all year, with unacceptably long waiting times. We're trying to reduce travel time, after all!

Bruce

[eL Captain]

I realize that extra FACs have been added, and that definitely is a good thing. I guess my question was more around:

1) How far in advance do the session generally close for registration?
2) Outside of the Nov '07 FAC, are they usually full?

Thanks.

[bdschobel]

They're always full, but "full" depends on the facility, among other things. The date when a particular FAC closes varies a lot, depending on when exam results come out, transition situations, etc. Hard to generalze.

Bruce

[ambushed]

I received this message back from the SOA last month. I know Bruce already touched upon it, but it does add a bit more information.

"For candidates who have conversion credit for DMAC, we will be preparing a list of suitable presentation topics that candidates may select from; alternatively, the candidate may submit a topic idea of his or her own design with the understanding that it must involve an actuarial matter and include a decision point. We are currently writing the new guidelines and more detailed information is expected to available in early January."

[bcp]

One more question, Bruce: what's the capacity for this first Grapevine FAC (Feb 21-22)?

[MAM]

Hi!

Is the DP segment A considered "new material" if exam 8P was completed under the "pre-2005" system?

Is it possible to attend the February FAC if the DP part A is successfuly completed in january? (the PD and other requirements are already completed)

Thanks!

MAM

[botswana]

I just got my approval and the wording says 'The PD Committee has approved your plan and hereby confirms your eligibility to attend a Fellowship Admissions Course (FAC). Space permitting, you will be able to attend the next available FAC.'

That doesn't necessarily mean February, though, right? Is this the message everyone gets?

[JAdamJ]

I just got my approval and the wording says 'The PD Committee has approved your plan and hereby confirms your eligibility to attend a Fellowship Admissions Course (FAC). Space permitting, you will be able to attend the next available FAC.'

That doesn't necessarily mean February, though, right? Is this the message everyone gets?

Yes, I got the same letter and I have a credit from the new exam system (APMV). I guess the explanation is that the February FAC is not available to us, so the next available FAC is March.

I'm really disappointed that I'm not eligible for the 2007 style FAC since others with identical credits earlier this year were eligible to attend 2007 FACs. If there's enough room for us, I don't understand why we should be excluded.

[bdschobel]

Because we won't mix old-style FAC attendees with new-style FAC attendees. The new FAC takes effect in 2008. We are making an exception for the huge number of PD completers who really did everything (else) necessary to become FSAs before the end of 2007.

Bruce

[JAdamJ]

OK, I accept the fact that, "The new FAC takes effect in 2008."

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

[JTBenson]

Bruce,
When are the locations and dates of the 2008 FACs going to be released?

[bdschobel]

After hotel contracts are signed. We're getting closer.

Bruce

[m_m]

What's the nearest airport to Grapevine, TX?

[bdschobel]

DFW.

Bruce

[botswana]

I got my invitation yesterday. So even though I had a "new" component (CSP) I was still eligible, since I didn't do DMAC.

[bdschobel]

Interesting. There are three kinds of PD completers (and this is not that old actuary joke!):

1. Still missing some FSA requirements.
2. Now meets all FSA requirements entirely under the old E&E system.
3. Now meets all FSA requirements with a combination of old- and new-system elements.

Obviously, the first group won't be invited to a FAC. My understanding was that the second group could attend the February FAC(s) but that the third group would have to wait until March.

I'm going to check on this.

Bruce

[botswana]

Thanks, Bruce. If my invitation gets rescinded I'll know who to blame! ;-)

[bdschobel]

That would be unconscionable. (Really!) Not that big a deal to justify rescinding an invitation.

Bruce

[Emily]

Interesting. There are three kinds of PD completers (and this is not that old actuary joke!):

1. Still missing some FSA requirements.
2. Now meets all FSA requirements entirely under the old E&E system.
3. Now meets all FSA requirements with a combination of old- and new-system elements.

Obviously, the first group won't be invited to a FAC. My understanding was that the second group could attend the February FAC(s) but that the third group would have to wait until March.

I'm going to check on this.

Bruce
Making people in group 3 wait longer than people in group 2 wouldn't have made much sense. There are people who passed CSP last May and have already gone to the FAC.

[bdschobel]

They attended a 2007-style FAC. We want people in the new system to attend 2008-style FACs. Those begin in March.

Bruce

[Boogaloo]

Interesting. There are three kinds of PD completers (and this is not that old actuary joke!):

1. Still missing some FSA requirements.
2. Now meets all FSA requirements entirely under the old E&E system.
3. Now meets all FSA requirements with a combination of old- and new-system elements.

Obviously, the first group won't be invited to a FAC. My understanding was that the second group could attend the February FAC(s) but that the third group would have to wait until March.

I'm going to check on this.

Bruce

What about people who are not completing PD as their last component? I took my last exam in Nov. 2006 and had to wait until this fall for the FSA modules to come out. If they would have come out in spring I would have finished them in summer and I could have made it to an "old style" FAC sometime in 2007. I don't see why the FSA modules being delayed should force me to wait for the "new style" FAC. It seems like it would be more fair to everyone to let candidates into the February FAC if they have completed everything and have credit for DMAC. Also, the SOA should publish the rules for getting into the February FAC so candidates can understand why they did not get in.

[bdschobel]

And so I can understand! :)

Seriously, you make a good point.

Bruce

[eL Captain]

Is it possible to add an extra day to the Feb FAC to accomodate the change to the "new" FAC? I don't have a problem doing a presentation, but I just don't want to risk the March FAC getting full.

Unless there are additional changes to the 2008 FAC from the 2007 FAC, just add a day to it and call it good.

Doable?

[bdschobel]

No.

Bruce

[eL Captain]

Damn, you're quick.

Outside of the new presentation element, I'm unsure of the differences between the new FAC vs old FAC. Can you elaborate?

Thanks.

[bdschobel]

That's the big difference. We're also working to update some of the continuing content.

I am quick, aren't I? :)

Bruce

[eL Captain]

Yep. Thanks for the reply.

See you in March (now if you can just speed up the grading of my FSA modules).

[bdschobel]

We're trying to squeeze every possible day out of the grading process, but we'll never be able to do at the Fellowship level what we've already done with Exam P and, starting in 2008, Exam FM (instant results!). FSAs need to read what you submit, and they're all volunteers, after all. But we're trying. Really.

Bruce

[eL Captain]

What if I tell you that I plan on being an exam grader after getting my FSA? :-)

(Actually, I do plan on doing that.)

[bdschobel]

You haven't even heard my recruiting speech yet. Wow, I am effective! :D

Bruce

[Sleepy Head]

What if I tell you that I plan on being an exam grader after getting my FSA? :-)

(Actually, I do plan on doing that.)

I signed up to grade exams right after I got my FSA in November. I still haven't heard anything from the SOA yet. Looks like they don't really need graders that badly.

[bdschobel]

What?!!! Send me your name by PM, and I'll see what I can do about that.

Bruce

[yanz]

Just got directed to this thread [thanks, wat?].

It strikes me as strange that the february FACs are so secret (no mention of them on the SOA site). Having read the thread, I've concluded that even though I have credit for C1-7 and CSP, if I pass the DP, I won't qualify for the feb FAC. OTOH, knowing that there are 2 FACs scheduled to absorb the mass of qualified applicants prior to the March FAC, thereby allowing more of us hopeful passers to get in, is really de-stressing.

So what's the logic behind not sharing the news with others like me? Are you trying to avoid dealing with more complaints like the ones in this thread, or is there another reason?

[bdschobel]

Interesting. There are three kinds of PD completers (and this is not that old actuary joke!):

1. Still missing some FSA requirements.
2. Now meets all FSA requirements entirely under the old E&E system.
3. Now meets all FSA requirements with a combination of old- and new-system elements.

Obviously, the first group won't be invited to a FAC. My understanding was that the second group could attend the February FAC(s) but that the third group would have to wait until March.

I'm going to check on this.

BruceOK, here's the answer. The confusion -- mine as well as yours -- resulted from the extension (three times!) of the PD deadline. Because of that, the E&E Committee decided to allow people who took Exam CSP to attend the old-style FACs in February 2008. (We still don't know for sure whether we'll need one or two.)

If PD is the last thing you needed to become an FSA (other than the FAC, obviously) and your PD project was accepted, then you will be invited to attend one of the February FACs. So, there is no distinction between people in groups 2 and 3 above. (People in group 1 clearly will not be invited to a FAC.)

However, if PD is not your last missing element -- for instance, if you're waiting for the results of Exam DP in November -- then you must wait until March to take a new-style FAC. And it goes without saying that anyone who must complete the DMAC must also take a new-style FAC.

Any questions?

Bruce

[bdschobel]

...It strikes me as strange that the february FACs are so secret (no mention of them on the SOA site). Having read the thread, I've concluded that even though I have credit for C1-7 and CSP, if I pass the DP, I won't qualify for the feb FAC. OTOH, knowing that there are 2 FACs scheduled to absorb the mass of qualified applicants prior to the March FAC, thereby allowing more of us hopeful passers to get in, is really de-stressing.

So what's the logic behind not sharing the news with others like me? Are you trying to avoid dealing with more complaints like the ones in this thread, or is there another reason?It strikes me as strange that you see the February FACs as secret. :)

Seriously, there would be no point in telling people who are ineligible to attend them. We don't want to waste your time. Obviously, the information was posted here, and that's not a problem. In February, after the FACs are completed, the names of all the new FSAs will be posted on the SOA website, so everyone will know that the FACs happened.

You are quite right -- and this was very important to me -- that clearing out the huge number of PD completers during February will avoid backlogs and long delays in FAC availability during the rest of 2008. That's good for you, as you realize.

As far as avoiding complaints is concerned, you should know that I have no fear of complaints -- and neither does the SOA staff. People complain all the time -- about everything you could imagine. Actually, I wish that both candidates and the SOA staff could see each other at their best. They'd get along better!

Bruce

[White Castle]

Bruce,

For those only needing DP to get into DMAC, what is the logic behind having a March FAC? Results don't come out until mid-January and the FAC deadline is February 11th. It is more likely that they will have to wait until the (tentative) July FAC.

A similar statement goes for those only needing CSP and getting into the (tentative) September FAC having to wait until the (tentative) December FAC.

Thanks

[bdschobel]

You make a good point. I also can't see how someone passing DP but needing DMAC can possibly get into the March FAC. On the other hand, the March FAC may be full by the time DP results come out (with DMAC completers who didn't need DP). So you would have to wait, anyway. And if we have enough people like you, maybe we can add another FAC before July. Certainly I would push for that. Of course, we would need facilitators, a hotel, etc. You never know what's possible until you try, I suppose.

Bruce

[White Castle]

Bruce, thank you for your quick reply.

Could you please elaborate on why it is necessary for DMAC to be done immediately before the FAC? The current requirement for DMAC access is slowing travel time. It must be making up for it with some other objective?

[bdschobel]

The DMAC-FAC combo is the so-called "capstone experience." Separating them would change their character in a manner inconsistent with the plan of the education redesign. However...having said that, if lots of people end up waiting unnecessary months to become FSAs -- first for DMAC grading and then for FAC availability -- then the procedures will have to be reconsidered. Reducing travel time to FSA is a primary goal of the education redesign. If secondary goals are interfering with that primary goal, then we need to take another look at what we're doing -- and we will.

Bruce

[eL Captain]

OK, here's the answer. The confusion -- mine as well as yours -- resulted from the extension (three times!) of the PD deadline. Because of that, the E&E Committee decided to allow people who took Exam CSP to attend the old-style FACs in February 2008. (We still don't know for sure whether we'll need one or two.)

Ok Bruce, now I'm confused. You've said in the past that I need to wait until March, but now you say people that took CSP are eligible. I passed CSP this past spring, already have transition credit for the DMAC, and am waiting for my passing notice on the FSA modules. Is the SOA changing their original stance since I already have DMAC credit, or do I still have to wait until March?

[bdschobel]

No, I am talking about PD completers only. If PD was not the last missing element for you, then you are not eligible for the February FACs.

Bruce

[STL Actuary]

I’m not sure why everyone is so upset about not being eligible for the February FAC. The next FAC is just a few weeks later in mid-March.

If you miss the deadline for the March FAC, you will probably have to wait 4 months for the July FAC. I say count your blessings.

[yanz]

You make a good point. I also can't see how someone passing DP but needing DMAC can possibly get into the March FAC. On the other hand, the March FAC may be full by the time DP results come out (with DMAC completers who didn't need DP). So you would have to wait, anyway. And if we have enough people like you, maybe we can add another FAC before July. Certainly I would push for that. Of course, we would need facilitators, a hotel, etc. You never know what's possible until you try, I suppose.

Bruce

How likely do you think it is for the March FAC to be full before the DP results come out?

[bdschobel]

It's essentially impossible. But depending on how many people pass DP, we may not be able to accommodate all of them in March. Then it will be decision time!

Bruce

[yanz]

ah! gotcha.

[campbell]

Lottery time!

[Sleepy Head]

I’m not sure why everyone is so upset about not being eligible for the February FAC. The next FAC is just a few weeks later in mid-March.


Maybe they try to avoid the new FAC format (extra day and presentation). Just a guess.

[White Castle]

Maybe they try to avoid the new FAC format (extra day and presentation). Just a guess.

Maybe they try to avoid the older FSAs telling them how much harder the old FAC was (as is the general case when one discusses the new system with older FSAs). :wink:

[alben]

The DMAC-FAC combo is the so-called "capstone experience." Separating them would change their character in a manner inconsistent with the plan of the education redesign.

Hmmm....... I passed course 7 exam in December 2005, and I still need to complete DP and CSP, so the distance between the old-system DMAC and the new-system FAC would be at least 3 years...

Reducing travel time to FSA is a primary goal of the education redesign. If secondary goals are interfering with that primary goal, then we need to take another look at what we're doing -- and we will.

Bruce

Well, I believe that was the goal, but the way how it was implemented after the coming changes were officially announced actually resulted in increased travel time for many non-fast track students like myself.

[niko27]

I thought I had heard before that there would be a FAC in May, but now I only see one (after March) in July. Has anyone else heard there might be one in May?

Thanks,
niko

[cincinnatikid]

I thought I had heard before that there would be a FAC in May, but now I only see one (after March) in July. Has anyone else heard there might be one in May?

Thanks,
niko

Doesn't seem likely...

http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showpost.php?p=2563946&postcount=12

[m_m]

Do we know how many new FSA's will be attending this FAC?

[bdschobel]

Yes, we do. :)

Bruce

[m_m]

So what's the number? I just want to estimate how long the graduation banquet will be ;)

[bdschobel]

Oh, I thought you just wondered if we knew. :D

The number is 225, the largest FAC of all time. November 2007 had 204. Handing out the certificates took something close to 3 hours, as I recall. That's still less than one minute apiece. And I really enjoy those minutes!!!

Bruce

[Boogaloo]

Is registration already closed?

[bdschobel]

Yes. For February 21-22.

Bruce

[bdschobel]

Which one was that?

Bruce

[IDLEWILD]

No, I am talking about PD completers only. If PD was not the last missing element for you, then you are not eligible for the February FACs.

Bruce

Bruce,

There are some candidates who were not PD completers who have already attended the FAC (passed Courses 1-8, passed CSP instead of completing PD). I'm wondering how my preparation (passed Courses 1-7, CSP, and DP) is any different than theirs, and why I will have to wait until March (or later) to attend the "new" FAC instead of the 2nd February FAC. We all got our presentation experience at Course 7. I am assuming, of course, that the 2nd February FAC is not yet full. And yes, I do know the danger of assuming...

[bdschobel]

The first February FAC (21-22) has 225 people already. It's fuller than full! The second February FAC (28-29) has a little room left, but if we were to change the eligibility rules -- which won't happen -- it would be very unfair to the huge group of people who would be competing for just a few slots. (And they would miss out on making a presentation.) The March FAC (17-19) is not even 3 weeks later. Isn't that soon enough?

Bruce

[qwyjiboChu]

The first February FAC (21-22) has 225 people already. It's fuller than full! The second February FAC (28-29) has a little room left, but if we were to change the eligibility rules -- which won't happen -- it would be very unfair to the huge group of people who would be competing for just a few slots. (And they would miss out on making a presentation.) The March FAC (17-19) is not even 3 weeks later. Isn't that soon enough?

Bruce

Well, I dunno about Idlewild, but I get a raise upon attainment of my FSA, and the raise is effective on the first of the month following the FAC. So if there WERE plenty of space in February, I'd get several hundred dollars more if I could squeeze into the February FAC. But at this point, after this many years, I'll wait the extra 3 weeks. If I'm not going to care 10 years from now, someone tell me why I should care now. :)

[ITR]

If it makes Idlewild and qwyjiboChu feel any better, the lag between my PD approval and FAC (Feb 21-22, 2008) is over 3 months. I will get a raise (and bonus) the day after my FAC (if I completed it successfully that is) too, so I wan't exactly happy with the wait. But it's ok, I am not upset either, and like qwyjiboChu said, I am sure I won't care about it in 10 years (or the moment I receive my FSA diploma and thereafter).

[SANDS]

Dallas Weather is good to go for this week Thursday / Friday

[qwyjiboChu]

Did I read that the Grapevine FAC is at Gaylord Texan? cause that place is really cool--not that you'll be able to leave without a car, but still, cool.

[SANDS]

Yes, its at the Gaylord Texan

[cucopper]

see you guys tomorrow!

[cucopper]

anyone here attended the seminar? I think the hotel was excellent. I had a blast and met a lot of people. I got burned by the awkward alphabetical sequence of calling the names (they started with L, not the typical A) and became the second last to get my diploma, but that's okay. I did tell Bruce about his involvement at actuarial outpost when he presented me the diploma, and asked him to keep up the good work.

I was puzzled by his comment about no one passing all exams under the 2000 system though. The youngest fellow in this FAC (currently 22) would not have started taking exams under the old system, would he? I myself finished all exams under the 2000 system. Maybe I misunderstood his comment or something...

[bdschobel]

I was referring to the 2005-07 exam system. The first guy to complete his basic education under that system will become an FSA in March.

I also had a lot of fun last Friday.

Bruce

[SANDS]

Bruce,

I was at the FAC in Grapevine. The FAC was awesome!!!

You have done an outstanding job in your presidency to expand the number of FACS.

We are very lucky to be under your "auspecies" while getting our Fellowship.

[cucopper]

Bruce,

you mean he finished ALL requirements under the new system in 3 years?

[bdschobel]

Yes.

Bruce

[STL Actuary]

Bruce (or anyone else),

Are they still planning on publishing the new FSA's in the WSJ? Did that come up at all? I know that was something that was mentioned in the past.

[bdschobel]

We looked into doing that, but the cost was simply prohibitive (like $200,000 per FAC). It seemed like a good idea, but we can't afford it.

Bruce

[bdschobel]

By the way, I hope everyone noticed that the list of new FSAs was posted on Monday following the FAC, and I believe that the directory listings were updated that same day.

Bruce

[TiderInsider]

We looked into doing that, but the cost was simply prohibitive (like $200,000 per FAC). It seemed like a good idea, but we can't afford it.

BruceWhat about once a year?

[bdschobel]

Interesting possibility.

Bruce

[TiderInsider]

The CFA spread is pretty cool, it would be great to get something in there.

[bdschobel]

I agree.

Bruce

[Marian]

Congratulations to all those receiving their FSAs tonight!!

[bdschobel]

Another 181 new FSAs at the Four Seasons. Great group of people.

Bruce