2006-07 MASFAA Executive Council Meeting Agenda

April 14-15, 2007

Marriott City Center,  Minneapolis MN

 

 

Attendance:

Amy Baker*                                         Tim Hercules                                        Michiale Schneider *

Dick Battig                                            Leo Hertling                                          Colby Sellers

Jim Brooks                                            Roberta Johnson *                              Rick Shipman

Nancy Calvert                                      Karen Kopp         *                              Mary Jo Smith

Vickie Crupper                                     Diane Lambart-Fleming                     Lake Tackett

Deonna Decker                                    Joann Laugel *                                    Howard Thomas

Beverly Faga                                        Karen Lay                                            Cheryl Warmann

Susan Fischer                                       Dan Mann                                            Jerry Wade *

Robin Fisher*                                       Debra McKinney                                 Christal Williams*

Pamela Fowler                                     Ernesto Monge                                     Keith Williams

Candy Frazier                                      Lloyd Mueller                                       Cari Wickliffe *

Brad Gamble                                        Al Pinckney                                          Arnold Woods

Arman Habegger *                              John Pogue                                          

Billie Jo Hamilton                                Margaret Rodriguez *

Delores Hawkins                                  Joann Ross                                                    

Brian Heinemann                                                                                                                                *not in attendance

 

Michael Bennett – NASFAA Chair-elect                                                                                                       

                                                                                                               

ACTION ITEMS:

 

Motion:  Accept as amended the MASFAA Mission Statement;  Heineman/Hamilton.  Motion carried.

 

Motion:  Change the fiscal year to a calendar year. Discussion: during the transition year, which would be November 1, 2007, and ending December 31, 2008, there will be 14 months in the fiscal year.  The proper papers would be filed with the IRS.  Heineman/Hertling.   Motion carried.

 

Motion:  2007 Conference Fee $225.  Heineman/Woods.  Motion carried.

 

Motion: Membership dues will remain at $50.  Heineman/Tackett. Motion carried.

 

Motion:  Allow for increased deductions from retained earnings.  Mann/Heineman. Motion carried.

 

Motion:  Approve Secretary’s report. Heineman/Sellers. Motion carried.

 

Motion:  Approve Treasurer’s report.  Hamilton/Shipman.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

Saturday, April 14, 2007, Called to order 8:30

Welcome/Introductions/Housekeeping Announcements                            Vickie Crupper

 

NASFAA Update was given by Michael Bennett

2007 NASFAA conference will be July 8-11 in Washington, July 6-9, 2008 in Orlando,  2009 San Antonio, and 2010 Denver;  He gave an overview of NASFAA issues at this time and discussion ensued regarding the current topic of loan inducements and financial aid professionals.  Michael was interested in MASFAA comments to take back to NASFAA. 

 

Break at 10:00

 

1.0 President’s Report                                                                                                       Vickie Crupper

Vickie has been busy with travel and writing letters: SASFAA Regional Conference – inter-regional visit;  CSS College Board Forum – Co-presenter on funding the middle income student;  Missouri Conference Visit:  Illinois Conference Visit;  Iowa Conference Visit;

Wrote letter to membership regarding NY AG investigation;  General letter for April Newsletter;  Meeting with Local Arrangements Chairs;  Meeting with Program Committee;

On-going discussion with various chairs, reports on this included with their respective reports.

 

Major responsibilities yet to be done are: NASFAA Board meeting;  Wisconsin State Conference visit;  OASFAA State Conference visit;  Summer Institute visit, Ethics presentation;  MASFAA Leadership conference;  Michigan State Conference visit

 

 

1.1          Conference Program Committee Report                    Candi Frazier/ Joann Ross

The committee has been busy and most recently has confirmed general session speakers Ivan Juzang and Scott Burrows.  They held a program committee meeting on April 12/13 and have completed the program matrix with sessions.  The committee has yet to develop tentative schedule info to be used in conference promotion and need to identify moderators.

 

 

1.2          Conference Local Arrangements Committee Report  Leo Hertling/ Pam Fowler                          

A lot of work has been completed since the last meeting:  Toured hotel with Executive Committee and made decision to house vendors in one section of ballroom and the foyer; 

Visited Windows Off Washington (WOW) secured this location for the 45th Birthday celebration and finalized contract with WOW including exchanging 2 drink tickets per person for unlimited juices and sodas; Completed negotiations with Gateway Riverboats for president’s reception which included getting their cost reduced by 50% for a 1 hour cruise with hors d’oeurvres, cash bar and pianist;  Selected Mentor St. Louis as the charity organization and considering something for the St. Louis Public Schools which were recently taken over by a Governor appointed superintendent;  Submitted proposal for conference registration fee to the Treasurer for presentation to the Finance Committee and the Executive Council;  Secured permission for Lambert-St. Louis International Airport to hang welcome banners in each concourse and have welcome tables in both terminals;  Secured a price for 45th anniversary gifts and conference bags;  Secured a printer for all conference printing needs.

 

Dick will be included in an upcoming meeting with the hotel banquet staff to further negotiate meals and prices.  Discussion of the high cost of meals and other costs of the hotel ensued.

 

 

1.3          Site Selection Committee Report                                                                   Dick Battig

Since the last meeting, Dick has set up this Executive meeting and is setting up the President-elect’s retreat; finalized 2011 in Grand Rapids Michigan; will start on Wisconsin 2012 which will probably be Milwaukee.  He noted that hotel costs are going up – future decisions and fiscal considerations may show changes in how our conferences are conducted and that contracts can be adjusted one-year out from the conference date.  This flexibility allows for modifications due to anticipated attendance and fiscal concerns. 

 

2.0         President-Elect Report                                                    Diane Lambart-Fleming

A lot of travel has occurred:  MSFAA Winter Training in Dearborn, MI, 1/28-31/07;  Fridsma Retirement Recognition at GVSU, 2/16/07;  NASFAA Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., 3/3-6/07;  MSFAA President’s Retreat at MSU, 3/8-9/07;  MSFAA Federal Issues Meeting at MSU, 4/2/07;  MSFAA Leadership Retreat in Augusta, MI, 4/10-12/07.  Participation in conference calls include:  MSFAA Federal Issues Committee Meeting, 3/2/07;  2007 MASFAA Nominations and Elections Committee meetings.

 

There are several events over the summer:  NASFAA Board of Directors meeting in Charlotte, NC, 4/20-23/07;  MASFAA Summer Institute at Baldwin-Wallace College, 6/2/07;  MSFAA Summer Training at Crystal Mountain Resort, 6/24-27/07;  NASFAA Transitional Board of Directors Meeting in Washington, D.C. 7/5-7/07;  2007 NASFAA Conference in Washington, D.C. 7/8-11/07;  MASFAA President-Elect Retreat in Grand Rapids, MI, 8/9-11/07 and will attempt to re-schedule an Inter-Regional Board Meeting.                                                                      

 

2.1          State Exchange Report                                                                           Diane Lambart-Fleming           

This program is being utilized to encourage interactions between the states.

 

2.2          Leadership Development Committee Report                             Howard Thomas               

Plans are well underway for this Retreat.  There was a conference call with Association Governance Committee to select additional invitees.  As of 04/06, we have 24 invitees who have accepted and 2 pending.  Clark Wold of Education Assistance Corporation has agreed to be opening speaker and Terry Everson is finalizing the agenda.  The agenda will be finalized soon, there is one additional Ohio aid officer to be invited and the evaluation to be developed.  Due to unexpected travel costs, a request for budget variance has been requested to be discussed in the budget committee.

 

 

2.3          Newsletter Report                                                                                              Mary Jo Smith

The newsletter committee just published the “Spring Edition of MASFAA Moments.”  The newsletter was created in a .PDF file for ease of printing and will be on website. Vickie will send out a message with this announcement with the direct link.  There is a color version of the MASFAA code of ethics available.  Mary Jo will send this out electronically.  Future newsletters are planned for July and October 2007.  A photo edition is being considered after all of the state conferences are over for this year.  This committee needs to hear from state presidents and committee chairs with reports.  Paper copies of the newsletter can be mailed upon request.  Past MASFAA presidents will be mailed a newsletter.

 

3.0          Past President Report                                                                                       Dan Mann

There has been a lot of travel:  Attended Big Ten Financial Aid Director’s Meeting in Chicago, IL (February 23-24, 2007);  ILASFAA Conference in Schaumburg, IL (March 18-20, 2007);  and NASFAA Finance Committee Meeting in Washington, DC (March 23-25, 2007).

 

Travel over the next three months include:  Speaker at Indiana Conference in Evansville, IN (April 15-16, 2007);  NASFAA Board of Director’s Meeting in Charlotte, NC (April 20-23, 2007);  COSUAA Conference in Santa Fe, NM (April 28-May 1, 2007);  MASFAA Leadership Development Retreat in Duluth, MN (June 19-21, 2007);  NASFAA Board of Director’s Meeting in Washington, DC (July 5-7, 2007);  and NASFAA Conference in Washington, DC (July 8-11, 2007).

 

3.1          Association Governance and Planning Committee Report     Dan Mann

MASFAA Policy and Procedures were updated and posted to MASFAA website.  MASFAA Lifetime Members list was reviewed and there are five of these and their names will be put on the website. ATAC can extend lifetime memberships so they will not expire.  Past President listing was updated.  Committee meeting was held on Friday, April 13 and the following topics were discussed:

  • Leadership Development Retreat – Teri Everson trainer for student loan express and his expenses will be paid.
  • MASFAA Mission Statement – AG recommends mission statement re-label purpose statement in strategic long range plan

AGPC recommends the adoption of this as our official mission statement.  This statement will be placed on the MASFAA website and in the MASFAA Policy and Procedures.  We recommend that the reference to MASFAA mission statement be eliminated in the Strategic Long Range Plan, but that the purpose statement continues to be included in the Strategic Long Range Plan.  

 

Mission Statement reads:                   MASFAA Mission Statement

 

The Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA) is a regional organization of individuals engaged in or concerned with the ethical administration and/or support of student financial aid.  Our mission is to promote and provide quality training and professional development opportunities, to advocate and support financial aid programs, and to facilitate effective communication and coordination among interrelated professional associations, thereby serving the needs and interests of students and postsecondary institutions.

 

Action item:  Brian moved Billie Jo seconded to accept as amended approved

 

  • MASFAA Long-Range Strategic Plan - In January officers and committee chairs were asked to review the Plan to see if they were working within the established guidelines.
  • State Conference Travel/Presidential Duties – concerns have been expressed about nominations and the time that elected officials are required to be away from their offices. Discussion ensued regarding the relationship with states if someone other than the  MASFAA president attends the state conferences. The consensus was that it was important that someone in an official capacity from MASFAA attend each state each year even if it was not the President. 
  • Research Committee – Historically, training survey and salary survey was done in alternating years.  Discussion ensued on how effective are these surveys and what is the effectiveness of this committee as some committees are doing their own surveys. The committee structure will be reviewed and the changes in web and technology may change the way we do business.

 

  • MASFAA Fiscal Year – In order to comply with the recommendations of the auditor, the fiscal year needs to be changed to Jan 1 – Dec 31. beginning 2009.  This change will help our income/expenses to be more accurately reflected.  During the transition year, which would be November 1, 2007, and ending December 31, 2008, there will be 14 months in our fiscal year.  The proper papers would be filed with the IRS.

            Brian Heineman / Leo Hertling   motion passed,

  • Corporate Support  -  A higher level of corporate support of Diamond level $15,000 is not being implemented at this time .  With the lender issues on the scene today, a watch, wait and see attitude is being taken in regard to the association finances, association dues and association responsibilities. 

 

3.2          Nominations and Elections Committee Report                                          Dan Mann

The Committee has had three conference calls and contacted potential candidates.

The following slate of candidates has agreed to run for 2007-08 MASFAA officer   positions:

 

President-Elect

Billie Jo Hamilton                                Southern Illinois University Carbondale

DeLores Hawkins                                Des Moines Area Community College

 

Vice President

Susan Fischer                                       University of Wisconsin-Madison

Rick Shipman                                      Michigan State University

 

Secretary

Candi Frazier                                        West Virginia University

Christal Williams                                 Kansas City Art Institute

 

Treasurer-Elect

Jeff Pethick                                           University of Notre Dame

Cheryl Warmann                                 Oakton Community College

 

Delegate-at-Large (2 positions)

James Buchanan                                 West Virginia State University

Jayne Dinse                                          South Central Technical College-Mankato

Chuck Knepfle                                    Miami University

Steve Schuetz                                       Ripon College

 

The electronic elections will be conducted in May and announced by the end of May.

 

LUNCH

 

4.0          Vice President Report                                                                                       Billie Jo Hamilton

Reconciled January and February bank statements;  Prepared final, final financial report of Des Moines Conference;  Finalized single monthly fee billing for Ecommerce account;  Presented at NASFAA Leadership Conference;  Completed audit and tax preparation with auditor;  Approved payment of music licensing;  Signed contracts for Windows Off Washington and Scott Burrows.

 

Tax return was filed on time with the current accounting firm.  Consistency in processes and where costs are placed need to be in writing.  Will write up more information on treasurer’s handbook and guidelines.   Changing to calendar year for fiscal year – a form will be filed with IRS.  Committee chairs have access to quickbooks and should look at it.  Brian can send the passwords.                                                            

 

4.1          Finance Committee Report                                                                             Billie Jo Hamilton

Completed audit and tax preparation review.

Estimates of costs/attendance have been reviewed.  Requesting $225 conference fee – an increase of $50 from last year and the MASFAA budget will supplement the rest of the costs.  $50 late fee will be imposed at about the time final meal costs are needed. 

Heineman/Woods  motion passed

 

Membership dues recommended to be kept at $50.

Heineman/Tackett motion passed

 

Last year’s conference made about $40,000.  $20,000 increase for Leadership Training.  Reserves would then be $700,000

Mann/Heineman moved and seconded to allow for increase deductions from retained earnings,  motion carried.

 

4.2          Corporate Support Committee Report                                                         Deonna Decker

The Corporate Support Committee Members for 2007 include:  Cortney Swift, Univ of Notre Dame; Christy Miller, Univ of Notre Dame; Samantha Ruffini; Rebecca Hedrick, Citibank.  Jim Myers, McKendree College.  Claudia Russell, Student Loan Express and Robyn LeGrand, NSLP have also agreed to help with evaluations of any new proposals or forms for the coming year. 

 

Corporate Support Committee has met twice since the January Board Meeting.  Once on February 23rd with a follow up meeting on March 22nd.  Topics of discussion during those two meetings included:

 

  • Sponsorship Pricing - Comparison pricing had been conducted last year, per requests from the Executive Board.  In addition, this year two potential sponsors have noted a desired for a higher level of sponsorship.  The Committee reviewed and has recommended to the Association Governance Committee and additional Level of sponsorship at the Diamond Level for Sponsors of over $15,000.  In a review of prior years sponsors and with discussion from Jason VanSickle (2006 Corporate Support Chair) it appears that the highest level of sponsorship in the past had been a platinum sponsor at $12,000.   
  • Assigned Regular duties to the committee members to begin the work flow and to ensure completion within a timely manner.  Some such duties include:

o        Thank you Notes

o        Evaluations

o        Booth Duty Assignments

o        Contact via phone to individual vendors.

o        Evaluation of Web forms and packages

o        Vendor Recognition

·         Evaluation of Drayage Contracts:  Three corporations have been contacted and bids were requested from each.  Two of the corporations were recommended by the Conference Hotel (Paramount Convention Services and Heritage Exposition Services) as well as Freeman the organization that provided services during the 2006 Conference in Des Moines.  Each of these companies can also produce signage.  Corporate Support will need to work with Site Committee on determining if we can utilize multiple services to ensure better pricing from the vendor.  Contracts are being reviewed, some sign examples have also been provided.

 

·         Activities planned, not yet completed: Updating Web Forms – April 30;  Determination and signing of a contract with Drayage Company – May 1st;  Corporate Support Agreements – Send via email by May 1st;  Corporate Support Agreements – Due by July 31st;  Corporate Support assistance needed for the Summer Institute

 

Discussion ensued to determine if Council needed to make changes to the corporate support sponsorship levels.  It was determined that no action would be taken at this time.  It was noted that the In-kind support form for Corporate Support is on the website.

 

5.0          Secretary Report                                                                                                Karen Lay

January 2007 minutes were submitted for approval.

Brian/Colby motion passed

 

6.0          Treasurer Report                                                                                              Brian Heinemann

Re-invested a $50,000.00 12-month CD that came due in February, 2007.  Our CDs do not automatically roll over.  We have to redeem it and buy another.  We now have 4 twelve-month CDs that come due one each quarter in case we need the cash.  This ‘laddering’ of CDs gives us the best return while minimizing our risk.  Bills are paid as they are received.

 

Profit/loss and balance sheet was reviewed.  Transactions will provide better information when the fiscal year is changed to the calendar year.  Budget information is online and committee members should review their information. 

Billie Jo Hamilton moved/Rick Shipman seconded.  Motion passed to approve the treasurer’s report.

 

 

6.1          Treasurer-Elect Report                                                                                    Jim Brooks                         

Attended NASFAA Leadership Conference;  Continue to process payments for MASFAA Membership. After a flurry of activity in January and February, the numbers have decreased considerably. There are approximately 35 unpaid invoices as of today (04/6/07).  Processing credit card payments for the Summer Institute. Expect to begin receiving check payments at any time. Approximately 30 emails of registrations so far.  Mailing checks to US Bank weekly. They have continued to provide prepaid UPS mailers to expedite the process.  He will continue processing payments as they are received.

 

7.0          Delegate at Large Report                                                                                Karen Kopp

No report

 

7.1          Summer Institute Program Report                                                               DeLores Hawkins

In March Visited the Baldwin-Wallace Campus;  Met with Program Committee and members of the Summer Institute Local Arrangements Committee during the Site Visit;  Added a Pre-Institute Web Resource Session/s to Program Agenda;  Reviewed B-W Conference Facilities and Services Contract with Ralph G. Carapellotti and Michiale Schneider;  Sent MASFAA Membership A Summer Institute Program Reminder;  Recruited Summer Faculty to Present in St. Louis/MASFAA Conference;  Prepared Newsletter Article for Submission, and worked with Paula Gordon to Set-Up The Training Web Site for Registration.

 

Will be distributing 2007 CORE To Faculty, confirming Opening Speaker, reviewing with Local Arrangements the Status of Sponsors, development of Session (MASFAA Conference) for Summer Institute Graduates and will send Follow-Up E-Mails to Summer Institute Registrants.

 

7.2          Summer Institute Local Arrangements                                                        Michiale Schneider

No written report to add

 

7.3          Professional Development Report                                                                 Cheryl Warman                

Scholarship Form was updated and with Keith’s help is posted on MASFAA website;  Short newsletter announcement sent to Mary Jo for next newsletter;  Newcomer’s event is scheduled for Sunday October 7, 2007 at 2/2:30 p.m.—3:30 p.m.  People from summer institute will be included in newcomer’s activity, notify Dick so a room may be booked, and solicit ideas about a reunion time for MASFAA Summer Institute and Leadership Retreat participants. 

 

We will continue recruitment of scholarship nominations, select scholarship winners, coordinate Newcomer’s event invitations and activity, and follow up as needed on Fundament/Leadership Retreat gathering.  Promote NASFAA Leadership Conference too.

 

State presidents need to be sure the word gets out about the available scholarships.  Discussion of reduced conference rate for Summer Institute participants – this was not approved due to many of these people are new and would be more likely to attend state conference rather than MASFAA

                               

7.4          Pre-Conference Report                                                                                    Debra McKinney

Main speaker obtained – Ivan Juzang will be a main conference speaker and a speaker at the pre-conference workshop.  This was a joint effort of the program and pre-conference committees.  His cost for both the conference and pre-conference is only $5,000.  There will be $35 charge for this event to cover lunch - $10,000 budget is already provided.

 

The committee met via conference call on March 22, 2007.  Our format for the day has been determined.  11:00-12:15 Guest Speaker Ivan Juzang;  12:30-1:30 Working Lunch, Box lunches served.  Each committee person will be a moderator at a table which has a specific population focus.  Moderator will talk briefly about what programs are available for their populations.  Attendees will then switch tables to continue a discussion at another table on another population discussion;  1:30-2:30 Closing – Facilitated by Debbie McKinney with co-presenters on how to take it home.

 

 

Sample Identified Populations (these will be brought into 8 groups) Latino, Cuban Americans, Foster Care, Migrant families, Black Councils, Disabled, ADHD/Ridalin Generation, Mental Health Issues, lack of Computer Access, Single Fathers, 1st Generation students, Hmong, Native American, Gear-up, urban students.  Each committee member is looking to see what types of programs are offered in the MASFAA states.  They have to determine take-away gift for attendees, work with site regarding pre-conference registration, determine catchy theme and work with Program to finalize speaker.

 

8.0          Delegate at Large Report                                                                                Al Pinkney

 

8.1          Membership Database Committee Report                                                  Christal Williams

The question with ATEC regarding how membership is displayed has been resolved.  At this time ATAC seems to be meeting the membership tracking needs.  Updating information in the MASFAA database will continue.  Assistance will be provided to Membership Services Committee .  Membership Data & Statistics as of April 12, 2007 showed 1167 members.

 

8.2          Membership Services Committee Report                                                    Samantha Ruffini

Emails were sent to non-renewed members which resulted in some memberships.

 

8.3          Research  Committee Report                                                                          Ernesto Monge/Lloyd Mueller      

The Research Committee met on March 15th at UW-Madison to discuss the Salary Survey and the proposed Survey of Disbursed Aid. It was felt that both could be done on the same form. The last time the Salary Survey was done questions were asked about “Which Federal aid programs does your institution currently participate in”. This could easily be expanded to include institutional and state financial aid. 

 

Discussion ensued of what type of information is needed/wanted.  Ideas included the amount of aid and need to look for information of number of staff/gender/education/tuition/cost of attendance.  A revised online survey form has been created and forwarded to ATAC.  There is concern of getting survey to other office staff besides Directors.  Email could be forwarded by directors to others or ask the directors number/salary of their staff.

 

The survey has to be delivered electronically to membership. Results tabulated and distributed. The possibility of a presentation at the Fall conference was discussed by the committee.

 

9.0          Delegate at Large Report                                                                                Colby Sellers      

Worked with Awards Committee to develop membership survey;  Contacted Illinois & Iowa state presidents to encourage references for MASFAA awards.  Plans are being made to prepare statement in support of professional recognition for financial aid administrative positions.  There was discussion of the professional nature of financial aid administrative positions in individual offices e.g. ways to successfully make the case for the professional nature of financial aid administration.

 

9.1          Awards Committee Report                                                                              Susan Fischer

An article was submitted for the Spring Newsletter; Designed and submitted survey to membership regarding years of service etc.;  Submitted MASFAA nominees for NASFAA Regional Leadership Award;  Made contact with most of the State Presidents to encourage submission of special recognition awards;  Worked with Webmasters to reinstate the lists of previous recipients of the President’s Award that somehow disappeared;  Contacted president of the MO chapter regarding the Student Success Story.

       

There will be more efforts made to get nominations for awards, Work with membership chair to get list of years of service awards; and Work with state presidents to get lists of retirees.

Will be asking Council to approve recommendations of the committee regarding changing the years of  service awards.  Would like for each state to commit to submitting at least two nominations for each MASFAA award.

 

9.2          Archives                                                                                                               Arman Habegger                              

Still collects materials for the Archives as it is submitted;  will return materials from Michigan State University to the Archives once they are scanned for access through our MASFAA website.   A PowerPoint of the archive holdings was presented which are housed at Bowling Green State University Library Archives with electronic links on MASFAA website.

 

10.0        Delegate at Large Report                                                                                Arnold Woods

He has maintained contact with committees and on-going time spent with the FECC and the Reality Store Project.  He will be finalizing RSP.

 

 

10.1        Family Educational Concerns Committee Report                                    Cari Wickliffe/Tim Hurcules

Still in progress in working with a school.

 

 

 

10.2        Federal Issues Committee Report                                                                  Bruce Foote        

Reassumed duties as MASFAA Federal Issues Chair on February 1, 2007

  • Established working committee of the following individuals representing nine states:
    • Sue A Allmon - USA Funds Services - Indianapolis IN
      Maureen R Crump-Phillips - Milwaukee Area Technical College - Milwaukee WI
      Roger Eldridge - Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. - Columbus OH
      Robin M Fisher - Luther College - Decorah IA
      Daniel R Holt - William Jewell College
      Diane L Lambart Fleming - Central Michigan University
      Ernesto R Monge - University of Wisconsin - Madison WI
      John M Pogue - Inver Hills Community College
      Margaret H Rodriguez - University of Michigan - Ann Arbor MI
      Marvin L Smith III - Purdue University - West Lafayette IN
      Lake P Tackett - Huntington Junior College
  • Collaborated with Keith Williams, MASFAA Web Services Chair to update the Federal Issues Portal to reflect the new 110th Congress
  • Conducted the Institutional Lending Practices Survey and received 187 responses (approximately 36.59% of MASFAA institutions).  The results of the survey were forwarded to the membership.  Survey will accompany this report.
  • Since 2/1/07 have sent out 36 information pieces to the MASFAA membership.

Planned activities include keeping the membership informed on various federal issues as they arise and stimulate membership response to legislators, negotiators, etc., to ensure that each institution is representing their views.

 

10.3        Web Services Committee Report                                                                   Keith Williams

Keith has been working with ATAC a lot , ballots for nominations / registration form / mission statement will be on web site as finalized.

 

11.0            State Representative Reports

 

11.1        Illinois                                                                                                                   Nancy Calvert

Our Executive Committee agreed not to bar any vendor from participating in conferences or otherwise support our association as long as their business directly benefits student financial aid.

Our Leadership Retreat participants were invited to attend a mini-reunion in November which consisted of a short intro to ILASFAA, a review of the FISH philosophy and attendance at an ILASFAA Board meeting.  Election for new officers:  Paula Luff is our new President-Elect and will succeed Janet Ozuna our 2007-08 president.

 

The President’s Council has met twice with the new Executive Director of our State Guarantee Agency.    Our Training and Professional Development Committees were successful in developing two mini-conferences call “Mid-Term Workshops” which were held in November at two different locations in our state.   CAP committee planned 16 College Goal Sunday events.  A special focus this year was on trying to develop more sites in heavily populated areas and to reach out to the Hispanic population.  There were at least 60 additional events for which CAP provided assistance.   They successfully secured a $50,000 grant from Lumina that will be used to develop more outreach programs for younger  students.

 

Working on a major upgrade to our website.  Our Member Support and Registration Committee is now two committees.  We have a new committee call Computer Information Systems.  The makeup of the committee will hopefully include members from schools using all the various software products that are available.

 

Investigated not charging a membership fee beginning in 2008, but decided to keep it and provide more services to members.  2007 conference—Exploring Our Professional Future—was the best ever with record attendance of 507.  Sara Hohlman from Wisconsin and Vicki were present.   Managers retreat in June.

               

11.2        Indiana                                                                                                                 JoAnn Laugel

Election of 2007-08 officers was held.  2007 Leadership Symposium was held February 22-23 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.  11 newer members attended and were trained by 6 experienced members.  Feedback was favorable and the committee plans to get the newer members involved on various committees for the 2007-08 year.  JoAnn Laugel, current president-elect and Kathy Purvis, new president- elect attended the NASFAA Leadership Training Conference in Washington D. C. on March 4-6.

 

Indiana Spring Conference will be April 15-17 at Casino Aztar in Evansville.  Indiana has nominated three members to attend the MASFAA Leadership Development Retreat in Duluth, Minnesota this June. 

 

11.3        Iowa                                                                                                                       Robin Fisher

Robin announced that she will be retiring in May.  Invited senator’s aid to conference who interacted with attendees.

Approved the Statement of Professionalism as a part of the Policy & Procedures in January;  Successfully held election for 2007-08 Executive Council;  Held the annual Directors Drive-In Workshop – February 27, 2007;  Held the annual Visit the Hill Day in collaboration with the Admissions Association in the State of Iowa on February 28, 2007;  Held the spring conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa March 22-23, 2007;  Adopted a Bylaw change to include Nondiscrimination Policy;  Inducted new leadership for 2007-08 at spring conference;  Held Make NOW Count for youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Iowa.  Event planned and executed by the Community Outreach Committee on March 23, 2007;  Community Outreach has planned a Reality Store event in the fall in Oskaloosa, Iowa on September 28, 2007

 

6:00        Dinner

 

Sunday, April 15, 2007

 

8:00        Breakfast

8:30        Executive Council Meeting Re-Convenes

 

Secretary Karen Lay was recognized for Committee excellence.

 

11.4        Michigan                                                                                                              Rick Shipman     

MSFAA Winter Training Conference, 1/28/07 – 1/31/07, Dearborn, MI;  College Goal Sunday, 2/11/07 where there was 49% increase in participation;  Big Ten FA Director Meeting, 2/23/07 – 2/24/07, Chicago, IL;  College Board Midwest Forum, 2/25/07 – 2/28/07, Chicago, IL and presented on Professional Judgment;  NACUBO Conference, 3/3/07 – 3/6/07, San Diego, CA and presented a financial aid overview for business office staff;  MSFAA President’s Retreat, 3/8/07 – 3/9/07, East Lansing, MI;  “A Holistic Approach to Default Aversion”, Symposium III, 4/5/07, East Lansing, MI;   MSFAA Leadership Retreat, 4/10/07 – 4/12/07, Augusta, MI for emerging MI financial aid leaders.  Discussion ensued regarding default issues.

 

11.5        Minnesota                                                                                                            John Pogue         

College Goal Sunday was conducted, Loan Seminar conducted by telecommunications, New Committee approved by membership… Access and Diversity Community. Contacted MI state exchange person and invited to spring conference. Futures Committee met to determine a number of constitutional questions          

 

A letter has been drafted and will be sent to Attorney General soon in response to brochure to not go to financial aid office but go to mortgage company for financial advise.

 

Financial Aid 101is scheduled for April, Spring Conference first week of May.  Discussion ensued regarding whether or not MASFAA/state membership should be denied if a member is found guilty of financial aid misconduct. 

 

11.6        Missouri                                                                                                               Brad Gamble

Our winter executive board retreat was held at Evangel University. Update on new WUZ UP website to be used by High School counselors. Update on Leadership retreat to be held this fall in conjunction with 40th anniversary conference.

 

The Spring conference “The Future is so bright you’ll need to wear shades was held March 7-9 at Lake of the Ozarks. Along the usual great information we welcomed our own MASFAA President, Vickie Crupper and Terry Everson from Student Loan Express. Our President Elect of MASFAP Anna Fligge, just fresh from attending the leadership training in Washington, gave us an update on the current political climate.

 

MASFAP Summer Institute June 12-15 at College of the Ozarks;  Executive Board Meeting June 27th;  MASFAP Decentralized Training October;  Missouri hosts MASFAA October 7-10 in St. Louis;  MASFAP fall conference 40th anniversary November 4-6 at Lake of the Ozarks;  MASFAP leadership retreat November 6-7 at Lake of the Ozarks

 

11.7        Ohio                                                                                                                       Amy Baker

OASFAA Executive members participated in a policy breakfast in conjunction with the State College Access Group, TRIO programs, and, Admissions counselors association.  The ballot for the elections for the 2007-2008 executive committee is out and active.  Voting will end April 23rd with the transition meeting June 13th and 14th to kick off the year. Spring conference is set for May 16-18, 2007 at Kings Island in Cincinnati. Participated in College Goal Sunday ’07 by assisting 1371 students/in completing their FAFSA’s for 2007-08.  Current membership as of March 8, 2007 is 600.

 

Armen commented that Ohio Gov has announced severe reduction to their state scholarship for students attending private schools – it is being turned into a need-based grant.   This would severely limit funds for private school students.

 

11.8        West Virginia                                                                                                      Lake Tackett

Several constitutional amendments were recently passed, including:  Updating language to allow for electronic elections; changed membership year to 11/01 to 10/31; changed election terms to coincide with membership year and to more closely match MASFAA, 11/01 to 10/31.

 

Elections were held and winners were announced during the Spring Conference March 28th – 30th with a theme of We Are …WVASFAA!  This year is WVASFAA’s 40th anniversary.  In an attempt to be pro-active in today’s environment, we asked all of our Associate Member/Sponsors to give scholarships as door prizes.  All of our sponsors work together for a dinner out for everyone attending the conference.  There were 13 sponsors who split the check evenly for the approximately 75 people who attended the dinner. 

 

Transition meeting will be held on June 15th at Alderson-Broaddus University.  The Fall Conference will be held October 24 – 26 at the Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

 

11.9        Wisconsin                                                                                                             Beverly Faga

Executive Committee Meeting held Friday, February 9th.  Budget was approved for 07/08;  2nd year of College Goal Sunday, Approved several updates made to WASFAA Handbook;