President's Welcome

masfaa
Midwest Association of Financial Aid Administrators
2010 Annual Conference, October 17-20, Hyatt Regency Chicago

Welcome to the 2010 MASFAA conference website. It seems like yesterday that we were planning for the 2009 annual conference in Minneapolis, and now we’re looking forward to a great time in Chicago. Our Local Arrangements and Program Committees have been hard at work for over a year, and the final outcome of all of this work will be a fantastic conference in Chicago.

So, as you read this, you’re probably asking why you should join us in Chicago? Here are some reasons I think it is worth your time and institutional resources to spend a few days with us in the Chicago:

• We have had a year of incredible change. In order to effectively serve our students, we need to be current on what is happening in our field. This conference agenda will give you an opportunity to fill in all of those gaps you may have in your knowledge of programs and changes in programs. With the presenters on the agenda, including Department of Education trainers and policy leaders, you will receive an outstanding education that will allow you to return to your institution better prepared to administer aid programs
• In order to soar, you need to have the ability to get off the ground. In the same way that a balloon does not soar on its own, you need the support of others, and the knowledge necessary to soar. If you are relatively new to the field of financial aid, you can learn the basics to get your going. If you are an experienced financial aid administrator, you can learn what you need to keep going. One of the exciting things about the field of financial aid, are the constant changes and challenges we face. We do not work in a stagnant industry, so you need to keep abreast of changes in the field. Our conference presenters will challenge you and keep you on the cutting edge of our field.
• It's not over yet. As we look ahead, there will be more challenges facing us, and we need to already be thinking beyond the present, and looking towards the future. How do we need to be refocusing in order to continue serving our students into the next decade? The opportunities to communicate and network with other financial aid colleagues as well as others who influence our profession, and help us serve students, will benefit you.
• Chicago! What more can I say. It’s a fantastic city with so many opportunities, and we will be right in the heart of the city. You will have opportunities to explore Chicago’s nightlife, restaurants, and experience all that the city has to offer.

Please plan to join us at the MASFAA conference in Chicago. You won’t be disappointed.

MASFAA President