State Reports
Missouri
by Jon Gruett, MASFAP President
Ch, ch, ch, changes…
Hello MASFAA! OK, I’m no David Bowie but his song "Changes"
seems somehow appropriate given the activity in Missouri so
far this year. There have been a lot of changes and more are
on the horizon.
-
Changing of the Guard –
50% of the members serving as Committee Chairs this year are
doing so for the first time. This was not an unintentional
happenstance but rather a purposeful decision. This was done
to nurture future leaders and to combat the perceptions of
a “good old boy” network within the organization.
-
Changing retreat format
– The January gathering of the Executive Board was a
planning retreat as opposed to a formal meeting. Rather than
blindly launching ourselves into association work, orientation,
reflection/analysis, planning, and goal setting helped chart
the 2005 course for committee chairs and elected officials.
-
Changing the Business Meeting
– Instead of a cursory review of the fiscal standing
of our organization, more detailed reports from various committees
were presented. Improved communication of committee activities
heightens the awareness of our membership relating to the
inner workings of our organization and promotes increased
volunteerism.
-
Changing funding sources
– An outside grant of $2,600 was secured for the Early
Awareness Committee and the College Goal Sunday committee
will be seeking funding sources to replace the last installment
of the Lumina grant.
-
Changing Lifetime Membership Procedures
– Changes were made which allow the board, on behalf
of the association, to act more quickly in conferring lifetime
memberships.
-
Changing the Constitution
– At the Fall Conference, the membership will be presented
with the opportunity to decide upon two changes to our constitution:
to allow on-line voting, and to move College Goal Sunday to
a standing committee status.
Of course there have been many other changes so far this year,
but I think you get the idea. I’d like to thank both the
membership at large and the Executive Board for their involvement
and hard work in prompting and managing change this year. When
I think of all the other changes you are experiencing in your
workplace and personal lives, I am truly astounded that so much
has been accomplished in such a short time. I remain convinced
that those in the Financial Aid profession have especially keen
abilities to handle and accommodate change.
Have a great Summer!
Jon Gruett
“Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the stranger)
Ch-ch-Changes
Oh, look out you rock 'n rollers
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the stranger)
Ch-ch-Changes
Pretty soon you're gonna get a little older
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
I said that time may change me
But I can't trace time”
- David Bowie
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