Welcome to the Winter issue of the VASFAA Voice—the second issue of 0506. By now, you have opened your holiday presents and made the annual run to return those that don’t fit because Aunt Sophie forgot that you are older and heavier and so on…. Soon you will be thinking about heading to the beach for the annual conference—where does time go? Personally, I hope each and every one of you had a relaxing and enjoyable break with family and friends. My Christmas will be very special this year with my first grandson and I’m looking forward to it. As a coincidence, I am babysitting him right now so mom and dad can get out of the house for a few hours. As all of my friends have said, being a grandparent is wonderful.

By the time you get this, you will be preparing for or working hard at Spring registration, disbursements and all of the other semester startup activities. Just remember that there are others like you who are facing the same situations as you and would be happy to share their stories. They are your colleagues in VASFAA. You truly are not alone, so lean on them as the need arises.

This issue focuses on Training. VASFAA is committed to the professional development of all of its members. The training opportunities offered by your association are important tools to assist you, and those who may report to you, as you seek to look for valuable solutions applicable to your operation. Some events are already scheduled and can be found on the association website.

In this issue, we are repeating an article by the Nominations and Elections Committee at their request. They are busy identifying candidates for VASFAA leadership positions. If you have not already added your name to the potential slate of candidates, now is the time. You may also be aware of other worthy candidates who just need a professional nudge. Contact Tom Morehouse, our past president, who is leading this effort. He will be delighted to hear from you. Speaking of Mr. Morehouse, check out other sections of the newsletter to see the recent changes in his life.

In the world of higher education finance, recent events have certainly caught your attention. As I write this, votes are being taken in the House and Senate that may affect student options dramatically. The marketplace is buzzing with new mergers and acquisitions and “0” fee announcements for Stafford Loans and the effect that Reconciliation and Reauthorization legislation will have on the entire landscape. Hopefully, you have made your opinions and concerns known by now to your congressional representatives. If you haven’t, there is still time as Reauthorization is likely on the table in 2006. Keep in touch with your Federal Relations Committee members.

The Newsletter Committee is still seeking a willing participant from the Private Career School sector to join our committee. If you are interested, please contact me directly at 301-942-9525 or via my email address below.

The next issue of the newsletter is scheduled for publication on April 10th. Please send your input by March 15th to me at gary.a.spoales@bankofamerica.com.

Advertising is now a part of the Sponsorship program. Thank you once again to everyone who provided material for this newsletter. The entire association appreciates your efforts. As always, this issue’s contributors are listed at the end of the newsletter.

---

Article Guidelines
The Editorial staff will review all articles submitted for publication. Submissions should be of a professional interest to the association and not include marketing and/or advertising of products, services, websites or personnel.

Full articles should be no longer than two typed pages single spaced. It is requested that all submissions be provided in 10 pt size with Arial font type to save our publishing editor time and energy.

AD and Picture Guidelines
The online newsletter flows best with graphics submitted in .jpeg or .gif format. An ad should not be larger than 6'' in width. You may submit it in either full color or black & white according to your preference.

(Note: Ads are only accepted from Sponsors who chose an ad in the issue of their choice, based on availability)