“Keep your chin up, your kilt down and your back to the wind” – (an old Scottish proverb)

At the retreat, which occurred in Williamsburg June 11-13, I spoke with incoming Board members and committee chairs. I asked that we add value to whatever we do for VASFAA’s membership. We are required to remember that we are all members of VASFAA. Members serving in the capacity of the Board and as Committee Chairs need to provide beneficial, accurate, and trustworthy information and opportunities to the membership. If we remember to report on what we offer based on how we would like it to be offered and reported, then I believe we will be on the right track to serving the membership.

It appears that this approaching year will be full of changes in HEA and laws affecting the financial aid community, so the federal and state relations committees will be united into the government relations committee. It is extremely important for both groups to know how one affects the aid offices in the Commonwealth and how the laws affect and interact with one another on the state and federal level. Combining the two committees is not a new concept, just one that needs to be in effect for next year.

Since we have been having one annual conference for the last three years, it is time to economize and become even more cost-effective. After listening to the members at their sector meetings in May, VASFAA will be working to make the annual conference full of training opportunities that go back to the basics, without sacrificing the quality to which we have grown accustomed. This is a big goal but not an impossible one. We are working on an amended contract approach with the Marriott at City Center in Newport News and will be conferencing next May 18 – 21. Keep those dates open on your calendars!

Awareness continues to be a major thrust of the association. With February 2008 fast approaching, it will be no less important as we continue to serve families that have experienced VASFAA’s strong training efforts in the past. We served more participants at more hosting institutions last year than ever before at our Super Saturdays. They are welcomed across the commonwealth along with other groups like VCAN, with their mission of access, and ECMC, teaching financial literacy to Virginians. We will only expand our outreach efforts in 0708.

Secondary School Relations draws on the resources of our high school counselors for training and for college nights. This year will be no exception. More hosting institutions will open their doors to counselors for training opportunities, which will assist us in directing students to higher education opportunities both in the Commonwealth and out of state.

Diversity continues to touch our lives in our offices daily. This year, a broadened approach to diversity will be evident in our training on this important topic. As the world shrinks in light of migrating populations coming to this nation for a new start, financial aid staff needs to know effective ways of welcoming these groups without abandoning the standards for service that we embrace.

The VASFAA Voice continues to serve a need for communicating worthy news about what VASFAA does and highlights activities of the membership. We will continue efforts to improve the content of this newsletter and make it friendlier to the membership. No one should feel daunted in submitting a story to the editor for print. If it’s worthy to tell, it’s worthy of print. So keep those articles coming to our editor!

The same holds true with our approach to immediate communication to the VASFAA listserv through our Electronic Services committee. If anyone has an interest in serving VASFAA in this way, there is always an opportunity available in VASFAA. This vital area needs members willing to offer their expertise as technology follows the “constant of change”.

Membership has always been a favorite committee of mine. Membership keeps the doors of VASFAA open to members of the Commonwealth who are in the financial aid community. New members are received and welcomed and invited to make a difference in VASFAA. We extend a warm invitation to the newest of members, especially those who attended the new member reception at the VASFAA conference in May, to volunteer for committee service. We’ll assist you to begin the path to building opportunities of success, both for colleagues and for the students we serve.

Site selection for the 2009 annual conference will be starting, with the intent to finalize a sight at the winter Board meeting. If anyone has ideas for hosting sites that are quality and affordable, contact Brenda Burke, President Elect for 2007-08.

Training will consolidate their efforts into one working committee with specialties for Conference training,
Experienced Aid, and Support Staff training opportunities. Funds will be combined to reflect the value of
membership dues and vendor support and will work to offer a variety of training workshops throughout the year, throughout the Commonwealth. Be watching for an early start to training as this year promises to be full of changes that affect our offices and students.

Vendor-Sponsor support will be challenged to operate as in previous years but with federal legislation redefining what vendors are able to do to assist sponsoring association activities. A “wait and see” approach is all we can hope for at the present time. We still need vendor support for the activities we plan for membership!

Public Relations will continue to bring our best to the communities we serve. We need a visible image showing the good that VASFAA provides to students and families. Publications will need to show just how valuable VASFAA is to Virginia by highlighting the good that members do on and off their campuses. Archives will continue to keep VASFAA’s memories alive by storing the data we present today for tomorrow’s heritage. Memorabilia is always welcome to our archives. Our photographer will be around at VASFAA events to keep the memories clear for future VASFAA members. (And to remind past and current members how hard they have worked for the good of this association!)

Sectors provide the internal diversity of our association. Discussions generally are reserved for the annual conference. Perhaps, this is the year we need discussion among ourselves in the sectors we represent. By bringing these items to our newsletter and to gatherings keeps VASFAA’s vitality alive.
Strategic Planning will be charged with reviewing the present plan, which will be reviewed for continuation in 2009 – 2014. No association can exist without a strategic plan. As we work through the year, a much needed review of our initiatives will be addressed.

By-laws, the P&P, and Awards & Nominations are the skeleton of VASFAA. With updating and keeping the By-laws and Policy and Procedures Manual relevant to the current membership, we are able to sustain our working framework. Recognizing members who have performed admirably for the membership and who deserve leadership positions within VASFAA, helps to keep members reflective of their efforts.

VASFAA hasn’t always had an opportunity to do research to further and round out its mission, but this year would be a good time to bring this feature to reality in VASFAA. Those of you who are researchers in your offices, come forward and volunteer to assist in this fledgling committee. It is bound to be a success as we review some of the questions we have relating to the financial aid community.

Last but not least, our financial goals and objectives through the Treasurer and the Past President remain the strength of our existence. We need these financial tools and resources to back up the activities that we offer. Keeping our financial resources strong and clean are guarantees for VASFAA’s future.

So, in summary form, these are the goals of the year on how VASFAA will operate during 2007-08. As a volunteer myself, I see that it is going to be a full-time job keeping this association on track with these goals. I believe in leading by example, so please join me as you offer your expertise and much needed
spirit into VASFAA 2007-08. Remember, "refreshing the spirit, meeting the constant of change". Neither can be done without you, the vital component of VASFAA. Join with me in this year of meeting change and let’s be refreshed together.

Thanks for your support!