In a letter sent to college leaders last week, NASFAA President and CEO Dr. Philip Day describes the importance of supporting ongoing professional association membership, conference participation, and training despite difficult economic times.

"I know and appreciate the tough budget decisions you are facing in the current economic climate," wrote Day, drawing on his previous 26 years of experience as a college CEO. However, he explained, "The cost of attending these professional association conferences is minimal when compared with the benefits of ensuring compliance and discovering more efficient approaches to helping families."

Day emphasized the importance of association meetings in identifying the most effective and efficient approaches to student aid administration. He wrote, "National, state, and regional conferences, including the NASFAA Conference in July 2009, allow aid administrators to share best practices, interact one-on-one with Department of Education officials, and receive comprehensive updates and training on the latest student aid requirements and trends."

"The more challenging our economic times, the more essential NASFAA membership, training, and advocacy become for institutions," Day explained.

The complete text of the letter, mailed on January 6 to all college presidents, chancellors, and CEOs for whom NASFAA has contact information, is available here.

Posted 01/12/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web Site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.