May State & Regional Association Updates
By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter
In this monthly round-up in Today's News, we would like to highlight what’s going on in your state and regional associations.
This month, we have the opportunity to hear from our colleagues from Texas, South Carolina, Illinois, California, Minnesota, and the Western Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (WASFAA).
Denise Welch, president of TASFAA (Texas), shares that the association’s New Aid Officer Workshop was on April 10-12 at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas. The workshop had 74 participants to learn about the Student Aid Index (SAI) and other financial aid topics, while being able to relax at the waterpark, she writes. The TASFAA Board met as well, which Denise says was very productive with good discussion.
“Our group was engaging and eager to learn. We are so excited to have new people to bring into our industry,” Denise shares.
Zachary Christian, president of SCASFAA (South Carolina), shares that the association recently held its annual New and Intermediate Aid Officer Workshop at Midlands Technical College. SCASFAA’s Professional Development Committee welcomed 54 attendees, which is the largest number of participants for this workshop in over a decade. Attendees heard relevant information on several financial aid concepts, attended a self-care session led by a licensed counselor, and received updates on FAFSA simplification from NASFAA’s Dana Kelly. “SCASFAA is pleased with the turnout and the ability to provide critical training and professional development to our members,” Zachary writes.
Elyse Weller, president of ILASFAA (Illinois), shares that the ILASFAA 2025 Conference will be held March 26-28, 2025, in East Peoria at the Embassy Suites by Hilton.
Rashinda Hutchinson, president of CASFAA (California), shares that registration is now available for CASFAA's Emerging Leaders Academy happening on July 15-19. “Check out the registration link and view our agenda for details on all the unique training opportunities that we'll be having during the week,” Rashinda writes.
Amanda Cantú, president of MAFAA (Minnesota), shares that the association offered members the chance to earn their NASFAA verification credential in March and will be offering the NASFAA professional judgement credential in May as a precursor to MAFAA’s annual spring conference at Madden’s on Gull Lake, from May 8-10.
Additionally, Amanda shared MAFAA’s annual elections results.
President-Elect: Jesus Hernandez-Majia (Minnesota State University, Mankato)
Vice President: Brynn Juranek (Rasmussen University)
Secretary: Monica Ehalt (Mayo Clinic College of Medicine)
Treasurer-Elect: Brittany Tweed (Metropolitan State University)
Elections for sector representatives (State, University of Minnesota, and Associate) are also underway and will be announced at the spring conference. Pam Engebretson of Century College will be MAFAA president at the conclusion of the spring conference. “We wish her and her board much success for the upcoming year!” Amanda writes.
Ashley Munro, Summer Institute chair of WASFAA, shares that the association’s Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute will be held at Boise State University June 3-7. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced tracks are available. “Join us in Boise for a week-long financial aid intensive training filled with fun, games and NASFAA credentials!” Ashley writes.
Amanda Cornelius, president of WASFAA, shares that the association held its annual conference in Portland, Oregon, in April. Additionally, three states/regions — Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific Islands, and Arizona –- in the association are having conferences in April and May. Amanda thanks NASFAA’s Karen McCarthy and Tim Maggio, along with NASFAA National Chair Helen Faith for representing NASFAA at the annual conference.
The membership and volunteer year starts anew on May 1, and there is a vote out to membership to change that operational year to July 1 to June 30, starting in 2025, Amanda shares.
Check back next month to see what your colleagues are doing across the country, and check out your colleagues’ updates from previous months!
Publication Date: 5/15/2024
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