The Strategic Plan seeks to address the needs of the Association so that MASFAA can empower its members to be educated, engaged, and effective professionals and be recognized as a model for leadership and innovation in financial aid.
The 2017-2020 MASFAA Strategic Plan states that the direction for the next three years should focus on identifying how the organization can increase membership, and improve diversity and engagement, while using technology to enhance communication with its members and provide more frequent training opportunities that meet a variety of needs. The Plan also affirms that MASFAA should continue its state and federal legislative advocacy on behalf of its members and use its healthy financial reserves to support innovative capital investments in the organization’s future.
Dear MASFAA Colleagues,
I am extremely honored to serve as your MASFAA President for the 2020-2021 academic year. This past year as President-Elect, I learned a great deal from my colleagues on MASFAA’s Executive Council as well as from my presidential mentors Kevin Deruosi (MASFAA President 2019-2020) and Melissa Metcalf (Past MASFAA President 2019-2020). Working with individuals who give their heart and soul to this organization has truly been and continues to be awe inspiring!
The year of 2020 has certainly proven to be a challenging year for all of us working in financial aid and higher education. COVID-19 has turned our world upside down as we grapple with remote work environments, social distancing, and travel and budget restrictions just to name a few. Being able to stay connected with folks is important more than ever as we try to find ways to stay on top of ever-changing financial aid polices and regulations as a result of this pandemic.
Along with everyone else, MASFAA has learned to pivot to the changing needs of the organization. While we have not seen one another in person, your elected MASFAA officials and committee chairs attended its first virtual retreat in August and are busy planning training and professional development events for the upcoming year which will help you stay abreast of financial aid policies as well as provide you with a format to help you stay connected with your peers in our social distanced world right now!
I encourage you to check out our new MASFAA website to view upcoming events including our Financial Wellness Symposium being held on October 15th and our annual MASFAA Conference being held November 9th – 13th.
As we embark on the start of the new academic year, which I am sure looks and feels very different for many of us than in past years, I want to thank everyone who has volunteered their time to make our association what it is today. It is easy to get lost in our day to day responsibilities especially in today’s environment. Being able to be part of an organization that cares and helps one another is truly amazing.
I know these are stressful and challenging times right now, but I encourage you to find ways to stay connected. With so many of us working remotely, it is easier than ever to join a MASFAA committee! I encourage you to look at the various committees within MASFAA and join one that peeks your interests by completing the MASFAA Volunteer Form. I guarantee you that the work you do and the friendships you make by volunteering your time will be worthwhile!
I look forward to working with all of you and the members of the Executive Council during the upcoming academic year.
All my best,
Monica M. Blondin
MASFAA President 2020-2021
These guidelines last updated by NASFAA‘s Board of Directors 11/21/2017. Used by Permission.