The 2025-2026 MASFAA Executive Council met this summer to review our constitution and bylaws, as they had not been updated in several years. We have made the following recommendations for updates, which will help us work more efficiently and accurately reflect what we do. Please submit your vote to approve or deny the changes. The last date to submit your vote will be Thursday, November 20th, the first full day of the annual conference.
The most recent version of the MASFAA Constitution and Bylaws was adopted in 2023. This is a summary of the proposed changes:
- Fixed spelling, grammatical errors, adjusted to gender-neutral language, and changed references to things sent by mail to include electronic formats
- Added “informed” to our mission, as we are committed to keeping membership informed
- Changed that the vision will be voted on by Executive Council annually so we can continue to look forward and grow instead of having a static vision statement
- Updated that support staff who are actively involved in financial aid at post-secondary institutions in MA are active members instead of associate members
- The list of lifetime members will be posted on the website instead of needing to amend the constitution anytime one is added
- Changed a quorum from 25% to 10% of active members to reflect the reality of our typical voting base and to be more in line with other associations
- Updated that quorum is for regularly called meetings or votes of the Association
- Removed the specific dollar amount of membership dues as it was outdated and should be in the Handbook instead
- Pushed back dates for elections and nominations to avoid the typical gap that occurs during winter break
- Changed references to officers or employees shall be bonded to may be bonded
- Added that the Secretary shall provide advice and counsel to the newly elected Secretary
- Changed that a vacancy in a Member at Large position may be filled by appointment by Executive Council to match current procedures in the Handbook