OASFAA Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

Marriott Columbus Northwest, Dublin, Ohio

March 31, 2006

 

Pamela Arrington

Amy Baker                   

Robin Belleville

Doran Brock*

John Brown

Tina Coulter

Deb Divers*

Kacy Duling*

Roger Eldridge

Steve England

Suzanne Fahrer

Jason Florack*

Mary Kay Freshour

Sandy Gilbert*

Ann Marie Gruber*

Greg Guzman

Lee Harrell*

Gail Houtz

Angela Johnson

Betsy Johnson

Jeanette Jones

Michael Jones*

Kim Landis*

Tasha McDaniel*

Jennifer Minyo

Rebecca Moore

Kim Nash-Yore

Melony Ohalek

Mayme Patthoff*

Mary Lynn Perri

Faith Phillips*

Lisa Pitkin

Francis Robbins

Wendell Schick*

Michiale Schneider*

Carmen Sears-Edwards*

Charles Shahid*

Jo Slade

Pam Stimpert

Stephanie Sutton

Emily Swain

Lee Ann Timmerman*

Randy Ulses

Jerry Wade

Michele Wade

Karen Wallace

Claudia Wenzel

Cheryl Willard*

 

Absent*

 

I.  Announcements and New Business                             Mary Lynn Perri

 

Meeting began at 10:20am.

 

Announcements:  Billie Hensley is here representing Mayme Pathoff.  Thanks to GLHEC for the room and lunch.

 

A)      Web Page Overview

 

Discussion:  Update from the Ad Hoc Committee.  Betsy gave a handout, which is included below.  Betsy reminded us that we passed an OASFAA list-serve policy in the December, and nothing has been communicated to the membership. 

 

Betsy is recommending that we have a person other than the VP for Training to maintain this website.  However, the VP for Training would oversee this process. 

 

Michelle Wade suggested we decide how this position fits within the organizational structure and the expectations of this position.  Suggestions as to who could manage this site:  VP for Training, Communications Chair, Past President with a chair of this committee.  The Ad Hoc Committee recommends that we have a person who reports to the Past President.  Frances suggested that all posting come through as a request to this person.  Should we have two people so we have a backup?  Gail offered affirmation that we’re moving in the right direction.  This position would update the web and monitor the list-serve as opposed to sending communications out to the list-serve.

 

MASFAA has a web person and all communications are funneled through that person. 

 

Betsy moved that we have a new committee/chair to review the website and to be called web manager under Past President.  The responsibilities would monitor the OASFAA list-serve and the web page.  A second was offered by Robin Belleville.

 

Randy Ulses shared that we need to give this person authority to make decisions without the approval of Executive Committee. 

 

Amend by Claudia.

 

Claudia moved that we take their suggestions and requests that were offered by the Ad Hoc Committee and give authority to the web manager to make decisions without the approval of the entire Executive Committee. 

 

OASFAA Ad-Hoc Committee to review the web summary

 

Key points:

·         Timely updates (regional news, business minutes, gazette contact info)

·         Organized structure (dates on various pages and what they mean)

·         Consistency (calendar postings)

·         Grammar monitoring (member services page and early awareness)

 

Front page:

·         Both paragraphs need reworded.  Links in second paragraph are both the same, reduce to one.

·         Dates with features – what do they mean, should it say date posted beside

·         Updated date at bottom with privacy and terms, is that an overall updated date or when we updated privacy and terms?

·         Move privacy and terms link to top menu

·         Delete News from top menu

·         Add user agreement to listserv under members only menu

o        to send message must go through extra window that lists policies on sending a message and this is where click “I agree” to user agreement

·         Added Gazette under members only menu and list only current year issues (correct contact people at top of page)

·         Change menu in left margin to include:

o        Home

o        About OASFAA

o        Join Now

o        Member Services

o        Governance Documents

o        Committees

o        Awards

o        Spring Conference

o        Winter Conference

o        College Goal Sunday

o        About Financial Aid (or Financial Aid Links)

o        Events/Training Calendar

o        Sponsors

o        Administrative Services

 

About OASFAA:

·         President’s welcome

·         What is OASFAA and why should I join

o        Combined verbage on page including text from what’s in it for me, with a sentence about the membership brochure that has an embedded link to the brochure

o        Add statement that is currently on bottom of front page of about OASFAA to this page

o        Mission statement link

o        Explain regional structure (link to map)

o        Executive committee – link to org chart with names 

Join Now:

·         Text from Membership Info currently housed under Member Services (and delete from Member Services page)

 

Member Services:

·         “Please consider joining” click here to learn why it would benefit you to join (membership brochure)

·         Remove check membership status

·         New option – Check and or Update your membership profile

·         Create how to join brochure?

·         All options with “M” moved to top menu under members only

·         Delete FAQ statement at top of page

·         Move regional news to under members only section (expectation of maintaining this?)

 

Governance Documents:

·         Constitution

·         Policies and Procedures

·         Code of Ethics

 

Committees:

·         Include description of committee responsibilities

·         Why need to be member?

·         Why link to minutes if not being used? (archiving of old ones?)

·         Outreach is only one to list members

·         Need Analysis – add Alan M. Donley to chair info

 

Awards:

·         List similar to now under about OASFAA

·         Brief descriptions for each tied to link

·         Link for most recent recipient with comments (except Alan Donley)

 

Spring Conference:

·         Registration info

·         Program info

·         Presentations

·         Business notes

·         Teasers for upcoming conference

 

Winter Conference

·         Registration info

·         Program info

·         Presentations

·         Business notes

·         Teasers for upcoming conference

 

College Goal Sunday

·         Link to ticket

·         List next year’s date until ticket available

 

About Financial Aid (or Financial Aid Links)

·         Current page called resources

 

Events/Training Calendar

·         Follow guidelines previously approved by exec

·         Investigate adding RSVP to e-mail of person who posted (would help regional reps)

·         when posting event to calendar, should not default to admin, but force selecting a type

 

Sponsors

·         List of sponsors from the past year

·         General sponsorship agreement posted 8/1 or an announcement of when that site will go live if not ready on 8/1

 

Administrative Services

·         Same as currently under that heading on member services page

·         For what is primary contact utilized?

 

B)      Begin looking/approving P&P updates

 

Claudia mentioned that we need to update the responsibilities of the committee chairs and elected officials.

 

We need to look at Treasurer-Elect and some other new positions.  Find the final copy of the P&P Manual.  John Brown and Michelle Wade might have copies to make corrections.

 

Claudia would like each Executive Committee Member submit their portion of the P&P Manual by the May Executive Committee Meeting.

 

      Wendell and Mary Kay will work with Mary Lynn on the P&P Manual.

 

Transition Meeting might be during the 3rd week of (June 20-21st).  Finance committee will meet first and then the rest of the committee will meet through the next morning. 

 

C)      Ohio Ethics

 

Discussion: 

An email was sent to the vendors concerning the issue of prizes and sponsorship at conference.  There was a six step process chosen and communicated.  Vendors will be recognized by signs.  An additional sign will be placed in front of the vendor area reminding attendees about the ethics policies for their school.  A reminder will be on the online registration and in the program.  It will also be included on the confirmation slip.  This covers the vendor and the attendee.

 

Make sure we are clear in what can and can’t be accepted.  For example, specify the vendor prizes versus the golf outing previous to the conference.  John Brown offered some clarification on the Ohio Ethics guidance.  If it benefits the individual recipient, there could be a problem.  Each institution has the own policy on this issue.

 

Individuals can personally pay for the golf outing and Cedar Point outing in order to remain in compliance.

 

1.       Reminder e-mail from Karen about sponsorships to include information

2.       Thank you e-mail from MLP for sponsoring and reminder about entertainment night, free night at conference to include information about Ethics Policy.

3.       Beginning of sponsorship form on ATAC to remind of policy.

4.       Confirmation for sponsorship to include policy

5.       Conference program?

6.       Signs posted at entrance of vendor area.

 

D)      Ohio Scholarship Program

 

E)      MASFAA Summer Institute Update

 

The price is $150 for commuters and $250 for residents with double occupancy.    $350 for single occupancy. 

           

II. Secretary’s Report                                                      Emily Swain

 

Cheryl Willard noted in an email a necessary correction from February 3rd minutes.  President of Michigan’s state conference is Kim Donat.  Emily made the change.

 

Claudia moved to approve the minutes and a second was given by Randy Ulses.

 

III. Treasurer’s Report                                                     Betsy Johnson

 

Greg asked about the CGS account being separate.  There was also discussion about items under VP for Training and CGS Corporate Development.

 

Betsy gave an online demonstration for QuickBooks.

 

IV. Regional Representatives Reports

 

A.)    Northeast                                                          Jason Florack

 

            Summary of activities:

 

·         Held Regional Meeting #3 (also the Need Analysis training) on Friday February 17 at Baldwin-Wallace College.  Turnout (5 attendees, including 3 from the host school) was extremely low as compared to both regional meetings in the recent past and Need Analysis training sessions in the past.  However the Need Analysis Committee did a great job and the response from the attendees seemed to be positive.

·         Confirmed all details (location, food, presenters, sponsor, etc.) for Regional Meeting #4 at Lakeland Community College on Thursday, March 16.

·         Confirmed the majority of details (location, food, sponsor, and all but one of the presenters) for Regional Meeting #5 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday, April 13.

 

            Activities planned but not yet completed:

 

·         Will finalize presenters for Regional Meeting #5 within next one to two weeks.

·         Thursday March 13 – Will hold Regional Meeting #4 at Lakeland Community College.

·         Friday March 24 – Will send out e-mail to region with initial invitation to Regional Meeting #5.

·         Monday April 3 - Will send out e-mail to region with final invitation to Regional Meeting #5.

·         Thursday April 13 – Will hold Regional Meeting #5 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

 

            Recommended discussion items for the Executive Committee:

 

I would like to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of combining the Need Analysis annual training with one of the regional meetings.

 

Discussion:  Who is responsible for paying for the need analysis training at the regional meeting?  Need analysis prefers to announce the training.  They have enough money in their budget.  Do we want to have 4 or 5 regional meetings?  Do you include Need Analysis?  Robin indicated that she thinks having 5 meetings is adequate based on her attendance.  Jo Slade said she’s had lower participation in the spring of ’06.  She believes the topics are appropriate yet attendance was down.  Karen Wallace has attended some in the SW, but attendance has been average.  Randy said SW struggles because of the space of their region.  NE seems to be doing well.  Amy Baker and Betsy suggested 4-5 meetings depending on the year.  For example, OBR had regional meetings.  What happens to sponsorship if we allow the regional reps determine 4 or 5 meetings?  See if there is money left over or ask for the 5th meeting sponsorship due to the popularity of sponsorship for regional meetings.

 

Tina Coulter asked why we have the policy of only attending one meeting for “free” if not a member.  Mary Lynn said Mark Bandré established this rule a couple of years ago.  Tina said that non-members don’t get an email; she sends it on to those staff members within her office. 

 

Angela suggested that at the transition meeting we plan for the calendar for next year.  Claudia said that at the “transition meeting” we’ll actually be planning for the next year instead of “transitioning.”  She asked for suggestions to be given to her for the agenda.

 

Randy said it’s three-fold:  planning, assessment of how many regional meetings should be held, and the membership issue across OASFAA.  With the switch of the timing of membership dues, the members who don’t attend Winter Conference often get lost and don’t renew. 

 

Can we send a notification that if you’re not coming to Winter Conference, remember to renew your membership.  This would allow schools to cut one check for Winter Conference and membership dues.

 

Randy reminded us that we need to promote membership, even if in the middle of the year.

 

Angela asked what the yield rate was for “free attendees” at regional meetings?   Is the goal to train Financial Aid professionals or just Financial Aid professionals who are members?   Does the conference lure members to attend regional attendance or does attendance to regional meetings lure members to attend conference?

 

Claudia would like to have a paper training calendar for 2006-2007.  Highlight December as “membership month.”  Anyone can pay membership dues early for the next year.  Can you register for Spring Conference without being a member?

 

B.)    Northwest                                                          Robin Belleville

 

Summary of activities:

 

Mike Clouse distributed the Winter Conference door prize at conference

 

Many thanks to Mike for sending out emails re College Goal Sunday to drum up volunteers and to spread the word about site locations.

 

Successful regional meeting in February at BGSU main campus.  Needs Analysis presented their presentation to a packed room (33 people).  Will have to get a larger room for next year as we had a large turnout and lots of last minute RSVPs.

 

Helped get info out to region re OCOG videoconference.  Had one site within region (BGSU main campus).  20 attendees.  BGSU’s  tech department is still waiting to hear from Charles regarding the video taping.  Originally were going to charge $15 for a VHS and $20 for DVD. 

 

Activities planned but not yet completed:

 

March regional meeting:  Friday, March 24th at UT.  Topics will include IRS Requirements and Verification and Loan Consolidation:  How Budget Reconciliation Alters What We Know Today

 

April 28th regional meeting:  Friday, April 28th at Heidelberg College.  Topics will include Student Retention and Bankruptcy.  Tentatively Communication Issues in the FAO (have to touch base with speaker again, may not be able to do due to time needed for other presentations)

 

 

C.)    Southeast                                                         Jo Slade

 

The Needs Analysis committee held its training in the Southeast Region on February 24th at Methodist Theological School, Delaware.  Although the attendance numbers were low, the training was well presented and proved to me worthwhile.

 

The meeting scheduled for March 29th was cancelled due to the poor response.  The timing of this meeting since many institutions are currently preparing for awarding may be the reason.

The last regional meeting is scheduled for April 21st at OU, Zanesville. Topics will be Consolidation & Debt Management.

 

Included in the March email with regional announcements will be a reminder from Claudia that OASFAA is currently seeking nominations for Southeast Regional Rep.

 

D.)    Southwest                                                         Doran Brock     

 

V. Executive Committee Reports

 

A.)    VP for Training                                       Randy Ulses     

 

1.)     Support Professional Committee

 

2.)     Need Analysis

 

Summary of activities:

 

The Need Analysis Committee held all four regional training events.  The training went very well, but there was low attendance at some sites.  Approximately 50 people attended the training.  B.G.S.U. had approximately 30 in attendance and all seemed to enjoy the day.  Surveys were positive and all in attendance recommended that the session be presented again next year. 

 

John Brown from Great Lakes has agreed to transport the large number of unused binders to Great Lakes for storage.  The Need Analysis Committee will be able to reuse left-overs for the next year. 

 

All bills have been submitted to the Treasurer for reimbursement.

 

Carmen has indicated that several OASFAA members have indicated that they are interested in serving on the 0607 Need Analysis Committee.

 

Activities planned but not yet completed:

 

No additional activities have been planned for the remainder of the year.

 

3.)     NASFAA Training

 

                  Summary of activities:

 

Training workshop held February 23rd at Franklin University.   27 in attendance.

 

Failed to indicate in last report that in late December, OASFAA Website was update to include “Privacy & Terms” at the base of the nav bar given Executive Committee determination in December meeting.

 

4.)     Outreach Committee

 

Summary of activities:

         3/17/06 – held final committee meeting for 05-06

         Counselor Workshops went well; approximately 741 attendees (2004 attendance = 834; 2003 = 898)

a.       490 Guidance Counselors; 69 Access Counselors; 21 Others

b.       Overall Score from evaluations = 95%

c.       Registration process greatest concerns – postcards were never received or received late:  looking at other options for next year (i.e., e-mails and different ways to acquire and maintain names and addresses of participants)

d.       2006 presentations will cover various Federal & State changes eliminating concerns about less pertinent topics in 05 presentation – *see Recommended discussion items for Exec. Committee

         Winter Conference Session on Conducting FAN – well received  approx. 20 in attendance    - if able to conduct another session in Winter 06 looking at “Understanding the Deficit Reduction Act and Ways to Communicate These Changes at a Financial Aid Night Presentation”

         FAFSA Deadline Survey – live on the OASFAA website under Resources

a.       Only 85 schools responded so far

b.       Will be providing this list to OCAN for the Ohio Higher Ed. List that is more involved

c.       OR would like Conference Planning to provide a copy of the current survey to the Spring Conf. Folders

 

Activities planned but not yet completed:

         OACAC Spring Conference (4/23/06 – 4/25/06) – will provide a table

         OACAC Articulations Scheduled for next year

a.       9/12/06 – Baldwin Wallace

b.       9/13/06 – Owens

c.       9/14/06 – Wright State Univ.

d.       9/15/06 – TBD (Central location)

         OCAN Advisor Training (10/16/06) – will provide assistance

         OCAN Conference (10/23/06 – 10/25/06) – will provide a table

         Counselor Workshops (wk of 11/27/06 – excluding Monday)

a.      Will have same sites and add new site in NW – TBD

b.      Considering KentTrumbull Campus vs. Kent Campus

         Planning 06-07 meetings, committee responsibilities, etc.

a.      Web maintenance person to work with new appointee

b.      E-mail/Counselor List person to maintain most up-to-date file

 

Recommended discussion items for Executive Committee:

         Budget for 2006

a.       Due to various Federal Changes will be important for OR representative to attend NASFAA (7/5/06 – 7/8/06) as well as EAC (10/30/06 – 11/1/06) to get most up-to-date information for articulations, workshops and regional meetings – requesting funding for 2 OR committee members to attend both conferences

b.       Requesting additional funding for handouts/resources to meet needs of additional outreach contacts

         Considering OASFAA Resource Guide that could be produced in bulk reducing some costs – still analyzing/getting quotes – Exec. Committee opinion needed

         Counselor Database on ATAC – would like to establish database on our website that will allow counselors to self-disclose/update their own information if they would like to receive OASFAA information, invitations, etc.

a.      Costs ?

b.      Can ATAC support this?

 

Recommended action items for the Executive Committee:

a.       Make decision on items in #3 ASAP since Outreach will need to begin planning ASAP for next year J

 

Discussion:  Last meeting was 3/17.  They have more and more outreach meetings and they’d like to send someone to NASFAA and EAC using OASFAA funds.  Will we reevaluate the budget for this committee?  Can they have one booklet with all the handouts for events?  They want a bound document (in bulk) acknowledging OASFAA.  They would use it for articulations and other events.  Additional handouts would be available.  It could save in an overall cost.  Could Early Awareness or Need Analysis use this bound document?

 

Concerns from Randy:  Branding of OASFAA needs to be quality.  Are we saving money in printing and then spending it on delivery from one site to another?  What do you do with leftovers?  These materials could be used at high school nights.  Tina believes that we’re already spending on delivery and printing.  They’d like to have a key person in each region deliver the materials.

 

Betsy’s curious about what could change over the course of time?  For example, reauthorization and EAC training can make a difference.  Tina said the information in the booklet would be generic.  Mary Lynn asked for an estimate to be given to the finance committee. 

 

We already pay for the President to attend NASFAA.  Mary Lynn said they’re willing to get give $1500 for EAC Conferences.  Mary Lynn believes that NASFAA is for more of a directorship person.  We’re already sending one person from OASFAA; that person should bring back the information to Outreach, Need Analysis, and other committees.  If the President of OASFAA can’t attend NASFAA, we should send another representative. 

 

The $500 should come out of Delegate and not the Outreach Budget. 

 

The person who represents OASFAA at these conferences, this person would be attending to get information not just to “network.”   

 

Mary Kay added that having the President from OASFAA attend with another OASFAA member in order to get as much as possible.  Angela added that we need to send at least two people. 

 

Claudia suggested that the Finance Committee needs to look at the budget before making a final decision.

 

Steve believes that enough people from OASFAA go to EAC and NASFAA; utilize or resources.

           

Can we have a High School Counselor Database?   Can this be added to ATAC?  The counselors could update their information and we could use it as a baseline database for the Outreach Activities.  Melony believes that the high school counselors see the OASFAA database.  Greg asked if we can work with OACAC, OBR, and OCAN to get these names.  Tina said we’re partnering with OACAC and OCAN already.

 

Mary Lynn said that we should investigate the cost with ATAC to keep this database. 

 

Randy asked “Whose problem is this that counselors don’t get the postcard?”  He suggests using the best list possible and put it on the OASFAA website.   Greg believes it’s exclusively our responsibility to get this information to the high school counselors. 

 

Ursuline College purchased a CD from ACT for a national database of high schools that only costs $125.  Could we ask ACT for an Ohio list?  It could be less expensive than going with ATAC.  Tina will keep a database that could go with the chair.  Tina recommended that we purchase the ACT database; it comes from the Outreach Budget.  Each committee would benefit.

 

5.)     Early Awareness Committee

 

Summary of activities: 

 

Committee meeting on February 28 in Columbus.  We discussed how to obtained middle school addresses.  We agreed not send the program information to every school in the state.  We are only going to send it to schools where there is not an access program present that works with middle schools. 

 

The program registration is now on the OASFAA website and we already have three middle schools signed up (without promoting it). 

 

Committee members are finalizing the speaker’s notes, which are due on March 29th.

 

Activities planned but not yet completed: 

 

Complete speaker’s notes and send letters to selected Ohio middle schools.   

 

6)       College Goal Sunday Committee

 

College Goal Sunday 2006 has been completed in its entirety.  Total costs were kept under $40,000, again.  We were up by over 1,000 participants state-wide from 2264 to 3166.  Volunteers were up slightly from 383 to 436.  Overall, the event was a huge success state-wide.   The follow-up meeting was held at Capital University on March 3, 2006 with most site coordinators participating.  Many suggestions were made and noted for next year’s chairs, yet to be determined. Evaluations were sent to Marcia Weston at NASFAA and we are waiting on the results.  NASFAA has informed us that Ohio will be sited as a “best practices” site for other states to learn from at this year’s NASFAA conference. 

 

Discussion:  Jerry Wade asked Emily to look up CGS stats from 2003 and 2004.  Claudia had the numbers he was looking for so Emily doesn’t have to find them.

 

Marsha Weston, NASFAA CGS Chair gave Greg an update on the grant.  We can request the second disbursement of $25,000.  The CGS Committee has been nominated for the Best Practice for NASFAA.

 

B)      VP for Conferences                                Angela Johnson

 

1.)     Corporate Development

                                   

Summary of activities:

 

General Sponsorship has received sponsorship payments from all but one sponsor.  Payment for the last sponsor is expected to be received by Friday, March 17.  Total amount for General Sponsorship will be $20400.

 

For Winter Conference 2005, we have collected all of the total dollars committed ($45,400) from the participating sponsors and exhibitors. Met at conference site and reviewed exhibit space. Contacted ATAC Corporation for last year Spring Conference template.  Spring sponsorship opportunities have been identified.

 

Activities planned but not yet completed:

 

Update website with sponsorship/exhibitor opportunities and conference details. Test and approve website prior to live date. Notify associate members 1 week prior to website live date.

 

Recommended discussion items for the Executive Committee:

 

Possibly discuss if vendors can buy more than one table at conference.

 

Discussion:  Can a vendor buy more than one table in the exhibit area?  We have 40 spots and 37 vendors.  We’d like to have breaks in the vendor area.  Most agree with each vendor having one table. 

 

2.)     Professional Development

 

No report at this time.

 

3.)     Conference

a.)     Site

 

Summary of activities:

 

We have received requests from moderators from 19 sessions for equipment.  These have been put into a spreadsheet for use when determining rooms and set up. 

           

Activities planned but not yet completed:

 

We will be emailing moderators for the remaining sessions to ensure we have captured all equipment needs.  We also need to know for those presenters who do not need our equipment which ones need power.  Power carts are not part of the standard equipment for the room (nor are podiums and microphones).

 

We also will be reviewing copied material left over from winter conference to see what needs are for spring conference.

 

b.)     New Member/Mentor

 

c.)     Program

 

Summary of activities:  Mission Possible: Student Success was chosen as the Spring Conference theme. 

 

Activities planned but not yet completed: The online program for Spring is near completion.  As of today several sessions and descriptions have not be submitted for the program.  Postcards have been created and will be sent to the printer in the next few days.

 

d.)     Entertainment

e.)     Registration      

 

Summary of activities:  Continuing to send out reminders to those who have outstanding bills for Winter 2005.  Submitted to Paula Gordon the information for Spring 2006 registration.

 

Activities planned but not yet completed:

 

·         Purchasing supplies for the upcoming conference:  Ribbons, envelopes, and any additional supplies the Conference Chair requests

·         Finalizing registration volunteer schedule

 

Recommended discussion items for the Executive Committee:

 

Items that need to be more clear in registration: 

a.       We do not accept credit cards

b.       Cancellation policy

c.       Have available the reasons we will accept cancellations and the reasons we will not.

 

Discussion:  There will be an update on the SMART Grant and Academic Grant during lunch on Thursday, which will extend the day. 

 

Angela reported that we’re on target for sponsorship and registration for April 5th.  An email was sent to the Associate Members informing them of the April 5th sponsorship date.

 

LeeAnn should have the program online by April 3rd.  Claudia encouraged us to secure a hotel reservation now.  Cancel if you can’t come; otherwise OASFAA loses a “deal” on from the contract.

 

John Brown suggested that we include a message within the “registration and hotel” email that suggests that we cancel hotel registration if not attending the conference.

 

Could Outreach include a document in the Spring Conference folder that encourages schools to submit the cost information to the Outreach Committee.

 

Could we accept credit cards for registration and have it as a sponsored item?  Would a lender offer OASFAA a merchant account?  Karen says it’s a possibility and that we need to have the numbers before investigating this.  Betsy suggested that we ask Chase Bank for an ACH transactions instead of credit cards.  Stephanie says that we could charge a processing fee.  Stephanie will check into this with Chase Bank for Winter Conference.  MASFAA recently began accepting credit cards.  We also want to ask what happens if a credit card transaction can be disputed or what happens if they cancel registration?

 

Becky suggested that we have the registration cancellation policy more out front to the participants.

 

4.)     Leadership

 

Summary of activities:

 

The Leadership Committee met at Baldwin-Wallace on February 7, 2006, to discuss the leadership program held during Winter Conference, 2005, and plans for Spring training.

 

Leadership training has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, 2006 during Spring Conference.

Sessions have been planned by members of the Leadership Committee, and include an interactive program that determines an individual’s ‘true colors’, training on situational leadership, an OASFAA information-based game, and a closing ceremony.

 

Activities planned but not yet completed:

 

Information will be sent to the Leadership Class of 2006 after Conference Planning notifies the membership of Spring Conference details.  To date, we have communicated via email with the class members – sharing basic information such as conference location and the leadership program schedule.

 

Spring Conference Leadership training.

 

Discussion:  There will be a “meet and greet” between Executive Committee and the Leadership Class.  Executive Committee members are asked to attend and bring business cards.  Reminders will be sent out by Gail.  It won’t be in the conference program because it’s by invitation only.

 

C.  President-Elect                                       Claudia Wenzel

 

Summary of activities:

Ø       Stephanie and I traveled to DC for the NASFAA Leadership Conference earlier this month.

 

Ø       0607 Elections are ready. The ballot is complete and the hope is to have elections on the web in Early April

 

Activities planned but not yet completed:

 

Ø       I’ve begun to give some thought to the transition meeting and would like to go into the direction of a retreat rather then a true transition…..more will follow as the 0607 executive committee takes shape

       

Recommended discussion items for the Executive Committee:

               

Ø       Connie Dubick from Kent State University has asked that I update the exec committee on the NSPA

 

Ø       MASFAA has offered to reimburse OASFAA $600 for the purchase of the CORE materials from NASFAA. Are we interested?

 

Ø       Wisconsin’s President has issued an invitation to all of the MASFAA states to participate in their first annual Leadership and Development program. WASFAA will cover room and meal expenses. Is OASFAA interested in sending someone? The retreat is June 6-8th in Door County, WI.

Recommended action items for the Executive Committee:

 

Ø       In preparation for ballots I reviewed the P&P and found some discrepancy to current policy that we should review.

 

Discussion:  Claudia is struggling with getting a SE regional representative.  The ballot is coming together. 

 

MASFAA is willing to reimburse OASFAA for the CORE materials ($600).  The materials could be used for Outreach and Need Analysis Committees.  Jerry asked if we would really use it.  At this time, we are not going to purchase it.  Jerry offered to make CD copies (for training use only).

 

The Wisconsin President has extended an invitation to each MASFAA state for a leadership track.  Anyone interested can contact Claudia.

 

NSPA are individuals who are creating policies and not a scholarship search.  Claudia has the details from Connie.  Tina affirmed this is not an overlap of the efforts of Tally Hart.

 

1.)     Nominations Committee

2.)     Finance Committee

3.)     Research

4.)     College Goal Sunday Corporate Development

 

Summary of activities:  On 1-30-06, a $1000 contribution was received from the Cleveland Browns organization, thanks to the efforts of Wendell Schick.

 

A grant application was submitted to the Ohio College Access Network (OCAN).  Although our grant request did not meet the spirit and intent of the grant, OCAN believes strongly in what OASFAA is doing with regard to College Goal Sunday.  There is current discussion in the works for some type of partnering and funding with OCAN per Mayme Patthoff.  We look forward to these partnering efforts.

 

Recommended discussion items for the Executive Committee:  Continued work with OCAN for development of a CGS partnership.

 

D.       Past President                                      Wendell Schick

 

1.)     Association Governance Planning

 

2.)     Membership

 

Summary of activities:

 

There are currently 679 members.  There are many people that have renewed their membership but I am waiting on payments.

 

Activities planned but not yet completed:

 

Going to be sending out letters to MASFAA and NASFAA members that are not members of OASFAA.

 

Recommended discussion items for the Executive Committee:

Do we want a survey sent out with the above mentioned letters?

 

3.)     Communication

 

Summary of activities:

            Currently working on the Spring 2006 edition of the Gazette (Fall is online)

 

Activities planned but not yet completed:

                  2 more editions of the Gazette

 

4.)     Regulatory Committee

a.)     State Issues

 

OCOG Video Conference occurred 3/9/06.  OBR Student Portal - Request from Tally Hart for OASFAA to name a representative from each region to discuss how OASFAA could help support the scholarship search data base and its upkeep.  Tally will call a meeting once members are identified.  Working on arranging two sessions for Spring Conference.

 

Discussion:  There is still discussion on whether or not to use the College Board product.  Is OASFAA interested in providing support in maintaining the OBR portal?  GEAR UP has identified 8 “light house” locations.  A “light house” location is where the GEAR UP program in a local high school.  It will then spread to the community and eventually the state.

 

University of Northwest Ohio has volunteered to work with a GEAR UP site.  Would OASFAA be willing to get involved?  Tally has suggested that it be the regional representative; however someone from each region, who is passionate about this, could volunteer.  Tally would like to schedule a meeting with these volunteers.  Should there be a point person between Tally and OASFAA?  Maybe one of the four volunteers could be the bridge.

 

b.)     Federal Issues

c.)     Reauthorization Issues              

 

Summary of activities:

 

I did a PowerPoint presentation on Reauthorization and Budget Reconciliation at the Northeast Regional meeting on March 16th at Lakeland Community College. The presentation seemed to be well received.

 

I’m currently reviewing in detail the provisions outlined in the Dear Colleague Letter that came out on March 10th regarding Budget Reconciliation and will be updating my presentation accordingly. 

 

Activities planned but not yet completed:

 

I am on the agenda for Spring Conference to present on this topic and am available for regional meetings as needed.

 

VI. Liaison Reports

 

A.)    OBR                                                           Charles Shahid

B.)    Great Lakes                                                Lee Harrell

C.)    OCAN                                                         Mayme Patthoff                                                

 

Discussion:  August 16th is an OCAN advisor training.  It will be a higher level training which will include an evaluation of the advisors.  The purpose is to cross-train the advisors.

 

Oct 23-25 is the OCAN Conference at the Columbus Marriott North.  Tracks include practitioners, leadership, and community engagement including student participation.

 

A membership directory is available on the OCAN website.  Mayme has volunteered to be a co-chair for CGS 2007. 

 

They want to get the cost of institutions within the state; they’re working with Lawrence Matthews.

 

VII. Old Business

 

 

Next Meeting – May 31st at Sawmill Creek Resort in Sandusky.

 

Betsy made a motion to close the meeting; a second by Emily.  All approved.  None opposed.