Report from the Newsletter Editor
Guy Gibbs

Section 8.1.1 of the SASFAA Policy and Procedure Manual states that, “The primary purpose of the newsletter is to disseminate information that may be on interest to the financial aid community.” Every effort was made during the year to meet this goal. The publication schedule of newsletters for the months of October, December, April and June were met. In addition, several monthly updates were published to keep the membership informed of activities occurring within the association.

As required by policy, the newsletter contained a calendar of training and development activities, board meeting highlights, message from the president, treasurer’s report, committee reports and state reports. In addition articles were used from various other sources that provided needed information about financial aid concerns and issues. Unsolicited materials that promoted goods or services from a particular vendor were not included in the newsletter; however, it was noted that on a couple of occasions, articles appeared on the Listserv that were probably not appropriate; however, they were posted by members of the association and had nothing to do with the newsletter and/or its content.

Section 8: Communications, of the SASFAA Policy and Procedure Manual, has been reviewed. Only one suggested change is noted at this time. The manual recommends, “An editorial board shall be formed each year to review and edit the content of submissions, assist in the solicitation and/or writing of articles, and help proof newsletters prior to publication.” While this is a notable goal, the current editor found that it was not always feasible. Instead of an editorial board, the current editor relied on assistance of office staff for assistance. Since ATAC is now editing the newsletter, this particular provision of the policy seems to lose some importance.

Suggested word change to the statement regarding an editorial board to the following: “An editorial board may be formed each year to review and edit the content of submissions, assist in the solicitation and/or writing of articles and help proof newsletters prior to publication.”

The newsletter editor would like to thank each elected board member, state president, committee chair and liaisons for the invaluable assistance given this year. Also thanks to those individuals not on the board and/or serving as chairs of committees for the submission of articles for publication.

The editor would also like to thank President Ron Day for his invaluable guidance and assistance during the year and for inviting him to serve as newsletter editor.

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