SASFAA Annual Report 2004-2005 continued...
Dept of Education Liaison
Greg Martin once again represented the Dept of Education as our liaison.
The information he shared was both timely and assisted us in formulating
goals for the year in relation to Reauthorization. As always, Greg
provided us with an opportunity to ask questions, get up-to-date information
and clarified those items and topics which were causing confusion
such as “Conflicting Information”. In addition to providing
the Board with information, Greg also submitted newsletter articles
whenever possible to keep the members abreast of pertinent information.
Diversity Committee
Under the guidance of Dee Talley, the Diversity Committee accomplished
the following goals and objectives for this year:
-
Promoted a greater understanding, acceptance and
respect for diversity
-
Involved as many members as possible
-
Developed diversity needs other than race concerns
-
Planned a Multi-cultural Leadership Symposium
-
Planned a tour of the Martin Luther King Center
-
Planned four interest sessions that relate to the
profession of student financial aid
-
Secured a general session speaker, Mark Abelsson
-
Developed a diversity survey to determine the needs
of the membership
Dee and her committee were able to develop activities which were
designed to provide professional growth to the membership, as well
as to provide opportunities for members to serve and actively contribute
to the association. By offering the leadership symposium, the committee
was seeking to promote the development of future associational leaders.
As our association continues to grow and it becomes more diverse,
it is essential that effective and passionate leaders are developed
to guide and represent SASFAA in the future. As part of this development,
a participant of the symposium was awarded the opportunity to attend
the NASFAA Leadership workshop in March. The only requirement was
that they had never participated in the workshop before. The recipient
(whose name was drawn out of a hat) workshop registration fee was
paid for as well as the travel expenses including their hotel room
charges.
Activities of the Diversity Committee were published in the newsletter.
In addition, pre-conference information about the symposium was posted
on the SASFAA website and on the listserv.
Dee challenged her committee to promote a difference aspect of diversity
other than race relations. They are to be commended for offering Mark
Abelsson, a human relations consultant as a general speaker. Mr. Abelsson
presented on the topic, “Sexual Orientation Issues in the Workplace”.
Though some of the membership was surprised by the topic, Mr. Abelsson
did an extremely fine job on a very emotional topic.
Dee made the following recommendations:
- Increase the budget for the committee. As it continues to provide
more and more for the association, the expenses are becoming greater
and greater.
- Though the primary means of communication was via conference calls
and emails, at least one face-to-face meeting needed to be conducted
in order to save time and discuss issues.
- Consider continuing the Multicultural Leadership Symposium as a
pre-conference activity.
- Consider limiting the number of committee members. Even though
representation from every state was sought, Dee felt it wasn’t
necessary to have 9-12 members in the committee as goals could still
be met with fewer members.
- Continue to pursue other areas of diversity, and not just race
relations. Strive to think “outside of the box”.
Dee and her committee are to be commended for all their hard work
and accomplishments!
|
JUNE
2005
