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South Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

Long-Range Plan 2019-2024

Mission Statement

SCASFAA is a community of professionals promoting the advancement of financial assistance programs as an essential part of student access to post-secondary education. In a collaborative effort, SCASFAA provides personal and professional development opportunities that embrace sound principles, practices, and ethics of aid administration. SCASFAA develops future leaders by actively involving all members in an environment of mutual respect, cooperation, and support.

The Long-Range Plan seeks to ensure that the practices of SCASFAA effectively meet the mission of the Association. Values and goals are established based on the mission statement regarding the advancement of financial aid programs and ethical standards; the training, collaboration and leadership development of members; as well as sound organizational and financial practices to maintain the viability, honesty, and integrity of the Association.

The Long-Range Plan is inspired by four values:

1.      Adherence to sound, ethical principles and practices
2.      Advancement of financial aid programs and access to higher education
3.      Sustainment of a collaborative community demonstrating respect, cooperation, support, and engagement
4.      Enhancement of professional, personal, and leadership development

1.      Adherence to sound, ethical principles and practices

A.    GOAL: Ensure the By-Laws and Policies & Procedures, reflecting the mission and supporting the viability of SCASFAA, provide consistent direction to efficiently accomplish the current business of the Association.
OBJECTIVE: The Secretary and President-Elect will annually review the governing documents. The Secretary will conduct a review of the previous year’s minutes to ensure all approved policy changes have been incorporated.

B.     GOAL: Ensure that the Association maintains fiscal integrity in its operations.
OBJECTIVE: The Budget Committee and the Financial Planning Committee will annually review the Guide to Financial Management and Office of Treasurer and evaluate the Association’s adherence to its policies, including money management, budget preparation, and financial reviews.

C.    GOAL: Ensure that the Association promotes ethical standards and best practices.
OBJECTIVE: The Communications Chair will annually publicize the Code of Practices and the Statement of Ethical Behavior

2.      Advancement of financial aid programs and access to higher education

A.    GOAL: Ensure that the Association advocates positions that benefit the advancement of student financial aid, aspiring to a state in which all qualified students, regardless of financial resources, will have access to quality higher education.  
OBJECTIVE: Advocate positions that advance student financial aid, when a reasonable consensus exists, and encourage responsible and appropriate involvement by the membership. Annually identify contacts in government, organizations and agencies related to higher education; apprise them of the Association’s mission; and offer to provide guidance on student financial aid issues. Explore or expand activities that shape legislation, impact public support, and hone advocacy skills, such as organizing statehouse visits, writing editorial opinions, and conducting email campaigns.

B.     GOAL: Ensure that the Association promotes early awareness of and planning for higher education.
OBJECTIVE: Annually conduct outreach activities in schools and the community; enhance and supplement efforts by members and institutions; and actively cultivate a service-oriented culture promoting access to higher education.

C.    GOAL: Ensure that that the Association recognizes and enhances the role of financial aid administrators as student advocates, counseling professionals, and content experts. 
OBJECTIVE: Broaden members’ understanding and knowledge of student development theory, intentional advising principles, and financial literacy concepts through professional development and the sharing of resources.

3.      Sustainment of a collaborative community demonstrating respect, cooperation, support, and engagement

A.    GOAL: Ensure that the Association’s membership, committees, and Board are inclusive and value different perspectives.
OBJECTIVE:Aggressively recruit members, select appointees, and seek nominees who reflect the diversity of the financial aid administrators in the state, including gender, ethnicity, geography, sectors, level of experience, and other characteristics that shape our viewpoints.

B.     GOAL: Ensure that the Association engages all institutions in the training and networking we offer in support of the compliant and efficient administration of student financial aid.
OBJECTIVE: Increase membership and extend participation to all Title IV-eligible schools in the state. Explore or expand initiatives such as campus visits, trial memberships, conference scholarships, and letters to the upper administration of schools and the technical college system.

C.    GOAL: Ensure that the Association encourages collaboration between members, institutions, and agencies for the advancement of student financial aid and the benefit of aid administrators.
OBJECTIVE: Provide engagement opportunities for all levels of experience and resources. Avoid entrenchment and cliques, welcoming newcomers and sharing the Association’s history and traditions. Encourage collaboration through interactions such as networking events, inter-association exchanges, advisory committees, legislative advocacy, and participation in regional and national associations.

4.      Enhancement of professional, personal, and leadership development

A.    GOAL: Ensure that the Association provides quality training to enhance the knowledge and competency of the membership.
OBJECTIVE: Provide relevant, engaging, innovative, accessible, and cost-effective professional and personal development opportunities that cover financial aid basic and advanced topics, current regulatory and legislative issues, technological advances, human relations, and student development.

B.     GOAL: Ensure effective, continuative leadership of the Association while promoting the development of future leadership that fosters energy, diversity, and inclusivity.
OBJECTIVE: Provide opportunities for volunteerism at all levels to help identify members with leadership aspirations and capabilities. Recognize outstanding performance and nurture emerging leaders. Explore and expand initiatives such as sponsoring members to attend leadership symposiums, forming a leadership pipeline, and implementing a chair-in-training program.

C.    GOAL: Ensure a successful transition of the Association’s leadership.
OBJECTIVE: Annually organize a successful transition of leadership in which out-going Board members share complete records, reports, and calendars. New Board members are thoroughly prepared and able to acknowledge an understanding of their duties and the Association’s governing documents and budget.


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