January in Minnesota

Submitted by: Gayle Yamry, MAFAA President Elect

January in Minnesota, high temp is the low 20’s and low temperatures in single digits with record lows reaching in the negative 20 degree marks. Fortunately thus far winter has been warming than the average so it’s a great time to come and visit our winter wonderland.

Things are busy moving and shaking it up here in Minnesota. This past October we hosted our 4^th annual fall training day. We had a jam packed training day with 13 different training sessions that 260 members participated. Big Thank you to Kimberly Wells (Federal Trainer), and our many other volunteer presenters and business partners for making the day a success.

I also had the privilege to attend the Missouri State Conference at Lake of the Ozarks in November through the State President Exchange sponsored by MASFAA. Thanks again to MASFAA, MASFAP and everyone in Missouri for being so kind and generous with their time making me feel welcome. I learned a lot and returned with some great ideas for future conference and trainings in Minnesota.

Here in Minnesota we just completed our elections for new members to the 2016-2017 executive counsel.  We congratulate and thank them for their commitment to MAFAA.

President-Elect:                Shannon O’Brien, Minneapolis Community Technical College

Vice President:                  Bridget Johnson, Anoka Ramsey Community College

Secretary:                            Thomas Lorendo, Saint Paul College

Treasurer-Elect:                Gary Forst, Anoka Ramsey Community College

The MAFAA Professional Development committee has been busy and has slated upcoming trainings for every level of professional working with students and financial aid administration. More information can be found on our website at www.mafaa.org . All trainings are free as a part of MAFAA membership.

January 26, 2016              Financial Aid 101 for financial aid professionals with less than 5 years of experience.

February 23, 2016            Financial Aid 201 for supervisors, managers, directors and senior staff who aspire to be effective leaders.

March 8, 2016                    Student Employment Workshop, for professionals to network with each other and learn the best practices for work study administration and student development and supervision.

April 5^th, 2016                     Financial Aid for Non-Financial Aid Professionals, FA basics, tips and tricks for all individuals outside the financial aid office that work with students. Enrollment counselors, Business office staff, High School Guidance counselors, etc. are welcome to attend.

Another upcoming event to look forward to is our annual MAFAA Spring Training Conference which will be held May 4-6, 2016 At Maddens Resort, Brainerd Minnesota.  More info to come as the agenda takes shape and our conference planning committee pulls together another great conference.

I am also looking forward to attending the NASFAA Leadership & legislative Conference February 22-24, 2016. As President elect I will be attending the Association Management Pathway Sessions and Capitol Hill visit. My goal is to get a jump start to planning the 2016-2017 and to create some lasting professional relationships with others who have a passion for administering financial aid assistance and helping student meet their education goals.