CAPFAA Newsletter

The Mentoring Committee held its meetings -- in person and via conference call -- during the year as appropriate.  In each of our meetings we found ourselves discussing the committee’s purpose in light of a changed environment as well as “brainstorming” to see how we would like to continue outreach activities to new members of the Association and the Financial Aid Profession.  The Committee decided to join efforts with the CAPFAA Comprehensive Training Committee and have been fully engaged in preparing for the summer workshop geared toward new member training.

The change in CAPFAA’s financials made it difficult to intertwine the charge of our committee with that of ongoing CAPFAA events.  In past years we were able to piggy-back mentoring activities along with the CAPFAA Winter Conference.  Due to changes in the conference format we were unable to host any events or provide any specific sessions.  It would be our hope to again provide these interactive sessions to future conferences or workshops as the Association evolves.  

Completed:
- Coordinated financial aid nights across the state with financial aid presenters to provide shadowing and networking opportunities.
- Worked closely with the comprehensive training committee to deliver a 2-day Comprehensive Training Program May 26 and 27 at Quinnipiac University.  The details of the event will be presented in the report from Kelly O’Brien for Comprehensive Training Committee. 

Respectfully Submitted by Co-Chairs, Nick Yoia and Julie Savino
Committee Members: Claire Dwyer, Robyn Frick, Flo Lacroix, Elaine Solinga
Coordinating with Comprehensive Committee Chair: Kelly O’Brien

The Diversity and Multicultural Committee utilized CAPFAA’s quarterly news letters to promote awareness of popular cultural and heritage celebrations. The following are examples of some celebrations that were highlighted throughout the year.

“Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.” Hafsat Abiola 

The Electronic Initiative Committee continued to maintain and make the required updates, edits and enhancements to the CAPFAA web page and the CAPFAA listserv as requested.

New restrictions were added to the listserv where only current CAPFAA members are able to post and receive notifications via listserv.

A new CAPFAA event registration user guide was also created.  This gives detailed instructions on how to set up registration on the web for a specific CAPAFAA event.  Those conducting a CAPFAA event can contact the Electronic Initiatives Chairperson for a copy of these instructions.

The mission of the Newsletter Committee is to coordinate the online publication of 4 quarterly newsletters in January, April, July, and October. The Committee welcomes articles from CAPFAA members on subjects of professional interest (related to financial aid, higher education, and related topics) as well as light hearted member news and questionnaires.  Executive Council members and Committee Chairpersons utilize the Newsletter to solicit involvement and report progress in goals and initiatives. Upcoming conference and other time-sensitive information are also posted. Past articles are available for viewing in the Archive section. Job postings or advertisements are not included in the CAPFAA newsletter, though certain opinion pieces may be published, depending on the content.