In today’s webinar unveiling the National Conversation Initiative’s recommendations, I introduced the NCI this way:

It has been one year since the NASFAA Board of Directors, reacting to Dr. Day’s enthusiasm, foresight and recommendations, unanimously approved moving forward on National Conversation Initiative.  Make no mistake, this is a “game changer” for NASFAA and places NASFAA once again in the forefront as the national leader in defining financial aid policy and providing the necessary training opportunities for the nations’ students and the financial aid profession to be successful. The National Conversation Initiative clearly places financial aid professionals across this country in the position to Lead rather than Follow in the important financial aid policy discussions and decisions ahead for this nation.

In just seven short months, NASFAA has performed what I view as a minor miracle in developing the thirty recommendations.  NASFAA has tapped into the wealth of experience, know-how, and commitment reflected in our membership – the professionals who know best about what needs to be done to improve the current system of Student Aid in this country.  Special thanks to the NASFAA Board of Directors who spent considerable time and provided detailed input into the review of the document you see before you.  Also, words cannot express my appreciation for the tireless dedication of the NASFAA staff in synthesizing and distilling nearly 5,000 pieces of data inputs in such a short period of time to produce this document.

Please understand that while this appears to be the end of a process, it really represents only the beginning of a continuing dialog as those of us committed to access and choice for the nation’s students will continue to discuss and refine these recommendations over the next few years.

So, how do you react to the NCI recommendations?  Do you see this as a watershed event for NASFAA?  Please give NASFAA your reactions and continued input as the NCI moves forward into the NCI process’ third and fourth stages.

OK.  It’s hit the streets and everyone has an opinion.  So, where’s King Solomon when you need him?

NASFAA took a bold step this past week in putting forward a radical proposal/concept of how to restructure the federal student loan programs.    As you are no doubt aware, the Obama Administration has proposed originating and processing all student loans through the Federal Direct Loan Program beginning July 1, 2010.  This is a concern for many of the 70% of colleges and universities that use the Federal Family Education Loan Program.

NASFAA has learned from Congressional aides, the Obama Administration and representatives from education associations in D.C. that continuing the FFELP, in its current form, is not a viable option.  And, there has been talk that the budget proposal to kill FFELP could be put on the Budget Reconciliation fast-track, essentially assuring the establishment of FDLP as the single loan program.

Is the administration’s proposal for FDLP or maintaining the current FFELP really our only options?  Based on nearly 5,000 responses from NASFAA members during National Conversation Initiative (NCI) town hall meetings, members feel that the current student loan system isn’t perfect leaving room for improvement. Was NASFAA only hearing from members who are dissatisfied?  We all know that those who are most dissatisfied about the current state of affairs are also the most vocal.  I believe that it’s time to have a civil, dispassionate and professional debate on the merits of all student loan options.  Just because FFELP and FDLP are the current options, doesn’t necessarily make either the best option going forward.  All indications suggest that there will be significant changes made to the student loan system. I It seems likely that whatever loan system is eventually implemented, it will likely be with us - and more importantly with our students - for a long time. This makes it imperative that we be in the discussions to help get it right.

The NCI town hall meetings provided an opportunity for all of us to have input in the future of the federal student aid programs.  The NCI process has prepared our profession - through NASFAA - to be “at the table” and discuss what is best.  The proposed loan concept is a starting point for discussion of viable options to the current programs.  Perhaps neither FFELP or FDLP is the perfect program, and it is likely that there is a better way to provide student loans to meet the needs of students, parents, and taxpayers.

Please share your thoughts and read what others have to say.  This is the culmination of 15 years of very passionate debate regarding FDLP vs. FFELP.  Keep in mind that we must do what is in the best interests of our students – not what is best for our schools or the government.  Your input is vital for the leadership of NASFAA to effectively represent our membership in the discussions to come.  Hopefully the ‘Wisdom of Solomon’ will shine through.

Once again we were presented with an annual rite – the end of one year and the start of another.  At year-end events, I’m sure that you, like me, sang (or mouthed) the lyrics to “Auld Lang Syne”.  We all recognize these words, but I learned that 94% of us do not know the words to the song or what the song is truly about.  Most of us perceive it to be a simple song, presented at the conclusion of a year-end social gathering, to remember the past and reaffirm the importance of our future, and those important to us.  The phrase “Auld Lang Syne” is literally translated as “old long since”, or ‘long, long ago”, or “days gone by”

Scotsman Robert Burns is generally credited with putting together fragments of an old Scottish ballad into a poem in 1788 with some lyrics that were also part of a ballad printed in 1711 by James Watson.  Burns most likely wrote at least two verses.  Other verses and the famous chorus are believed to have dated from the middle of the 16th century, if not before.

NASFAA has experienced an incredibly active year.  In March our new President, Phil Day, arrived in the NASFAA offices and ever since life has been a blur for all of us in the profession.  In Phil Day, NASFAA has a dynamic new leader – one who is placing NASFAA at the ‘table’ in discussions in Washington, DC and around the country.  With a new Administration coming in January, NASFAA’s National Conversation Initiative (NCI) is significantly important because it lets us influence the direction that student aid and access programs should take.  Paraphrasing poet Robert Frost, “we have miles to go before we sleep…”  There is still much work to do but I know that together, through NASFAA, we can make a difference for our students’ sakes.  So let’s reaffirm the importance of our profession’s future and to the students that are important to us.

To all my financial aid friends, let me raise a draught to you and leave you with a few verses (one of many translations) of “Auld Lang Syne”.  Maybe now you won’t have to mouth the words at next year’s New Year’s Eve party or when you hear Guy Lombardo’s rendition (how many of you know him?).

May you and your families have a wonderful New Year!!

Should old acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should old acquaintance be forgot
For old times since

Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
For auld lang syne

And there’s a hand my trusty friend
And give us a hand of thine
And we’ll take a right good-will draught
For auld lang syne