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This post was written by Dave Gruen
April 22, 2009 1:00 pm College Access, Economy, Higher Education Act, Loans, NCI, Obama, SimplificationIn 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.
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:33 am
This may be a watershed for NASFAA but that will be determined as we look back. It is clear to me that the time for talking is over and what we need now is action. NASFAA has put forth a plan for action and the Administration, if willing and able to implement these ideas will in fact demonstrate that change is their priority and not just an attractive slogan. If we simply keep on doing what we are and have been doing for 40 years and expect a different outcome we are crazy. Thank you to Dr. Day and the NASFAA leadership and staff for the combined effort to be pro active rather than reactive.
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I agree with Rich that time will tell whether or not this is a watershed moment…we have to remember that these are proposals and most or even all could fall completely by the wayside.
But it would be a shame were that to happen. There are several good ideas in this proposal. I’m sure that a lot of people had a fit when they saw what amounts to a post-need analysis world (agghh!! no more assets!!), but the time has come. Nobody believes that the formula calculates anything of meaning beyond a rationing device, and perhaps no formula ever did or could. And while assets are a measure of financial strength, the way they’re assessed in need analysis is a disincentive for saving, is randomly and politically selective (a $5 savings account will increase the EFC but a multi-million dollar home or business won’t), and is all too easy to manipulate.
I’m not 100% sold on everything in the proposal, but I applaud the work and thought that went into it.