Those of you that have followed baseball over the years are probably familiar with Yogi-isms — quotes uttered by the irrepressible Yogi Berra.  Some of his quotes were: “It ain’t over ’til it’s over;” “Never answer an anonymous letter;” “When you come to a fork in the road — take it;” “You can observe a lot by watching;” and, “The future ain’t what it used to be.”   However, his most famous quote is probably “It’s déjà vu all over again.”

Oftentimes I feel that way, especially when I saw a Chronicle of Higher Education blog post by Kelly Field that asks what has become of the $13.1 million that New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo received from student loan companies and colleges back in 2008-09.  In my acceptance speech last summer at the Orlando conference, I asked the same question. My predecessor, Mike Bennett, also asked the same question before me.  I challenged Mr. Cuomo to work with NASFAA to develop college access and financial literacy programs with the funds.  After all, no group is in a better position than NASFAA to provide this type of information to our nation’s college students. Unfortunately, I received the same response that the Chronicle received and that that Mr. Bennett received, “déjà vu all over again.” To date, it appears that not much has been done with those funds to assist students and families. It appears that the funds continue to sit dormant (hopefully they were not invested in the stock market).

So, my question to you, the membership of NASFAA, is to give me your ideas.  What is the best way for Mr. Cuomo to be sure his funds are targeted to assist students and families?  How can NASFAA solicit his support in working with us to develop programs?  Should we begin a letter writing campaign to pry these funds loose so that students can benefit?

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.