WHY WASFAA?
by Peter Hurley, 1998/1999 WASFAA Membership Chair

The Financial Aid profession is dominated by one issue; change. Change comes at us from many different directions including legislation, technology, regulations, methods, and institutional goals. Sometimes we are aware of important issues, other times we get blind-sided.

Most long time financial aid administrators understand the importance of membership in professional organizations and how these organizations help us manage our ever-changing environment. Joining your colleagues in WASFAA could be your first step in establishing a network of professional contacts and information sources that can help ensure a successful financial aid career for yourself.

While difficult to admit, reality suggests we are not all strong (or well versed) in all areas of financial aid administration. WASFAA Membership can provide a common ground on which relationships can be built. Experts can be identified through those relationships which in-turn provides opportunities to get the answers you need from professionals who understand your perspectives.

Professional growth opportunities for WASFAA members are plentiful. You will have the opportunity to become a trainer, presenter, or moderator at conferences and other seminars. Industry leaders such as Jeff Baker, Betsy Hicks, and Dallas Martin are not produced by chance, leadership grows out of making the most out of the possibilities that arise.

Many WASFAA members come from small states with little political influence on the national stage. What makes WASFAA membership important is the representation and voice it provides nationally for good ideas, regardless of the population of your state. An idea can never be realized without a voice for exposure or an audience for endorsement.

Now is a great time to re-join WASFAA! In addition to what we have already mentioned, membership benefits also include the WASFAA newsletter, WASFAA sponsored training opportunities, and a WASFAA conference registration discount.