News and Notes from Executive Council

December 8&9 2005 Binghamton, NY

Summary

Outreach Activities:

CAAN and Early Awareness sponsored the “I’m going to college” event at the NYS fair. Bookmarks, FAFSA wrappers and other related literature were distributed at the NYSFAAA booth. Kids were also given “I’m going to college” bracelets. Two $500 scholarships were awarded by a drawing – good for any NYS college in 05-06.

Training:

Training committee is developing a one day workshop to be held at three sites throughout the state. Regions 4,5, and 8 will be invited to a site yet to be determined (in the Albany area).

The training committee is also sponsoring Jim Briggs, the Tax Detective. Jim’s workshop will be held throughout the state during the week of February 20^th. The metro NYC workshop is tentatively scheduled for February 21^st.

Development and Sponsorships:

Regions have been advised that any event sponsored by donations must have a business purpose only. Social events are okay as long as the donated funds do not flow through the organization’s treasury. This guidance has been issued by our auditor as some events have challenged our tax exempt status.

NYSFAAA Business:

We are seeking a trademark on the identity of NYSFAAA by utilizing the availability of a law intern at EASFAA. NYSFAAA owns the web rights to NYSFAAA.org, NYSFAA.net and NYSFAAA.net. Recently, NYSFAA.org ( we do not have rights to this site) was posted. It presented links to many lenders and servicers. With Sallie Mae’s help, this website has been shut down.

Committees:

Tri-Regional – anyone interested in volunteering should contact Heather McDonnell at (914) 395-2570 or hmcdonn@sarahlawrence.

Early Awareness – developing curricula for middle schools. Anyone with information about financing for college at this level should contact Nancy Tedocki at SUNY Upstate Medical.

State Conference – any committee should have their own event contract written in addition to those contracts signed with the hotel or event sponsors. The President will appoint 2 former conference chairs to serve on the existing conference committee acting as a liaison to the President and Treasurer.

Proprietary/Non Traditional Concerns Committee – Need volunteers.

Gear Up – anyone who volunteered for Gear Up activities last year should contact Cathy Patella at Wells College.

Coming soon:

January 29 – 31, 2006 Executive Council meeting Albany, NY

February 13-14, 2006 Legislative Forum Albany, NY

February 20 – 24, 2006 The Tax Detective

March 23-24, 2006 EASFAA’s Graduate/ Professional Symposium

Washington, D.C.