Region 5 Regional Notes/Report

Notes/Report: DATE: September 26, 2007 - Region 5 September 26th NYSFAAA, Inc. Region V Meeting Minutes Saint Thomas Aquinas College September 26, 2007 9:30 Light breakfast and refreshments available for the attendees. 9:45 Welcoming remarks made by our chair, Roberta Daskin (Sarah Lawrence College). 9:50 Brief introduction of attendees. 9:55 Jim Vallee (M&T Bank) presented “SLATE Regulations, Impact, and Implementation”. Some of the topics discussed were: SLATE’s purpose, the definition of a gift, quid pro quo, and a variety of the actual articles within SLATE. 10:05 Elaine Hughes (Vassar College) and Ursula Bisconti (Berkeley College) initiated discussion on the topic of preferred lender lists. A number of attendees chimed in, providing their opinions. Various discussions were prompted as a result. Elaine shared her strategy of adding the ELM link to her website (to maintain the idea of choice within a lender flow process). The HESC Marketplace tool was also brought up. Jennifer Dwire (HESC) answered many questions from the membership. HESC strongly encourages schools to provide feedback on this tool, (which is still in the pre-production phase). 10:40 Jim Vallee brought the discussion back around in order to cover his remaining slides. Before the presentation ended, the following topics were discussed as they relate to the new environment under SLATE: revenue sharing, advisory boards, loan sales disclosure, more preferred lender list guidance, etc. The membership was encouraged to provide suggestions for Joseph Frey (State Ed.) to Heather McDonnell (Sarah Lawrence College). In addition, Bill Cheetham (LeMoyne College), John View (SUNY ESF), Jim Murphy (CUNY), Pierre Aldrich (Nelnet) or Tom Dalton (Excelsior College) welcome your suggestions. They are also in communication with Joe Frey. 11:30 Charlie Boland presented “Raving Fans- A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service”. Examples from the book “Raving Fans” were given to provide a framework for the discussion. Members of the audience were invited to share positive and negative customer service testimonies throughout the presentation. The audience was encouraged to consider how they can create “raving fans” of their institution, and exceed the expectations of customers and prospects (who have generally long-been neglected). Value, Operational Excellence, and Treatment were three key concepts to take away. 12:00 Ursula Bisconti provided an executive council update. She informed the membership of changes in the NYSFAAA leadership over the summer. Heather McDonnell became president of NYSFAAA, Tom Dalton is once again treasurer, and Angela VanDekker (Fordham University) is the 1st Vice President. Ursula also encouraged the membership to provide feedback to Heather, as she works closely with Joe Frey. Membership is down to 1304 (from 1376 at this time last year). Attendees were encouraged to update their membership status, even if they will not be attending the annual conference in New York City. Tom Dalton will be leading a treasurers meeting at the conference in October. After the 0607 NYSFAAA audit, Ursula was pleased to announce that no abuses were found. Original receipts are REQUIRED for any NYSFAAA reimbursement requests. Ursula also reported that donations are at $30,500 for this year. As a reminder to the membership, Ursula informed all present that the NYSFAAA Rising Star Award will be awarded on a flexible basis. For example, a member who has been heavily involved for 2 years and a few months could still be nominated. Region 5 sites for the 2007 College Goal Sunday events are Yonkers and New Rochelle. This year’s Region 5 guidance counselor workshop will be held at Dominican College. NYSFAAA asks that any lenders present NOT wear branded / logo apparel. If you plan to come / help out at a guidance counselor event, please do so as a “member of NYSFAAA” only. Both school and lenders present questioned why this was. There will be two Jim Briggs trainings this year. One will take place up-state and the other down-state. Ursula explained the meaning of the 3 circles in our NYSFAAA logo. Finally, Ursula ended her executive council update by inviting all members to the President’s Reception at 5:15 on Tuesday at the NYSFAAA conference. 12:15 Jennifer Dwire provided the HESC update. Please contact Jenn with any questions whatsoever. 12:20 Roberta Daskin made the membership aware of opportunities to serve within region 5. Scholarship committee chair, 2009 Conference committee, and Tri-regional representative opportunities are available. Please contact Roberta at rdaskin@sarahlawrence.edu and volunteer to serve! 12:25 Elaine Hughes discussed “The Saratoga” 2009 conference location, and the planning that will take place in the near future. 12:30 Roberta Daskin closed out the meeting by thanking everyone for coming, and by reminding the membership that the next meeting will be on December 11th at The Culinary Institute of America. Please bring an unwrapped toy with you to the event. FYI- $15 of the cost will be covered by NYSFAAA. Each member will be asked to cover the other $15. 12:35 Lunch and round table conversation (before departure). POSTED BY: Charlie J Boland