NeASFAA Membership Definition Minutes
by Lani Swanson on September 23, 2011
June - August 2011
Special Ballot Initiative Minutes: Proposed By-Law Change to update the definition of an institution
In light of the fact that at the last NeASFAA association meeting there was not a quorum; the vote held at that meeting regarding association membership was nullified. As a result, the NeASFAA board took up this issue again in the June board meeting. With input from the association, the board retooled the definition, which is for the most part identical to NASFAA’s definition. The board voted in the June meeting to present this definition to the association electronically, give the association the requisite 30 days to comment and hold a vote, also electronically.
On June 21st, Peggy Tvrdy, NeASFAA President, presented the NeASFAA association membership with the following definition of an association member:
Institutional membership in the association is open to institutions of postsecondary education having an interest in promoting the effective administration of student financial aid which meet the following criteria:
Normally maintain a regular faculty and curriculum and normally have a regularly enrolled body of students in attendance at the place where the educational activities are regularly carried on; and normally have a full-time employee with primary responsibility for the administration of student aid.
Single-campus institutions under the control of a single administration receive a single institutional membership.
Institutions with branch campuses may purchase a separate membership for each branch campus, or combine the institutional FTEs, pay one base fee, and join under one membership. The combined option is only available if all branches are included, and entitles the institution to only one vote.
Institutions that are part of a larger system or district may purchase a separate membership, or the system may combine the institutional FTEs. This is only available if all system member institutions are included, and entitles the system to only one vote.
On July 21st, Peggy Tvrdy, NeASFAA President announced that the comment period was over, and that only a few comments came in, all of which supported the proposed change. She called for a motion from the membership.
Vicki Kucera made the motion to accept the proposed definition. Terri Graham seconded the motion and the vote was called.
On August 1st, Peggy announced the results of the vote. A quorum was represented with 34 members voting, 33 “ayes,” and one “nay.” The proposed revision of the by-laws has been approved by the membership and is now the official membership definition.
Respectfully Submitted
Matt Johnson
NeASFAA Secretary