March 10, 2010

To Members of the Guidance Community and Supporters,

On behalf of the Massachusetts Association of Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA) I express our appreciation and support of Massachusetts school counselors. We join with MASCA, NEACAC and The College Board as partners with the counseling community.

Counselors are a critical part of our success in enrolling students. MASFAA appreciates the demands on counselors, not only in helping the students find the right fit for college, but helping them navigate the complexity of the aid process. Counselors are a vital link between the student and the college.

This year, MASFAA members again joined MEFA’s statewide training sessions as a panel of experts, to provide professional development for the guidance community. We know that families can be intimidated by aid policies, forms, letters, and packages. We are committed to working with counselors to demystify the aid process.

We are pleased to show our support for counselors during the 2010 State House Day on March 10th. This is an important opportunity to share our message with state legislators who are making important decisions about future resources and programs to support students.

Counselors and financial aid administrators are united in supporting the educational goals of students through access and choice in higher education. Professions with a common mission, such as counseling and financial aid, will gain strength by working together. A strong professional presence means that both professions will get the resources needed to help students.

Gail W. Holt
President, Massachusetts Association of Financial Aid Administrators
Senior Associate Director, Student Financial Services, Mount Holyoke College