Index of Updates
March 2006
Karen Micalizio
2006 CCCSFAAA President
This first issue of CCCSFAAA News for 2006 is hitting your campus
at a time when some of you are refreshed from a recent spring
break while others are anxiously anticipating a break. I chose
not to take time off during our break but the change in routine
was enjoyable.
Whether or not you take time away during your campus’ spring
break, I hope you enjoy a little slower pace while students and
faculty are away.
Three of our colleges have agreed to host Spring Flings on their
campuses during spring break. A sincere ‘thank you’ goes
out to the staff at College of the Canyons, San Joaquin Delta
and Long Beach City! A lot of hours go into planning and hosting
these events and your willingness to go the extra mile is greatly
appreciated. Susan Jones, CCCSFAAA Past-President, has a great
slate of interest sessions planned. These sessions are appropriate
for the novice financial aid professional as well as for the
seasoned veteran. Depending on when you are reading this, there
may still be time to register for the Spring Flings. If you have
not yet registered, go to the CCCSFAAA website (cccsfaaa.org)
and follow the ‘Training’ link to do so. But hurry,
time is running out!
Congratulations to John Muskavitch and the entire 2005 Conference
Committee for a very successful event. As incoming President,
I got a glimpse of the fine details that go into planning such
an event. It is amazing to watch the team at work. This is not
John’s first success at chairing our conference nor will
it be his last. John has graciously agreed to chair our 2006
conference in Ontario. With John at the helm, my mind is at ease!
Mark your calendars for December 1-3 to join us in Ontario.
Our friends at the Chancellor’s Office, in partnership
with the CCCSFAAA Training Committee, are planning several training
events. Among them is a training for Financial Aid Directors
that will include a day exclusively for new Directors followed
by two days of training for all Directors. Mark your calendars
for June 12-14. The exact location of the training has not yet
been selected but it will most likely take place in the south.
They are also working on trainings that will give us an opportunity
to exchange information and ideas with EOPS, CalWORKS, Outreach
Coordinators and Transfer Center Coordinators.
There has been a lot of time and energy spent on state issues
this year; CSAC/EdFund issues, California High School Exit Exam,
and the many bills affecting student aid that are making their
way through the legislative process. Your new State Issues Chair,
Beth Asmus, has taken off running in her new role. Some of you
may recall that Beth has been the CCCSFAAA Web Master since we
expanded our web presence under the reign of Past President,
Craig Yamamoto. Beth is a web site ‘power user’ and
you will find a wealth of information under the State Issues
link.
Susan Jones and I are working with the ‘icanaffordcollege.com’ campaign
on new and creative ways to promote “California Community
Colleges Financial Aid Awareness Month.” Start planning
your May events NOW and don’t forget to post them to the ‘icanaffordcollege’ web
site! Information on how to post your events is outlined in the “I
Can Afford College” Campaign update in this issue of CCCSFAAA
News.
We have a wonderful group of volunteers in our Association.
Many financial aid professionals have come forward over the past
year to offer their time and talent. The continued efforts of
Craig Yamamoto cannot go without special mention. Craig participates
in numerous advocacy efforts on behalf of CCCSFAAA. His commitment
is relentless. I have yet to find a job he won’t accept
on behalf of our Association. Thank you, Craig!
The year is off to a great start. Your 2006 CCCSFAAA Board is
motivated and enthusiastic. They are very supportive of one another
and responsive to calls for participation. CCCSFAAA can always
use YOUR help. Contact information for Board members and Committee
Chairs is available on the CCCSFAAA web site. Please contact
one of us if you would like to get involved.
