NASFAA members have an important professional responsibility to participate actively in the nominations process of the Association. To that end, all of us are strongly encouraged to submit nominations to fill the positions of National Chair/Chair-Elect, four national Representatives-at-Large to the Board of Directors, and three members of the Nominations and Elections Committee.

In accordance with established procedures, the election is held between mid-March and mid-April. The deadline for receipt of nominations is Dec. 4, 2009.

The Nominations and Elections Committee is responsible for developing a slate of candidates that represents the broad diversity of NASFAA s membership. Nominations from all sectors of post secondary education are encouraged. To ensure that NASFAA's polices best represent the needs of all students, diversity of individuals is sought by the Committee.

The Committee also encourages the nomination of one or more persons for the position of Representative-at-Large who has a wide range of post secondary education-related experiences, perhaps as a President, Dean of Students, or other administrative post. Such an individual, if interested in the administration of financial aid and the establishment of organizational policy, can be considered. Candidates are not required to be practicing financial aid administrators, but must be employed full-time by a member institution.

The Board of Directors is instrumental in establishing policies for the Association and in considering recommendations of the various committees that are assigned goals and objectives to carry out the Strategic Long Range Plan.

NOMINATION PROCESS

To nominate an individual, the NASFAA Nomination Form must be completed and mailed or faxed to NASFAA so it is received by Dec. 4, 2009.You must contact the person(s) you intend to nominate to obtain their consent before submitting the form. You may place your own name in nomination.

There will be a follow-up letter along with a NASFAA Nominee Information Form, which is to be completed by each person nominated and mailed or faxed to NASFAA by January 15, 2010. In this way, accurate, consistent, and detailed information on all nominees will be collected.

OFFICES TO BE FILLED

1. National Chair/Chair-Elect: Two candidates will be selected. The National Chair/Chair-Elect automatically assumes the office of National Chair in the subsequent year. The National Chair is the highest ranking officer elected by the Association and is vested with the responsibility for its effective administration. The National Chair appoints Commission Directors and Committee Chairs who assist her or him in meeting these responsibilities. The National Chair works closely with the President and the staff of the NASFAA Office in setting priorities, and in coordinating activities of the Association.

   A significant three-year commitment from the individual and her or his institution is required. Considerable travel is also involved. Persons interested in being candidates may wish to discuss the role and responsibilities of this important leadership position with the current or past National Chairs.

2. Representatives-at-Large to the Board of Directors: Persons elected in 2010 will serve three-year terms (July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2013). The primary role of this position is to represent a particular sector of the membership on the Board of Directors without regard to affiliation with a Regional Association. Board members are expected to attend their own state and regional meetings to seek input of financial aid administrators on important issues facing our profession. The Board of Directors meets three times per year, with one meeting in conjunction with NASFAA's Annual Conference.

3. Members of the Nominations and Elections Committee: A representative from each region, elected by the NASFAA members of that region, sits on this Committee. Each member serves a two-year term. For the 2010 elections, nominations are solicited from these three regions: RMASFAA, SASFAA, and WASFAA.

   The Committee is responsible for selecting the slate of candidates for the positions of National Chair/Chair-Elect, Representatives-at-Large to the Board of Directors, and members of the Nominations and Elections Committee.

   Persons elected to the Committee may not become candidates for NASFAA offices during the two years they serve on the Committee. Nominees should be individuals who have had a number of years of experience in financial aid and who have been active in the affairs of a state, regional, and/or the national association to an extent which has permitted them to gain knowledge of persons who are possible nominees for the various positions for which the Committee prepares a slate of candidates.

COMPENSATION/EXPENSES

All persons elected serve on a voluntary basis without compensation. Travel expenses for attendance at required meetings are paid by NASFAA, except for the National Conference. The experience offers individuals the opportunity to serve their professional association, interact with colleagues across the country, and develop leadership skills.

CAMPAIGN GUIDELINES

The Board of Directors adopted the following campaign guidelines for NASFAA elections in July 1995.

1. Campaigning by any individual, the individual's institution, state or region, or any other group or individuals on the individual's behalf is prohibited prior to the selection of the slate of candidates by the Nominations and Elections Committee.

2. Candidates must be employed full-time by institutional members of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).

3. Candidates must submit a resume and a description of the candidate's institution to be included with all election material and must be willing to submit a statement of candidacy if requested by the Nominations and Elections Committee.

4. Distribution of promotional campaign materials is prohibited.

5. No mass solicitation to the NASFAA membership shall be made by or on behalf of a candidate. State and regional associations are allowed to solicit support within their state or region for candidates from that state or region.

6. Individual conversation, endorsements, or encouragement for one candidate or the other among NASFAA membership should be considered as wholesome and within good practices.

7. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their views, if asked, with other members of NASFAA.

8. Candidates should be willing to contribute their best efforts to NASFAA if elected.

2009-10 Nominations and Elections Calendar

December 4, 2009
NASFAA Nomination Forms must be received by NASFAA.

January 15, 2010
Nominees must submit completed Nominee Information Forms and required accompanying information.

February, 2010 - TBD
Nominations and Elections Committee meets to select candidates. Candidates are informed of their status after the slate is finalized.

March 8 - April 2, 2010
Ballots will be available via NASFAA s web page for institutional members only.

April 5, 2010
Ballots electronically totaled and nominees contacted.

Posted 11/06/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.