Task Force and Thought Force Reports
NASFAA regularly convenes task forces comprised of geographically diverse groups of NASFAA member volunteers from all types of postsecondary institutions and sectors to help review legislative and policy proposals and voice NASFAA's position on pending legislation.
Our task forces and thought forces have addressed a wide range of issues within NASFAA's major policy areas, including (but not limited to):
- Minimizing student indebtedness
- Supporting need-based aid programs
- Simplifying and improving consumer information, and
- Providing recommendations for the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act
At its inception, each task force outlines its guiding principles, members, and actionable goals in a charter specific to its unique task. At its conclusion, the task force summarizes its final recommendations in a report, subject to approval by NASFAA's Board of Directors, which is then disseminated widely to NASFAA members, lawmakers, administration officials, the press, and other public policy experts.
NASFAA Members - if you are interested in volunteering for an upcoming NASFAA Task Force, please visit our Volunteer Information page.
Below is a summary of recent NASFAA task force reports.
*NEW* NASFAA 2026 National Conference First-Time Attendee Task Force Final Report
July 2026 - The NASFAA Conference First-Time Attendee Task Force was charged with supporting and enhancing the experience of first-time attendees at the NASFAA 2026 National Conference, held June 29–July 2, 2026, in National Harbor, MD. This year, the task force built on previous efforts by focusing on expanding opportunities for connection and inclusion for all first-time attendees.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Financial Aid Office
July 2026 - Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly portrayed as influential in how work gets done across higher education, and financial aid offices are navigating that shift in a context unlike most: one defined by federal compliance requirements, sensitive student data, and a professional obligation to accuracy in student service that leaves little room for error. NASFAA convened the Task Force on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Aid Offices to understand where the profession actually stands, and to develop recommendations for how NASFAA can best support members as this technology evolves.
Career Awareness Thought Force Report
September 2024 - NASFAA convened the Career Path Awareness for Financial Aid Administrators Thought Force in October 2023 to examine ways to change or expand upon the perception of the financial aid profession from an accidental career to a chosen professional pathway. The thought force analyzed the current perception and awareness levels of the role of financial aid administrators among prospective candidates – which included college students and professionals who recently switched their career path. Using this analysis, the thought force developed a framework of recommendations to amplify the visibility of the financial aid administrator as a career, and suggests ways to collaborate with other higher education associations to promote the financial aid profession. NASFAA is exploring the recommendations outlined in the report. The thought force comprised a geographically diverse group of NASFAA members from most types of postsecondary institutions.
Implicit Bias Toolkit
July 2021 - NASFAA published an Implicit Bias Toolkit which aims to help financial aid offices establish a neutral basis from which to build policies and deploy procedures in the administration of financial aid. "As financial aid administrators, we have the tools at our disposal to push for a more socially just world, but we must first start by identifying and dismantling the impact of implicit bias in the financial aid process," said NASFAA President Justin Draeger in a press release. The toolkit is the culmination of exhaustive work by a task force of NASFAA members charged with identifying and reducing bias in the administration of financial aid. NASFAA members are encouraged to use this toolkit as a jumping off point to examine current processes — such as how they develop financial aid forms, communications, cost of attendance policies, scholarship policies, and more — and make changes where needed to better serve all current and prospective students.
Administrative Capability Task Force Report
June 2020 - This task force convened in September 2019 to deliver a report containing recommendations that could provide better support for financial aid offices, ensuring they are able to meet administrative capability standards. In listening sessions held throughout the regions, NASFAA members consistently indicated concern regarding institutional support toward staffing and training for the compliant administration of Title IV programs and services to their respective students. The task force explored possible legislative and regulatory recommendations to gain support for institutional financial aid offices to be adequately resourced, and developed three recommendations for ways in which NASFAA can be instrumental in the improvement of administrative capability on campuses.
Examining Software Providers' Compliance With the NASFAA Code of Conduct Report
May 2020 - The working group was convened in September 2019 to research and analyze the role that student financial aid management software plays in institutions' ability to provide accurate and clear aid offers. The group comprised a geographically diverse group of seven NASFAA members from all postsecondary institutional sectors, with a particular emphasis on the inclusion of members from schools that represent users of as many financial aid management systems as possible, including homegrown systems.
Publication Date: 7/31/2026