Financial Aid Professionals Reflect on Their Most Recent 2024-25 Virtual Pipeline
In February, NASFAA hosted its first Advocacy Pipeline of 2025. Two members – Deborah (Debbie) O´Dea from Pacific University, and Marla Bush from the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope – met virtually with congressional staffers from Oregon and Arkansas.
During these meetings, participants discussed eliminating student loan origination fees and robustly funding campus-based aid programs. They also discussed restoring subsidized loan eligibility for graduate and professional students, short-term Pell and emphasized the importance of having appropriate guardrails in place to ensure program quality.
Read on to learn about the Advocacy Pipeline experience, and fill out this interest form if you would like to participate in an Advocacy Pipeline event.
This month we hear from Debbie and her experience with the virtual Advocacy Pipeline:
Participating in NASFAA’s Advocacy Pipeline was an incredible experience, and I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to participate to do so without hesitation. While different from an in-person Hill visit, the virtual experience was equally rewarding, offering a unique perspective and insight into the legislative process.
In previous in-person Hill visits through NASFAA’s Leadership Conference, I have felt empowered thanks to the thorough preparation meeting the day before and the comprehensive materials provided. The one-on-one preparation with a NASFAA policy team member, provided ahead of the virtual visits, gave me an even greater sense of confidence and readiness to discuss these critical topics.
Throughout the meetings we were able to focus on the direct impact on financial aid administrators while Nalia expertly addressed the more intricate governmental aspects. It was also reassuring to see that staffers were already familiar with Nalia and other NASFAA policy team members, reinforcing the organization’s ongoing efforts to advocate for those of us working in financial aid.
I deeply believe in our work as financial aid administrators and recognize how complex it can appear to those outside the field. Advocacy ensures that decision-makers receive real-world insights into how policy changes affect our students and communities. I am incredibly grateful that NASFAA provides these valuable opportunities for members to engage, advocate, and make a difference.
Please fill out this interest form if you would like to participate in a future Advocacy Pipeline event!
Publication Date: 3/26/2025
Jennifer S | 3/26/2025 1:46:17 PM
Go Debbie!
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