Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Introduces the Higher Education Committee of 50

  • 01/22/18

WASHINGTON, DC – During the Higher Education Act (HEA) reauthorization process, proposals abound from various entities that have a stake in higher education. While there are many voices weighing in on reauthorization discussions, there is a particularly strong need for thoughtful, innovative ideas for the future of postsecondary education that come from all levels of an institution. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) is pleased to announce the formation of 50 members from all different institutional areas to serve on the newly formed Higher Education Committee of 50—or Forward50.

This national committee—comprised of college presidents, members of governing boards, enrollment managers, admissions staff, financial aid and bursar leaders, students, and other forward-thinking leaders from all sectors of postsecondary institutions—will spend the next year examining policy areas related to access, affordability, accountability, and transparency. The Forward50 will produce four white papers that will include practical recommendations for members of Congress, and will be available to the broader policy community for review and comment in fall 2018.

“What all of these members have in common is the ability to think about how student aid can meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students,” says NASFAA President Justin Draeger. “Change is never easy, but this forwarding-thinking group is up to the task. We look forward to seeing the creative, transformative solutions they produce, all with an eye toward student equity, success, accountability, and transparency.”

Members of the Forward50 bring with them a diverse set of experiences, expertise, and perspectives. Together they hold memberships in more than 140 other higher education-related professional associations, with many serving in current or past leadership roles. Head to the website to learn more about the Forward50 and read about what motivated the 50 committee members to apply to take part in this initiative.

Background
In November 2017, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Forward50 Press Announcement received a grant to convene a group of forward-thinking campus leaders tasked with developing policy solutions that will help surmount obstacles preventing students from enrolling, paying for, and graduating from college. The duration of the grant is 18 months, but the work and recommendations of the Forward50 are intended to last far beyond the time the committee is at work. NASFAA will continue to elevate the principles and positions put forward by the Forward50 through press releases, events, conference presentations, and educational materials.

Featured

  • DFW-Area District Opens New Replacement Middle School

    The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District near Fort Worth, Texas, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new replacement middle school campus, according to a news release. The new facility for Wayside Middle School, originally established in 1964, was built on the site of the former district administration building and funded through Bond Proposition A in 2023.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • Stanford Completes Construction on Graduate School of Education Facility

    Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., recently announced the end of construction on a new home for its Graduate School of Education, according to a news release. The university partnered with McCarthy Building Companies on the 160,000-square-foot project, which involved two major renovations and one new construction effort.

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.