Welcome to the DE-DC-MD ASFAA website, also known as Tri-State. We are an organization of 400 members from Delaware, District of Columbia and Maryland who administer financial aid programs or are otherwise active in financial aid related profession.

For those who follow the news, it has not been a quiet year in our industry. First, lets reflect on the past year; schools had to reevaluate lender lists, implement increased loan limits and face new challenges from ACG/SMART and TEACH. ECASLA was in full swing. It brought new loan limits and an additional $2000 unsubsidized loan. It granted ED the ability to purchase loans to ensure FFEL access. This year, the trend continues.

Reauthorization was finalized and changes some of our procedures. We have a new year-round Pell Grant which goes into effect July 1, 2009. There's also an increase in the maximum Pell Grant award. Income-based repayment (IBR) was created and goes into effect. IBR was established to create a lower payment for students who meet certain financial hardships. We have new loan forgiveness programs. Institutions of Higher Education must adopt Codes of Conduct. There's expanded ACG/SMART grant eligibility. Students will also see lower interest rates and reduced feeds on their federal loans. The PLUS Auction was cancelled. An upcoming technical correction will exclude veteran's benefits when determining aid packages. And last but not least, the big question, direct lending or FFELP?

Budgets are scrutinized everywhere you turn. Many institutions analyze what they spend and how they spend it. Some have even enforced travel restrictions which prevent staff from traveling out-of-state. These restrictions have made it difficult to attend national, regional and sometimes state trainings. These trainings are important to our success to learn about new federal regulations.

Tri-State is here to help and will focus on providing timely and educational training. Our goal is to provide training that is cost-effective. We'll strive to provide trainings that provide insight to help you complete your day to day tasks. Continue to watch the listserv for training announcements.

For planning purposes, our fall conference will once again be in Dover, DE, November 8-10, 2009. NEOPHYTE will be in Rehoboth Beach, DE from October 11-16, 2009.

Thank you for your continued support of Tri-State. We are looking forward to a great year. If you should have any questions about the association, please feel free to contact me.

Michael Poma
Chair, 2009-2010

Vision Statement
Executive Board 2008-2009
From Ellie Geiman, Chair

DE-DC-MD Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators will advocate and promote equal access to post secondary education for all students. We will counsel and encourage our students and each other to reach our goals and dreams. For financial aid professionals, we will continue to provide training for all levels of financial aid personnel, from front line counselors to those in complex leadership positions. Our organization will provide a positive impact for the education of our country.

Goals and Objectives

• To focus on educational awareness and availability for students.
• Provide support and encouragement for all Financial Aid professionals through training and networking with the organization.
• Continue to build strong relationships among the members.
• To continue to promote a stable and secure financial outlook for the organization.