As a result of the perception presently placed upon lenders and financial aid administrators, the DEDCMD ASFAA, Inc. Executive Board members have decided to adopt the Advertiser/Exhibitor/Contributor Policies and Procedures recently implemented by NASFAA.  Although as an association we firmly believe our supporters have always demonstrated the highest level of ethical behavior, this decision was made to delineate their roles as exhibitors and contributors and the acceptable practices they must follow as listed below. Similar to NASFAA’s beliefs we also “believe that the adoption of these policies and procedures will clarify our relationship with the entities that support our efforts in a manner that [avoids] any appearance of conflict of interest, as well as being consistent with [our obligation] as a tax-exempt educational organization pursuant to Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.” (NASFAA website, Jennifer Jackson, May 29, 2007)

Effective immediately, the following rules must be adhered to:

1. Advertisers
All existing banner website advertising agreements will be honored through June 30, 2007. No subsequent banner advertising agreements will be permitted at this time.

2. Exhibitors at the Annual Fall and Spring Conferences
Prospective exhibitors must agree to the rules and procedures outlined below. A prospective exhibitor who does not agree to these rules and procedures will not be permitted to exhibit, and an exhibitor who violates any of these rules must promptly cease any such action, and, at the discretion of the Development Chair, may be required to remove his or her exhibit.

• Gifts or give-aways must be of nominal value (i.e. less than $10 fair market value).
• All prize drawings, including scholarships, are prohibited. Exhibitors may not offer conference participants the opportunity to sign up for or enroll in any contests or to receive gifts or give-aways at a later time in excess of the stated nominal value.
• Exhibitors are expected not to organize, sponsor or conduct any social activities directed towards Annual Conference attendees.

• Demonstration rooms may not be used for meal or reception purposes. Non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks may be served.
• Exhibitors may organize, sponsor or conduct non-social events, such as focus, advisory or user groups. Only non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks may be served.

3. Support for the Annual Fall and Spring Conferences and other training workshops
We have eliminated sponsorship of specific Annual Conference activities and events. We have also discontinued the practice of recognizing “tiers” of sponsorship by contribution level. Contributors will be acknowledged in the Annual Conference program and at appropriate points throughout the year via a listing in alphabetical order by organization name. Organizations will continue to have the opportunity to make charitable contributions in support of the general activities of the Association, the Annual Conferences or any other DEDCMD ASFAA activity, and that support will be properly recognized and substantiated in accordance with Internal Revenue Service requirements. However, contributors must agree to abide by the following rules and procedures in conjunction with Annual Conferences:

• Contributors are expected not to organize, sponsor or conduct any social activities directed towards Annual Conference attendees.
• Contributors may organize, sponsor or conduct non-social events, such as focus, advisory or user groups. Only non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks may be served.

Any questions regarding the implementation of these policies and procedures should be directed to Tanya McMillian, Development Chair, by phone at (410) 907-8110 ext 235 or by email at tmcmillian@edaff.com.