| Scholarship Service Council Meeting Recap with Chair Carolyn Lindley |
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CSSC Chair Carolyn Lindley is university director of financial aid at Northwestern University
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At its December meeting, the College Scholarship Service Assembly Council focused on financial aid in a challenging economy, reforms in student loans and the new profile for international students.
"As we see a new administration in Washington, we are trying to anticipate what may happen with federal financial aid,"said Carolyn Lindley, chair of the council and university director of financial aid at Northwestern University. "We believe the College Board and the College Scholarship Service Assembly are important voices in those conversations. In our advocacy agenda, the financing of college for low-income students is a real issue and will continue to be. We need the voice of the financial aid professionals in there."
Council members discussed aspects of the report from the Rethinking Student Aid study group, and broader issues of affordability and how to balance resources.
"An institution might want to have lots of low-income students, but can it afford to have them, in terms of financial aid dollars available?"asked Lindley. "You have middle-income students who are looking around and saying, 'I can only do this much. What can you do to help me?' Then there are wealthy families and students who may be able, but are they willing to pay such a large portion? We're going to have more conversations on our campuses about how aid impacts all families, whether it is from the institution, or the federal or state government."
Council members also discussed the work of the Board's Financial Aid Standards and Services Advisory Committee. The council talked about the underpinnings of institutional methodology, how it is being used and whether changes are needed.
Additionally, members looked at how institutions were moving forward following reforms made after student loan controversies last year. "We need to work in a transparent manner so that the public can trust us and believe that we are in this field to help people. We take great pride in awarding dollars to students to help them pursue higher education. We really have to regain credibility after some of the findings, which were very upsetting to all of us,"Lindley said.
One of the developments that excited council members was the profile for international students. Many institutions are aiming to become more global, and this profile will be helpful in pursuing those goals, Lindley said.
In the coming year, Lindley said, the council will make it a priority to broaden the community of financial aid professionals taking part in member activities. Their participation is important not only for the camaraderie, but also for the expertise and perspective that these professionals bring to the College Board's work.
The economy may make it difficult to bring more participants to national and regional forums, but, Lindley said, she hopes that in other ways the assembly and the College Board can attract larger numbers of financial aid professionals.
Lindley, who is in her second and final year as chair, said she has enjoyed seeing changes in the field since she last served on the council in the 1990s.
"As I reflect on it, I think this group is more diverse in gender and ethnicity. It's a wonderful sign that financial aid has evolved in the past 10 to 15 years,"she said. "I am grateful and humble to act as the chair of this group of wonderfully honest people who give substantial and meaningful feedback and responses. I would urge members to get in touch with their regional representatives to be sure we hear what they would like us to address."
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| A Note from Midwestern Region VP Ileana Rodriguez |
VP Ileana Rodriguez
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While Chicago in February has been known to deliver arctic experiences, all of us at the College Board's Midwest Regional Office, as well as the members of the regional council, have been looking forward to extending a warm welcome to everyone attending the Midwestern Regional Forum, scheduled to be held Feb. 8-10 at the Marriott Downtown Chicago. Educators from our region have developed an excellent program around the importance of rigor and a holistic approach to education.
A feature of this year's forum is the Joint Assembly Meeting. All attendees are welcome and encouraged to participate. The Joint Assembly Meeting is a great opportunity to learn from the leaders among our members about key issues that impact students and educators that are being addressed by the national assemblies. As a membership organization, the College Board continues to seek opportunities for constituents to connect with the leadership and to work hand in hand with educators addressing current common challenges. The Joint Assembly Meeting provides that opportunity and this year we plan to engage teachers, counselors, admissions and financial aid professionals, and education administrators and leaders in a meaningful discussion on financial issues, including the immediate and long-term impact of the economic environment on the education endeavor.
As a former teacher, one aspect of my work with the College Board that I value most is supporting the professional development of educators. I am particularly proud to see
partnerships with school districts and schools that bring teachers, counselors and education leaders increased opportunities to grow and develop professionally and as a community. A prime example of the College Board's commitment to professional development in our region is the professional development opportunities offered this year to more than 550 educators from the Chicago public school system, including many teachers who have participated in SpringBoard® and AP® workshops.
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| Ohio State Hosts Conversation About Research on Higher Education Assessments |
The Ohio State University campus was the setting for a new College Board initiative designed
to foster in-depth conversations about assessment in higher education focusing on research, trends and uses. Various divisions within the College Board — Advocacy, the Midwest Regional Office, AP®, SAT® and Research — collaborated to create this event in early December, which included Ohio State vice provosts and members of its enrollment, admissions, research and academic staff.
The primary focus of the discussion was on new research related to three areas of assessment — the SAT, AP and noncognitive indicators — and how this information could inform key issues and policies facing the institution, including first-year student retention, campus diversity, persistence and graduation. As the state of Ohio is implementing a new statewide AP Credit Policy, there was considerable interest in and many questions about the validity of awarding credit for scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams.
In addition to discussing specific assessments and research, Don Hossler, vice chancellor for enrollment services at Indiana University and a nationally recognized expert on assessments in higher education, provided an overview of current issues and trends on the use of high-stakes assessments in higher education.
Ileana Rodriguez, vice president of the Midwest Regional Office, said, "The opportunity
for the College Board to collaborate with Ohio State University to broaden our collective understanding of the issues and concerns regarding assessments facing higher education institutions in our region was invaluable. We thank our colleagues at Ohio State and look forward to continuing our discdiscussion with them, as well as beginning new conversations with other institutions in our region."
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| Events and Workshops |
Click here to see events and workshops in the Midwestern Region.
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| MIDWESTERN REGION |
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Marriott Downtown
Magnificent Mile
Feb. 8–10, 2009 |
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Join other professionals who are committed to improving equity, access and rigor in our school systems today.
• Gain insight from leaders
in the field discussing
effective strategies for
keeping students focused
and engaged.
• Dig deeper into the latest
trends – online course
work, participatory media
and transition programs.
• Hear closing keynote
speaker Juan Williams,
Emmy award-winning
journalist, author and
regular contributor to NPR.
Gain a unique perspective and walk away with the insight and resources that will help you become more successful in your job. |
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Midwestern
Regional Office
The College Board
6111 North River Road
Suite 550
Rosemont, IL. 60018
Phone: 866-392-4086
Send us a message
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