1. Anthony Jones Amy Trawick Appalachian State University November 11, 2014 Fall NCASFAA Conference – Asheville, NC

2. Developing a Graduate Program in Student Financial Aid Administration Historical Training and Education Efforts Past Discussions and Efforts; Program Searches Current Issues Is there a need for a certificate or degree program? How applicable is a certificate or degree program in financial aid administration? Program Content: Demands/Needs of Profession Courses Timeframe Delivery (Online, face-to-face, or hybrid)

3. Historical Training and Education Efforts Strong history of national-, regional-, and state- level training by profession (conferences too) Reliance on NASFAA news articles, documents, webinars, and training materials and sessions Reliance on FSA Handbook, DCLs, FSA conferences, FSA Coach, and other ED products Reliance on state agencies Use of consultants, guaranty agencies, proprietary products, etc.

4. Past Discussions and Efforts; Program Searches National and regional discussions as early as 1970s regarding graduate program versus certification Some master’s degree programs existed (primarily as tracks within student affairs curricula); one certificate program in 1980s (others possible) NASFAA: Certification discussions; NASFAA Univ. Survey of demand and need; In line with the mission of AppState and especially the Higher Education program within the College of Education

5. Broad Issues Is there a need (and demand) for a graduate program in financial aid administration? – National data and feedback – State, regional, and national conversations – Focus Groups How applicable (i.e., marketable) is a degree or certificate in financial aid administration? – Will FAOs view individuals with the degree or certificate as competitive in applicant pool? – Will students with no FA experience find the program applicable to other areas?

6. What Might an FAA Program Look Like? What are the unique needs for instruction? Timeframes and Delivery Methods – 15 to 18 credit hours – Online, face-to-face, or hybrid Structure and Courses – Initially, stand-alone certificate which can be embedded within M.A. in Higher Education – Potential for advanced/senior certificate, which can be embedded within Ed.S. in Higher Education

7. Discussion Points Thoughts on structure of program Thoughts on use of course materials Preferences for online, face-to-face, or hybrid Thoughts on Certificate (entry level vs. advanced), MA, EdS

8. Feedback, Comments, Questions Anthony Jones Graduate Faculty jonesap1@appstate.edu Amy Trawick (Program Director) trawickar@appstate.edu Graduate Faculty Appalachian State University Reich College of Education Leadership and Educational Studies Department Higher Education Program