[DEOC] Fw: A Unified Approach to FAFSA Simplification Implementation for Washington Community and Technical Colleges

[Sophia Agtarap]

Dear DEOC--

Please see the attached document (A Unified Approach to FAFSA Simplification Implementation for Washington Community and Technical Colleges) and message below as requested by Lauren Hibbs, Director of Student Services at SBCTC.

Please see signature info below for any follow up or questions.

peace,
sophia



[Compass]
  Sophia Kristina R. Agtarap (she/siya)

  Director, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

  Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges


[cid:06df347f-26f1-4788-bb14-aadf0c5560b0]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/428a9a0a3cb14afe82036360d2d894a8@sbctc.edu?anonymous&ep=signature>                Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/428a9a0a3cb14afe82036360d2d894a8@sbctc.edu?anonymous&ep=signature>

________________________________
From: Lauren Hibbs <lhibbs at sbctc.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 3:48 PM
To: Valerie Sundby <vsundby at sbctc.edu>; Sophia Agtarap <sagtarap at sbctc.edu>; Summer Kenesson <skenesson at sbctc.edu>
Subject: A Unified Approach to FAFSA Simplification Implementation for Washington Community and Technical Colleges


Dear IC, DEOC, and RPC,



In preparation for the release of ISIRs and the fast approach summer and fall quarters, attached includes a position paper titled "A Unified Approach to FAFSA Simplification Implementation for Washington Community and Technical Colleges." This paper has been prepared for college presidents and vice presidents by leaders of WSSSC, FAC, BAC, and SBCTC IT and Student Services.



Key Takeaways:

  *   The FAFSA has undergone significant simplification through legislative efforts, aiming to make federal student aid more accessible.
  *   Despite intended simplification, challenges in implementation persist, impacting FAFSA submission rates among Washington students, particularly low-income and minority students.
  *   Changes to the FAFSA process necessitate updates to institutional policies, staff training, and technology systems across Washington's community and technical colleges.
  *   A unified and collaborative approach is crucial for successful implementation, involving coordination among various campus departments and external partners.



Suggested Actions:

  *   Invest in the well-being of financial aid staff
  *   Prioritize a comprehensive understanding of legislative changes and their impact.
  *   Develop and implement a structured action plan encompassing technology update, staff training, policy revisions, and communication strategies.
  *   Foster a culture of collaboration and communication within institutions and with external partners.
  *   Ensure clear, accessible information is available to students and families regarding changes in Pell Grant eligibility, application process, etc.
  *   Address disparities in FAFSA completion rates among different student demographics through targeted outreach and support initiatives.



Next Steps:

  *   Review and discussed the attached draft paper with president council members.
  *   Consider, as appropriate sharing with boards of trustee’s, community-based organizations, and stakeholders.
  *   Begin to think through scenarios for your college for how to best support the interconnecting work of departments due to this disruption.
  *   Next week, a pivoted action plan with department specific information will be provided for additional college guidance.



Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or require further clarification.





Warm Regards,



Krista Francis (she|her|hers)

VP of Student Services

Peninsula College

KFrancis at pencol.edu<mailto:KFrancis at pencol.edu>

T: (360) 417-6225

www.pencol.edu<http://www.pencol.edu>



Karl Smith  (he|him|his)

VP of Student Affairs

Tacoma Community College

ksmith at tacomacc.edu<mailto:ksmith at tacomacc.edu>

T: (253) 566-5127

https://tacomacc.edu/


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