I am honored to serve as the 2023-2024 President for the Wisconsin Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. I can’t believe you selected me! ;-) Truly, I’m honored. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you, advocate for all the great work we do, and continue to build upon the strengths of our association.

WASFAA has been instrumental in my professional career through mentorship, training, and networking. Thank you to all of you who had faith in me, mentored, and believed in me. And, cheers to those that understand all the nuances and complexity of our days, yet we wouldn’t have it any other way. Why? Because we enjoy making people’s dreams come true, or at the very least reaching their goal. Be proud. And I hope to make you proud by continuing the great work on behalf of WASFAA like so many have done before me.

In my 16 years as a WASFAA member, I have had the opportunity to work with many colleagues across the state, many of which have become my very good friends, my tribe. If you have ever heard me talk, you know my story and why I am so passionate about this profession and the work we do. If no one has told you lately, breathe and pat yourself on the back because you deserve it.

The last year few years have brought us many new challenges, yet we overcame them because we are strong and can rely on one another. We work together to provide professional development and support each other.

If you haven’t heard, the year ahead will bring a whole other set of challenges. FAFSA Simplification – you know there is a massive overhaul of federal student aid, SAI, and other policy and procedures that we’ll need to abide by in order to participate in Title IV programs (new Pell grant and federal aid eligibility determination, expanding access to federal aid, streamlining the FAFSA form) – You heard me before, pat yourself on the back!

In May, 2023, I’ll be holding the president’s retreat in Green Lake, WI where the executive board, finance, our committee co-chairs, and other liaisons will gather to kick off the new year, start planning and set our goals for the year. I don’t know what they all are now, but we will first start with getting the website updated, reviewing the past goals and the 2022-2025 strategic plan, looking at WASFAA’s committees to align with what the needs are from our profession and within the great State of Wisconsin.

We’ll be getting the handbook updated and will be looking at what we have developed for co-chairs and other WASFAA assignments for succession planning. 

So, what about the Spring 2024 Conference? The spring conference will be held at the Heidel House in Green Lake, WI April 3-5, 2024. Mark your calendars now and be sure to attend. It is going to be a blast; I just know it!

WASFAA is an organization with a strong foundation and a membership which is engaged and committed to its work. We would love to have you be part of the great work being done across our membership.

Become a member today, renew your membership, or contact us if you are interested in more. The website will be updated soon to reflect the new board. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to any of us.

Oh, hey! Please login to your WASFAA profile and update the committees you are on and/or co-chairing. Thanks!

Mandy Slowinski
2023-2024 WASFAA President
Director of Financial Aid and Veteran Services
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point