Friends of ED Membership

The Western Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (WASFAA) would like to express our disappointment in the administration’s recent decision to eliminate a significant number of positions from the US Department of Education (ED), including more than 600 positions from the office of Federal Student Aid. The loss of these vital staffers will have a significant impact on students and families applying for federal financial aid, and the financial aid administrators who work to support those families. Further, we are concerned this reduction of force will negatively impact ED’s ability to provide effective oversight of federal aid programs and effectively respond to school issues including suspected fraud.

WASFAA stands in solidarity with our former Department of Education colleagues and is offering complimentary Associate Membership for the remainder of the 2024-2025 membership year (through June 30, 2025). Membership to WASFAA includes access to JobLinks, the WASFAA and NASFAA Slack channels, and discounted member rates for WASFAA training and events. It is our hope that this will provide resources and support to those who may be seeking their next opportunity in (or out) of the financial aid industry.

If you have been impacted by the changes at the Department of Education please contact us at friendsofed@wasfaa.org. A WASFAA volunteer will reach out to help you set up your complimentary membership. If you know persons affected by the reduction of force at ED, please feel free to share this offer.