Student Advisory Council on Financial Aid and Education (SACFAE)
Founded in 2015, the Associate Vice Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council on Financial Aid & Education provides a unique opportunity for motivated students to provide confidential advice to the Associate Vice Chancellor Financial Aid and Cal Student Central and other senior campus administrators on matters concerning financial aid, scholarships, affordability, basic needs and financial literacy. Council members help influence decisions that directly impact access and affordability at Cal.
What does SACFAE do?
Our student-led council provides space for various discussions on financial wellness and the factors that impact students’ everyday experiences. SACFAE advocates for financial literacy and basic needs, provides feedback to our financial aid administrators, and partners with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO) in the implementation and promotion of various improvements for students.
- Advisory Role: SACFAE members provide insights and feedback on how to improve the financial aid process and student experience during the monthly meetings.
- Financial Aid Action Committee (FAAC): The Financial Aid Action Committee (FAAC) is a subdivision of SACFAE whose charge is to conduct research and propose revised financial aid and/or operational policies and tackle financial literacy special projects. The group is also responsible for providing in-depth feedback, as requested, on certain functions of the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office and contributing to the end-of-the-year report from the council.
Why does SACFAE exist?
SACFAE is a rare opportunity for students to have a direct impact on their own student experience. In partnership with FASO, we are able to achieve change at student, policy, operational, and leadership levels. Topics we cover directly impact the student experience and we model a culture of working in good faith and reciprocity.
Who is involved?
SACFAE meetings consist of 25-30 students from both undergraduate and graduate studies who work alongside Cruz Grimaldo, Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of Financial Aid. Additionally, a team of FASO professional staff regularly attend and engage with students to solicit feedback and suggestions on the multiple functional areas of FASO. We also bring in guest experts to speak on topics we are currently discussing. Previous guest speakers include representatives from the Basic Needs Center and Committee on Student Fees, Deputy Compliance Officer Special Faculty Advisor to the Chancellor on Campus Welfare Sharon Inkelas, Federal Government Relations Director Gina Daly, and more!
Contact Us
For more information or if you have questions, please contact us at SACFAE@berkeley.edu
Council Leadership
Kailen Grottel-Brown, Chair
Rena Lu, Vice Chair
Cruz Grimaldo, Associate Vice Chancellor of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Cal Student Central
Jen Towers, Assistant Director of Staff & Student Engagement
Anne Xiong, Center for Financial Wellness Manager
Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO) Leadership
Kerry Franzetta, Deputy Director and Senior Associate Director
Nicole LaGrandeur, Associate Director of Counseling and Federal & State Programs
Luis Rodriguez, Associate Director of Cal Student Central and Undergraduate Scholarships, Prizes, and Honors
Marcus Hill, Customer & Communication Strategist
Student Membership
TBD
Please see the call for applicants below for more information on the council, student qualifications, and how to apply. If not you, we would love it if you could distribute this opportunity to your peers.
CALL FOR APPLICANTS:
- Application Form: Apply Now
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Eligibility:
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Open to all current registered students.
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Able and willing to make a firm commitment to attend ALL regularly scheduled, 90-minute, monthly meetings beginning this Fall 2024 semester. Meetings are IN-PERSON, but Zoom access will be provided for those with extenuating circumstances.
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Passionate for topics relating to financial and and literacy, basic needs, student advocacy, etc. and who have a strong interest in discussing innovative strategies to keep higher education affordable at Berkeley.
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Comfortable engaging in lively and interactive discussions while respectfully listening to a variety of opinions within a group setting.
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Selection Process: Applications are reviewed by a committee, and selected candidates will be notified via email.
Council Leadership
Kailen Grottel-Brown, Chair
Rena Lu, Vice Chair
Cruz Grimaldo, Associate Vice Chancellor of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Cal Student Central
Jen Towers, Assistant Director of Staff & Student Engagement
Anne Xiong, Center for Financial Wellness Manager
Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO) Leadership
Kerry Franzetta, Deputy Director and Senior Associate Director
Nicole LaGrandeur, Associate Director of Counseling and Federal & State Programs
Luis Rodriguez, Associate Director of Cal Student Central and Undergraduate Scholarships, Prizes, and Honors
Marcus Hill, Customer & Communication Strategist
Student Membership
TBD
Please see the call for applicants below for more information on the council, student qualifications, and how to apply. If not you, we would love it if you could distribute this opportunity to your peers.
CALL FOR APPLICANTS:
- Application Form: Apply Now
-
Eligibility:
-
Open to all current registered students.
-
Able and willing to make a firm commitment to attend ALL regularly scheduled, 90-minute, monthly meetings beginning this Fall 2024 semester. Meetings are IN-PERSON, but Zoom access will be provided for those with extenuating circumstances.
-
Passionate for topics relating to financial and and literacy, basic needs, student advocacy, etc. and who have a strong interest in discussing innovative strategies to keep higher education affordable at Berkeley.
-
Comfortable engaging in lively and interactive discussions while respectfully listening to a variety of opinions within a group setting.
-
-
Selection Process: Applications are reviewed by a committee, and selected candidates will be notified via email.