Mary E Hayden-Cook

The meeting agenda included staff updates, a report from the Audit Committee chair, and proposed resolutions concerning amendments to HESK regulations. Key discussions and actions involved the approval of the minutes from the May 14, 2025, meeting, a presentation highlighting successful outcomes from the previous year such as expanding the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), fee waivers during college application month, and increased website usage. The Audit Committee report detailed progress on risk and internal control reviews, policy approvals, the transition of FFEL loan records, and financial updates indicating a reliance on the fund balance for fiscal year 2526 followed by a transition to general fund support in 2627. The committee also reviewed findings from ongoing audits. Finally, the Board adopted a resolution to amend the bylaws, allowing the acting director of financial administration to sign contracts up to $5 million, and another resolution to repeal the prior formal investment policy.

The meeting included discussions on Financial Aid Awareness Month, HESC's efforts to increase engagement through social media, and the expansion of income eligibility for TAP. Updates were provided on the appointment of a new General Counsel, initiatives for part-time students, and Governor Hochul's programs for free tuition and universal FAFSA completion. The board also discussed federal funding for Pell Grants and SEOG, HESC's commitment to inclusivity for mixed-status families, and modernization efforts through partnerships and the Financial Aid Processing Portal. The Ethics Officer reported on policy updates and trustee requirements, while the Audit Committee shared information on HESC finances, internal controls, and audit activities. Amendments to Freedom of Information Law and Personal Privacy Protection Law Regulations were discussed and a resolution of appreciation was given to Dr. David Harris.

The meeting included a welcome to new board members and a report from the nominating committee. The board elected a new chair, vice chair, and secretary. Discussions covered the transition from the federal family education loan program, the expansion of tap to include part-time students, students in non-degree programs, and incarcerated individuals, and the modernization of the website and financial aid system. An ethics officer shared information about ethical obligations for board members, including financial disclosure statements and ethics training. There was also a federal update.

The meeting included updates from HESC staff, a report from the chair of the audit committee, and proposed resolutions to address amendments to two HESC regulations. The tap and science technology engineering and math stem scholarship applications for the 2025 26 Academic Year were opened on December 1. HESC is collaborating with US Digital Response (USDR) to reassess and redefine its strategy for modernizing the financial aid system. HESC initiated a pilot phase of the New York State FAFSA Ready training program. The meeting also included a federal update, an update regarding the federal family education loan program, and discussion of the transition of loans to Trellis.

The meeting included discussion of top program updates, universal FAA completion and financial aid awareness month, healthcare workers for our future scholarship, and modernization of the HESC website. The fiscal year 2025 budget increased tap funding to support significant enhancement. The enacted budget requires that beginning in 2025 26 Academic Year schools ensure each High School senior completes the FAA or the New York State DREAM Act application. This program provides 500 selected students with two-year scholarship to cover the cost of tuition room and board and fees to pursue an associate or bachelor's degree.