As financial aid administrators, one of our primary responsibilities is to ensure that limited resources are equitably distributed to the students who need them the most.  A pervasive barrier to achieving our mission is implicit bias – the unconscious assumptions, stereotypes, beliefs, and preferences that are not only part of the normal human condition, but also ingrained into the systems and processes set up to assist the very students disadvantaged by the bias in the first place.  How can we break this cycle?  If we first become aware of these predispositions in ourselves, we can then begin the process of rooting out bias in the services we provide.

This session will provide an opportunity to review and practice concepts from the recently published NASFAA Implicit Bias Toolkit, specifically exploring personal awareness, individual development, forms and communications.  Participants will also have a chance to share ideas and best practices with others from the region and develop a personal action plan to mitigate implicit biases in themselves and in the areas where they have influence.  Wherever you work in the aid office, there are things you can do to make positive changes for the students you serve. We invite you to learn and share with others who sit where you do.

All WASFAA Sessions are offered in Pacific Standard Time, please adjust your schedule accordingly.

Session Presenters:
Anthony Morone
Nicole McMillian
Christina Tangalakis