About the Student Advisory Committee (SAC)
What is the HESAA Student Advisory Committee (SAC)?
The SAC is established by the HESAA Board to foster broad, balanced representation of students attending colleges and universities in the Garden State. Committee members meet with HESAA staff to discuss and provide feedback on policies and regulations governing State student financial aid programs. HESAA is the agency statutorily responsible for administrative oversight of New Jersey State student financial assistance programs. The Committee is governed by State regulations and HESAA Board policies.
The Committee is comprised of no more than nine undergraduate students, all of whom must attend a Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)-eligible New Jersey institution of higher education (IHE).
Student representation on the Committee is comprised of at least one, but no more than three, members from each of the following New Jersey collegiate institutional sectors:
- Rutgers, The State University
- Public Four-Year Research Universities
- Kean University; Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology; and Rowan University
- Public Four-Year State Colleges/Universities
- Public Two-Year Community Colleges
- Independent Colleges/Universities
The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the SAC, elected by the Committee, serve as voting members on the HESAA Board.
Who is eligible to serve on the SAC?
To serve on the HESAA SAC, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Be a full-time undergraduate student at a TAG-eligible IHE at the time of applying;
- Be a full-time undergraduate student at a TAG-eligible IHE during the academic year for which the student is applying;
- Be a New Jersey resident;
- Be a United States citizen, eligible non-citizen (i.e. lawful permanent resident), or eligible to file the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.
What does the SAC do for the students of New Jersey?
The SAC provides New Jersey undergraduates the opportunity to assist in shaping New Jersey student financial aid policy. Direct input from those who benefit most from higher education programs, products, and services—New Jersey students—is fundamental to making informed public policy decisions. SAC members engage regularly with fellow students throughout the State, campus officials, HESAA Board members, and HESAA staff. SAC members also hold two representative voting seats on the HESAA Board. The SAC works to represent the collective voice and best interests of all students in the State.
