Member Benefits
Handbook
2014 - 2015 Edition
Contents
What is Iowa TRIO? ........................................................................................................... 3
MAEOPP/Iowa TRIO Membership .................................................................................... 4
Membership Year & Renewal ............................................................................................. 4
Membership Types........................................................................................................... 5
ACTIVE PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP ............................................................... 5
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP ...................................................................................... 5
AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP ....................................................................................... 5
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP ......................................................................................... 5
INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP ............................................................................. 5
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP ..................................................................................... 5
HONORARY ACTIVE PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP ....................................... 5
COPORATE MEMBERSHIP ....................................................................................... 5
Membership Benefits and Services ..................................................................................... 6
TRIO: A Pipeline of Support (List of Iowa TRIO Programs) ............................................ 7
Iowa TRIO Board of Directors and Committee Chairs ...................................................... 8
Marketing our Message (List of Iowa TRIO Committees) ............................................ 9-10
Giving Opportunities ......................................................................................................... 11
Fair Share .................................................................................................................... 11
The MAEOPP Education Foundation ......................................................................... 11
TRIO Resources ................................................................................................................ 12
MAEOPP Training Opportunities ..................................................................................... 13
Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) ............................................................................... 13
The Institute for the Advancement of Leadership and Program Management ........... 12
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Iowa TRIO: Advancing and defending the idea of equal
opportunity in postsecondary education in Iowa
What is Iowa TRIO?
Iowa TRIO is the Iowa chapter of the Mid-America Association of Educational
Opportunity Program Personnel (MAEOPP).
Objectives*
The purpose of this (Iowa TRIO) shall be to bring together into a work and study
community those persons who have an active interest in or who are
professionally involved in broadening accessibility to success in formal
postsecondary education.
The Iowa Chapter shall seek to accomplish its purpose(s) by:
 Promoting research, evaluation, programmatic and fiscal planning, and training
inclusive of, but not limited to, conducting workshops and seminars, and generally
seeking to educate the public and public officials to the concerns of Iowa TRIO;
 Developing the capability to make timely and meaningful responses to issues and
concerns affecting the educational resources and environments of nontraditional
students;
 Encouraging the development and expansion of a communications network –
primarily for those persons professionally involved in educational opportunity
programs and services;
 Engaging in the specific and general coordination of efforts with other
organizations and persons having purposes supportive of or in harmony with Iowa
TRIO concerns.
 Awarding scholarships to students in accordance with the purposes of Iowa TRIO
and according to qualifications established by the Iowa TRIO Board of Directors.
*Information taken from the Iowa TRIO Constitution and Bylaws. Check out the
entire Iowa TRIO Constitution and Bylaws on the web at www.iowatrio.org!
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Join Iowa TRIO! Become a TRIO Advocate
Iowa TRIO is dedicated to the advancement of the TRIO Movement and advocates and works
for you and the students you serve. The Iowa TRIO Association:
 Participates in national educational efforts to influence TRIO funding and to set the
legislative agenda to meet participant needs
 Responds to issues affecting the educational resources and environment of
disadvantaged students
 Engages in research about educational trends and policies for disadvantaged students
 Showcases participants’ academic achievement by sponsoring annual competitions and
awarding scholarships
 Maintains a website and marketing materials
 Recognizes TRIO Alumni for their career accomplishments
Iowa TRIO and MAEOPP Membership
Iowa TRIO and the Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel
is a consortium of professionals with the specific purpose of leveling the playing field of
educational opportunity for first-generation, low-income, and disabled students and providing
staff with professional development opportunities to better serve our students.
Although membership in the Association is initiated through the Chapters, there is no
individual membership in a Chapter apart from the membership in the Association. Persons
interested in membership can find a MAEOPP Membership Application on the Association
website at http://www.maeopp.org/ or by contacting the President-Elect of their prospective
Chapter.
Membership Year & Renewal
The membership year shall begin at the point of receipt of an approved membership application
accompanied by the appropriate dues and shall extend for 12 months. The point of receipt of an
approved application establishes the anniversary and renewal date for each member, which shall
remain the same for so long as the member maintains affiliation with the Association.
Membership for both Honorary Members and Honorary Active Professional Members is
considered to be in perpetuity, unless or until otherwise determined by the Board of Directors.
Members can always check their membership by emailing the MAEOPP Registrar or
contacting your Chapter President-Elect.
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What is your Current Membership Status?
Active Professional | Associate | Affiliate | Student | Active Honorary | Honorary
Institutional | Corporate
Membership Types:
Active Professional Membership ($80) is restricted to (a) persons whose primary work
(defined as 50% or more) is in the administration or general operation, inclusive of counseling
and instruction, of educational opportunity programs and services, and (b) to professionals who
serve in roles on campuses and in communities that indirectly promote education opportunity
and the individuals served by such programs, e.g., financial aid professionals, instructors and
advisors and other persons actively engaged in promoting educational opportunity programs and
services whose primary work is in a related field of education that serves the goals and
objectives of the Association. They are entitled to one vote and are eligible to hold office.
Associate Membership ($80) is available to those persons who do not qualify for Active
Professional Membership but who otherwise actively support the purposes and objectives of the
Association. They are entitled to have voice and one vote, but are not eligible to hold office.
Affiliate Membership ($70) is available to alumni, retirees, graduate students and others who
support the purposes and objectives of the Association, but are not engaged directly in
educational opportunity programs and services. Affiliate Members are entitled to voice, but are
not eligible to vote or hold office.
Participant Membership ($15) is available to persons currently enrolled in a TRIO/Educational
Opportunity-type program. They are entitled to voice, but are not eligible to vote or hold office.
Honorary Active Professional Membership is limited to current Active Professionals in
recognition of extraordinary service to the Association. They are entitled to both voice and vote,
as well as eligible to hold office.
Honorary Membership may be conferred upon an individual, institution, organization,
foundation or business. They are entitled to voice, but are not eligible to vote or hold office.
Institutional Membership ($135) in the Association shall be open to educational institutions
and not-for-profit organizations having an interest in promoting the goals of the Association.
They are entitled to one vote, but are not eligible to hold office.
Corporate Membership ($135) is open to corporations, businesses, industries or agency having
an interest in promoting the goals of the Association. Each Corporate Member is entitled to
voice, but members are not eligible to vote or hold office.
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Membership Benefits and Services
● Professional Development Opportunities –
MAEOPP and Chapter Annual Professional Conferences - Provide a
tremendous source of training, information, and resources to run programs more
effectively. Members are offer discounted registration rates.
Serve on the Board or a Committee - An opportunity to build on your
professional skills by participation in Iowa TRIO leadership positions or
volunteering with the Committees.
The Emerging Leaders Institute - The Association sponsors a new class of
emerging leaders each year.
Webinars - Cover a number of topics central to the work of college access and
success.
Institute for the Advancement of Leadership and Program Management Training based on CAS Standards to improve project performance and
strengthen accountability.
Best Education Practices Center - Promotes promising practices to increase
student achievement and persistence.
● Student Leadership Conference - Annual event providing opportunities in
leadership development for TRIO students who participate at member
institutions.
● Scholarships - Members can nominate their participants for annual MAEOPP
Education Foundation (MEF) and MAEOPP Scholarships.
● TRIO Achievers - Members can nominate their alum to be selected and
honored as a TRIO Achiever.
● MAEOPP Happenings – The MAEOPP Newsletter features national,
regional, and state news, including legislative issues relevant to TRIO and other
educational opportunity programs.
● MAEOPP Member News – Regular email blasts with important updates.
● Representation on the National Level – Membership provides an important
link to the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE).
● Access to Membership Directory – Reach out to other TRIO professionals.
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TRIO: A Pipeline of Support
TRIO Programs serve individuals from low-income and/or first generation families,
underrepresented students, and/or students with disabilities to overcome roadblocks on the
path to pursuing and completing higher education.
Many Iowa TRIO members are employed in the following TRIO Programs, which serve
participants from middle school to post-baccalaureate levels:
Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC):
Encourages adults to complete secondary education and enroll in postsecondary education
Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair):
Prepares undergraduates for doctoral [Ph. D.] study and careers in the professoriate
Talent Search (TS):
Assists middle and high school students to complete secondary education and enroll in
postsecondary education
Student Support Services (SSS):
Supports undergraduates to ensure their completion of postsecondary education
Upward Bound (UB):
Provides academic counseling and enrichment services to strengthen high school students’
skills for postsecondary education
Upward Bound Math/Science (UBMS):
Provides students with cutting-edge science, mathematics, computer science, and
technology skills
Veterans Upward Bound (VUB):
Provides basic skills instruction to veterans in preparation for postsecondary education
TRIO professionals can attend one of the many training opportunities under:
Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs:
Provides TRIO staff training in student financial aid, general project management,
legislative and regulatory requirements, the design and operation of model programs, and
the use of technology
Visit the COE Website at http://www.coenet.us/ and click on the ‘Training’ tab at the top!
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Iowa TRIO Board of Directors and Committee Chairs
2014-2015
Board of Directors:
President
President-Elect
Past President
Treasurer
Secretary
Member-at-Large
Member-at-Large
Member-at-Large
Member-at-Large
Ellie Burns
Robert Kuennen
Nancy Wright
Cindy Benedict
Katie Whipple
Brittany Rigdon
Laura Hoffman
Heather Nissen
Standing Committees:
Chair(s):
Membership & Credentials
Research and Evaluation
Special Concerns and Affiliations
Legislation & Education
Educational Concerns
Editorials and Publications
Professional Development
Finance
Nominations & Elections
Robert Kuennen
Trudy Strain-Ahrens
Nancy Wright and Kurt Roberts
Brittany Rigdon
Heather Nissen
Janelle Seward
Laura Hoffman
Laura Hoffman
Special Standing Committees:
Annual Spring Conference
Billeter Legal Concerns & Constitutional Issues
Association Planning and Development
Ad Hoc Committees:
Chair(s):
Kelly Kowzan and Sarah
Kris Nerem-Lowery
Chair(s):
Fair Share
TRIO Alumni/TRIO Achievers
Student Leadership Conference
TRIO Fact Book
Katie Whipple & Brittany Rigdon
Janelle Seward
Sarah Billeter
Nancy Wright and Kurt Roberts
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Marketing our Message: Iowa TRIO Committees
**A full listing and description of all committees can be found in the Iowa TRIO Constitution and By Laws**
Membership and Credentials:
Looking for Iowa TRIO Members excited about getting new and old members involved. Goals
and objectives include increasing membership, retaining current members and developing new
member handbook.
Research and Evaluation:
Looking for Iowa TRIO members who are interested in data collection. Goals and objectives
include performing evaluations as necessary and promote research, evaluation, and planning
related to MAEOPP/TRIO purposes. Members will also gather, analyze, and report data as
needed to promote and support the work of the organization.
Special Concerns and Affiliations:
Looking for Iowa TRIO Members who are looking to ensure representation and/or input of
special populations in Iowa TRIO activities and decisions. It is further charged with the
responsibility of ensuring the input and affiliation of Iowa TRIO with other organizations, which
have purposes supportive of or in harmony with concerns and objectives. Specific matters
include, but are not limited to, student financial aid and learning or physical disabilities.
Legislation and Education:
Looking for Iowa TRIO Members who are willing to advocate for our programs. Goals and
objectives include coordinating meetings with Congressional members and Senators during the
2014 COE Policy Seminar. Members will also assist in coordinating Iowa TRIO Day events on
a state level.
Educational Concerns:
Looking for Iowa TRIO Members who are willing to read scholarship applications and help
ensure scholarship dollars are given to the most deserving students! Goals and objectives
include collecting all applications for Iowa TRIO awards and disseminating them to committee
members for reading/scoring. Members also meet with committee members to tally scores,
discuss applicants and select award recipients for all scholarships.
Editorials and Publications and Media and Communications:
Looking for Iowa TRIO Members who are interested in ways we can communicate with fellow
Iowa TRIO members, policy makers, and like-minded organizations. Members are also active in
Social Media and media technology to share the message of Iowa TRIO. Goals and objectives
include publishing the Iowa TRIO newsletter quarterly starting in November; soliciting input
from Iowa TRIO Programs. Members also post the newsletter to the Iowa TRIO website and
submit articles highlighting Iowa TRIO achievements to the MAEOPP Editorial and
Publications Chair for the MAEOPP quarterly newsletter. Additional responsibilities include
working with local media to publish Op Ed articles related to Iowa TRIO and working with the
Legislative and Education Committee to ensure media coverage of Iowa TRIO members
attending town-hall meetings, Iowa TRIO Day, and visits from political representatives.
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Professional Development:
Looking for Iowa TRIO Members who are interested in promoting professional development
and advocacy opportunities. Members of this committee will also assist in the planning and
implementation of the Fall Drive-In and Spring Conference. Goals and objectives include
coordinating with MAEOPP and the Research and Evaluation Committee to submit a Best
Practices Center Submission and publication from the Iowa Chapter. Members also advertise the
MAEOPP Institute for Leadership and Program Management training and recruit Iowa TRIO
applicants to represent Iowa in the Emerging Leaders Institute.
Finance Committee:
Looking for Iowa TRIO Members who are interested in ensuring Iowa TRIO is in compliance
with the Fiscal Policies and Procedures. Goals and objectives include developing the annual
budget and submitting the proposed budget to the Board of Directors for approval. The Finance
Committee is also responsible for monitoring all fiscal matters pertinent to Iowa TRIO activities
and maintaining the Fiscal Policies and Procedures Manual. Members will also update the
Manual as necessary.
Nominations and Elections:
Looking for Iowa TRIO Members who are interested in supporting the nomination and election
of future Iowa TRIO Leaders. Goals and objectives include developing and implementing a
process for the selection of candidates and then conducting the election for officers of Iowa
TRIO in accordance with the guidelines set down in this Constitution and Bylaws.
Annual Spring Conference:
Looking for Iowa TRIO Members who are interested in all aspects of planning, implementing
and evaluating the Annual Professional Conference. Goals and objectives include, but are not
limited to, program development, registration, budget, selection of speakers, publicity,
entertainment, transportation and all logistical arrangements.
Association Planning and Development:
Looking for Iowa TRIO Members who are interested in the future vision of the Association.
Goals and objectives include assisting in planning the long range development of Iowa TRIO,
including, but not limited to, the development and monitoring of multiyear plans and activities,
fundraising, and other planning which addresses the purposes and objectives of the Association.
Legal Concerns and Constitutional Issues:
Looking for Iowa TRIO Members interested in understanding the Association’s Constitution.
Goals and objectives include interpreting constitutional issues and concerns as they arise and
maintaining and recommending revisions to the Constitution and other Association documents.
Fair Share:
Looking for Iowa TRIO Members who are interested in maintaining Iowa’s contribution to COE
through Institutional Membership and individual giving. Goals and objectives include actively
soliciting Iowa TRIO members to donate to Fair Share and presenting an updated report to
ensure that the state is on target to reach MAEOPP’s Fair Share goal.
**Iowa TRIO Members interested in getting involved in any committee should contact The Iowa TRIO
President at iowa-president@maeopp.org**
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Giving Opportunities
The Council of Opportunity in Education:
The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization, established
in 1981, dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income,
first-generation students and students with disabilities throughout the United States. Its
membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies. Through its numerous
membership services, the Council works in conjunction with colleges, universities, and
agencies that host TRIO programs to specifically help low-income students enter college
and graduate. More than one million low-income and disabled students each year receive
college access and retention services through our member colleges and agencies.
The Council for Opportunity in Education membership is separate from
MAEOPP/Iowa TRIO membership. Membership and fair share contributions to COE
are critical to successful TRIO advocacy.
What is Fair Share?
Fair Share is the amount of money the Council asks each state chapter to raise in a given
year. Fair Share is made up of three components: Subscription Package, Personal
Contributions, and Institutional Memberships. Your fair share goes to protecting your TRIO
Programs (up to date information on appropriations, reauthorization, and other issues
affecting TRIO students; around-the-clock advocacy on Capitol Hill and with the Department
of Education; bringing students to speak to legislators and other concerned citizens; and
proposal writing workshops).
**To donate to COE, see your Chapter Fair Share representative or go to the Council website at http://www.coenet.us/**
The MAEOPP Education Foundation (MEF):
The MAEOPP Education Foundation (MEF) provides scholarships and awards to TRIO
and educational opportunity program students in the ten-state region served by MAEOPP.
Approximately 200,000 of the students served by MAEOPP professionals are participants
in one of the Federal TRIO Programs. The membership of MAEOPP consists of more than
1,200 professionals who work at more than 200 colleges and universities and community
organizations in the Midwest.
Scholarships are provided only to students who participate in programs at these institutions.
Awards are also provided by MEF. In some cases, award recipients may not be participants,
e.g., recipients of the James B. Hamilton Research Scholar Award.
**To donate to MEF, please visit the Foundation (MEF) tab on the MAEOPP website at http://www.maeopp.org/**
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TRIO Resources
Iowa TRIO Association: www.iowatrio.org
Iowa TRIO is the professional organization for personnel
affiliated with TRIO programs throughout the state of Iowa. The
Iowa TRIO website contains useful information and links to all
Iowa TRIO programs, other scholarships, and much more!
IOWA TRIO is one of eight state chapters that form the MidAmerican Association of Educational Opportunity Program
Personnel (MAEOPP). Mid-American Association members are: Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana,
Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Missouri/Kansas/Nebraska.
Regional Association (MAEOPP): www.maeopp.org
The MAEOPP website contains more useful TRIO information
and links to each state association, opportunities for professional
development, information on research and evaluation, regional
newsletter, and membership application, benefits and vital
resources. MAEOPP is one of ten regional associations that form the Council for Opportunity in
Education.
National Association (COE): www.coenet.us
The Council for Opportunity in Education’s (COE) website provides
news updates on the national TRIO scene as well as links to TRIO
professional development opportunities, Fair Share information,
legislative and regulatory documents, research, the Pell Institute, TRIO logos, and links to other
programs. The COE website also has a link for joining the TRIO listserv!
COE is a non-profit organization and represents institutions of higher education, administrators,
counselors and teachers committed to advancing equal educational opportunities and promoting
diversity in America’s postsecondary institutions. COE works diligently to keep the TRIO
community informed about legislative conditions affecting TRIO programs.
U.S. Department of Education: www.ed.gov
The U.S. Department of Education website home page contains links to all the
various offices within the Department. The U.S. Department of Education’s
TRIO Program Homepage contains information about the Federal TRIO
Programs, its history, news and information concerning upcoming funding
competitions, legislations and regulatory reference documents, annual low
income levels schedule, statistical information, national reports, and contact
information for Federal TRIO program staff at the Department.
www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html
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MAEOPP Training Programs
Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI):
The Iowa TRIO Emerging Leaders Institute is a yearlong leadership development program that is designed to
inspire and cultivate strong leadership within the
Association. The program’s design combines
professional development, networking opportunities, and
hands-on experiences that prepare participants for
greater involvement in Iowa TRIO and MAEOPP.
Applications for ELI are available on the Iowa TRIO website.
Institute for the Advancement of Leadership and
Program Management:
The MAEOPP Institute for the Advancement of Leadership and Program Management is
designed to improve the specific project of the participant; increase knowledge of TRIO
legislation, federal regulations and CAS standards; and improve the management skills of the
project director. Also, the Institute is designed to increase the credibility of educational
opportunity programs to their institutions.
In addition to training with seasoned, highly skilled faculty, participants will receive:
 A well-developed manual detailing the CAS process
 A certificate of attendance
 An opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from St. Louis University for
a nominal fee
 Advice from past participants in the Institute on implementing CAS standards
Requirements to participate in the training are:
 Minimum of three years as TRIO/EOP Project Director or Coordinator
 Paid MAEOPP member
 Commitment to continue in the role of TRIO manager for 2 - 3 years
 Must participate in all training and related activities at the Fall MAEOPP conference
 Project Director/Coordinator must have their supervisor’s signature giving them
permission to participate
**Find out more about both programs online at http://www.maeopp.org/ by clicking on the
‘Services’ link at the top of the page**
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This handbook is compliments of the 2014-2015 Iowa TRIO Membership and
Credentials Committee.
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