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.
2024-25 SACFAE members.
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 and recommendations 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.
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?
This Council consists of 15-20 student members from both undergraduate and graduate programs who work alongside Cruz Grimaldo, Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) and Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships and Cal Student Central. 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. During the Fall and Spring semesters, SACFAE hosts guest speakers from across campus to have open and honest conversations about the financial challenges and barriers students experience. Previous speakers include Chancellor Lyons, AVC Gina Daly of Government and Community Relations, AVC and Dean Olufemi Ogundele of Enrollment Management and Undergraduate Admissions, representatives from the Basic Needs Center and Committee on Student Fees, and more!
Contact Us
For more information or if you have questions about our Council, please contact us at SACFAE@berkeley.edu.
For questions regarding your financial aid, please contact Cal Student Central for assistance.
Council Leadership
Ali DeBoer, Co-Chair
Samantha Lindsay, Co-Chair
Cruz Grimaldo, Associate Vice Chancellor of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Cal Student Central
Jen Towers, Assistant Director of Staff & Student Engagement, and the Center for Financial Wellness
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
Student Membership
We will begin recruiting 2026-27 SACFAE members this August! Stay tuned for more information.
We will begin recruiting 2026-27 SACFAE members this August! Stay tuned for more information.
Council Leadership
Ali DeBoer, Co-Chair
Samantha Lindsay, Co-Chair
Cruz Grimaldo, Associate Vice Chancellor of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Cal Student Central
Jen Towers, Assistant Director of Staff & Student Engagement, and the Center for Financial Wellness
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
Student Membership
We will begin recruiting 2026-27 SACFAE members this August! Stay tuned for more information.
We will begin recruiting 2026-27 SACFAE members this August! Stay tuned for more information.