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Ocelot. New research shows the breakdown between institutions and students rests with inaccessible information, inconsistent advice, and confusing systems. Get the full results, insights, and case studies on how institutions can scale the personal touch and bridge the engagement gap. Download the report.

In swift response to the White House’s recent nomination of James Kvaal as Department of Education (ED) under secretary, the higher education community has largely praised the announcement. Kvaal currently serves as president of The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS) and previously served under the Obama administration as the deputy domestic policy adviser, focusing on economic opportunity, which included work on higher education initiatives.

Yes, but it depends on the type of signature. According to Chapter 4 of the Application and Verification Guide volume of the FSA Handbook: "You can accept a paper or electronic copy of the return as long as it contains a signature. Acceptable examples would include, but are not limited to: a signed paper return that the student either mailed or brought to the school; a signed paper return that the student faxed or scanned and emailed; an electronic copy that the student signed with a stylus or finger; an electronic copy that we consider signed because it has an image of the student’s signature attached. However, a signature on Form 8879, the IRS e-file Signature Authorization, is not an acceptable substitute for a signature on the tax return." View the full answer to this question to learn more and search for answers to your other pressing regulatory and compliance questions in NASFAA's AskRegs Knowledgebase.

Get the recognition you deserve with the FAAC® designation! The current testing window is open through March 3, 2021. If your application is already approved, your next step is to purchase the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program knowledge exam and schedule your session online. Be careful not to let your one-year eligibility period expire! Check your personal certification dashboard to confirm that date. If you haven't applied yet, complete your application online today. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements.

We hear much about devoting proper attention to our physical health during times of stress, but what about attending to our mental health during especially busy times? Join Dr. Philip Hawkins, director of financial aid at The George Washington University Law School, at 2:00 p.m. ET tomorrow, February 24, when he will discuss how life got suddenly interrupted by a major depression from too many competing life demands and how he has transformed through lessons of recovery that guide him on a new and improved life journey. Register now.

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