The Department of Education has reminded institutions that participation in the TEACH Grant Program is optional. When asked how schools will apply for participation, the Department indicated that it will be issuing a Dear Colleague Letter informing schools of the application process for the new program.

The Department of Education released TEACH Grant program proposed regulatory language and draft preamble language for the proposed regulations. Negotiators representing various higher education interests and the Department reached consensus on this language on Feb. 7.

Department officials said they expect to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the TEACH Grant Program in the Federal Register by mid-March. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the NPRM before final regulations are implemented.

Given the considerable administrative burden of implementing TEACH Grants, NASFAA encourages members to review the proposed regulatory language and email any comments, questions and/or concerns to negreg@nasfaa.org. NASFAA will transmit member concerns and comments about the regulatory language to the Department as part of its comments on the NPRM.

Institutions can begin administering the TEACH Grant program on July 1.

Posted 02/20/08 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web Site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.