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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.

“Off The Cuff” is back and excited to bring listeners new aspects to the podcast. In this week’s “Inside the Beltway'' episode, Justin is joined by the association’s new Vice President of Public Policy and Federal Relations Karen McCarthy and the American Council on Education’s Assistant Vice President for Government Relations Jon Fansmith. The group breaks down the state of play of the budget reconciliation package and where things stand on Capitol Hill. Jon gives an update on the reconciliation process and discusses hangups between Democrats over the $3.5 trillion price tag and what, if any, higher education policies could get cut from the legislation. Also in this episode: what President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate could mean for higher ed and aid offices, ED's recent announcement regarding PSLF, and the latest on the negotiated rulemaking sessions currently underway. As a reminder, our website will be undergoing system maintenance starting this afternoon, but you can listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple podcasts.

Following the Department of Education’s (ED) recently announced agency-wide changes in store for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the negotiated rulemaking committee continued discussions centered on additional proposed changes.

The Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) is again calling on interested Title IV-eligible postsecondary institutions to apply for participation in the Second Chance Pell experiment and urging applicants to submit materials no later than Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021 to receive priority consideration. Back in August the Department of Education (ED) announced an expansion of the program and invited new educational institutions to participate.

Please join us in congratulating Derrick Everhart, who was recently appointed the director of financial aid at Warren Wilson College, Lorena Rodriguez, who was promoted from financial aid compliance manager to associate director of financial aid at University of California - Santa Cruz, and Anissa Damon, who was promoted in August from awards coordinator to associate director at Santa Fe College. Celebrate your own career developments by completing the "Movers and Shakers" form to share the news with your colleagues.

Please join us in giving NASFAA's newest member — Turing School of Software and Design — a warm welcome. This month we also have the pleasure of welcoming the following schools back as NASFAA members: Chattahoochee Technical College, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, Itawamba Community College, and Piedmont University. We are glad to have all of you as NASFAA members. We encourage you to check out our Events Calendar for a look at upcoming professional development opportunities and to utilize NASFAA's Membership Directory, Speaker and Mentor Professional Directory, and Volunteer and Leadership Directory to help you better engage and connect with your financial aid peers across the country. 

The NASFAA office will be closed on Monday, October 11 for the federal holiday. Today's News will not be sent and technical and membership support will not be available until the office reopens on Tuesday, October 12.

Starting this afternoon through the long-weekend, all online services will be down.

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