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The Department of Education’s (ED) negotiated rulemaking session picked up Wednesday with department officials warning negotiators about the need to continue to make progress in moving through the agenda, noting that regulations will be published regardless of whether the committee reaches consensus on pressing issues. “Our goal here is consensus, we want to have everybody on board, we're here in good faith,” said Jennifer Hong, a negotiator on behalf of ED, at the outset of Wednesday’s session. “But if we don't reach consensus, then the department will publish whatever rule or policy direction we see fit.”

NASFAA on Wednesday submitted comments to the Department of Education (ED) on Student Assistance General Provisions — Non-Title IV Revenue Requirements (90/10) in response to its recent notice announcing upcoming negotiated rulemaking on this topic. NASFAA’s comments focused on the implications of the rule change that Congress made in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and urged the department to carefully consider the possibility of school closures as a result of those changes to ensure that students are protected. NASFAA also stressed the need for ED to carefully craft the expanded definition of federal education funding to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. 

As the Department of Education (ED) continues with its negotiated rulemaking process, several Senate Democrats are sharing their thoughts on how the agency should use the regulatory framework to deliver additional student debt relief and protections for borrowers. The letter, signed by seven Democrats, including Sen. Patty Murray, (D-Wash.) chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee, outlines four key programs that the signatories would like to see ED address in the development of any finalized language.

NASFAA's 2022 Leadership & Legislative Conference & Expo, which will be held February 14-16 in-person in Washington, D.C., offers four distinct pathways registrants can choose from to further their professional goals: Association Leadership, Compliance Management, Strategic Enrollment Management, and — new in 2022 — a Succession Planning pathway. A fifth pathway, the FAAC Forum, is available exclusively to those who hold the FAAC designation. To mitigate against last-minute event cancellation from local and federal agencies, and ensure the safety of attendees and staff, only individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to register for this event. Learn more about the conference and the safety measures being taken. Spots are limited; register today to secure your seat.

If you love to read and have a talent for thoughtful critique, then NASFAA has an opportunity for you! We're looking for volunteers to write reviews of cutting-edge books on student aid and higher education topics. Reviews will be featured on NASFAA's website and in Today's News. Intrigued? Complete this Request for Information form by Friday November 12, 2021, to learn more.

If you have at least five years of financial aid experience and are directly involved in developing and/or maintaining your school's policies and procedures (P&Ps), we urge you to consider becoming an independent consultant for Blue Icon Advisors. Blue Icon is growing at a rapid pace needs experienced financial aid professionals who live and breathe P&Ps and are ready to share their knowledge with schools across the country. You can learn more about the time commitment and pay for consultants, and apply to be one, here.

For students and parents interested in learning more about financing an education beyond high school, financial aid nights can be an invaluable source of information. NASFAA's financial aid night toolkit has recently been updated with information for the 2022-23 academic year and is now available to assist NASFAA members in conducting or providing support for these presentations. In the toolkit you'll find a slideshow designed to give students and families a basic understanding of financial aid concepts, sources of financial aid, and the application process for federal student aid. The toolkit also contains a guide to planning and conducting a financial aid night, as well as updated versions of supplemental student and parent handouts to help you give a compelling and informative presentation. The content may be presented in person or virtually.

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