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ELM Resources. Welcome to the next generation of ELMOne. Six-digit certification is just one of the new ELM features available to help your financial aid office simplify processing, improve operational efficiency, and prepare for evolving borrower needs as OBBB takes effect. Stop by our booth at NASFAA 2026 or contact us today to learn what's next.

This week on "Off The Cuff," Melanie and Karen are joined by Aaron Lemon-Strauss, the Department of Education’s (ED) FAFSA program executive director, to discuss new FAFSA fraud prevention measures announced by the department this week. Aaron kicks off the discussion by explaining the technical details of how these new fraud prevention measures will work in the online FAFSA workflow. He further explains how, starting April 26, ED will screen and assess each FAFSA for fraud risk before it is submitted, along with a one-time screen of previously submitted 2026-27 FAFSAs.

Federal Student Aid (FSA) on Wednesday announced an upcoming webinar dedicated to the agency’s new real-time FAFSA fraud prevention measures on May 1 from 1-2 p.m. ET. Those interested in watching the webinar do not need to register. However, FSA noted that participation will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the agency can accommodate up to 5,000 attendees for the webinar. Instructions on how to join the webinar can be found online. For those unable to attend, FSA noted that it will post a recording and transcript of the webinar on the FSA Training Center the week following.

NASFAA has created a toolkit of easily customizable letters and worksheets to help your manager understand the return on investment they will see from this professional development opportunity. Now more than ever, the NASFAA National Conference provides you with training resources, political realities, and advocacy pathways for student aid administration. Additionally, if you are an FAAC^®, attendance at the NASFAA National Conference will qualify you for 10 Recertification Points (RPs) as an experience that will contribute greatly to your continuing education.

During April, current and future candidates may reserve a 1-on-1 Strategy Session with a Certification Team member. These sessions are designed to help you develop a plan tailored to your needs, explore potential exam preparation strategies, and build confidence as you approach exam day. Strategy Sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss your chance to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. Reserve your Strategy Session today! 

Please join us in congratulating Enrique Garcia on his retirement. Also join us in congratulating Caroline Mcauliffe and Erica Miller, FAAC^®, on their new jobs. Celebrate your own career developments by completing the "Movers and Shakers" form to share the news with your colleagues.

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