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The Department of Education (ED) in an electronic announcement on Thursday provided an update to a temporary change to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) verification process known as “Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)”. The department has collaborated with DHS to implement a temporary change that will “allow institutions to access pending DHS secondary match cases.” According to the announcement, DHS has updated SAVE permission levels for third-step users and third-step supervisors, making these cases viewable when you search for them in the SAVE system. This temporary change allows schools to complete third-step verification.

It’s not too late to join NASFAA’s Call to Action campaign! We need your help in urging Congress to take action that would require the Department of Education to delay the gainful employment and financial value transparency institutional reporting requirements, currently due October 1, until July 2025. As the financial aid community continues to navigate unprecedented issues associated with the FAFSA rollout, including recent news that batch corrections functionality will not be available for the 2024-25 year, it is more important than ever that your members of Congress hear from you about why this extension is necessary. Visit NASFAA’s Call to Action page to learn more about how to contact your congressional delegation.

The Department of Education (ED) provided an update to its ongoing email communication to student loan borrowers, who may be eligible for certain forms of student debt relief, and detailed how institutions can direct borrower questions should students reach out. The notice explains that the department is still in the process of contacting borrowers and expects to complete their outreach within the next week. Additionally, ED detailed the process for which a student can elect to opt-out of the potential cancellation program. Schools were advised to direct students to StudentAid.gov/debtrelief and the department’s most recent announcement concerning efforts to implement student loan debt cancellation.

Please join us in congratulating Adam Kuykendall and Rachel Mecca, FAAC® on their promotions. Congratulations to Michael Bennett, formerly the associate vice president of financial assistance services at St. Petersburg College, who retired in August after 44 years of working in financial aid. Also join us in congratulating Dr. Gregory Guzman, who co-authored a book, “Out of Pocket,” about what parents and counselors need to know about paying for college. Celebrate your own career developments by completing the "Movers and Shakers" form to share the news with your colleagues.

Providing students and families with clear and accurate financial aid offers has never been more important — especially in a year when there’s less time for students to make a decision on college enrollment. The College Cost Transparency Initiative (CCT) is a national movement of institutions committing to use a common set of principles and standards that ensure transparency, clarity, and understanding around communicating student financial aid offers. Interested in participating? Make sure to submit your commitment before August 31 for a chance to win one of three complimentary registrations to NASFAA 2025 in Anaheim!

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