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On Friday NASFAA submitted comments responding to the Department of Education’s (ED) request for feedback on its proposed regulatory changes resulting from negotiations held earlier this year covering topics related to program integrity and institutional quality. In the comments, NASFAA commended ED’s efforts to simplify R2T4, but noted the need for a complete overhaul of those regulations. NASFAA also shares concerns about several proposed changes to the distance education regulations we believe could have unintended consequences.

NASFAA, along with over a dozen higher education organizations, signed onto comments to the Department of Education (ED) over its proposed rules on distance education, return of title IV funds (R2T4), and the federal TRIO programs. Earlier in July, ED unveiled its proposed rules for distance education, R2T4, and the federal TRIO programs, which were three of the six topics negotiated in the  Program Integrity and Institutional Quality rulemaking session, held over the winter of 2024. In the letter, the organizations expressed frustration with only having 30 days to offer comments and requested that, moving forward, the public have at least 60 days to comment on any proposed regulation.

Join NASFAA for a six-week interactive online course reviewing the changes in the federal methodology from the expected family contribution (EFC) to the student aid index (SAI), the calculation of the SAI, and the federal Pell Grant calculation, including minimum and maximum federal Pell Grant amounts. This course is the perfect learning tool for financial aid professionals to understand the calculations behind the new SAI and how to calculate the Pell Grant using HHS poverty guidelines. The course starts September 6, so be sure to register today to secure your seat before this course fills up.

We are happy to report that all Self-Evaluation Checklists are updated and available! The checklists are designed to allow schools to audit themselves for the 2023-24 award year. Some checklists which are now live include the Return of Title IV Funds Checklist, Cash Management, Student Consumer Information, and Student Eligibility. The Self-Evaluation Checklists module of the Compliance Engine is included with your NASFAA membership. Not sure how to use it? Check out our Self-Evaluation Checklists User Guide. Take advantage of this member benefit today!

More financial aid professionals recently joined hundreds of financial aid professionals across the country who now hold the FAAC® designation. Check the Registry to see if any of your colleagues have been certified and congratulate them for this achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Commission, these individuals now qualify to receive a multitude of benefits. Would you like to become certified, too? The next testing window opens on the 1st -- or take advantage of any of the upcoming testing windows. Start by exploring your eligibility today using our free interactive eligibility tool.

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