Author name: Marlene Seeklander

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Campus-Based Programs 2026-27 Final Funding authorizations now available

By Marlene Seeklander Institutions participating in campus-based financial aid programs can now plan for the 2026-27 award year, knowing how much funding will be available. In a March 30 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that the final 2026-27 Campus-Based programs funding worksheets and the 2026-27 Statement of Account for each of the Campus-Based programs

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2026-27 award year deadlines for Campus-Based programs announced

By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid administrators overseeing campus-based financial aid programs can now add some important deadline dates to their 2026-27 processing calendar. In an April 8 Federal Register Notice, the Secretary of Education announced the publication of the 2026-27 award year deadline dates for the submission of requests and documents for the Federal Perkins

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Department of Education resumes adjudication of Borrower Defense claims

By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education recently resumed reviewing borrower defense to repayment claims, which explains why many institutions have seen a jump in the number claims in recent weeks. In a recent Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education (Department) said they have resumed adjudicating borrower defense to repayment applications that are not impacted by

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FSA seeking volunteers for input on partner services

By Marlene Seeklander Individuals involved in the administration of federal financial aid can sign up to offer input on the services and products that they use daily. In a March 30 Electronic Announcement, Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced that they are seeking volunteers involved in the administration of federal financial aid to provide feedback, ideas, and

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Federal Student Aid hosting webinars on the implementation of the Budget Reconciliation Bill

By Marlene Seeklander When it comes to implementing something new, particularly new financial aid regulations, financial aid professionals want to have their questions answered and receive the latest updates. The Department of Education announced that the financial aid community will have the opportunity to participate in questions and answers and updates on the implementation of the

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2026-27 FSA Handbook Application and Verification Guide now available

By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals have one more tool available for the 2026-27 award year processing. The Department of Education announced that the Application and Verification Guide of the 2026-27 Federal Student Aid Handbook is now available. Financial aid administrators and counselors use this guide when helping students with the financial aid process, filing the

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Colleges required to operate Prison Education Programs in the best interest of students

By Marlene Seeklander Although it seems it should go without saying, prison education programs should operate in the best interest of students. Institutions that offer a Prison Education Programs (PEP) are required to  have an oversight entity review the program and submit a best interest determination to the Department of Education.   In an April 6

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Deadline approaching for colleges to provide access to campus-based financial aid

By Marlene Seeklander Students who need extra funds to attend college can often benefit from access to campus-based federal financial aid. Schools and colleges wanting to participate in federal campus-based programs have until late April to apply for a waiver to the requirement of providing a share of the funds for the program. The Department outlined

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