By Marlene Seeklander Schools will want to make note that a new version of the COD Common Record Extensible Markup Language (XML) Schema 5.0d is now available. In a November 25 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education stated that in spring 2026, they will implement Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) functionality that will support the processing
New COD Common Record XML Schema Version 5.0d now available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals will soon see updates to the Application for Approval to Participate in the Federal Student Financial Assistance Programs, also known as the E-App. In a November 26 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education outlined the updates that will be implemented on December 7, 2025 and are designed to improve the
Enhancements coming to the E-App in FSA Partner Connect Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals will soon have the opportunity to watch the cash management webinar – Charges and Credit Balances. In an update to an earlier Electronic Announcement, FSA announced that the Charges and Credit Balances webinar has been rescheduled and will be held on Wednesday, December 10, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. (Eastern). No registration
Federal Student Aid reschedules Charges and Credit Balances webinar Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals can now plan for the upcoming FAFSA verification season with the latest guidance from the Department of Education. In a November 26 Dear Colleague Letter, the Department of Education details the changes in verification for 2026-27 and provides suggested text for schools to use in requesting additional documentation from students.
2026-2027 FAFSA information to be verified and acceptable documentation Read More »
Early Awareness E-News December 2025Vol. 17 – Issue 12 The importance of a FAFSA Submission Summary The FAFSA Submission Summary may be the unsung hero of the financial aid process. Latest ACT news available via on-demand virtual events School counselors must keep current on a lot of topics, but trying to attend scheduled webinars can
Early Awareness E-News – December 2025 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Students who apply for scholarships know it’s the smart way to pay for a college education. Scholarships are sometimes referred to as “free money” since it usually doesn’t have to be repaid. Scholarships are also a recognition of a student’s accomplishments – recognition that can sometimes lead to other opportunities or be included
Paying for college with scholarships Read More »
By Catherine Mueller During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. Use some of your spare time in the month of December and your Christmas break to complete tasks related to applying for college. Below are the tasks you should complete during the month of December: Review the complete Senior year college planning calendar
December tasks for seniors Read More »
Tip of the Week Happy Thanksgiving from Mapping Your Future
Tip of the Week – November 25, 2025 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Hopefully, you will be enjoying Thanksgiving day and not working, but if you do need to work, you should know that some Federal Student Aid offices are taking a break or will have modified hours. Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced that their offices and contact centers will be closed on Thursday, November 27, in observance
2025 Thanksgiving holiday hours for Federal Student Aid and Mapping Your Future Read More »
