By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education is among the federal offices closed for the Memorial Day federal holiday on Monday, May 26. The May 19 Electronic Announcement states that the Federal Student Aid (FSA) processors and contact centers will be closed on May 26. All FSA websites will be operational on the holiday. The FAFSA Processing System
Memorial Day holiday closings Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Schools that have not yet closed out their 2023-24 Direct Loan Program year need to make note of the upcoming closeout deadline. A May 19 Electronic Announcement reminds schools that Thursday, July 31, 2025, is the closeout deadline and last processing day before the end of the program year. This means that all
Closeout deadline for 2023-24 Direct Loan Program year Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Draft versions of the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) are now available for public comment. In a May 16 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education (ED) announced the availability of the draft forms and invited public comments. ED is only seeking comments regarding the FAFSA form and the FAFSA Submission
Updated draft 2026-27 Federal Student Aid Application materials available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander New financial aid professionals will likely benefit the most from a new training course on the handling of student data, but experienced professionals may want to attend the course as a refresher. The FSA Training Center includes a learning track – 2025-26 Use and Disclosure of Federal Tax Information and FAFSA Data –
Use and Disclosure of Federal Tax information and FAFSA Data training available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander If you missed any of the recent Federal Student Aid (FSA) webinars or want to watch them again, the recordings are available for viewing. By logging into the FSA Training Center, you can choose Recorded Webinars and Training from the black main menu bar and then select Webinar and Training Videos from the
Recent Federal Student Aid webinar recordings available Read More »
Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 10 National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) post-screening functionality to resume Financial aid professionals will – hopefully – see the return of the automated NSLDS post-screening functionality soon. Mapping Your Future flyer to help colleges provide repayment information to former students The Department of Education is extending an
Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – May 15, 2025 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Anyone who has ideas on how the Department of Education could minimize the administrative burden of the 2026-27 FAFSA on applicants, has an opportunity now to submit their recommendations. In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Department of Education is soliciting written comments and recommendations for the collection of FAFSA information. A
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals will lose access to Federal Student Aid systems faster under new rules to be implemented this month but will also be able to restore their access faster with some new self-service options. In a recent Electronic Announcement, Federal Student Aid (FSA) stated that on May 18, 2025, they will implement
Policy changes and new self-service options for access to Federal Student Aid systems Read More »
Tip of the Week No regrets We probably all have a few regrets. As we enter graduation season, students are embarking on their lives full of anticipation and joy and perhaps even a little trepidation. Trepidation over the possibility of making mistakes and regretting some action or decision. But while this season is about the
Tip of the Week – May 14, 2025 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals and other FSA partners will soon see more changes to FSA Partner Connect – the digital front door and one-stop-shop for Federal Student Aid. A May 8 Electronic Announcement stated that starting in July 2025, FSA Partner Connect will become the primary enrollment and user management service for FSA. The
FSA Partner Connect to add new features, including the transition of SAIG Enrollment Read More »
