Author name: Marlene Seeklander

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Report of foreign involvement in U.S. higher education further delayed again

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By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education has once again pushed back its planned publication of all foreign sources of ownership, gifts or contracts involving those institutions of higher education required to submit reports. In an August 25 update to a July 6 Electronic Announcement, the Department has agreed to delay the planned publication of the

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Tip of the Week – August 26, 2026

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Tip of the Week It’s a matter of trust My flight was delayed, and the chances of getting home in time for some evening plans were getting slimmer by the minute. After checking the flight monitor, I headed back to the waiting area. That’s when I ran into Gracie. Gracie, an airport therapy dog, was

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Department of Education announces the launch of Beta 2 testing for 2027-28 FAFSA

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By Marlene Seeklander The testing of the 2027-28 FAFSA continues to move forward, allowing some students and families to complete the FAFSA form early. In an August 25 update to a July 21 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced the launch of the second phase of the 2027-28 FAFSA beta testing period. Students and contributors

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Department of Education publishes new instructions for financial aid professionals to access federal immigration status system

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid administrators working with non-citizens will want to check out the latest instructions for accessing the information needed to determine if a student is eligible for federal financial aid.  In an August 20 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that they have updated the guide to access Department of Homeland Security

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FSA online training courses highlight Cohort Default Rates and Default Prevention

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals can sharpen their knowledge about cohort default rates and default prevention and management by participating in a course offered by Federal Student Aid. Federal Student Aid (FSA) recently announced the release of an online, self-paced learning track on cohort default rates (CDRs) and default prevention and management. It is

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A guide to fall conference season – three ways to justify your attendance

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 By Catherine Mueller With Labor Day approaching, it’s time to start preparing for the next season – that is fall conference season. You may be planning to attend or present at an upcoming conference, however, with tight budgets and reduced staff, the value of conferences may have to be justified. If you need to show why

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Input sought for FSA’s Fiscal Year 2026-30 draft strategic plan goals and objectives

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input to Federal Student Aid (FSA) on their draft goals and objectives which are part of their strategic plan. FSA extended the invitation to institutions of higher education, financial partners, and other stakeholders via an August 24 Electronic Announcement. Feedback is encouraged as it will

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2025-26 Federal Student Aid Handbook now available in PDF format

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals have another way to access the 2025-26 Federal Student Aid Handbook – via PDF format. In an August 20 Dear College Letter, the Department of Education announced the availability of PDF files of the 2025–26 Federal Student Aid Handbook. This allows schools to download the entire handbook or individual volumes.

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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – August 20, 2026

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Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 17 Online training available for completing the 2027-28 FISAP In addition to many responsibilities, financial aid professionals have an important responsibility coming up – completing the FISAP (fiscal reports and application to participate in federal financial aid). Guidance released on FVT/GE Data Reporting and STATS early implementation Institutions

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