Author name: Marlene Seeklander

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Policy changes and new self-service options for access to Federal Student Aid systems

Newsroom, Department of Education / By

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

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FSA Partner Connect to add new features, including the transition of SAIG Enrollment

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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

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Updated foreign gift and contract data reported by institutions

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By Marlene Seeklander Colleges and universities have reported additional foreign gifts and contracts valued at approximately $290 million since last July, according to an announcement from the Department of Education. In a May 9 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) provided updated information about foreign gifts and contracts reported by

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A handy packing list with everything you need for college

Newsroom, College preparation, Latest, Mapping Your Future features / By

By Marlene Seeklander Although graduation ceremonies are just now getting underway for many students, it won’t be long before move-in day on college campuses. If you plan to live in a residence hall for the fall semester, you can start preparing now by knowing what you plan to take with you. The Mapping Your Future Packing

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Department of Education issues reminders for student loan borrowers

Newsroom, Latest, Mapping Your Future features, Student Loans / By

By Catherine Mueller The Department of Education has three important reminders for those borrowers who are just beginning to repay student loan debt or are resuming repayment after some time in forbearance or deferment. Mapping Your Future has created a “3 Important Reminders for Borrowers of Federal Student Loans” flyer to help borrowers understand obligations and

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Mapping Your Future flyer to help colleges provide repayment information to former students

Newsroom, Department of Education, Latest, Mapping Your Future features, Student Loans / By

By Marlene Seeklander By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education is extending an urgent “ask” of colleges to help with default prevention. In a May 5 Electronic Announcement the Department of Education reminds schools that the federal student loan programs are a shared responsibility between student borrowers, the Department, and participating schools, with borrowers having the primary

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Tip of the Week – May 7, 2025

Newsroom, Financial Literacy, Latest, Newsletters, Tip of the Week / By

Tip of the Week Mapping Your Future flyer to help colleges provide repayment information to former students The Department of Education is extending an urgent “ask” of colleges to help with default prevention. In a May 5 Electronic Announcement the Department of Education reminds schools that the federal student loan programs are a shared responsibility

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Direct Loan fees and TEACH Grant award amounts set for 2025-26

Newsroom, Department of Education, Student Loans / By

By Marlene Seeklander There’s good news for Direct Loan borrowers and students receiving TEACH Grant awards in the next academic year, as the Direct Loan fees and TEACH award amounts remain unchanged. A recent Electronic Announcement outlined the sequester-required increases to Direct Loan fees and sequester-required reductions in TEACH Grant award amounts. These apply to loans

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Catherine Mueller honored for 30 years in financial aid industry

Newsroom, Latest, Mapping Your Future features / By

By Marlene Seeklander A commitment to a profession can be measured in years. Catherine Mueller, executive director of Mapping Your Future, was honored for 30 years in financial aid/higher education at the South Dakota Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SDASFAA) Spring Conference, recently held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The awards luncheon, held on April

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