Author name: Marlene Seeklander

Tips for avoiding scholarship scams

By Catherine Mueller Scholarships are the best kind of financial aid, but students should be careful to avoid scams. Because so many students are looking for scholarships, there are, unfortunately, a lot of bad actors that want to take advantage of these students. Therefore, it’s important to be careful and make sure the scholarship offer is

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Tip of the Week – October 8, 2025

Tip of the Week Resources to make completing the 2026-27 FAFSA even easier Completing the FAFSA usually isn’t difficult, especially if students and families are prepared. There are two important steps when preparing to complete the 2026-27 FAFSA: Setting up StudentAid.gov account (also known as creating an FSA ID) is the first step when completing

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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – October 2, 2025

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 20 Department of Education issues reminder: Federal grant funds may not be used on lobbying activity Higher education officials may already know that federal grant funds cannot be used for lobbying efforts but just in case anyone didn’t know, the Department of Education sent out a reminder earlier

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Department of Education issues reminder: Federal grant funds may not be used on lobbying activity

By Marlene Seeklander Higher education officials may already know that federal grant funds cannot be used for lobbying efforts but just in case anyone didn’t know, the Department of Education sent out a reminder earlier this week. In a September 30 Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), the Department of Education (Department) provided clarifying guidance that the use

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Federal Student Aid October 8 webinar on Charges and Credit Balances has been cancelled

By Marlene Seeklander The temporary government shutdown is impacting webinar opportunities for financial aid professionals. Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced that the webinar scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, on “Charges and Credit Balances” has been cancelled. Once the shutdown is over, FSA will announce a rescheduled date for the webinar.

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several pairs of students with books lying on the grass in the Park.

Early Awareness E-News – October 2025

Early Awareness E-News October 2025Vol. 17 – Issue 10 Launch of the 2026-27 FAFSA is the earliest in the program’s history The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available for all students to complete. Five reasons you should complete the FAFSA Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can

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Department of Education releases guidance on the use of federal student aid data

By Marlene Seeklander Schools, state agencies, and contractors all have a role in safeguarding student and parent data received as a part of the federal student aid process. In a comprehensive Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) published on September 30, 2025, the Department of Education addresses guidance on the permitted access, disclosure, and use of Federal Tax

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Enhanced ACT now available to national paper-pencil test takers

By Marlene Seeklander ACT test takers now have a shorter test and the option of taking the science section. Last spring, ACT introduced enhancements to the national test online and those enhancements have now been extended to national paper-pencil test takers. These enhancements include: According to ACT, the enhancements are designed to allow students to finish

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