Down Time in Financial Aid The cuckoo clock hung in my family’s den, and it served our family well. The clock told us the time and provided many hours of enjoyment with its music and “cu-ckoo” sound. However, the clock was also a sensitive timepiece that regularly needed maintenance to keep working. So, every year, […]
Tip of the Week – May 27, 2026 Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Add some on-the-job experience to your education and you are positioning yourself for a successful career. After all, most employers want to know that you have both classroom education and hands-on experience no matter what career field you’ve chosen – whether it’s a technical or building trade, an art or craftsman skill, or
Key differences between internships, apprenticeships, work-study and part-time jobs Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Graduation ceremonies have recently wrapped up for students, and 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 list for
A handy packing list with everything you need for college Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals may have questions about how the new regulations will impact the various Federal Student Aid (FSA) systems. FSA recently announced a new learning opportunity – FSA Systems Changes Resulting from OBBBA – that will increase knowledge of the FAFSA Partner Portal (FPP), the Common Origination and Disbursement System (COD), and
By Marlene Seeklander Schools that have not yet closed out their 2024-25 Direct Loan Program year will need to make note of the upcoming closeout deadline. A May 20 Electronic Announcement reminds schools that Friday, July 31, 2026, is the closeout deadline and last processing day before the end of the program year. This means that
Closeout deadline nearing for 2024-25 Direct Loan Program year Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Schools can now send a test file of Federal Work Study (FWS) wages prior to sending data for real. In a recent Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that the FSA Partner and School Relations Center will conduct Campus-Based school testing from May 19 through September 30, 2026, for reporting Federal Work
Campus-Based school testing is now available for reporting Federal Work Study wages Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid administrators now have access to the final regulations that impact Federal Pell Grant student eligibility and establish the new Workforce Pell program. On May 18, the Department of Education issued the final regulations in the Federal Register that have a significant impact on Federal Pell Grant eligibility. The statutory changes, which
Final regulations on Workforce Pell and other Pell Grant student eligibility published Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education is among the federal offices closed in observance of the Memorial Day federal holiday on Monday, May 25. The May 20 Electronic Announcement states that the Federal Student Aid (FSA) processors and contact centers will be closed on May 25. All FSA websites will be operational on the holiday. The FAFSA
Memorial Day 2026 holiday closings Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Even though summer break just started for many students, it’s not too early for high school juniors and seniors to start thinking about the upcoming academic year and taking the ACT test. Students can now review the 2026-2027 ACT test dates, set up their account, and possibly register for a test date. By
2026-2027 ACT test dates now available Read More »
The real reason to celebrate Memorial Day weekend It can be difficult to enjoy something if you know it has come about because of the sacrifice of someone else. That’s why Memorial Day weekend has always been a paradox of sorts for me. Like many people, I’ve looked forward to the holiday every year. It’s
Tip of the Week – May 20, 2026 Read More »
