We would like to provide you with an update on the recent 2024 NASFAA Legislative and Leadership Conference & Experience that took place from February 4 to 7. One of the highlights of the conference was the announcement made by Dr. Miguel Cardona, the Secretary of Education, regarding the "FAFSA College Support Strategy."

The FAFSA College Support Strategy objective is to enhance the FAFSA experience for both educational institutions and students. As part of this strategy, federal personnel will be deployed to lower-resourced colleges to offer on-campus support, consultations, and training. Additionally, a new concierge service within the Federal Student Aid office will provide direct contact with financial aid experts, allowing for personalized assistance. 

In light of this initiative, we are excited to share that NASFAA has created a platform to connect talented financial aid professionals with institutions needing support. If you are experienced and knowledgeable in financial aid, we encourage you to complete the form on NASFAA’s website and volunteer your expertise to assist those who require additional guidance or support.

FAFSA Data Updates

Furthermore, we would like to inform you that the U.S. Department of Education has announced that test versions of institutional student financial aid information records (ISIRs) will be released by February 16, 2024. This development will provide institutions with valuable insights and data to aid in their financial aid processes.

Paper FAFSA Processing

Paper FAFSAs will be the last forms undergoing physical processing; nevertheless, the processed dates visible to schools will align with the date of receipt when the U.S. Department of Education receives them by mail.

Pro-Tips 

To further assist applicants and their families, we recommend sharing the link to the ProTips section on the Student Aid website. This resource offers valuable information and answers common questions, making the FAFSA application process more understandable and manageable. We encourage you to include this link in any student communications to ensure they have access to this valuable resource.

Administrative Relief

The Department of Education is taking measures to improve the processing of student records at colleges. One significant step is the reduction in verification requirements, as the Department now receives income data directly from the IRS, eliminating the need for verification. This reduction will alleviate burdens for both colleges and students while still preventing fraud. Additionally, the Department has suspended new routine program reviews until June 2024, except for cases of suspected fraud or severe breaches of fiduciary duty. This suspension allows colleges to focus on providing aid to students instead of producing documentation for the Department. Lastly, there is increased flexibility on recertification, with schools whose Program Participation Agreement expires in March, June, or September 2024 having until their expiration day to submit the recertification application. These measures aim to expedite the aid process and ensure that students receive the assistance they need.

                                           Your 2024 Executive Council