Top 6 Takeaways from Recent Financial Aid Regulation Announcements

Over the last few months there have been a few key announcements worth mentioning to ensure you remain compliant. Following these will ensure compliance. Here are a few of the top takeaways from recent Department of Education updates.

1. 2025-26 FISAP Form Now Available: The FISAP has been updated to deactivate Fields 23c and 23d, reflecting the expiration of emergency FSEOG awards under the CARES Act, and revised due dates and instructions for 2024. The due date for the FISAP has been updated to Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, In addition to updates to the FISAP there have also been changes, click herefor more information.
   
   
2.  Voluntary Disclosure of Hate Crime Sub-Categories: The U.S. Department of Education encourages institutions to voluntarily report additional hate crime details beyond Clery Act requirements. Institutions may disclose sub-categories of targeted individuals, using various communication methods to enhance awareness and transparency. This includes providing crime prevention tips and resources, although formal statistical grids are not necessary. For guidelines, see the FBI’s Hate Crime Data Collection Manual.
   
   
3.  Training Workshops – 2024-25 FSA Fundamentals Training Series: This letter announces the launch of Federal Student Aid’s 2024–25 FSA Fundamentals Training Series. This series comprises the online FSA Fundamentals Online Course and the FSA Fundamentals Virtual Workshop, an instructor-led, online class scheduled for October 2024 through June 2025.
   
   
4.  Program Integrity and Institutional Quality: Distance Education, Return of Title IV, HEA Funds, and Federal TRIO Programs: The proposed regulations cover Distance Education, Return of Title IV funds (R2T4), and Federal TRIO programs. They aim to improve student service, access, and Federal Student Aid effectiveness. Details will follow in the final rule.
   
   
5.  Volume 2: School Eligibility and Operations Now Available [2024-25 Federal Student Aid Handbook]: Federal Student Aid announces the release of Volume 2 of the 2024-2025 Federal Student Aid Handbook. This volume covers colleges’ Title IV obligations, including eligibility, administrative requirements, and audits. The Handbook is available digitally on the Knowledge Center, with updates communicated via Electronic Announcements.
   
   
6. Updated Course Offerings ‒ Newly Redesigned Learning Tracks and FSA Basic Training for New Staff for2024‒25 Award Year: This letter announces the newly redesigned and updated FSA Training Center offerings in the Learning Tracks category as well as an updated FSA Basic Training for New Staff course. The updated content is available as of Aug. 5, 2024.

Of course, these are just a few highlights of information over the last few months. Let our financial aid and compliance experts help your department boost its efforts. Contact us today to explore options. Get FA Solutions and ECM today!

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