Temporary Changes to Federal Aid Verification Process

July 14, 2021

HEADLINES

U.S. Department of Education Announces Temporary Changes to the Federal Aid Verification Process for 2021-22 Award Year (U.S. Department of Education, July 13, 2021) "The U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced temporary changes to the federal student aid verification process for the 2021–22 award year. The temporary changes will provide relief to millions of students and colleges facing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department will focus aid verification on identity theft and fraud for the 2021–22 application cycle, significantly reducing other barriers that have prevented students most in need, from accessing critical financial aid funds."

Nominee Faces Criticism at Confirmation Hearing (Inside Higher Ed, July 14, 2021) "Catherine Lhamon fielded questions about her views on Title IX regulations and her past use of informal guidance, as she hopes to once again be confirmed as assistant secretary for civil rights at the Department of Education. Despite the concerns raised by Republicans, Ranking Member Senator Richard Burr signaled at the end of the hearing that Lhamon would likely be confirmed."

Northampton, East Stroudsburg Sign New Transfer Agreement for Students (The College Post, July 13, 2021) “Northampton Community College (NCC) and East Stroudsburg University (ESU) in Pennsylvania have established a transfer agreement allowing students from NCC to continue at ESU and earn a bachelor’s degree. Students eligible to transfer to ESU will no longer be required to complete more than 60 credit hours unless they are transferring into a program with accreditation or licensing standards that may require additional credits.”

How To Get Student Loans for Online School (Credible, July 12, 2021) “The Council for Higher Education Accreditation makes it easy to search databases and directories of accredited institutions locally, nationwide, and worldwide. You can search its robust databases containing 8,200 schools and 44,000 programs to confirm whether your school and degree path are accredited.”