jeff baker & lynn mahaffie| dec. 2015 u.s. department of education 2015 fsa training conference...
TRANSCRIPT
Jeff Baker & Lynn Mahaffie| Dec. 2015
U.S. Department of Education
2015 FSA Training Conference for Financial Aid Professionals
Welcome & Federal UpdateGS1
Administration Priorities
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Administration Priorities President’s 2020 Goal: By 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.Themes:Increasing accessMaking college more affordableImproving outcomes 3
Access
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Access: First Lady’s Reach Higher Initiative Exposing students to college/career
opportunities – encourage students to reach for the best college they can attend
Encouraging academic planning and summer learning
Understanding financial aid Supporting high school counselors
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Access: FAFSA Promoting FAFSA Completion FAFSA Simplification Early FAFSA Prior-Prior Year
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Access: Experimental Sites Second Chance Pell Pilot Program
Waivers to allow incarcerated individuals to receive Pell Grants for postsecondary education
Dual EnrollmentWaivers to allow students who are enrolled in high school to receive Pell Grants for enrollment in Title IV-eligible postsecondary programs
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Affordability
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Affordability: Front End Strategies
America’s College Promise Increase in Pell Grant funding First in the World (FITW) Competency-Based Learning Educational Quality Through Innovative
Partnerships (EQUIP)9
Affordability: America’s College Promise Proposal would make two years of college free
and universal Students would be able to secure an
associate’s degree or certificate, earn the first half of a bachelor’s degree, and gain skills needed in the workforce at no cost
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Affordability: Increases in Pell GrantMaximum Award
2008-2009 $4,7312015-2016 $5,775
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Affordability: First in the World Discretionary grant program designed to spur
innovation to drive down costs while maintaining quality
Program focuses on students most likely not to persist and graduate
Tests and evaluates practices for cost effectiveness, maintains quality, and facilitates replication
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Affordability: Experimental Sites Competency-Based Learning
Creates flexibility by allowing students to progress as they demonstrate mastery of content
Educational Quality Through Innovative Partnerships (EQUIP)Accelerates and evaluates partnerships with non-traditional providers
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Affordability: Back End Strategies
Student Aid Bill of Rights Income-Driven Repayment Plans
Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE)
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Affordability: Student Aid Bill of Rights
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Affordability: Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Caps payments for Federal Direct Student
Loans at 10 percent of discretionary income for eligible borrowers
Helps ensure that borrowers are able to manage their debt and avoid defaulting on their student loans
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Affordability: Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Provides relief on loan payments, especially in
a borrower’s early years of repayment Complements other repayment plans that help
borrowers manage their debt Conference Session #33
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Affordability: REPAYE Regulations Negotiations held February - April, 2015 -- consensus
reached on a Revised Pay As You Earn repayment plan (REPAYE) that extends the 10 percent income cap to all borrowers regardless of when they borrowed
Published final regulations October 30, 2015Early implementation in December 2015
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Affordability: Student Aid Bill of Rights Protects Social Security benefits of borrowers with
disabilities who may qualify for a loan discharge or other repayment options
Ensures that the debt collection process for defaulted Federal student loans is fair, transparent, and reasonable (compensation of collection agencies, guidance provided to collection agencies, ensuring accurate information provided)
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Outcomes
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Outcomes
College Scorecard Accreditation Executive Actions and Legislative
Proposals Gainful Employment Regulations
Consumer protections and informationDebt to earnings ratios
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Outcomes: College ScorecardInteractive tool – new data recently addedHighlights key indicators about institutions’ costs and valueHelps students and families decide where to enroll for postsecondary education Allows comparison of schools based on simple criteria
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Outcomes: College Scorecard Scorecard data include:
Costs Graduation Rates Loan Default Rates Loan Repayment Rates Average Amount Borrowed Employment Earnings
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Outcomes: Accreditation Executive actions and a legislative proposal
designed to: Increase transparency in the accreditation process Increase coordination within the Department and
among accreditors to improve institutional oversightEncourage greater attention to outcomes within
current accreditor review processes
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Regulatory Update
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Recent & Upcoming Regulatory Efforts Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) Program Integrity and Improvement (Cash
Management) Teacher Preparation Borrower Defenses State Authorization
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Program Integrity and Improvement Final regulations published in October 2015 Effective July 1, 2016 Cash Management provisions ensure students:
Have convenient access to their Title IV, HEA program funds
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Program Integrity and ImprovementDo not incur unreasonable and uncommon financial account fees
Are not led to believe they must open a particular financial account to receive their Federal student aid
Conference Session #21
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Program Integrity and Improvement Other Program Integrity and Improvement
Provisions:Clarify how previously passed coursework is treated for Title IV eligibility purposes
Streamline the requirements for converting clock hours to credit hours
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Teacher Preparation Goal: To help ensure teacher preparation programs are preparing educators who are ready to succeed in the classroom Proposed regulations: Would focus Title II reporting on outcomes, including student achievement, employment, teacher and principal survey information, and tie outcomes to Title IV TEACH Grant eligibility
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Teacher Preparation
Negotiations held in 2012Consensus not reachedNPRM published on December 3, 2014Received nearly 5,000 commentsAnticipated publication of final regulations this month
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Borrower Defenses Two September 2015 public hearings in
Washington and San Francisco Federal Register Notice announcing negotiator
nominations and schedule of committee meetings published on October 20, 2015
Negotiator nominations were due November 19, 2015 - 33 nominations received32
Borrower Defenses Negotiations scheduled for:
Jan. 12-14, 2016 Feb. 17-19, 2016March 16-18, 2016
Anticipate publishing proposed rules this summer Anticipate publishing final rules by November 1,
201633
Borrower Defenses Negotiated Rulemaking Committee will consider:
Procedures for a borrower to establish defense to repayment
Criteria that will be used to identify acts or omissions of an institution that constitute defenses to repayment
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Borrower Defenses Negotiated Rulemaking Committee will consider:
Standards and procedures that ED will use to determine school liability for amounts based on borrower defenses
Effect of borrower defenses on institutional administrative capability assessments
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Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Signed by President on March 7, 2013Final rules published on October 20, 2014Regulations became effective July 1, 2015Conference Session #38
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Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)Requires institutions to:
Maintain statistics on dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking
Provide, and describe in annual security reports, prevention and awareness campaigns
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Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)Requires institutions to:
Provide a prompt, fair, and impartial disciplinary proceeding, and provide for requirements governing that proceeding
Provide information and support services to victims Department revising the Clery Handbook to reflect
VAWA regulations
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State Authorization Requirements Under regulations published October 29, 2010, in
order to receive Title IV funds, institutions are required to have State authorization, including:Approval to provide postsecondary education programs
A student complaint process Conference Session #20
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Prior – Prior and Early FAFSAConference Session #49
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Early FAFSA President’s Announcement –
FAFSA Start-Up on October 1 Use of Prior-Prior Income Data
Beginning with the 2017-2018 FAFSA October 1, 2016 2015 Tax Year
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Questions?
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Prior-Prior and Early FAFSA Issues
Outreach Professional Judgement Verification Conflicting information
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2016-2017 FAFSA/ISIRConference Session #GS2
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FAFSA – List of Schools Beginning with the 2016-2017 FAFSA the names
of the colleges listed by applicants on FAFSAs will not be included on ISIRs sent to institutions.
Will continue to be included on ISIRs provided to state grant agencies
Will be on SARs provided to FAFSA applicants.
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Paper FAFSAs More than 99 percent of FAFSAs are filed
electronically. Beginning with the 2016-2017 FAFSA we will no
longer print the FAFSA as a color packet. PDF FAFSA available on-line to be printed Call 1-800-4FEDAID to request a copy
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FFEL/Direct FY ‘12 Cohort Default Rates
Conference Sessions #15 and 16
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FY ‘12 Cohort Default RatesSchool Type
STATE FY 11’ CDR FY 12’ CDR
Public – Two Year 20.5% 19.1%Public – Four Year 8.9% 7.6%Non-Profit – Two Year 15.6% 16.1%Non-Profit – Four Year 7.0% 6.3%For-Profit – Two Year 20.0% 17.7%For-Profit – Four Year 18.6% 14.7%Foreign 3.8% 3.3%All Schools 13.7% 11.8%
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Perkins Loan Program
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CommunicationsDear Colleague Letter GEN-15-03Electronic AnnouncementsQuestions and Answers
Perkins Loan Program
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Program ended on September 30, 2015Schools may not make Federal Perkins Loans to
new borrowers after September 30, 2015.
Perkins Loan Program
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2015-2016 Awards – If prior to October 1, 2015, a school made the first disbursement of a Perkins Loan to a student for the 2015-2016 award year, the school may make any remaining disbursements of that 2015-2016 loan after September 30, 2015.
Perkins Loan Program
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Grandfathering Allows a school to make additional Perkins Loans to
certain students for up to five additional years (through September 30, 2020) to enable the students “to continue or complete courses of study”.
Loans can be made only if all of the following conditions are met:
Perkins Loan Program
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School made at least one Perkins Loan disbursement to the student on or before June 30, 2015. Results in 2015-2016 being a “gap” year.
Student is enrolled at the same school and in the same academic program as when the last Perkins Loan disbursement was received.
Need remains after Direct Subsidized loan is awarded
Perkins Loan Program
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Excess Liquid CapitalDCL GEN-15-19Attached Excel Work-Sheets
Calculate Excess Cash Calculate Federal/School Shares
Return Federal Funds by December 31, 2015
Perkins Loan Program
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ATB and Career Pathway Programs
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ATB and Career Pathway ProgramsAllows for Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) alternatives for students without a high school diploma, or equivalent (or home schooled) who are enrolled in an eligible “Career Pathway” “Program”.
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ATB and Career Pathway ProgramsATB –
Pass an ED approved ATB test State Process (none have ever been
submitted) Complete six credit hours (or equivalent)
Beginning July 1, 2015, reduced Pell Grant payment schedule
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Career Pathway Program Concurrently enrolls students in “connected adult
education” and an eligible Title IV programProvides “structured course sequences”Provides opportunities for accelerationOrganized to meet the needs of adults
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Career Pathway Program Aligned with the education and skill needs of the
regional economyProvides counseling and support servicesDeveloped in collaboration with business,
workforce development, and economic development.
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SequestrationSee DCL GEN-15-07
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Sequestration – Grants
TEACH Grant and Iraq-Afghanistan Service Grant awards reduced by 6.8% for FY 2016 (first disbursed between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016).
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Sequestration – Loan FeesSubsidized Loans and Unsubsidized Loans –1.068 percent for loans first disbursed on or
after October 1, 2015 and before October 1, 2016.
PLUS Loans (Parent and Grad Student) –4.272 percent for loans first disbursed on or
after October 1, 2015 and before October 1, 2016
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Correct and Timely Reporting
Conference Session #10
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Correct and Timely ReportingCOD –
Program informationNSLDS –
Enrollment, including academic program GE Reporting
CPS – Professional Judgement Results of V4 and V5 Verification
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Protecting Student Information
Conference Session #43
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Protecting Student Information Dear Colleague Letter GEN-15-18
Reminds institutions (and their third-party servicers) of their continuing obligations to protect data used in all aspects of the administration of the Title IV Federal student financial aid programs.
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Protecting Student InformationExpectation is that all institutions will assess and implement strong security policies and controls and undertake ongoing monitoring of the systems, databases and processes that support all aspects of the administration of the Federal student financial aid programs
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Protecting Student InformationThe SAIG Enrollment Agreement includes a provision that the institution – Must ensure that all Federal Student Aid applicant information is protected from access by or disclosure to unauthorized personnel.
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Protecting Student InformationThe SAIG Agreement includes a provision that in the event of an unauthorized disclosure or an actual or suspected breach of applicant information or other sensitive information (such as PII) the institution must immediately notify FSA at [email protected].
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Protecting Student InformationUnder various Federal and state laws and other authorities, including the HEA; FERPA; the Privacy Act of 1974; the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act; state data breach and privacy laws; institutions may be responsible for losses, fines and penalties (including criminal penalties) caused by data breaches.
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Protecting Student InformationWithin the SAIG Agreement and the PPA, institutions must comply with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Under Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, financial services organizations, including institutions of higher education, are required to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information.
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Gainful EmploymentSee DCL GEN-15-12
Conference Sessions #30 and #31
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The HEA provides that to be Title IV eligible an educational program must:
Be offered by a public or non-profit institution and leads to a degree; or
Prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
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Which Programs are GE Programs? At public institutions and non-profit institutions, all
non-degree programs are GE Programs except for - Programs of at least two years in length that are designed to be fully transferable to a bachelor’s degree program, and
Preparatory coursework necessary for enrollment in an eligible program
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Which Programs are GE Programs? At proprietary institutions, all programs are GE Programs
except for –Preparatory coursework necessary for enrollment in an eligible program
Bachelor’s degree programs in liberal arts offered since January 2009 that are offered by a proprietary institution that has been regionally accredited since October 2007
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Gainful Employment Final rules published on October 31, 2014 Rules became effective July 1, 2015 Published Dear Colleague Letter GEN-15-12
summarizing the rules
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Gainful Employment MeasureDebt-to-earnings (D/E) ratesAnnual Earnings D/E rateDiscretionary Income D/E ratePass: Annual D/E < = 8% or Discretionary D/E < = 20% Fail: Annual D/E > 12% and Discretionary > 30% Zone: Annual D/E > 8% and < = 12% or Discretionary D/E > 20% and
<= 30%
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Gainful Employment Results Program’s loses Title IV eligibility if:
D/E measures – Fails in two out of three years;
ORD/E measures - Fails or in the zone for four
consecutive years
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Important Dates
REPORTING
JUL 31, 2015 (For 2008/2009 to 2013/2014 Data)
OCT 01, 2015 (For 2014/2015 Data)
COMPLETERS LIST CHALLENGES DUE FROM
INSTITUTIONS
45 days
DRAFT DEBT-TO-EARININGS RATES TO
INSTITUTIONS
SUMMER 2016
DRAFT DEBT-TO-EARNINGS RATES CHALLENGES DUE
FROM INSTITUTIONS
45 Day Challenge Period
RELEASE FINAL DEBT-TO-EARNINGS RATES TO
INSTITUTIONS
WINTER 2016
COMPLETERS LIST FOR INSTITUTIONS
Winter 2015/2016
DISCLOSURES (UPDATES)
JANUARY 2016
DISCLOSURES (NEW REGULATORY
REQUIREMENTS)
JANUARY 2017
PROGRAMCERTIFICATIONS
DECEMBER 2015 & Ongoing
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GE Reporting Report all Title IV Students by July 31, 2015
Report 2008 – 2009 through 2013 – 2014 award years. Programs with Medical and Dental Residencies report 2007 – 2008 through 2013 – 2014 award years.
Report following award years by October 1.
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GE Corrections and Challenges Important information and data –
Completer Lists – Winter ‘16Draft D/E Rates w/Backup Data – Summer ‘16Final D/E Rates w/Backup Data – Winter ‘16
Regulatory timeframes for responses
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GE Corrections and Challenges Each Institution Must –
Establish SAIG Mailbox for GE FilesRegister for the Data Challenges and Appeals Solution(DCAS) using Participation Management
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GE Program Certifications December 31, 2015 – Transitional Certifications
Due Signed by institutions CEO Certifications renewed when institution
recertifies Program Participation Agreement (PPA)
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GE Program Certifications Each GE Program is:
Approved by accrediting agency and State. Is programmatically accredited if that is required
for that profession in the state. Graduates qualify to meet licensing or certification
exam requirements to work in the state, if any.
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Gainful Employment DisclosuresBeginning in 2017, in addition to program
information required disclosures could include: D/E rates Program cohort default rates Loan repayment rates Median loan debt Percent borrowing
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Gainful Employment DisclosuresBeginning in 2017, in addition to program
information required disclosures could include: Completion rates Withdrawal rates Placement rates
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Experimental Sites
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Experimental SitesCurrent –
Pell for short-term career programsPell for students with a bachelors degreeReduced Unsubsidized Loans
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Experimental Sites New –
FWS for High School TutorsPrior Learning AssessmentsCompetency Based EducationLimited Direct Assessment
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Experimental SitesComing –
Expanded Competency Based Education“Second Chance Pell” for incarcerated studentsDual Enrollment – High school and postsecondaryLoan Counseling
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Recent Dear Colleague Letters
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Recent Dear Colleague Letters GEN-15-18: Protecting Student Information GEN-15-15: Implementation of the VAWA Final Regulations GEN-15-12: Regulatory Requirements Related to Gainful Employment
Programs GEN-15-11: 16-17 FAFSA® Information to be Verified and Acceptable
Documentation
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Recent Dear Colleague Letters GEN-15-08: Citizenship and Immigration Status
Documentation GEN-15-06: Loan Counseling Requirements and
Flexibilities GEN-15-01: Third-Party Servicer Institutional
Requirements and Responsibilities
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Thank You
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