This week on “Off the Cuff” we’re bringing listeners a new podcast format featuring in-depth discussion with NASFAA staff on the latest pressing regulatory topics and questions. Justin is joined by NASFAA Policy Analyst Jill Desjean and NASFAA U Instructor David Tolman to discuss how a rule from the Department of Education on distance learning changed the treatment of return of Title IV funds in term-based programs that offer modules. David addresses some of the questions he and his team are receiving on the topic before Jill details recent guidance on how student athletes’ academic scholarships could affect their estimated financial assistance and what aid offices should be aware of. Listeners, we want to hear from you! Leave us a comment and let us know what topics you want covered on future episodes.

NASFAA's Off the Cuff Podcast

OTC AskRegs Experts: New R2T4 Rules and How NCAA’s EFA Guidance Impacts Aid Offices

“Off The Cuff” is back and excited to bring listeners new aspects to the podcast. In this week’s “Inside the Beltway'' episode, Justin is joined by the association’s new Vice President of Public Policy and Federal Relations Karen McCarthy and the American Council on Education’s Assistant Vice President for Government Relations Jon Fansmith. The group breaks down the state of play of the budget reconciliation package and where things stand on Capitol Hill. Jon gives an update on the reconciliation process and discusses hangups between Democrats over the $3.5 trillion price tag and what, if any, higher education policies could get cut from the legislation. Also in this episode: what President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate could mean for higher ed and aid offices, ED's recent announcement regarding PSLF, and the latest on the negotiated rulemaking sessions currently underway. As a reminder, our website will be undergoing system maintenance starting this afternoon, but you can listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple podcasts.

OTC Inside the Beltway: Reconciliation, Vaccine Mandates, and More

This week on a special episode of “Off The Cuff,” the team provides a quick update on developments surrounding the budget reconciliation process and how the Build Back Better Act will impact higher education policies. Rachel and Karen dive right into the legislation making its way through the House and specifically highlight what the current version of the text could mean for maximum Pell Grants, Pell for DACA recipients, free community college, tuition assistance at minority serving institutions, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and completion grants. Stay tuned to Today’s News for more breaking developments concerning the legislative package.

Episode 204: Budget Reconciliation’s Impact on Higher Ed Funding

 The group reconvenes amid an extended summer break to chat with Megan, share some fond memories, and wish her the best in her next endeavor as she wraps up her final week with NASFAA. Megan reminisces about how she landed the job, her early days at NASFAA, and how much the advocacy and higher education landscape has changed over the course of her decade in the role. She also discusses how she weighed the decision to make a career move and provides insight into navigating a job change. Plus the team reads comments submitted by listeners regarding Megan and her work. You won't find news or policy updates on this week's episode, but stick around until the end for a note from Justin about the future of Off The Cuff. 

Episode 203: The Group Bids Farewell to Megan Coval, NASFAA’s VP of Public Policy and Federal Relations

This week on a special episode of "Off The Cuff," Rachel hosts a discussion with NASFAA’s most recent Dallas Martin Endowment (DME) Policy Intern, Richard Davis, Jr. The higher education policy experts delve into a host of issues surrounding student aid and recap this summer’s advocacy efforts. Rachel and Richard cover topics concerning Pell Grant restoration, NASFAA’s advocacy pipeline, highlights from the Committee for Education Funding's (CEF) weekly meetings and more. Richard, who recently completed his summer internship, also shares his future plans and offers listeners insight as to what projects NASFAA has planned for the fall that will utilize some of his research. Want to learn more about the Dallas Martin Endowment for Public Policy and Student Aid (DME) summer internship? Be sure to check out the DME Prospectus to learn more about the purposes, policies, and goals of the fund.

Episode 202: Meet NASFAA’s Latest Student Aid Advocate, Richard Davis, Jr.

This week on "Off The Cuff," the team dives into Congress’ legislative landscape for the summer with the House slated to shortly adjourn until mid-September. Justin and Megan provide updates on the annual budgeting process, what to expect in the reconciliation process and highlight a number of policy proposals that could see floor action in the months ahead. Hugh highlights some recent discussions surrounding the student loan landscape recapping Sen. Elizabeth Warren's second hearing on student loans coupled with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recent remarks. Jill then covers a number of changes coming for loan servicing as well as the Department of Education’s (ED) recent outreach to collect comments on Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program experiences. Plus the team wants to know: What are your summer vacation plans?

Episode 201: Summer Legislation Heats Up But Fall Deadlines Loom Large for Higher Ed

This week on “Off The Cuff,” the team covers the latest news from the Department of Education (ED) concerning changes to the verification process for the 2021-22 award year. Jump to minute 7:03 to dive right into the policy discussion where Karen and Justin break down what impact the changes will have on the upcoming award year. Hugh has an update on congressional spending negotiations and shares how the legislative process could affect a number of higher education programs. Jill also then details an emergency broadband program that can be utilized by Pell Grant recipients. Plus the team wants to know what headlines from the past week made you think to yourself, what did I just read?

Episode 200: All Things Verification, Updates on Congressional Spending and a PSA on Pell Grant Broadband Benefit

This week on "Off The Cuff," the team provides updates on the latest news surrounding efforts to double the maximum Pell Grant award and the developments on the legislative landscape for implementing President Joe Biden’s higher education agenda. Megan previews the House’s next steps on working through the appropriations process with the Department of Education’s (ED) funding bill slated to soon be released. Owen then jumps in to provide details on congressional efforts to extend the federal student loan moratorium past its September 30 deadline. The team then dives into breaking developments concerning the student loan servicing. Plus the team wants to know, what is the best backhanded compliment you have ever received?

Episode 199: Biden Takes Higher Ed Agenda on the Road as Appropriators Prep Spending Bills

This week on a special episode of "Off The Cuff" we hear from Federal Student Aid's (FSA) Chief Operating Officer Richard Cordray as he spoke at the NASFAA 2021 virtual conference and detailed his vision for FSA. Justin then dives into a Q&A with Cordray where they discuss potential reforms for the the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and the transition of millions of borrowers back into repayment when the federal forbearance period on federally-held student loans comes to an end. Plus, we want to know how you are spending your holiday weekend?

Episode 198: NASFAA's Q&A With Richard Cordray

This week on "Off The Cuff," the group returns from a week off to discuss the latest news as Megan covers a new bill released by top Democrats that calls for gradually doubling the maximum federal Pell Grant award over a five-year period and extend eligibility to those enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, commonly known as “Dreamers.” Jill then gives an update on the Department of Education’s (ED) announcement that it will employ a delayed, phased implementation of the changes made to federal methodology and the FAFSA, and Owen details debt forgiveness for an additional 18,000 borrower defense claims for individuals who attended ITT Technical Institute. Plus, the group wants to know your thoughts on UFO sightings!

Episode 197: Lawmakers Release Double Pell Bill, FAFSA Changes Implementation Delays, and More Former ITT Students Receive Debt Forgiveness

This week on "Off The Cuff," Megan details President Joe Biden’s budget proposal and the proposed increase in funding for the Department of Education (ED) and investment in the federal Pell Grant program. Allie then covers the latest news as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are pressing Education Secretary Miguel Cardona for a plan on how the department plans to transition millions of student loan borrowers back into repayment when the federal forbearance period comes to an end in October. Jill then outlines the upcoming schedule for negotiated rulemaking sessions and Justin breaks down a new policy from Federal Student Aid that will allow data sharing with states to provide oversight to student loan services. Plus, the group wants to know: Now that summer is here, what are your feelings on ice cream? Share with us your favorites types or any ice cream-related taboos.

Episode 196: Biden’s Budget Calls for ED Funding Increase, Lawmakers Press Cardona on Student Loan Repayment, and Neg Reg Returns

This week on a special episode of "Off The Cuff," Allie kicks things off with a brief recap of some big higher education news from the past week, including public hearings ahead of new negotiated rulemaking sessions. Justin then introduces our special guests — Brenda Hicks, Christina Tangalakis, and Francisco Valines — who provided insight into their experiences with Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grants and emergency aid. Our guests then share how their institutions' financial aid offices have disbursed funding, addressed “exceptional need,” DACA eligibility, professional judgments, and more!

Episode 195: Financial Aid Administrators Discuss Latest HEERF Guidance, How HEERF III Differs From Previous Aid

This week on "Off The Cuff," Allie kicks things off with details from a new letter from the Biden administration, offering insight on the Department of Education’s potential pathway forward on gainful employment rules. Jill then delves into a new HEERF report highlighting closed schools receiving HEERF funding and provides an update on HEERF III grant taxability. Remember to tune in to NASFAA’s webinar today at 2:00 p.m. for the latest on HEERF. Megan then previews what higher education can expect in Biden’s soon-to-be-released full budget proposal and highlights NASFAA’s latest issue brief on origination fees. Plus, the team wants to know: Now that you're far removed from college, what is another profession outside of higher education you would have chosen?

Episode 194: Pathway Forward for Gainful Employment, New HEERF Reports, and the Wait for Biden’s Full Budget

This week on “Off The Cuff,” the team dives right in to discuss the Department of Education’s (ED) latest announcement on new HEERF guidance and reporting requirements, including additional ways in which institutions can utilize the recently enacted $36 billion in emergency grants to support vulnerable students, monitor and suppress the coronavirus, and re-engage students whose education was disrupted by the pandemic. Allie then provides an update on an impending rise in student loan interest rates. On the congressional front, Justin highlights a recent academic discussion on filibuster reform and Megan catches listeners up on how leadership jockeying within the House GOP conference could impact higher education policy. Plus, the team wants to know: What incentive would most motivate you to take the COVID-19 vaccine?

Episode 193: All Things HEERF Guidance, Student Loan Interest Rates Rise, and What Impact House Leadership Changes Pose for Higher Ed

This week on “Off The Cuff,” the team dives right into the new leadership announcement at the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) and discusses what impact Richard Cordray could have on the agency as the new chief operating officer and how the Department of Education (ED) will coordinate to address pressing issues like student loans and FAFSA simplification. Rachel covers a host of remarks from Education Secretary Miguel Cardona this week and Allie delves into how ED might approach issues surrounding student loans. Jill then highlights a number of recently unveiled congressional proposals concerning financial aid. Plus, the team wants to know: Are you preparing for the so-called “cicada-palooza” or do you think the hype of the impending insect fest is overblown? 

Episode 192: New Leadership at FSA, Cardona Touts Biden's Higher Ed Agenda and Urges Congress to Approve His Undersecretary

Hosted by NASFAA staff, this weekly podcast offers an unscripted view of hot financial aid and higher education-related topics. Justin Draeger and co-hosts will discuss what's happening inside the beltway to give you an insider's perspective.

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NASFAA's Off the Cuff Podcast

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