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!

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?

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?

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? 

This week on "Off The Cuff," the group discusses President Joe Biden's address to a joint session of Congress where he pitched his American Family Plan to lawmakers and the nation. Megan and Justin then break down all the details surrounding Biden's new proposal calling for tuition-free community college for all Americans and a significant boost to the maximum Pell Grant award. Jill also provides an update on when institutions should expect the next round of HEERF funds to be distributed. Plus, the group wants to know: When giving a personal pep talk, do you talk to yourself in first, second, or third person?

This week on "Off The Cuff," the group discusses the latest comments from Department of Education officials about prioritizing fixing the much-maligned Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Megan details the latest proposal that calls for making community college and trade school programs tuition-free and calls for doubling the maximum Pell Grant award. Allie then breaks down a new report that provided insight into how how funds from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) were provided to schools through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Plus, its National Volunteer Week, so the group wants to hear from listeners about their favorites memories volunteering.

This week on "Off The Cuff," the group covers the highlights from a Senate committee hearing on student loan debt. Jump to minute 10:30 to dive right into the policy discussion as Megan and Justin break down the confirmation hearing of James Kvaal, the nominee to serve as Department of Education (ED) under secretary. Megan then provides top-level numbers for higher education from President Joe Biden's budget proposal and Owen details leadership turnover at the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) and what to expect in the search for the next chief operating officer. Plus, the team wants to know: What’s the thing you hate but need to pretend you like it?

This week on “Off The Cuff,” the group returns from a brief hiatus to talk about their spring breaks and how boundaries have changed while working from home. Jump to minute 11:00 of the podcast to dive right into the policy discussion. Megan previews the budget proposal soon to be released from the White House, and Karen and Megan detail when to expect HEERF III guidance and funds to be released. Justin weighs in on an expected memo from the Department of Education (ED) outlining President Joe Biden's authority to forgive student loan debt for all borrowers and Allie covers the latest relief efforts from ED amid the pandemic. Plus, the team wants to know: If you could go back in time and tell your 20-year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

This week on “Off The Cuff,” Megan kicks things off by highlighting NASFAA’s joint effort in bringing to light important recommendations for the Department of Education (ED) to consider so borrowers are smoothly and successfully transitioned back into repayment once the federal protection currently in place expires. The team then covers recent congressional pressure and varying policy proposals that have urged the Biden administration to offer debt forgiveness on student loans. Allie has a few updates on the latest news surrounding borrower defense, and Justin provides insight into the latest surrounding Federal Student Aid’s chief operating officer following Mark Brown’s resignation. Jill catches the group up on language included in the American Rescue Plan Act that requires institutions to conduct professional judgment outreach. Plus, the team wants to know: Aside from Today’s News, do you have a favorite newsletter and how did you find it?

This week on “Off The Cuff,” Justin kicks things off by sharing topics discussed with recently confirmed Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. Megan provides an update on the latest round of COVID relief, now signed by President Joe Biden, and ED’s announcement concerning the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement (ASLA) for award year 2021-22. Jill details NASFAA’s recently submitted comments to ED on its proposed institutional eligibility criteria for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Supplemental Aid to Institutions of Higher Education (SAIHE) program. Allie then has details on a recent report concerning the financial outcomes for borrowers enrolled in income-driven repayment plans. Plus, the team wants to know: Did you tune in to Oprah’s recent interview with royals Meghan and Harry?

This week on “Off The Cuff,” Allie discusses Miguel Cardona’s recent confirmation as Education Secretary and Justin highlights a letter NASFAA signed onto touting the importance for the newly appointed secretary to implement changes made to the FAFSA in an efficient and timely manner. Allie and Justin then cover the latest news surrounding institutional accountability and the status of ACICS, an embattled accrediting agency. Jill provides an update on the latest news surrounding HEERF and HEERF II, while Megan dives into the latest on the state of play for the House-passed COVID relief package currently being taken up by the Senate. Plus, Justin wants to know: Do you think the pandemic will lead to permanent changes for financial aid operations?

This week on "Off The Cuff," Justin kicks off the episode detailing NASFAA’s position on widespread student loan forgiveness. The group then covers the latest on the nomination process for Miguel Cardona, President Joe Biden's nominee to lead the Department of Education (ED), and Justin and Megan discuss the appointment of James Kvaal as ED under secretary, where he will focus on the department’s higher education efforts. Plus, Karen informs institutions on what they need to know regarding the temporary expanded eligibility so more college students can access SNAP benefits.

This week on a special edition of "Off The Cuff," Justin is joined by three higher education experts who discuss all things regarding student loan forgiveness. Our guests — Tamara Hiler of Third Way, Preston Cooper of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, and Persis Yu of the National Consumer Law Center — share their opinions on how much, if any, student loan debt should be forgiven, as well as who it should be targeted toward. Justin asks each guest who wins and loses if various proposals are adopted, and how to equitably implement such policies. The guests dissect the main benefits of widespread debt forgiveness and what should happen with the students who will take on loans again next year. Plus, Justin wants to know: In the guests’ vision of the future, what will the federal student loan landscape look like?

This week on "Off The Cuff," the team breaks down the education portion of the fiscal year 2021 budget reconciliation bill that would provide nearly $40 billion in COVID-19 relief aid to institutions of higher education, as well as a provision that would make changes to the federal 90/10 rule. Allie then details a recent report from The Washington Post that found the Department of Education disproportionately selects Black and Latino students for verification, and Megan recaps the latest from Biden administration officials outlining their priorities for higher education at the Community College Legislative Summit. And don’t forget to post on social media all month in celebration of Financial Aid Awareness Month — using the hashtag #FinAidFeb.

This week on "Off The Cuff," Justin and the group recap the highlights from the confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee for Miguel Cardona, President Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the Department of Education. Allie then covers changes and new additions to both the Senate and House education committees, including the controversy regarding the appointment of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) to the House Committee on Education and Labor. Megan then provides an update on the status of Biden’s coronavirus relief package and how Congress could pass the legislation. Plus, Justin quizzes the group on this year’s Super Bowl.

This week on a special edition of “Off The Cuff,” Justin is joined by a trio of financial aid administrators who discussed all things Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) and emergency aid. Our special guests share how their institutions worked through their first batch of HEERF funding, in what ways updated guidance impacted their institution’s ability to disburse funds, and what they’re anticipating for this new round of funding — as well as expectations for the Department of Education (ED) staffed by President Joe Biden’s administration. Plus, Justin wants to know: What thoughts would you like to share with Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona?

This week on “Off The Cuff” Justin and Allie kick things off with a recap of President Joe Biden’s inauguration, his first day in office, and the top higher education priorities NASFAA has for the new administration. Megan highlights additional details about the Biden legislative agenda and congressional reaction. Jill then provides an update on new developments surrounding HEERF II and award notifications. Plus, the group wants to know: What’s your favorite constitutional fun fact?

This week on “Off The Cuff” the team recaps the resignation of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and the department’s effort to curtail President-elect Joe Biden’s pledge to provide student loan debt relief. Megan provides an update on the congressional agenda ahead of Democrats’ majority in Congress. Allie and Justin dig into details on what’s ahead for the debate over debt relief, and Jill provides a brief update on HEERF reporting and expected guidance. Plus, the group wants to know: What was your best purchase last year?

This week on “Off The Cuff,” Justin provides listeners with a brief editorial addressing the recent violence at the U.S. Capitol. At 7:01 the team provides insight into how the results from Georgia’s Senate runoff elections could impact President-elect Joe Biden’s higher education agenda. Megan then offers a recap of Congress’ massive year end spending bill that contained a number of higher education policies. Allie covers a farewell letter issued by outgoing Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to Congress, and Jill highlights the Department of Education’s (ED) reopening of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). Plus, the group wants to know: what one word encompasses your expectations for 2021?

This week on a special edition of "Off The Cuff," the group breaks down the bipartisan year-end spending package that includes additional pandemic relief for higher education as well as a number of other higher education-related policy changes, including simplifying the FAFSA, increasing the maximum Pell Grant award and expanding the program to incarcerated students, and giving financial aid offices more flexibility in professional judgment (PJ) cases during a national emergency. Skip to 8:40 to get straight to the policy discussion, where the team provides insight into what the spending package means for financial aid offices. Thanks for listening to "Off The Cuff" this year and we hope you’ll join us for more episodes in 2021!

This week on a special edition of "Off The Cuff," the group does a deep dive on the state of FAFSA simplification, providing a look at NASFAA's involvement, highlighting ongoing advocacy work on this topic, and examining how it has impacted FAFSA legislation up to this point. Karen gives a summary of the House and Senate bills that are being considered before Megan and Justin discuss the state of play on Capitol Hill and the chance that FAFSA simplification legislation makes its way into a must-pass year-end government funding bill.

This week on "Off The Cuff," the team discusses a positive development from each of their Thanksgivings before Justin and Allie unpack the latest from Federal Student Aid's annual training conference, touching on Education Secretary Betsy DeVos' remarks where she denounced free college proposals and student debt forgiveness. Justin then covers an update from the conference on verification rates. Jill highlights the conference's focus on cybersecurity measures for financial aid offices and Megan provides an update on where spending bills and a COVID-19 relief package stand on Capitol Hill, as well as the potential for FAFSA simplification legislation to make progress.

This week on "Off The Cuff," Jill kicks things off by highlighting the latest developments a recent court ruling has had on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Allie provides an update on NASFAA’s Advocacy Pipeline and recaps our first-ever virtual Advocacy Pipeline event, where graduate and professional aid administrators recently met with congressional staffers. Justin delves into NASFAA’s advocacy surrounding the efforts to “Double the Pell” and what sort of internal policy discussions are going on at NASFAA to urge congressional leaders to provide students with additional federal resources through the Pell Grant program. Megan then dives into the higher education policies that NASFAA has been discussing with President-Elect Joe Biden’s transition team and NASFAA’s priorities for the new administration and the incoming Congress. Plus, the group wants to know: What are some things that you’re convinced people only pretend to enjoy?

This week on "Off The Cuff," Justin kicks things off by highlighting where things stand in the presidential transition process and what implications that transition could have for the Department of Education with President-Elect Joe Biden reshaping the agency. Megan dives into how congressional leaders are approaching an impending spending deadline and what NASFAA members should be on the lookout for when it comes to these massive appropriations packages. Jill highlights what a Biden administration could mean for debt forgiveness and also gives members a preview of new guidance from ED on requirements for institutions when it comes to foreign gift reporting. Plus, the group wants to know what happened in the past week that really caught your attention.

This week on "Off The Cuff," Justin dives into the takeaways from the presidential election results, which as of the podcast’s recording was still undecided, and what it all means for a number of higher education issues like FAFSA simplification and Higher Education Act reauthorization. Megan delves into what is slated for the lame duck session of Congress and ongoing spending talks, and Justin touts a letter NASFAA signed onto that urged the Department of Education (ED) to extend and expand the current student loan repayment relief, which currently expires on December 31. Jill then talks about changing guidance on R2T4 waivers. Plus, the group takes a guess as to how each member tuned into coverage of election night and wants to know if you were glued to social media and network coverage, or if you spent the night relaxing.