This week on "Off The Cuff," Justin, Megan, and Allie dive into the latest news on the next federal coronavirus relief package, as Senate Republicans this week introduced the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools (HEALS) Act, which would provide just over $29 billion for higher education. Megan outlines new CARES Act reporting requirements announced by the Department of Education (ED) this week, and gives an update on recent guidance from U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement regarding the enrollment of new international students. Allie explains the Department of Homeland Security's recent announcement that it will not process new DACA applications, and gives a summary of a new congressional report that alleges some misconduct on the part of a senior ED official with regard to the accreditation of for-profit institutions owned by the Dream Center. Keep an eye out for special episodes during the month of August, and we'll be back with any breaking news!

This week on "Off The Cuff," Allie, Megan, and Jill dig into the latest proposal from Senate education committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) that would simplify the FAFSA and modify the current student loan repayment system before borrowers are required to resume monthly payments on October 1, among other things. Megan then provides an update on where things are with the latest federal relief package and what it means for higher education. Jill details the latest guidance from the Department of Education (ED) on additional funding from the CARES Act for institutions in need and how institutions can apply for the reserve fund. Plus, the team wants to know — what have you learned about yourself during the quarantine? 

This week on "Off The Cuff," the team is joined by Craig Munier, NASFAA's 2013-14 National Chair and the 2020 recipient of NASFAA's Meritorious Achievement Award. Craig, who recently retired from the Department of Education, shared his thoughts on how the profession has changed over the course of his career, and how to make the connection between the bigger picture and daily tasks in financial aid. Also in this episode, Justin speaks about what it means to be a nonpartisan organization and how and why NASFAA takes stances on public policies. Megan brings us the latest news on school reopenings and how the discussion is influencing discussions for the next coronavirus relief package on Capitol Hill, as well as the whirlwind events surrounding a rule from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that was rapidly challenged in court and repealed this week. Jill catches the group up on new guidance from ED related to professional judgment, as well as institutional reporting requirements related to CARES Act funding. Plus, the team wants to know what you do to gain perspective.

This week on "Off The Cuff," Justin, Megan, Jill, and Allie are joined by Ron Day, director of financial aid at Georgia's Kennesaw State University and the 2020 recipient of NASFAA's Lifetime Achievement Award. Ron talks about his career in financial aid, his experience serving as NASFAA's national chair in 2012-13, and what he's looking forward to in retirement. The team also brings the latest news about the federal budget for fiscal year 2021, as a funding bill makes its way through the House, debates over plans to reopen colleges for the fall, and a new rule from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that would require international students to leave the country if their fall courses are provided exclusively online. Plus, the team wants to know — based on lyrics alone, which celebrity would you like to see run for president?