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.