The Department of Education (ED) issued final regulations on September 2 updating its rules on distance education, withdrawal and return of Title IV funds, some definitions, and several other topics.

Title IV federal student aid is the largest form of financial assistance available to students attending postsecondary institutions. As of 2018, an estimated 85% of the nation’s college students receive some form of federal financial aid. A college or university’s ability to make federal student aid available to its students is not only core to its educational mission, it is vital to the institution’s sustainability. It is ultimately the President’s duty to ensure an institution maintains its eligibility to participate in the Title IV programs and fulfills its responsibilities to adhere with federal regulations.

With strategic deliberation, leveraging technology, and using readily available services, your business’ office’s cashiering operation could reduce or eliminate the handling of cash and checks. This paper discusses how to approach migrating toward solely digital payments, and offers a step-by-step action plan.

The key to success when choosing a financial aid service provider is to make the right decision for your campus based on a number of factors other than just price. Careful due diligence in critical service areas will protect your institution from risk, costly mistakes and potential liability.

FAS originally developed a Financial Aid Operations Checklist for Senior Administrators for an advisory council of Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) presidents. These guidelines, which are applicable to financial aid operations at all colleges and universities, identify 11 best practices in college financial aid, as well as indicate common problems.