Well, what a year this has been, and it continues to unfold! Regulations, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Financial Aid in the headlines, and new Laws, such as the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. As we said in the last issue of News and Views, do not expect this boat to dock any time soon.

As your Federal Relations Committee (FRC), our goal is to ensure that you have the tools to become an active part of shaping our Title IV laws and regulations. We want you to feel comfortable providing insight to Congress and the Department of Education who really do want to hear from us, the front lines in the financial aid industry. We administer the funds that have all the laws and regulations are all about, and that provide the access our students require to earn their degrees. We know it doesn't feel that way this year. It's been such a difficult year for all of us in the federal aid arena. Many of us continue to be hesitant to voice our opinions to legislators and the Department of Education for fear of scrutiny in the court of public opinion, and for good reason.

To support you, your FRC held a session at the DE-DC-MD Fall Conference in November, called “You Have a Voice”. It discussed how you really can have an impact at both the legislative and regulatory level! You can do this as an individual citizen with aid administration experience or as a representative of your institution. Our members have impacted the making of Title IV laws and regulations in the past. Our proximity to DC simply makes it just a little easier for you to utilize your voice!

The Fall Conference also included several opportunities for our members to obtain important legislative and regulatory information, given that so much has gone on this year. This year’s Conference included a Federal Update with Greg Martin from the U.S. Department of Education providing a regulatory update, and Scott Miller from AES providing a legislative update. Also included was a compliance session specifically about the implications of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act on school. In addition, Sarah Bauder from University of Maryland College Park, who was a negotiator for four-year publics at the loan issues table this past year, presented a session, “What to Know about Negotiated Rulemaking.” As legislation and regulations are updated throughout the year, the FRC will keep you updated.

Please keep your emails open. We will be sending out legislative/regulatory updates, opportunities for training on the new laws and regulations, and opportunities to participate in the process as we receive them.

And, of course, always let us know how we can assist you! We want to hear from you.