NASFAA was pleased to have staff from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) join us in Anaheim. Below is a listing of the sessions offered as well as "Ask a Fed" information.
Student Loan Repayment: Policies, Support, and Servicer Engagement
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
This session will cover current and upcoming federal student loan repayment policies, with a focus on borrower support strategies and servicer coordination. Federal Student Aid will share insights into repayment plan options, communication efforts, and how institutions can assist borrowers navigating the evolving repayment landscape.
2026-27 FAFSA: Updates, Timelines, and Institutional Impact
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Federal Student Aid will provide key updates on the 2026-27 FAFSA, including anticipated form changes, processing timelines, and what institutions need to know to prepare. This session will address expected improvements, remaining challenges, and the operational and policy implications for schools and students alike.
School Eligibility Processes: Updates and Changes
1:45 - 2:45 p.m.
Join Federal Student Aid for an overview of recent updates and upcoming changes to institutional eligibility requirements. This session will cover key regulatory shifts, operational impacts, and best practices to ensure continued compliance with Title IV participation standards.
OIG Discusses Internal and External Threats Facing Title IV Institutions
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Special agents from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) will discuss internal and external financial aid fraud and cybersecurity threats currently facing institutions of higher education. The presenters will discuss real case examples of these threats and how OIG's investigative mission to combat fraud and abuse in federal student aid programs can help your organization safeguard those programs by identifying and detecting fraud. The presenters will illustrate complex and common fraud schemes, brief you on indicators that can help you detect internal and external fraud, discuss the criminal and civil remedies sought by the OIG, and inform you concerning how to report potential fraud to the OIG and how those reports are handled. A question-and-answer period is planned as part of this presentation.
Federal Update General Session
8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Join FSA for a session on critical insights into policy developments and operational changes that impact federal student aid programs.
Data Sharing: Best Practices, Challenges, and Compliance Considerations
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
This session will highlight best practices, common challenges, and key compliance requirements institutions must consider when managing and sharing student data. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of federal expectations and practical strategies to support secure, compliant data use across systems and stakeholders.
The "Ask a Fed" table in the Innovation Hall allowed attendees to discuss Title IV-related questions, such as policy guidance, administrative procedures, and operational requirements, with an experienced ED staff member.