Overview
Title
Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Programs; 2021-22 Award Year Deadline Dates
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The Department of Education wants schools to send in important forms on time for three special programs that help students pay for college. Even though one program doesn't give out new loans anymore, schools still have to keep track of the old ones.
Summary AI
The Department of Education has announced the deadline dates for the 2021-22 award year for submitting requests and documents related to three financial aid programs—the Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant programs. Although awarding new Perkins Loans has ended, institutions still need to report all loan activities. The Work-Study program supports students in part-time jobs, and the grant program assists exceptionally needy students with educational costs. Institutions need to meet these deadlines to be eligible for funding or waivers. Further details and deadlines are available on the Information for Financial Aid Professionals website.
Abstract
The Secretary announces the 2021-22 award year deadline dates for the submission of requests and documents from postsecondary institutions for the Federal Perkins Loan (Perkins Loan) Program, Federal Work-Study (FWS), and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) programs (collectively, the "Campus-Based programs"), Assistance Listing Numbers 84.038, 84.033, and 84.007.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary
The document from the Department of Education details important information for postsecondary institutions regarding the 2021-22 award year for three financial aid programs: the Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study (FWS), and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This notice serves as an official announcement of deadlines for submitting necessary requests and documentation to participate in these programs. Notably, although the Federal Perkins Loan program is no longer awarding new loans, institutions must continue to report related activities. Meanwhile, the FWS and FSEOG programs provide essential support to students through part-time employment opportunities and grants for those in significant financial need, respectively.
Significant Issues or Concerns
The document is filled with technical jargon that may be challenging for the average reader, such as references to numerous federal regulations (e.g., "34 CFR part 668"). This complexity can potentially obscure important details for institutions or individuals who need to comply with these regulations. Another significant concern is the fragmented and unclear distribution of deadline information, which is only mentioned as being part of a separate table. This lack of direct and clear information in the text could lead to misunderstandings.
Additionally, the document points to multiple websites for further information, such as the Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP) and other government resources. This dispersion may cause confusion, as navigating these sites might not be intuitive for everyone.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the public might view these financial aid programs as essential tools supporting educational attainment for students who are financially disadvantaged. As such, the programs are vital in facilitating access to higher education, and any barriers to compliance or understanding can have far-reaching consequences. Clarity and accessibility of information are crucial, as delays or missteps in submission due to complex communication can directly impact funding availability for educational institutions and, by extension, the students they serve.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Education Institutions: Colleges and universities are required to navigate complex federal regulations and ensure compliance within tight deadlines to access funding. Misinterpretation of the document due to its technical nature could lead to missed opportunities for financial aid that benefit their students.
Students: Those who rely on programs like FWS and FSEOG are directly impacted by how well their institutions can manage these programs' requirements. The expiration of the Perkins Loan authority notably leaves a gap in funding options, which could affect students who previously benefited from this loan program. Understanding the remaining requirements for existing loans, such as reporting obligations, is imperative.
Federal Agencies and Policymakers: The clarity of communication regarding these programs reflects on federal agencies' effectiveness in implementing educational policies. Clearer, more accessible documentation supports seamless administration and compliance, benefiting both institutions and students who rely on these programs.
Overall, while the document aims to inform and guide institutions through the compliance process, its complexity presents challenges that could influence stakeholder engagement and effective administration of essential student aid.
Issues
• The document includes complex and bureaucratic language that might be difficult for the general public to understand, particularly regarding regulatory references such as 34 CFR parts and 2 CFR part 3485.
• The document references several different websites for finding more information (e.g., IFAP, govinfo.gov, federalregister.gov), which could be confusing and may not be user-friendly for all readers.
• The document does not provide specific deadlines directly in the text, instead directing readers to a table in the Deadline Dates section, which is not included in the provided text.
• The expiration of authority to award new Federal Perkins Loans could be explained more clearly to ensure institutions understand their current obligations, especially regarding loan servicing and reporting requirements.