USA Funds Update

College Goal Sunday Assists Students With FAFSA
USA Funds^® is a sponsor of College Goal Sunday, an event that helps parents and college-bound students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Read more.

USA Funds Staff Profile: Working to Be ‘an Afterthought’
As USA Funds’ information technology manager, Mike Francis believes that if he’s doing his job correctly, his work will be “an afterthought” to others. Learn more.

Operations Bulletin

Education Department Issues HEOA Summary
The U.S. Department of Education has issued Dear Colleague Letter GEN-08-12, which summarizes provisions of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. The letter summarizes the substantive provisions of reauthorization by topic and includes a table listing key provisions by their effective dates. You will need Adobe Reader to access the letter on the USA Funds Web site.

Department to Establish Negotiated Rulemaking Panels on HEOA
The U.S. Department of Education intends to establish five panels to discuss regulations to implement provisions of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. Two of the rulemaking committees will address student loan issues. Details of the topics that each panel will cover are included in the Department’s notice in the Federal Register. In its notice, the Department solicits nominations, to be submitted by Jan. 23, for negotiators to serve on the committees. The notice indicates that the rulemaking panels are expected to begin meeting in February.

December 2008 Integrated Common Manual Available
The December 2008 Integrated Common Manual is available on the USA Funds Web site. View and print the Integrated Common Manual, including the summary of changes approved Dec. 18, 2008, by the Common Manual Governing Board.

Policy Frequently Asked Question: Documentation for Total and Permanent Disability Claims
USA Funds’ policy experts address a question about documentation required with a loan discharge application filed due to a borrower’s total and permanent disability. Read more.

Tech Talk

Technical Consultants Blend Financial Aid Office Experience With Technical Expertise
USA Funds Services technical consultants leverage financial aid experience and a thorough knowledge of student loan management, default prevention and loan delivery processes to provide outstanding technical assistance to customers. Read more.