[Wsssc] FAFSA Simplification Talking Points

[Lauren Hibbs]

FAFSA Simplification - anticipated Dec 2023

Pros:

  *   First redesign in 40 years.
  *   Streamlined application process.
  *   Expands Pell grant eligibility. Lowers barriers for homeless, incarcerated, and low-income backgrounds.
  *   1-year timeline before reverting back to October release.
  *   Small campuses may benefit. Potentially easier communication with students.
  *   Application will better usability for both students and their contributors.
  *   The WAFSA mirrors all changes made to the FAFSA - and will be released at the same time.
  *   No longer requires a physical signature page for students with undocumented contributors.



Cons:

  *   Release date delayed by 2 months compared to usual.
  *   More than 50% of FAFSA submissions typically occur between October-December, but this year it will be close to 0%.
  *   Nationally, only 28% of Financial Aid (FA) offices report feeling ready for this deadline and simplification.
  *   Potential impact on FA staffing, federal reporting requirements, and student institution selection.
  *   Award letter timelines may be more challenging.
  *   FA work will be compressed to meet deadlines.
  *   Changes to the Federal aid methodology formula.
  *   Colleges with fewer staff may struggle with the timeline.
  *   Early decision deadlines for universities will be affected, potentially influencing students' college choices.
  *   Students who have previously completed the FAFSA are required to update their FSA ID if continuing.
  *   Each individual who provides any information for the FAFSA will have to create their own FSA ID - which requires ID authentication which takes 1-3 days.
  *   Undocumented contributors to the FAFSA will be able to verify their identity, through a credit check process - this has not been fully rolled out by Fed Student Aid yet, and changes will be announced later.



Recommendations:

  *   Communicate changes to students, staff, and stakeholders early.
  *   Address staff burnout and shortages with additional funding, if available.
  *   Review admission deadlines and FA practices.
  *   Provide additional state funding for FA offices.
  *   Address needed security and software updates to avoid fines and liabilities.
  *   Continuing students and all contributors will need to be prepared to update and/or create their FSA ID for the new application.
  *   The update to the FAFSA means there will be two applications that look and feel different happening at the same.
  *   Any staff who support financial aid efforts will need resources and support in preparation and throughout the application season.
  *   There will be ongoing training and events hosted by WSAC and the 12th Year campaign for this FAFSA/WAFSA application season.



Resources:

  *   FAFSA Simplification Act Resources Link<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vUDfluOpBz1Bb9HgCRiC9aNOaRp9Pv6g/edit> (FSA links on the big changes)
  *   12th Year Padlet<https://padlet.com/christinaw12/12th-year-campaign-key-to-success-financial-aid-resources-cxbz1z64bch5jbsf> (this has every resource she shared with outreach professionals)
  *   College Access Professionals 2024-25 FAFSA Demonstration<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/college-access-professionals-2024-25-fafsa-demonstration-tickets-669564835447?aff=oddtdtcreator> (presentation from FSA about the updates as of 8/15/23)


[Compass]
Lauren Hibbs, Ed.D
Director, Student Services
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
lhibbs at sbctc.edu* o: 360-704-4334 *
sbctc.edu<https://www.sbctc.edu/> * Twitter: @SBCTCWashington<https://twitter.com/SBCTCWashington> * Facebook: @WASBCTC<https://www.facebook.com/wasbctc/>

SBCTC Vision:

"Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities."



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