1. FAFSA Improvements and Initiatives
Moderator: Gail Mance-Rios, Rhode Island Division of Higher Education Assistance
Speakers: Ron Gambill, Edsouth
Karen Hauser, Vanderbilt University
2016 Knowledge Symposium
November 7 – 9, Sheraton Downtown, Nashville, TN

2. FAFSA Improvements and Initiatives
Purpose of FAFSA Simplification
Recognition for students already determined to be needy
Remove unnecessary questions that are not related to determination of need
Simplify the process for parents and students
2016 Knowledge Symposium
November 7 – 9, Sheraton Downtown, Nashville, TN

3. FAFSA Improvements and Initiatives
Unexpected Implementation Issues
Postsecondary institutions only receive student/parent data but not other institutions receiving the data.
State Agency Data Modifications
-School listings
-School order listings
-Impact for students, institutions, and state budgets
2016 Knowledge Symposium
November 7 – 9, Sheraton Downtown, Nashville, TN

4. FAFSA Improvements and Initiatives
Early FAFSA and Prior-Prior Year (PPY) in States
Impact on student filers
First-come, first-served states
Will PPY cost more?
2016 Knowledge Symposium
November 7 – 9, Sheraton Downtown, Nashville, TN

5. FAFSA Improvements and Initiatives
National College Access Network Streamline Suggestions
Those receiving support from means-tested benefit program.
Families who file taxes but do not utilize schedules.
Families who file taxes with tax schedules.
2016 Knowledge Symposium
November 7 – 9, Sheraton Downtown, Nashville, TN

6. FAFSA Improvements and Initiatives
NASFAA Simplification Suggestions
Means-tested benefit: SNAP and SSI only
Simple Form Tax Filers: No schedules
Tax Filers with Schedules
All asset questions
Expand the DRT information that could be pulled in
Disallow negative income
2016 Knowledge Symposium
November 7 – 9, Sheraton Downtown, Nashville, TN

7. FAFSA Improvements and Initiatives
Questions that May Need to be Asked
Is income (AGI) a true indicator of need
Negative income could mean you have income
How do tax schedules convey wealth or need
Is FAFSA simplification fair to all
What about the middle
2016 Knowledge Symposium
November 7 – 9, Sheraton Downtown, Nashville, TN

8. FAFSA Improvements and Initiatives
Questions that May Need to be Asked
Can DRT be mandated
Who helps the student with verification when the parent cannot
If the FAFSA process is complicated, does the advising/enrolling/billing process need simplifying
2016 Knowledge Symposium
November 7 – 9, Sheraton Downtown, Nashville, TN

9. FAFSA Improvements and Initiatives
Benefits of PPY
Prospective students would receive awards earlier
More time to make tuition payment arrangements
More time to make enrollment decisions
2016 Knowledge Symposium
November 7 – 9, Sheraton Downtown, Nashville, TN

10. FAFSA Improvements and Initiatives
Challenges of PPY
Institutional timelines
FAFSA completion initiatives
Increase in students with need may mean additional support programing needed on campuses.
2016 Knowledge Symposium
November 7 – 9, Sheraton Downtown, Nashville, TN

11. The Only Constant in Financial Aid is Change!
Questions?
Ron Gambill
Edsouth
Karen Hauser
Vanderbilt University
Associate Director of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
2016 Knowledge Symposium
November 7 – 9, Sheraton Downtown, Nashville, TN