Higher Education Assistance Group
News & Insights
Greetings!

We hope you enjoyed a great fall semester. While student life on most campuses has resumed and colleges and universities are moving forward with the "new normal," many financial aid offices are navigating the nuances of a hybrid return to work with staff in the office several days a week (often on a rotating schedule) while working remotely the other days. This can make providing a first-rate customer experience challenging, especially as there are so many additional demands on the financial aid office.

Our team has the experience to step in and seamlessly handle any challenges you are facing or lighten the workload for your busy office. If you run into any unexpected issues or need help with in-person or remote staffing, don’t hesitate to contact us. We also offer full financial aid support and outsourcing - keep reading for more details about this service below.

-The HEAG Team
FSA Announces FISAP Edit Corrections Due December 15, 2021

In its November 5 Electronic Announcement, Federal Student Aid (FSA) included a reminder that corrections to your Fiscal Operations Report for 2020 and Application to Participate for 2022-2023, otherwise known as FISAP, are due by December 15. If you’re not familiar with FISAP, you can read more about it here or check out our July blog highlighting the changes made by the CARES Act. Why might you need to make corrections? Read on to find out!
Full Financial Aid Support & Outsourcing

Today’s financial aid offices are busier than ever. With numerous regulations and deadlines, financial aid administration can be overwhelming and filled with challenges. Many of our clients turn to HEAG to provide full financial aid outsourcing services. We handle everything from the back-end operations to front-facing customer service for students and their families. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
NIL Compensation and How it Will Impact Financial Aid
Last summer the NCAA announced an interim policy that allows student athletes to be compensated for use of their name, image or likeness (NIL). The most common situation is likely to be student athletes contracting with third parties as independent contractors. As such, students will receive a 1099 for tax filing that includes not only monetary payments made but also the value of in-kind compensation, such as a car. Although there is no immediate impact on the Financial Aid Office, it’s worthwhile to plan for how the financial aid process may be altered for these students and what processes need to be implemented to be fully compliant. Keep reading for some things to consider.
Consultant Spotlight
Melody Milner
What do you enjoy most about your current role with HEAG?

I enjoy having the ability to work with a variety of individuals and institutions. It’s exciting to get to know and work with different people in different settings. It seems there is always something new to learn.

What was your first job?

I was a waitress at a small restaurant. My professional career began in the restaurant industry and eventually transitioned to higher education. I have been in financial aid for about 15 years and have always enjoyed what I do.

What makes HEAG unique or special compared to your work experiences elsewhere?

HEAG has been very welcoming and accommodating. Consulting has provided me with the flexibility to maintain a solid work/life balance. This is not something that I have found common elsewhere.

What is something few people know about you?

I sing silly songs to our chickens when no one else is around.
Melody Milner
How long have you been with HEAG?

I joined HEAG in October 2021.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in central Massachusetts and live on a small homestead there with my husband and two children, ages 8 and 9. I am an introvert by nature and my communications tend to be concise. Others know me as an organized person, and I have a reputation as the “one who always has a clean desk.” I also enjoy a good challenge and have a knack for solving problems and finding solutions.

What are some of the FA tasks you have performed and excelled at?

During my time in financial aid, I have become proficient in several areas including compliance analysis; Title IV reporting; file review and verification; processing Title IV, State, Private and Institutional funding; aid processing for non-standard programs; and staff development and training.

What advice would you give to a school looking to bring in an FA consultant? 

Find your best fit. Trust and good communication with your consultant are invaluable when getting a job done.

Tell me about your experience with PowerFAIDS - how many years of experience do you have with the software and what are your specialties?
I have more than seven years of experience using the PowerFAIDs system. I previously participated in a project to re-design the interface between Jenzabar and PF. This gave me the opportunity to learn a great deal about the way data is housed in PF and how it transfers to and from another system. I have also been able to assist in setting up a process to award and disburse non-term and non-standard term financial aid out of PowerFAIDs. In addition, I have spent quite a bit of time reading the PF user guide and becoming proficient at writing selection sets and pulling data.

When you aren't consulting what other hobbies and interests do you have?

I enjoy music, art, the outdoors and all the adventures that go along with the homesteading life.
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