Direct Loan Source
Direct Loan Preparation Tips
Your school can take some quick and easy steps now to help get "Direct Loan ready." These steps won't obligate your school to participate in the Direct Loan Program, but they will help your office, institution and students prepare for the transition should you choose to switch to Direct Lending. View the Direct Loan Preparation Tips.

NASFAA Conducts Survey on Transition to Direct Lending
In July, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) released a survey of schools that had recently completed the transition to the Direct Loan Program; 80 percent responded that they found the transition easy. Find out more about the survey results.

House Passes SAFRA
On September 17, 2009, the House of Representatives passed the Student Aid & Fiscal Responsibility Act (HR3221). It is anticipated that the U.S. Senate will act on this bill in the coming weeks.

Introduction from Federal Student Aid

photo of William TaggartAs you know, there has been considerable public debate regarding the future of federal student loan policy. What is sometimes lost in the discussion and the competing rhetoric is the welfare of the students and parents who rely on this assistance to help fund their education.

Regardless of your position on the issue or the ultimate outcome of the debate, it is imperative that your school is prepared to accurately and efficiently deliver federal student loans for the 2010-2011 academic year. The Department of Education has gone to great lengths to update our systems and increase capacity in preparation for whatever outcome is reached by Congress. Today, we are ready to support each and every institution that chooses to participate in the Direct Loan Program. I ask you to ensure that your school is equally prepared. Even if the Direct Loan Program is not your first choice, please plan for any possible outcome.

To assist you, we are sending you the first in a series of monthly updates on the Direct Loan Program and the resources we are offering to help your institution prepare to participate in it should you choose, or be required, to do so. I encourage you to begin your preparations now to allow your students to remain focused on what's truly important – their education.

Sincerely,
William J. Taggart
Chief Operating Officer
Federal Student Aid
U.S. Department of Education



UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Are you new to the Direct Loan Program or curious to find out more about Direct Loan business processes? Federal Student Aid is offering instructor-led, online training sessions on Direct Loans. The webinar suite consists of six different 90-minute sessions related to key aspects of Direct Loan processing. For more information, access our Direct Loan Training Announcement.

Register for the FSA Conference

This year, Federal Student Aid’s fall training conference will take place Dec. 1-4 in Nashville, TN. Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to receive financial aid training and learn more about the Direct Loan Program, FAFSA Simplification efforts and the proposed Perkins Loan Program. Register for this FREE conference today at www.FSAconferences.ed.gov.

 
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Questions? Additional information about the Direct Loan Program is available at www.direct.ed.gov.

We also have experienced staff prepared to answer your Direct Loan questions at dlenrollment_fsa@ed.gov. For information about Direct Loan processing, the COD School Relations Center can be reached at 800-848-0978.