Federal Updates

FSA Announces Videoconference for Guidance Counselors

Guidance counselors looking for the latest information on helping students secure federal aid are invited to register now for a special satellite videoconference, Applying for 2003-04 Federal Student Aid: Easy as 1, 2, 3.

The videoconference is being presented by the FSA University team within ED's Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA).

Topics
The videoconference will cover several timely topics:

• Using the 2003-04 FAFSA on the Web: the electronic alternative to the paper application process to apply for federal student aid
• Filling out the 2003-04 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (the FAFSA)
• Calculating an Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
• Understanding how colleges and universities "package" financial aid
• Finding student aid resources
• Updates to the 2003-04 FAFSA Express software

Counselors with questions will be able to call a toll-free number or submit their questions for subject-matter experts by or fax during the videoconference.

Date and Time
The videoconference will be presented live on Thursday, December 12, 2002, from 1 to 3 p.m. EST (2 to 4 p.m. CST). Counselors can join the teleconference online through live webcast technology. Details on this option are provided online at http://www.edvideo.walcoff.com/webcast.html.

Videotaped copies of the videoconference will also be available approximately three weeks after the live program. Tapes can be obtained by calling 1-877-4-ED-PUBS (toll free), or by ordering online at www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html.

Registration
Counselors can register for the videoconference and find more information online at http://www.edvideo.walcoff.com.

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ED Updates Campus Crime Reporting Rules

On October 31, 2002, ED issued final rules to reflect changes made to the Higher Education Act (HEA) by the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (section 1601 of Public Law 106-386).

This change to the HEA, which went into effect on October 28, 2002, adds to the annual campus security reporting requirements. Under the new rules, a school must inform members of its campus community where they can obtain information regarding registered sex offenders who may be present on campus. Acceptable locations for posting this information include school law enforcement offices, local law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction over a particular campus, or an internet address.

Effective Immediately
The effective date of the final rules is October 31, 2002. The final rules add this requirement to 34 CFR 668.46(b)(12) and clarify that this new disclosure must be included in a school's annual security reports beginning with the October 1, 2003 report.

Neg Reg and NPRM Waived
Though regulatory changes are typically subject to a proposed rulemaking comment period and the negotiated rulemaking process, ED has determined that both "would be unnecessary and contrary to the public interest," as this change stems directly from a change enacted to the HEA. Therefore, the negotiated rulemaking (Neg Reg) and proposed rulemaking (NPRM) processes, as well as the standard 30-day delay in implementation for new regulations, have been waived for these new rules.

Read All About It
To read the Federal Register notice containing the final rules, go to http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-27599-filed.pdf.

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