Federal Updates

Official Notices of Proposed Rulemaking published
On July 23, ED published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register, addressing various loan-related provisions enacted by the Higher Education Opportunity Act.

TG Updates

TG hosts second Financial Literacy Symposium of 2009 in Chicago
On July 21, financial aid professionals from across the country joined TG at its second 2009 Financial Literacy Symposium, held in Chicago.

Reminder: Register today for TG's IBR webinar
In the next several weeks, TG offers two webinars on Income-Based Repayment (IBR), which just recently became available to eligible borrowers. For those who qualify, IBR can minimize monthly loan payments, and even provide loan forgiveness in certain cases.

Prepare for the next academic year with TG's 2009-10 Academic Year Planner
If you're looking for a beautifully designed planner that comes with abundant space for recording dates and events important to your schedule, you'll find a great resource with TG's Academic Year Planner for 2009-10. But don't wait to order — the calendar starts in August.

Got a financial aid question? Ask TG™
Ask TG™ is an online database of questions and answers on financial aid topics for schools, lenders, borrowers, families, and students.

Trends and Issues

Policy potpourri
Is a graduate student who is pursuing a second master's degree eligible for Stafford loans funds?

This, That, and the Other...

What do the University of Chicago, Yale University, and Kenyon College have in common? The Gothic architecture on these campuses bears a striking resemblance to the imagined castle-like "Main Building" of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry — at least according to ApplyWise™, a Web site that serves students in the college admissions process. ApplyWise found that five colleges and universities — including Bryn Mawr College and Cornell University — closely emulated the fictional Hogwarts according to various criteria, including physical appearance, residential community, academic rigor, extracurricular opportunities, and traditions. The University of Chicago's gargoyle statuary, open dining hall, and undergraduate University House System makes it the closest relative to Hogwarts. Cornell is a close runner-up with its Gothic dorms and quidditch-like tradition of team sports, such as lacrosse and ice hockey. Read more about these Harry Potter-esque institutions online.