Hugh Thomas
@hughtferguson.com
Covering Higher Ed for NASFAA | Jersey shore native 📸🎾🧑🍳
Reposted by Hugh Thomas
The Trump administration's effort to fully dismantle the Department of Education continued on Tuesday with six new interagency agreements (IAAs) aimed at transferring several of the department’s responsibilities to other federal agencies: https://ow.ly/uf8850Xu4IO
November 19, 2025 at 2:22 PM
The Trump administration's effort to fully dismantle the Department of Education continued on Tuesday with six new interagency agreements (IAAs) aimed at transferring several of the department’s responsibilities to other federal agencies: https://ow.ly/uf8850Xu4IO
Reposted by Hugh Thomas
What’s the HEA Without Reauthorization?
While the Higher Education Act recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, it hasn’t been reauthorized in nearly 20 years even though the law is meant to be reauthorized every five years: https://ow.ly/FW3A50XprEU
While the Higher Education Act recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, it hasn’t been reauthorized in nearly 20 years even though the law is meant to be reauthorized every five years: https://ow.ly/FW3A50XprEU
November 10, 2025 at 11:20 PM
What’s the HEA Without Reauthorization?
While the Higher Education Act recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, it hasn’t been reauthorized in nearly 20 years even though the law is meant to be reauthorized every five years: https://ow.ly/FW3A50XprEU
While the Higher Education Act recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, it hasn’t been reauthorized in nearly 20 years even though the law is meant to be reauthorized every five years: https://ow.ly/FW3A50XprEU
Reposted by Hugh Thomas
Consensus Reached: RISE Committee Supports Entire Package of OBBBA Provisions
Yesterday, amid much debate over the definition of professional student, degree, and other key student aid provisions, negotiators reached consensus on the entire package of 17 proposals: https://ow.ly/Sy1Y50XonKW
Yesterday, amid much debate over the definition of professional student, degree, and other key student aid provisions, negotiators reached consensus on the entire package of 17 proposals: https://ow.ly/Sy1Y50XonKW
November 7, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Consensus Reached: RISE Committee Supports Entire Package of OBBBA Provisions
Yesterday, amid much debate over the definition of professional student, degree, and other key student aid provisions, negotiators reached consensus on the entire package of 17 proposals: https://ow.ly/Sy1Y50XonKW
Yesterday, amid much debate over the definition of professional student, degree, and other key student aid provisions, negotiators reached consensus on the entire package of 17 proposals: https://ow.ly/Sy1Y50XonKW
Senators shared some of their experiences with student loans during a brief hearing on transparency and affordability in higher education.
Here’s an anecdote from Sen. Cassidy:
Here’s an anecdote from Sen. Cassidy:
November 7, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Senators shared some of their experiences with student loans during a brief hearing on transparency and affordability in higher education.
Here’s an anecdote from Sen. Cassidy:
Here’s an anecdote from Sen. Cassidy:
Reposted by Hugh Thomas
RISE Neg Reg Committee Convenes Again to Continue Discussion of New Loan Limit Provisions
The RISE committee kicked off its second session of neg reg on Monday, focusing on the new prorated loan limits for students enrolled in less-than-full time: ow.ly/jYKF50XmqBW
The RISE committee kicked off its second session of neg reg on Monday, focusing on the new prorated loan limits for students enrolled in less-than-full time: ow.ly/jYKF50XmqBW
November 4, 2025 at 1:38 PM
RISE Neg Reg Committee Convenes Again to Continue Discussion of New Loan Limit Provisions
The RISE committee kicked off its second session of neg reg on Monday, focusing on the new prorated loan limits for students enrolled in less-than-full time: ow.ly/jYKF50XmqBW
The RISE committee kicked off its second session of neg reg on Monday, focusing on the new prorated loan limits for students enrolled in less-than-full time: ow.ly/jYKF50XmqBW
Six more status reports, with further details on the number of pending and outstanding applications, will also be issued on a monthly basis once the shutdown ends.
Resolution to Ongoing Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback Backlog Advances
Learn more: https://ow.ly/FJZU50XgrvX
Learn more: https://ow.ly/FJZU50XgrvX
October 24, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Six more status reports, with further details on the number of pending and outstanding applications, will also be issued on a monthly basis once the shutdown ends.
Reposted by Hugh Thomas
‘This Is a Whole New Territory:’ Neg Reg Committee Makes Progress on Definition of Professional Student.
Read NASFAA's recap of the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) committee's third day of negotiated rulemaking: https://ow.ly/bjO450X5E2g
Read NASFAA's recap of the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) committee's third day of negotiated rulemaking: https://ow.ly/bjO450X5E2g
October 2, 2025 at 10:00 PM
‘This Is a Whole New Territory:’ Neg Reg Committee Makes Progress on Definition of Professional Student.
Read NASFAA's recap of the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) committee's third day of negotiated rulemaking: https://ow.ly/bjO450X5E2g
Read NASFAA's recap of the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) committee's third day of negotiated rulemaking: https://ow.ly/bjO450X5E2g
NegReg goes on but lots of other services are on pause. This week @nasfaa.bsky.social focused on the initial fallout a lapse in appropriations for FY 26 is having on @usedgov.bsky.social
OTC AskRegs Experts: Shutdown Interruptions and an Update on FWS Guidance
Podcast Episode · NASFAA's Off the Cuff Podcast · 10/02/2025 · 26m
podcasts.apple.com
October 3, 2025 at 12:55 PM
NegReg goes on but lots of other services are on pause. This week @nasfaa.bsky.social focused on the initial fallout a lapse in appropriations for FY 26 is having on @usedgov.bsky.social
TBD on what impact an extended shutdown could have on the significant backlog of pending income-driven repayment (IDR) applications and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback program.
FSA Details Shutdown's ‘Minimal’ Impact on Operations
Federal Student Aid (FSA) issued an electronic announcement with guidance for their operations during the government shutdown: https://ow.ly/YrfQ50X5hUj
Federal Student Aid (FSA) issued an electronic announcement with guidance for their operations during the government shutdown: https://ow.ly/YrfQ50X5hUj
October 2, 2025 at 2:27 PM
TBD on what impact an extended shutdown could have on the significant backlog of pending income-driven repayment (IDR) applications and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback program.
inject this into my sweater covered veins!!!
🧥🍂 SWEATER WEATHER ALERT!
Coolest morning of fall so far — temps dipped into the 40s 🌡️
Did you love it or miss summer already? 🤔☀️
👉 Full forecast: cwg.live
Coolest morning of fall so far — temps dipped into the 40s 🌡️
Did you love it or miss summer already? 🤔☀️
👉 Full forecast: cwg.live
October 2, 2025 at 2:15 PM
inject this into my sweater covered veins!!!
Here's a recap of the RISE committee's first day with ED, clarifying that they intend to implement a final rule by July 1, 2026. www.nasfaa.org/news-item/37...
NASFAA | Chasing a July 1 Implementation Date, ED Kicks Off First Day of RISE Neg Reg
www.nasfaa.org
September 30, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Here's a recap of the RISE committee's first day with ED, clarifying that they intend to implement a final rule by July 1, 2026. www.nasfaa.org/news-item/37...
Looks like NegReg will continue in person in the event of a shutdown.
More details on ED's contingency plan in case of a shutdown: www.nasfaa.org/news-item/37...
More details on ED's contingency plan in case of a shutdown: www.nasfaa.org/news-item/37...
NASFAA | ED Details Contingency Planning In Case of a Government Shutdown
www.nasfaa.org
September 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Looks like NegReg will continue in person in the event of a shutdown.
More details on ED's contingency plan in case of a shutdown: www.nasfaa.org/news-item/37...
More details on ED's contingency plan in case of a shutdown: www.nasfaa.org/news-item/37...
Reposted by Hugh Thomas
The recently released Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) negotiated rulemaking issue papers reveal the Department of Education's plans for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act #StudentLoan provisions while leaving some questions unanswered: https://ow.ly/BBKq50X2S2T
September 26, 2025 at 8:01 PM
The recently released Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) negotiated rulemaking issue papers reveal the Department of Education's plans for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act #StudentLoan provisions while leaving some questions unanswered: https://ow.ly/BBKq50X2S2T
This NegReg session will kick off on Monday Sept. 29, tbd on how a possible mid-week government shutdown could impact the schedule
RISE Commitee issue papers, focusing on changes to the federal student loan program, are live: www.ed.gov/laws-and-pol...
Negotiated Rulemaking for Higher Education 2025
This page provides information on the 2025 negotiated rulemaking activities for higher education.
www.ed.gov
September 25, 2025 at 2:57 PM
This NegReg session will kick off on Monday Sept. 29, tbd on how a possible mid-week government shutdown could impact the schedule
RISE Commitee issue papers, focusing on changes to the federal student loan program, are live: www.ed.gov/laws-and-pol...
Negotiated Rulemaking for Higher Education 2025
This page provides information on the 2025 negotiated rulemaking activities for higher education.
www.ed.gov
September 25, 2025 at 2:56 PM
RISE Commitee issue papers, focusing on changes to the federal student loan program, are live: www.ed.gov/laws-and-pol...
here’s a graphic from the launch press release with a lever labeled “Biden, Beta, FAFSA, Live”
September 24, 2025 at 6:42 PM
here’s a graphic from the launch press release with a lever labeled “Biden, Beta, FAFSA, Live”
According to ED the 2026-27 FAFSA is officially live: www.ed.gov/about/news/p...
U.S. Department of Education Announces Earliest FAFSA Form Launch in Program History
Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced that the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is online and available, marking the earliest launch in the program’s history.
www.ed.gov
September 24, 2025 at 6:34 PM
According to ED the 2026-27 FAFSA is officially live: www.ed.gov/about/news/p...
Reposted by Hugh Thomas
In the next step of expanding the beta testing process, Federal Student Aid on Wednesday announced that all students and their contributors can now submit a 2026-27 #FAFSA. Learn more: ow.ly/giPZ50WYOmE
September 18, 2025 at 3:53 PM
In the next step of expanding the beta testing process, Federal Student Aid on Wednesday announced that all students and their contributors can now submit a 2026-27 #FAFSA. Learn more: ow.ly/giPZ50WYOmE
Reposted by Hugh Thomas
The Office of Federal Student Aid is at risk of the FAFSA Processing System (FPS) not functioning as intended in future releases, which could lead to delays in students receiving #FinancialAid, a new study from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found: ow.ly/wJaC50WVgK6
September 11, 2025 at 8:50 PM
The Office of Federal Student Aid is at risk of the FAFSA Processing System (FPS) not functioning as intended in future releases, which could lead to delays in students receiving #FinancialAid, a new study from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found: ow.ly/wJaC50WVgK6
Reposted by Hugh Thomas
The Department of Education has begun to make headway addressing its backlog of pending income-driven repayment applications. Still, the backlog of applications for its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Buyback program has increased.
Learn more: ow.ly/nvYC50WXGCs
Learn more: ow.ly/nvYC50WXGCs
September 16, 2025 at 4:50 PM
The Department of Education has begun to make headway addressing its backlog of pending income-driven repayment applications. Still, the backlog of applications for its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Buyback program has increased.
Learn more: ow.ly/nvYC50WXGCs
Learn more: ow.ly/nvYC50WXGCs
this year I got lucky with the practice court schedule youtu.be/BcwXO1UxJ2o?...
U.S. Open Tennis 2025
YouTube video by Hugh Thomas
youtu.be
September 7, 2025 at 5:45 PM
this year I got lucky with the practice court schedule youtu.be/BcwXO1UxJ2o?...
super competitive match but what was with that trophy presentation?
the players hardly had the opportunity to thank who they wanted to thank!
the players hardly had the opportunity to thank who they wanted to thank!
Breaking News from @theathletic.com: Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, defeated the American Amanda Anisimova to defend her U.S. Open singles title.
U.S. Open final: Aryna Sabalenka beats Amanda Anisimova to retain title
Sabalenka won her fourth major title by beating Anisimova in straight sets.
www.nytimes.com
September 6, 2025 at 10:23 PM
super competitive match but what was with that trophy presentation?
the players hardly had the opportunity to thank who they wanted to thank!
the players hardly had the opportunity to thank who they wanted to thank!
Reposted by Hugh Thomas
As the deadline for Congress to fund the federal government approaches at the end of the month, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Monday released its appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026. Learn more about the potential impact on #HigherEd: ow.ly/YACz50WQuPp
September 3, 2025 at 4:59 PM
As the deadline for Congress to fund the federal government approaches at the end of the month, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Monday released its appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026. Learn more about the potential impact on #HigherEd: ow.ly/YACz50WQuPp
Scenes from Day 1 at the 2025 U.S Open feat. Venus Williams, Sabalenka, Sinner and (pre-buzz cut) Alcaraz
August 26, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Scenes from Day 1 at the 2025 U.S Open feat. Venus Williams, Sabalenka, Sinner and (pre-buzz cut) Alcaraz
Reposted by Hugh Thomas
In the 4th installment of a court-ordered status report, the Department of Education shows a slight 📉 decrease in its backlog of pending income-driven repayment applications; however, applications for its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Buyback program have 📈 increased: ow.ly/hxYy50WJwtX
August 21, 2025 at 2:52 PM
In the 4th installment of a court-ordered status report, the Department of Education shows a slight 📉 decrease in its backlog of pending income-driven repayment applications; however, applications for its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Buyback program have 📈 increased: ow.ly/hxYy50WJwtX