NACUBO On Your Side: October 24–30, 2023
10/30/2023
As things move quickly in Washington, DC, NACUBO is your constant advocate in action. NACUBO On Your Side covers important legislative and agency activity NACUBO staff are tracking, what we’re currently advocating for, and how you can take action with us.
Here are the issues we are tracking and advocating for this week.
On the Hill
House Republicans Choose a Speaker as Legislative Deadlines Loom
Following three weeks of uncertainty on Capitol Hill, House Republicans unanimously voted for Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) to serve as speaker of the House of Representatives. Johnson’s election comes at a critical time in Washington, DC, as legislators will need to agree on appropriations legislation by November 17 in order to prevent a government shutdown.
Research
Undergraduate Enrollment Rises After Pandemic Onset
The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s Fall 2023 Stay Informed report found that overall undergraduate enrollment increased 2.1% compared to Fall 2022, the first enrollment has increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community colleges experienced the greatest growth, with an increase of 4.4%.
Association Updates
NASFAA Shares Updated FAFSA Simplification Checklist
Incorporating recent updates from the Department of Education, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) has released a revised checklist to help institutions plan for implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act in the 2024-25 award year.
Advocacy
NACUBO Joins Broad Coalition Asking Congress to Weigh In on Overtime Proposal
NACUBO joined 87 organizations from across the U.S. in letters to the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, asking that lawmakers urge the Department of Labor (DOL) to withdraw its proposed changes to the salary-level threshold for overtime pay. The letters cite a variety of reasons for why the “unnecessary and unprecedented” proposal should be withdrawn.
Take Action
Feedback Requested on VA Debt Letters
NACUBO is seeking a better understanding of the number of debt notices the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be sending to colleges and universities. These letters, which the VA uses to request funds from schools following a change in a student veteran’s enrollment, are not uncommon, but NACUBO would like to know if schools are receiving more notices than usual or receiving notices for enrollment changes from many years ago. Please fill out a brief questionnaire on your feedback.
