Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Waiver Program Expires October 31
If you are employed by the government or a nonprofit organization, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program waiver. CGS is proud to partner with the PSLF Coalition in an effort that partners with nonprofits, unions, and government agencies to spread the word about this important and urgent opportunity. The PSLF Waiver program expires on October 31, less than three weeks away.
CGS members are encouraged to share this information with your students, alumni, and current university employees. Those eligible for the PSLF waiver should simply complete the online PSLF Help Tool and apply before the deadline on October 31, 2022.
Students, alumni, and university employees with questions about the PSLF waiver are invited to join the PSLF.us Campaign for a free upcoming webinar on Wednesday, October 19, 2:30pm ET — register here.
Federal Appeals Court Rules Against DACA Program
Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled against the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program; a program established during the Obama Administration that would provide deportation protection and work permits for undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. The Appeals Court ruled that the Department of Homeland Security does not have the authority to provide protection to immigrants under DACA and that the program was created in violation of procedural rules that require federal agencies to request and consider public comments. The Appeals Court did not comment on the Biden’s Administration’s proposed rule on DACA that was issued in August 2022. Rather, the Appeals Court sent the case back to the District Court for its consideration of the Administration’s final rule on the DACA program.
President Biden Issues Executive Order on Promoting the Arts and Humanities
On September 30, 2022, President Joe Biden issued an Executive Order on Promoting the Arts, the Humanities, and Museum and Library Services. The executive order establishes the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities to support engagement to advance the arts, humanities, and museum and library services. “We are thrilled that the Biden-Harris Administration has chosen to recognize the essential importance of the humanities to the health and success of our nation and communities by designating this month of observation and reconvening a presidential committee to augment NEH’s efforts to reach all Americans,” said Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities Shelly C. Lowe in a statement. “This executive order will elevate the humanities and help American communities reach their full potential through engagement with history, literature, languages, and cultural heritage.”
Department of Energy Releases Plan to Make Science More Equitable and Inclusive
The Department of Energy’s Office of Science recently added a new requirement to their grant solicitation process. As part of its effort to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of federal funding, the DOE-Office is Science will require grant applicants to submit a plan for Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research (PIER) as part of their research proposals. Information about PIER Plans can be found here, and an FAQ page can be found here.
The DOE-Office of Science also recently announced awards for the Graduate Student Research Program’s 2022 Solicitation 1 cycle. Awards were granted to 44 graduate students across 36 universities throughout the nation.
Department of Veterans Affairs Rule on Educational Assistance
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently issued a federal register notice amending educational assistance regulations. The proposed rule would eliminate the four 85/15 rule calculation exemptions for students in receipt of certain types of institutional aid. Recently, CGS signed a letter to Congress supporting legislation that ensures veterans continue to enroll in quality programs and clarifying the 85/15 rule.