The Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) released the spring communication campaign to encourage completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). According to the documentation, an additional renewal campaign emails was created to address potential reductions in FAFSA renewal rate due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This reminder communication from the Department of Education (ED) began this week, sent to students and parents who meet the campaign criteria and have not yet submitted a FAFSA form. A push notification was also sent through the myFAFSA mobile application.
According to the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), the number of FAFSA renewals have declined by more than double since February 29. In addition to this communication from ED, institutions should consider additional tactics to connect with students to answer questions and assist them in completing necessary documents – we’ve listed a few ideas on how to support students in our recent post, 4 Ways to to Support Students From a Distance.
Posted: May 20, 2020
Author: Federal Student Aid
Subject: 2020–21 FAFSA Spring Campaign
Starting the week of May 18, 2020, Federal Student Aid will begin sending emails and mobile app push notifications, when applicable, to 2019–20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) filers (and parents of dependent 2019–20 FAFSA filers) who have not yet submitted a 2020–21 FAFSA form.
The goal of the campaign is to remind customers that the 2020–21 FAFSA form is available and should be completed soon for those going to school between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. Students and parents can complete and submit the 2020–21 FAFSA form electronically via fafsa.gov or via the Apple or Android version of the myStudentAid mobile app using the myFAFSA function.
Eligible students and parents who have a valid email address in the Central Processing System will receive an email sometime between May 20, 2020, and early June. Students and parents may receive different messages based on certain factors. The specific email text is attached to this notice for your reference.
Eligible students and parents who have opted in to receive mobile app push notifications will receive a notification in addition to an email. The mobile app push notification text is attached to this notice for your reference as well.
We encourage you to use language from the attached messages in your own communications.
Attachments
2020–21 FAFSA Spring Email Campaign Attachment in Microsoft Word Format, 9 Pages, 39KB
2020–21 FAFSA Spring Mobile App Push Notification Attachment in Microsoft Word Format, 1 Page, 31KB
Sources:
IFAP Announcement: 2020–21 FAFSA Spring Campaign
NCAN: New Data: Nearly 250,000 Fewer Low-Income FAFSA Renewals This Cycle Nationally