Committee Information
The Committee serves as an independent source of advice and counsel to Congress and the Secretary of Education on student financial aid policy. It was established by the Congress of the United States with the enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 1986 and began operation in 1988. The purpose of the Advisory Committee as originally defined by Congress in statute is to:
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provide extensive knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and institutional programs of postsecondary student assistance;
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provide technical expertise with regard to systems of need analysis and application forms; and
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make recommendations that will result in the maintenance of access to postsecondary education for low- and middle income students.
The congressional mandate requires the Advisory Committee to conduct objective, nonpartisan, and independent analyses on important aspects of the student assistance programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. The Committee traditionally approaches its work from a set of fundamental goals: promoting program integrity, eliminating or avoiding program complexity, integrating delivery across the Title IV programs, and minimizing burden on students and institutions.
Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act has provided the Advisory Committee with a significantly expanded agenda. In each of the following areas, Congress has asked the Committee to: monitor progress toward implementing the Amendments of 1998; conduct independent, objective assessments; and make recommendations for improvement to the Congress and the Secretary:
Performance-Based Organization (PBO)--the Congressionally required implementation of a new management structure within the Department to run the day-to-day operations of the student financial assistance programs.
Modernization--the longer run (strategic) process to update and significantly improve Title IV student aid systems, databases, contracts and delivery processes.
Technology--the shorter run (operational and tactical) efforts to use appropriate technology in the delivery and management of federal student aid, including policies to reduce cost, enhance service and ensure program integrity throughout the application, reapplication,funds disbursement, and reconciliation processes.
Simplification of Law and Regulation--the identification of redundant or outdated sections of the Higher Education Act and associated regulations.
Distance Learning--the need to evaluate the implications of distance education for student eligibility and other requirements for financial assistance, including policies to enhance access to postsecondary education and ensure program integrity through distance learning, while maintaining access through on-campus instruction.
Early Information and Needs Assessment--the continuing need to assess the adequacy of methods for disseminating information about Title IV programs, including early needs assessment and information for early high school students.
Each of these responsibilities flows logically from and effectively implements one or more of the Committee's original statutory functions and purposes.
Committee Composition
The Advisory Committee is composed of eleven members
who serve in staggered terms of three years. Three members are appointed by leaders of the House of Representatives, three by leaders of the Senate, and five by the Secretary of Education The membership is geographically and professionally diverse: more than a dozen states have been represented, and the membership has included financial aid officers, students, college presidents and administrators, a banker, directors of student loan guaranty agencies, leaders of national educational associations and other policy experts. The Advisory Committee oversees a staff in its Washington, D.C. office. The office is located at 80 F St., N.W., Suite 413, Washington, D.C. 20202-7582. Phone: (202) 219-2099 Fax: (202) 219-3032.
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