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VOL. 28, NO. 2IGSL, 2B
August 2010
Welcome to the August 2010 ISAC Update for financial aid administrators and business officers. This version of the electronic ISAC Update is a compilation of e-Messages sent through College Zone’s e-Messaging service throughout August. This e-Messaging service has replaced ISAC’s use of printed newsletters, the ILASFAA ListServ, and special e-mail lists as our primary means of communicating information to you.
The articles in this Update have been organized according to the FAA Zone subscription groups to which the messages were distributed via College Zone’s e-Messaging service.
Questions? Questions regarding information in this ISAC Update can be directed to School Services at 866.247.2172 or at schoolservices@isac.org. On occasion, you may be directed to a specific contact person or area; when this occurs, we will provide the appropriate information in the individual article or message.
MULTIPLE SUBSCRIPTION GROUPS
2010-11 Golden Apple and TESP Awards
Sent to Financial Aid Directors and Financial Aid Administrators on August 31, 2010
2010-11 Golden Apple Awarding Results Available at My Zone
2010-11 Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program awarding took place for qualified timely new and renewal applicants on Monday, August 30, 2010. Colleges may access eligible award information online at My Zone for Golden Apple Scholars.
2010-11 TESP Awarding Anticipated by End of this Week
2010-11 Teacher Education Scholarship Programs (TESP)* awarding is anticipated to take place by the end of this week, with colleges having the ability to access new eligible award information (including funded or unfunded status) online at My Zone the following business day.
Due to limited funding for the IFTC and MTI Scholarship programs, initial awarding will be for renewal applicants only. If funds remain after awards have been announced for all qualified timely renewal applicants, only then would new applicants be considered.
A separate e-Message will be sent to announce when 2010-11 TESP award information is available at My Zone.
* TESP includes the Illinois Future Teacher Corps (IFTC) and Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship programs.
Complete 2010-11 Initial Certifications at My Zone
In order to ensure that applicants from your school are included in this week's TESP awarding round, all 2010-11 Initial Certifications that are available at My Zone should be completed and submitted to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) as soon as possible. Only applicants for whom a complete Initial Certification is on record will receive notification from ISAC (i.e., Notices of Eligibility - Funded and Notices of Eligibility - Unfunded). Consequently, in order to ensure that applicants from your school are included, all Initial Certifications that are available at My Zone for the IFTC and MTI Scholarship programs must be completed and submitted to ISAC prior to awarding.
No Subsequent 2010-11 Awarding Anticipated
After this week, it is anticipated that no subsequent TESP or Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program awarding will take place for the 2010-11 academic year.
Be sure to continue completing and submitting Initial Certifications for these programs throughout the year, in order to ensure that ineligible applicants will receive a Notice of Ineligibility.
Mapping Your Future Offers Financial Literacy Counseling for Students
Sent to Financial Aid Administrators and FFELP Participants on August 30, 2010
The following information from Mapping Your Future is being shared to assist financial aid professionals in providing financial literacy resources to their college students.
Mapping Your Future offers free, online financial literacy counseling to provide college students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their personal finances.
By participating in Online Student Loan Counseling (OSLC), financial aid professionals - many of whom are being asked to provide more services with less staff and funding - have more time to assist those students who need individual assistance.
Information Presented in 12 Easy Steps
Financial literacy counseling guides college students on the path to financial success through the following 12 steps:
- Be accountable and responsible.
- Set and plan goals.
- Understand your income.
- Open a checking account.
- Open a savings account.
- Create a budget.
- Borrow smart.
- Manage your credit cards wisely.
- Regularly review and understand your credit report.
- Protect yourself from identity theft.
- Understand your tax liability.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Mapping Your Future has also made the counseling session content available on their Web site as a printable guide, enabling anyone to learn more about managing their finances.
Preview Counseling Session via Online Demo
To experience financial literacy counseling from the student perspective, follow these steps:
- Go to the Mapping Your Future home page at MappingYourFuture.org.
- Click the "complete Online Student Loan Counseling" link on the left side of the page.
- Select "Financial literacy counseling" (under "Other counseling").
- Choose "Texas" as your state.
- Select "MYF Demo School" as your school.
Sign Up Today!
If you have an existing Online Student Loan Counseling account and would like to add financial literacy counseling to your participation categories, contact the Mapping Your Future customer care staff at feedback@mappingyourfuture.org. If you do not yet have an account, complete the online school submission form.
2010-11 MAP Payment Processing Available
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, MAPnet Users and Business Officers on August 20, 2010
Payment Requests Accepted
ISAC is pleased to announce that the 2010-11 Monetary Award Program (MAP) payment processing cycle has begun, including MAPnet and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) requests. All 2010-11 Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) data received from the Central Processing System (CPS) through (and including) August 19, 2010 is reflected in MAPnet. Schools may now begin sending MAP payment requests.
When preparing 2010-11 payment requests, schools are encouraged to keep in mind the previously-announced MAP suspension date. ISAC has suspended the announcement of MAP grants for all students whose initial 2010-11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was received by the CPS on or after April 19, 2010.
The MAP section of the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area at collegezone.com will be updated once the 2010-11 payment claim deadlines have been determined.
Resources Available Online
Details regarding the MAP payment processing cycle are available within the Payment section of the MAPnet User Guide (which can be accessed via the MAPnet section of the FAA Zone Processes area), as well as in the MAP Payment section of the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area at collegezone.com.
In order to remain up-to-date, please refer to MAP Program News, which is also located within the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area.
MAP Payment Processing Anticipated for August 20 (MAPnet To Be Temporarily Unavailable)
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, MAPnet Users and Business Officers on August 18, 2010
ISAC anticipates 2010-11 payment processing to be available via MAPnet for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) around 12 p.m. (noon) on Friday, August 20, 2010. At the same time, payment requests via File Transfer Protocol (FTP) will also be accepted.
In order for the 2010-11 MAPnet system to be updated for MAP payment processing, the system will be unavailable beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 19 continuing into Friday, August 20. A separate message will be sent when the 2010-11 MAPnet system may again be accessed on August 20. At that time, 2010-11 payment processing will be available.
Please note that access to 2009-10 historical data in MAPnet will not be impacted.
Important: Correction to 2010-11 MAP File Layout Specifications
A revised version of the 2010-11 MAP-IIA 160 Byte File Layout Specifications has been posted at the Electronic Tools page of the e-Library at collegezone.com.
Note that an earlier version of this document incorrectly listed "10" as the 2 numeric codes to use for "College Year" in Field Number 5. The revised document (which indicates "Revised 08/10" in the footer) correctly lists "11" as the 2 numeric codes for "College Year."
Online Resources
Information about 2010-11 payment processing is provided in the MAPnet User Guide. In order to remain up-to-date, please continue to refer to MAP Program News within the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs section of the FAA Zone at collegezone.com.
FAA Training Opportunities for Fall 2010
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools Participating in the ING Garnt and IVG Programs, MAPnet Users, Business Officers and FFELP Participats on August 13, 2010
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is offering the following training opportunities this Fall for financial aid administrators:
Monthly Webinars
Webinars focusing on a financial aid program, topic or process will be offered each month. Upcoming topics and dates are:
- Tuesday, August 31 at 2 p.m. -
Monetary Award Program (MAP) Payment Processing, John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program, and Constitution Day Resources
- Tuesday, September 28 at 2 p.m. -
ISAC Program and Payment Processing Update and Commission Meeting Report
- Thursday, October 21 at 2 p.m. -
Grant Programs for Dependents of Police, Fire and Correctional Officers, Student to Student Grant, and Higher Education License Plate Program
- Tuesday, November 23 at 2 p.m. -
High School Scholarship Programs
- Tuesday, December 21 at 2 p.m. -
2011-12 FAFSA Changes and Processing Updates
(will be repeated in January)
To participate in the monthly Webinars: access the PowerPoint presentation that will be posted the day of the scheduled session on the Partner Training page in the e-Library at collegezone.com; then dial 877.873.8017 (toll-free) and enter code 8324962# to access the audio portion of the Webinar.
Financial Aid 101 Workshops
This free, full-day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) workshop is designed to introduce new financial aid professionals to financial aid concepts, programs and processes and help them develop a solid foundation on which to build their careers. It will be offered twice in September:
- Tuesday, September 14 at ISAC's Deerfield Office
- Tuesday, September 21 at ISAC's Springfield Office
For more details on the workshop agenda, visit the Partner Training section of the e-Library at collegezone.com.
If you are interested in attending one of these Workshops, please send an e-mail to Kim Eck, Training Coordinator, at keck@isac.org indicating which session you would like to attend. Seating at each site is limited, so please register early.
Details regarding directions, parking, etc. will be provided in an e-mail to registered participants a few days prior to the workshop.
Financial Aid 201 Workshops
ISAC's Financial Aid 201 Workshop is intended for more experienced financial aid administrators who are already familiar with the basics. This free, full-day (9 a.m. to
4 p.m.) workshop will focus on verification, professional judgment and preparing for audits and program reviews. For a detailed agenda, visit the Partner Training page at collegezone.com. Dates and locations are:
- Wednesday, September 15 at ISAC's Deerfield Office
- Wednesday, September 22 at ISAC's Springfield Office
To register for one of these Workshops, e-mail Kim Eck, Training Coordinator, at keck@isac.org and indicate the date and location which you plan to attend.
Details regarding directions, parking, etc. will be provided in an e-mail to registered participants a few days prior to the workshop.
Complete Initial Certifications at My Zone in Preparation for 2010-11 TESP and Golden Apple Awarding
Sent to Financial Aid Directors and Financial Aid Administrators on August 12, 2010
Prepare for Upcoming 2010-11 TESP and Golden Apple Awarding
Complete 2010-11 Initial Certifications at My Zone
In order to ensure that applicants from your school are included when the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) determines 2010-11 awards for the Teacher Education Scholarship Programs (TESP) and the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program (see below*), all Initial Certifications that are available at My Zone should be completed and submitted to ISAC as soon as possible. Only applicants for whom a complete Initial Certification is on record will receive notification from ISAC (i.e., Notices of Eligibility - Funded and Notices of Eligibility - Unfunded). Consequently, in order to ensure that applicants from your school are included, all Initial Certifications that are available at My Zone for the Illinois Future Teacher Corps (IFTC), Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship and Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois programs must be completed and submitted to ISAC prior to awarding.
Initial Certifications for the IFTC, MTI Scholarship and Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois programs are completed online and submitted electronically to ISAC via the TESP area of My Zone. The online functionality is available each Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. (CT). Specific details regarding the online certification process, including instructions, are available at the Teacher Education Scholarship Programs (TESP) Certification section of My Zone.
Remember that all Initial Certifications available in My Zone must be completed, regardless of whether the school certifies a student as eligible or ineligible and regardless of whether the student is currently enrolled. The only way applicants will receive notification from ISAC regarding their eligibility status is if their schools have submitted the Initial Certifications via My Zone. Although it is not anticipated that any subsequent 2010-11 awarding will take place after the initial round, colleges should still continue completing and submitting Initial Certifications throughout the year so that ineligible applicants will receive a Notice of Ineligibility.
Generate 2009-10 TESP Reports
All 2009-10 TESP Notifications data at My Zone will be archived one day prior to 2010-11 TESP awarding. Be sure to generate all necessary 2009-10 TESP reports as soon as possible. Instructions for generating TESP reports are available within the Teacher Education Scholarship Programs (TESP) area of My Zone.
MTI Scholarship Program: Renewal Awards Only
Due to limited funding, only renewal MTI Scholarships will be announced in the initial round of 2010-11 TESP awarding. New MTI Scholars would be announced at a future date, only if funds remain available after all qualified renewal awards have been made.
* Watch for Announcement Regarding Awarding Schedule
In an effort to assist applicants and colleges in planning for 2010-11 academic year finances, ISAC plans to determine 2010-11 TESP and Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program awards as soon as possible, and announce awards immediately thereafter. Awarding will be based on the funding levels that have been appropriated for the 2010-11 IFTC, MTI Scholarship and Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois programs. Based on limited funding, it is not anticipated that any subsequent awarding will take place for these programs for the 2010-11 academic year.
A separate e-Message will be sent once the specific date for 2010-11 TESP awarding has been determined.
Reductions to ISAC 2010-11 Program Funding Levels
Sent to Financial Aid Directors and Financial Aid Administrators on August 12, 2010
Our July 9, 2010 e-Message provided links to a State Legislative Update that contained information about the Emergency Budget Act (SB 3660) which provides for the Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) to establish reserves (i.e., hold back some appropriated dollars). To that end, GOMB is requiring ISAC to meet a
$9 million reserve from our program allocations for FY2011, with no reduction to the Monetary Award Program (MAP).
In determining how to comply with this requirement, ISAC followed two key principles: minimize the financial impact to students and make the reductions uncomplicated to explain and implement. ISAC will therefore make 2010-11 funding allocation changes to the Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG), the Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant, and the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship programs as follows:
- IVG - Funding for institutional reimbursement is eliminated, although payment claims must still be submitted to properly assess eligibility units for veterans.
- ING - Grants for fall term will be reimbursed at 100%, with spring term claims prorated at an amount determined after fall term payments are processed.
- MTI - Only awards to renewal applicants will be made. New applicants will not be funded unless funds remain after renewals have been awarded or funding can be reallocated from another program.
In the event that any of the funds placed in reserve are later released for use, ISAC will provide information on the impact to programs based on the amount of funds released.
A new State Legislative Update will shortly be available at collegezone.com. Check back on an occasional basis and watch the FAA Message Board for announcement of its availability.
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Important Dates
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAPnet Users, Business Officers and FFELP Participats on August 5, 2010 The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) would like to make you aware of the following information, which may be of interest to you and/or your students.
You may either scroll through the entire message, or click on the appropriate link(s) to go directly to details about a specific topic:
UPDATES
Military Programs Online Processing Update, ISAC Administrative Rules, BIG Program application, and reminders regarding upcoming operational dates
EVENTS
Illinois State Fair
HOLIDAY SCHEDULES
Processing schedules for Labor Day holiday
UPDATES
All links in this section are to corresponding pages at collegezone.com.
Online Processing for ISAC-Administered Military Programs
The online processing cycle at My Zone has begun for the 2010-11 Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program and the Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant Program.
Summer term claims for the 2010-11 IVG Program (due on or before September 15) are being accepted via IVG Online Payment at My Zone, as well as via File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Since the summer term leads the academic year for the IVG Program, 2010-11 tuition and fees are to be used when claiming payment for summer 2010. Details regarding the IVG Online Payment process are provided at the Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program area of My Zone.
ING Grant Announcement Rosters for the 2010-11 academic year are now available online at My Zone. Rosters will be available whenever there is a new or updated eligible record for the college. While a new roster could potentially be available on a daily basis, the college may not have students that appear on a roster each day. It is recommended that the college check My Zone at least once a week for new rosters that may have been posted for the 2010-11 academic year. Details regarding the ING Grant announcement roster process are provided at the Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant area of My Zone.
2010-11 ISAC Administrative Rules Available
ISAC Administrative Rules, which have been adopted for the 2010-11 academic year, are available within the
e-Library.
2010-11 BIG Program Application Available
The application for the 2010-11 College Savings Bond Bonus Incentive Grant (BIG) Program is now available at collegezone.com. Specific details, including a reminder to notify the Registrar's Office at your college that they may see an increase in requests for enrollment verification, are provided in a July 26 e-Message.
August 6: 2009-10 MAP Outstanding Amounts Due
As part of the close-out process for the 2009-10 academic year, on July 7 letters were mailed to financial aid directors detailing the outstanding amount each institution must refund to ISAC for the Monetary Award Program (MAP). The outstanding amount due, with proper documentation, should be returned to ISAC on or before August 6, 2010.
August 15: 2009-10 Performance Reports for STS Due
Student to Student (STS) Program of Matching Grants Performance Reports for 2009-10 are due to ISAC on or before August 15, 2010 from participating institutions. Also, each institution desiring to participate in the STS Program for 2010-11 must complete the Participation Information Update Form, which is also due by August 15. Both of these forms can be accessed online at the STS Participation and Reporting page within the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area.
Mid-August: 2010-11 MAP Payment Processing Available
The 2010-11 MAP payment processing cycle, including MAPnet and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) requests, is anticipated to begin in mid-August.
Watch for an upcoming e-Message that will provide details regarding the specific date on which 2010-11 MAP payment processing will be available.
Mid-August: 2010-11 TESP Awarding Results Available at My Zone
ISAC plans to announce 2010-11 Teacher Education Scholarship Programs (TESP) awards in mid-August. Results will be available at My Zone the day after awarding takes place.
Only applicants for whom a complete Initial Certification is on record will receive notification from ISAC (i.e., Notices of Eligibility - Funded and Notices of Eligibility - Unfunded). Consequently, in order to ensure that applicants from your school are included in the August awarding run, all Initial Certifications that are available at My Zone for the Illinois Future Teacher Corps (IFTC), Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship, and Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois programs must be completed and submitted to ISAC prior to awarding.
Watch for an upcoming e-Message that will provide details regarding the specific date on which TESP awarding results will be available in My Zone.
September 13: 2009-10 IVG Outstanding Amounts Due
As part of the close-out process for the 2009-10 academic year, on July 23 letters were mailed to financial aid directors detailing the outstanding amount each institution must refund to ISAC for the IVG Program. The outstanding amount due, with proper documentation, should be returned to ISAC on or before
September 13, 2010.
September 15: 2010-11 IVG Summer Term Payment Request Deadline
Summer term claims for the 2010-11 IVG Program are due on September 15, 2010.
September 20: 2010-11 Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Appeals Due
ISAC has sent Notices of Disqualification to students who were identified in April as meeting eligibility requirements for the 2010-11 Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, but have not submitted the Eligibility Certification form (which was due back to ISAC on
July 15, 2010). The notices inform students that, if they wish to receive an award, ISAC must receive a letter of appeal and the completed form on or before
September 20, 2010. If an Eligibility Certification form is not returned by the September 20 deadline, it will be assumed that the student is refusing the scholarship and eligibility will be forfeited.
September 24: 2010-11 Illinois SETTW Verification Rosters and Certification Forms Due
SETTW Verification Rosters and SETTW Verification Roster Certification Forms, used with the 2010-11 Illinois SETTW Program, are due back to ISAC on or before
September 24, 2010. Refer to the ISAC Gift Assistance Program's SETTW Tuition Waiver Process area for sample rosters and forms.
EVENTS
August 13 through August 22: Illinois State Fair
Visit with ISAC staff in the Governor's Tent at the 2010 Illinois State Fair in Springfield. The Governor's Tent is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the fair, which runs from August 13 through August 22. In keeping with the Governor's Tent theme of "Job Creation," ISAC will provide fair-goers with information about financial assistance, as well as highlight its contributions to promoting job growth through its week-long theme of "Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce by Making College Accessible and Affordable for All Illinois Students." The theme of this year's fair is "Cream of the Crop."
HOLIDAY SCHEDULES
September 6: Labor Day
Due to the Labor Day holiday, ISAC offices will be closed on Monday, September 6, 2010. Our offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 7, 2010.
Although ISAC's offices will be closed on September 6, MAPnet will be available during regularly scheduled hours and will reflect records processed by the Central Processing System (CPS) through Friday, September 3. Monetary Award Program (MAP) payment requests submitted from 7 p.m. (CT) Friday, September 3 through
7 p.m. (CT) Tuesday, September 7 will be processed Tuesday night, and payment results will be available on MAPnet the morning of Wednesday, September 8.
For Assistance
Remember that you can access collegezone.com anytime, or send an e-mail message to ISAC's School Services Department (schoolservices@isac.org). With the exception of days when the ISAC offices are closed, ISAC staff will review and respond to messages during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT).
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FFELP PARTICIPANTS
Latest School DAAR Report Available
Sent on August 3, 2010 and August 18, 2010
The Notification of Student Loan Borrower DAAR Status report (School DAAR Report) for your school is now available on College Zone's My Zone.
The School DAAR Report is non-cumulative and is available twice a month to those institutions with students for whom ISAC, as the guarantor, has received a Default Aversion Assistance Request (DAAR) during the reporting time period. Each time a new School DAAR Report is made available online, an e-Message will be sent to the "FFELP Participants" e-Messaging subscription group.
Accessing School DAAR Reports at My Zone
My Zone is a portal available in the FAA Zone at collegezone.com that allows postsecondary schools online access to student-specific data in a secure environment. If you have not yet signed up to participate in My Zone, proceed to the FAA Zone front page and select the My Zone Quick Link.
For complete information and instructions to access your school's DAAR Report, proceed to the FAA Zone front page and select the My Zone Quick Link in the right margin of the page.
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ISAC UPDATE GROUP
Electronic ISAC Update for July 2010 Available at College Zone
Sent on August 2, 2010 The July 2010 edition of the ISAC Update is now available for your review within the ISAC Publications section of College Zone's e-Library. This version of the monthly electronic ISAC Update is a compilation of e-Messages sent to financial aid administrators and business officers in July via College Zone's e-Messaging service.
Topics covered in the July 2010 ISAC Update include:
- 2010-11 BIG Program Application
Available August 2
(sent July 26, 2010)
- ISAC Military Benefit Programs Update:
Status of Online Processing Cycles for
2009-10 and 2010-11 Academic Years
(sent July 21, 2010)
- ING Grant Program Updates:
2009-10 Spring Term Claims Paid at 100%
and Upcoming 2010-11 Announcement Roster Cycle
(sent July 14, 2010)
- FY2011 Program Funding Levels Available
in New State Legislative Update
(sent July 9, 2010)
- MAP Recompute Successfully Implemented:
2010-11 MAPnet System Available
(sent July 7, 2010)
- Latest School DAAR Report Available
(sent July 6, 2010 and July 19, 2010)
- Electronic ISAC Update for June 2010 Available at College Zone
(sent July 1, 2010)
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