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VOL. 24, NO. 6IGSL, 6B
December 2006
Welcome to the December 2006 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 December. 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
Happy Holidays from ISAC
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools - Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Program, MAPnet Users, Business Officers, and FFELP Participants on December 19, 2006 Our entire organization would like to wish all of our college partners a safe and very happy holiday season.
We appreciate having the opportunity to serve you, and look forward to working with you throughout the next year.
May 2007 be a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous year for all.
Holiday Schedules
Due to the holidays, ISAC staff will be unavailable on the following dates:
- After 2 p.m. (CT) on Friday, December 22, 2006
- All day on Monday, December 25, 2006
- After 2 p.m. (CT) on Friday, December 29, 2006
- All day on Monday, January 1, 2007
Note that ELM Resources will continue to process and transmit files on all of the dates listed above.
Remember that you can access collegezone.com anytime, or send an e-mail message to ISAC's School Services Department. With the exception of holidays (such as those indicated above), ISAC staff will review and respond to messages during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT).
Processing Schedules
Click on the appropriate link(s) to access holiday processing schedules for loan records [CommonLine and Common Account Maintenance (CAM) files] and/or Monetary Award Program (MAP) and Silas Purnell Illinois Incentive for Access (IIA) Program records.
MAP Plus Payment Status Update
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, MAPnet Users, and Business Officers on December 15, 2006 As a follow-up to our e-Messages of October 3rd and October 5th, we want to bring you up-to-date on the status of the 2006-07 Monetary Award Program Plus (MAP Plus). Although some schools have chosen to delay submitting payment requests until more definitive information is available regarding funding, we would like to thank those of you who have submitted requests, as it aids us in determining if we have fully met our awarding goal. Through December 8th, we had received 15,508 payment claims from 60 schools for a total of $3,951,250.
We continue to accept MAP Plus payment requests via MAPnet and File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Information regarding MAP Plus payment processing is available in the MAP Plus section of the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area of the FAA Zone at collegezone.com.
Payment claim deadline dates have not yet been established, but will be determined by the Commission once funding for the program has been secured. As you're aware, MAP Plus will be funded through the restructuring or sale of part of ISAC/IDAPP's student loan portfolio. It is anticipated that the transaction will be finalized sometime during the first quarter of calendar year 2007, with actual payment of fall term MAP Plus awards following shortly thereafter.
2007-08 Teacher Program Applications Available - Due on or before March 1, 2007
Sent to Financial Aid Directors and Financial Aid Administrators on December 14, 2006 2007-08 TESP Interactive Application Launched
ISAC is pleased to announce that the interactive application for 2007-08 Teacher Education Scholarship Programs (TESP), used to apply for the Illinois Future Teacher Corps (IFTC) Program and the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program, is available at collegezone.com. Now in its third year, this online application offers such benefits as providing program information at the applicant's fingertips, performing online edits to prevent errors, allowing faster delivery time, and generating immediate confirmation that the application has been received.
As a reminder, only applicants with a valid digital ID from the State of Illinois will be able to access the online application. Applicants who had obtained a digital ID for a previous year's TESP application process will use that same digital ID this year. Additional information regarding the IFTC Program and the MTI Scholarship Program and the application process, including 2007-08 teacher shortage disciplines for the IFTC Program, is available within the ISAC Gift Assistance Program area. These resources will assist you with questions you receive from students regarding the TESP application process.
The Student Zone provides applicants with direct access to details about the IFTC Program and MTI Scholarship Program. Applicants will have access to information regarding the application process, including instructions for specific application fields, once they access the Teacher Education Scholarship Programs area and launch the application.
2007-08 Illinois SETTW Program Application Available
The 2007-08 Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver (SETTW) Application is now available to print, complete and submit. Students pursuing a degree in special education who are willing to commit to teaching in Illinois after completing their degrees may be eligible to apply. Details about this program, including eligibility requirements, are provided in the Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver (SETTW) Program section of the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area.
2007-08 Nurse Educator Scholarship Program Application Available
The 2007-08 Nurse Educator Scholarship Program (NESP) Application is now available to print, complete and submit. Graduate-level students pursuing a career in professional or practical nursing education who are willing to commit to teaching in Illinois after completing their degrees may be eligible to apply. Details about this program, including eligibility requirements, are provided in the Nurse Educator Scholarship Program (NESP) section of the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area.
ISAC Names New Executive Director
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools - Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Program, MAPnet Users, Business Officers, and FFELP Participants on December 5, 2006 The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is pleased to announce that Andrew A. (Andy) Davis has been appointed to fill the position of Executive Director, effective January 1, 2007. Andy succeeds Larry Matejka, who is retiring at the end of the year after 26 years of service to Illinois students and their families.
Andy served as an ISAC Commissioner from October 2005 to September 2006, at which time he was named Special Assistant to ISAC's Executive Director. Prior to joining ISAC, he had extensive experience with the investment and securities industry, as well as 15 years of service on the Beloit College Board of Trustees. As stated by ISAC Chairman Don McNeil in ISAC's Press Release regarding Andy's appointment, "Andy Davis' record of achievement in the world of high finance as well as the world of higher education makes him uniquely prepared for this challenge".
Please join ISAC Commissioners and staff in congratulating Andy on his appointment.
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FINANCIAL AID ADMINISTRATOR
Just Added! John A. Logan College and Chicago State University - "FAFSA Expert" Sessions – Register Now
Sent on December 21, 2006 Due to an increased demand, we have added two additional sites to the second of our three part Professional Development Series, the "FAFSA Expert" sessions, which are designed especially for high school counselors, college admission counselors and community organization professionals.
Learn how to answer the questions that even the most experienced professionals may find difficult to answer:
- What is the income 'cut-off' for receiving financial aid?
- Is it true that families with savings can't get financial aid?
- Do I have to report my retirement savings as assets?
- How do I complete the parent section if I am in foster care?
- Where do I list College Illinois! on the FAFSA?
These half-day sessions (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) are designed to go beyond the basic line-by-line walkthrough of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and delve into the more complex tax, asset, eligibility, and need analysis questions. In-depth case studies will be used to illustrate the many nuances of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Formula, and all participants will be provided with a set of comprehensive reference materials created for use at Financial Aid Nights, FAFSA Completion Workshops, and throughout the school year. This training also provides three Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDU).
Space is limited so choose from the following dates and locations below and register here:
January 19, 2007
Rock Valley College, N. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL
Woodward Tech Center, Rooms 117/119/121
Campus Map
January 24, 2007
Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
College Center, Moraine Room 1 and 2
Campus Map
January 26, 2007
Spoon River Community College, 23235 North County Rd. 22, Canton, IL
Engel Conference Center, SRC Conference Rooms A and B
Campus Map
January 30, 2007
Danville Area Community College, 2000 East Main Street, Danville, IL
Vermilion Hall, Room 306
Campus Map
January 31, 2007
Chicago State University, 9501 South King Drive, Chicago, IL
Room To Be Determined (Check before date)
Campus Map
February 1, 2007
College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL
Room SRC 2800
Campus Map
February 2, 2007
East St. Louis Community College Center, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., East St. Louis, IL
Building "D", The Multi-Purpose Room
Campus Map
February 6, 2007
Illinois Student Assistance Commission, 1755 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL
Room 3030
Driving Directions
February 8, 2007
John A. Logan College, 700 Logan College Road,
Carterville, IL
Conference Center, Room F119
Campus Map
February 9, 2007
Truman College, 1145 West Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL
Room To Be Determined (Check before date)
Campus Map
Continental breakfast will be provided and registration begins at 8:30 a.m. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming sessions.
Make sure you submit your registration and print the confirmation page for your records.
"FAFSA Expert" Sessions – Register Now
Sent on December 15, 2006 Please join us as we start the new year with the second of our three part Professional Development Series with the "FAFSA Expert" sessions, designed especially for high school counselors, college admission counselors and community organization professionals.
Learn how to answer the questions that even the most experienced professionals may find difficult to answer:
- What is the income 'cut-off' for receiving financial aid?
- Is it true that families with savings can't get financial aid?
- Do I have to report my retirement savings as assets?
- How do I complete the parent section if I am in foster care?
- Where do I list College Illinois! on the FAFSA?
These half-day sessions (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) are designed to go beyond the basic line-by-line walkthrough of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and delve into the more complex tax, asset, eligibility, and need analysis questions. In-depth case studies will be used to illustrate the many nuances of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Formula, and all participants will be provided with a set of comprehensive reference materials created for use at Financial Aid Nights, FAFSA Completion Workshops, and throughout the school year. This training also provides three Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDU).
Space is limited so choose from the following dates and locations below and register here:
January 19, 2007
Rock Valley College, N. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL
Woodward Tech Center, Rooms 117/119/121
Campus Map
January 24, 2007
Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
College Center, Moraine Rooms 1 and 2
Campus Map
January 26, 2007
Spoon River Community College, 23235 North County Rd. 22, Canton, IL
Engel Conference Center, SRC Conference Rooms A and B
Campus Map
January 30, 2007
Danville Area Community College, 2000 East Main Street, Danville, IL
Vermilion Hall, Room 306
Campus Map
February 1, 2007
College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL
Room SRC 2800
Campus Map
February 2, 2007
East St. Louis Community College Center, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., East St. Louis, IL
Building "D", The Multi-Purpose Room
Campus Map
February 6, 2007
Illinois Student Assistance Commission, 1755 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL
Room 3030
Driving Directions
February 9, 2007
Truman College, 1145 West Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL
Room To Be Determined (Check before date)
Campus Map
Continental breakfast will be provided and registration begins at 8:30 a.m. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming sessions.
"Understanding Financial Aid Packaging" Sessions – Spring 2007
Registration begins February 6, 2007
Would you like to help your students identify a good financial aid package? This spring, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will wrap up its three part Professional Development Series by offering "Understanding Financial Aid Packaging" sessions throughout the state. These sessions will guide you to help your students and their families decipher award letters and compare aid packages, thereby allowing them to identify the best college fit.
We will offer a general perspective about the components of aid packaging. Overall, these sessions aim to provide you the opportunity to participate in comprehensive consumer education about higher education.
How to Register
Registration details, including dates and locations, will be available online through the Outreach & Training Calendar in the Counselor Zone at collegezone.com. We will also be sending e-Messages with the latest information and updates about additional training events. Make sure you submit your registration and print the confirmation page for your records.
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MAPNET USERS
Shortening Processing Time for MAPnet File Extractions and Reports
Sent on December 12, 2006 ISAC staff has received feedback regarding the fact that the amount of time it takes to process MAPnet Eligibility and Payment file extractions and reports is sometimes longer than usual. We appreciate receiving such information from our partners, and are pleased to announce that steps have been taken to address the situation.
File Extractions and Reports Now Have Separate Processing Queues
Effective immediately, there will be two separate queues - one for file extractions, and the other for reports. This means that file extractions and reports can be processed simultaneously. Prior to this enhancement, only one process - either a file extraction, or a report - could be run at a time. We anticipate that this change will help reduce the amount of time it takes to process these requests.
Note that, while this change should improve processing time, jobs will still be run in the order that they are received within each queue. Consequently, if several schools submit large file extraction (or report) requests at the same time, each request will be processed only after all previously-submitted jobs for that queue have completed. Length of processing time will vary depending on where a particular school's job is located within the queue. Multiple jobs submitted at the same time will impact file extractions the most, since these jobs take longer to run than reports.
Steps to Further Reduce Processing Time
The following are steps that schools may wish to consider in order to further reduce the amount of time it may take to process file extractions and reports:
- Extract Processing: When running an Eligibility Status File (ESF) extract, enter a date range. Extracts run without a date range will generate a file that includes every record associated with that school. Entering a date range will mean less records are included, thus reducing the amount of time it will take to process the file. If the school runs this extract on a daily basis, each extract would only include one day's worth of data.
- Report Processing: MAPnet becomes inaccessible during the time a report is being generated. In order to minimize the impact of this down time, schools may wish to review their schedule and - to the extent possible - only run reports when MAPnet is not needed for other functions (for example, at the end of the day).
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FFELP PARTICIPANTS
Latest School DAAR Report Available
Sent on December 4, 2006 and on December 18, 2006
The Notification of Student Loan Borrower DAAR Status report (School DAAR Report) for your school is now available on College Zone's My Zone. This online version has replaced the paper rosters ISAC sent in the past.
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 November 2006 Available at College Zone
Sent on December 4, 2006 The November 2006 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 November via College Zone's e-Messaging service.
Topics covered in the November 2006 ISAC Update include:
- Results of November 17th Commission Meeting
(sent November 20, 2006)
- Tips to Ensure the Timely Processing of Online Orders for ISAC Publications
(sent November 17, 2006)
- Commission Meeting Agenda Includes Program Budget Implications Discussion
(sent November 14, 2006)
- Projected Shortfall for IVG
(sent November 9, 2006)
- ISAC/IDAPP Internet Outage - Saturday,
November 11, 2006
(sent November 7, 2006)
- Commission Meeting - Friday, November 17th
(sent November 7, 2006)
- Latest School DAAR Report Available
(sent November 3, 2006 and November 20, 2006)
- Electronic ISAC Update for October 2006 Available at College Zone
(sent November 1, 2006)
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