Prepaid Tuition 
ISAC Communiqué
Volume 19, Number 3
January 2010 - March 2010
Messages sent to:
Multiple Subscription Groups
High School Counselors/Teachers
ISAC Communiqué
Welcome to the January - March 2010 electronic ISAC Communiqué, which is a quarterly compilation of e-Messages sent through College Zone’s e-Messaging service throughout January, February and March. This e-Messaging service has replaced both printed newsletters and special e-mail lists as ISAC’s primary means of communicating information to you.
The articles in this electronic Communiqué have been organized according to the Counselor Zone subscription groups to which the messages were distributed via College Zone’s e-Messaging service.
Questions?
Questions regarding information in this electronic Communiqué can be directed to School Services at 866.247.2172 or at isac.schoolservices@isac.illinois.gov. 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.
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Important Dates
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admission Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, IllinoisMentor Counselors, Community Organizations and Public Libraries on March 22, 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 college-bound students and their families.
Upcoming Commission Meetings
The next regularly scheduled meetings of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will take place as follows:
- Friday, March 26, 2010, at Illinois State University in Normal
- Friday, June 25, 2010, at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights
A listing of tentative agenda items will be available prior to each meeting via the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission section of the e-Library. Dates and locations for all regularly-scheduled meetings in 2010 are available at the e-Library's Commission Meeting Schedule page. Agenda and meeting schedule information can also be accessed by selecting the link that appears beneath the "About ISAC" heading at the College Zone home page.
March 31: Orders for 2010-11 State Scholars Mailing Labels Due
Mailing labels (in ZIP Code order) of 2010-11 State Scholar finalists are available from ISAC, at cost, to Illinois colleges, universities, high school counselors, and Regional Superintendents. Orders for mailing labels must be received at ISAC on or before March 31, 2010.
As a reminder, an online listing of 2010-11 State Scholars, displaying each State Scholar alphabetically by high school within the school's Illinois county, is available within the Student Zone. The online listing replaces the paper roster that was available to order in previous years.
April: Details Will Be Provided for New HSSP Cycle
During the month of April, ISAC will announce pertinent dates for the new processing cycle of the State Scholar and Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship programs [collectively referred to as the High School Scholarship Programs (HSSP)]. ISAC will soon begin accepting sixth semester data* from high schools, which is used in determining eligibility for students who will be college freshmen during the 2011-12 academic year. Visit the High School Scholarship Programs (HSSP) section of the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area for future updates.
Reminder: High schools utilizing the HSSP Electronic Delivery System must update their school profiles each year. Instructions for updating the school profile are provided in the HSSP Electronic Delivery System Quick Reference Guide, which can be accessed via the Illinois Electronic Data Exchange Resources section of the e-Library's Job Aids & Reference Materials area at collegezone.com.
* As a reminder for schools submitting paper rosters, sixth semester data is to be reported for only those students in the top 50% of the class. This means that, if a school ranks, rankings should be provided for the top 50% of students. If a school does not rank, unweighted grade point averages (GPAs) should be provided for the top 50% of students. In addition, all schools (both ranking and non-ranking) must provide unweighted GPAs for any student who has an Illinois Standard Test Score (ISTS) of 31 or greater (this data is used in the determination of Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship awards).
By May 1st: 2010-11 Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholars Will Be Announced
Be sure to regularly visit the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program section of the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area for updates regarding the announcement of 2010-11 new and renewal awards.
Upcoming Days When ISAC Offices Will Be Closed
ISAC offices will be closed on the following dates:
- Friday, April 2, 2010 (Furlough Day Closure)
- Monday, May 31, 2010 (Memorial Day Holiday)
- Monday, July 5, 2010 (Independence Day Holiday)
For Assistance
Remember that you can access collegezone.com anytime, or send an e-mail message to ISAC's School Services Department. 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).
Don't Forget - National College Access Network Regional Meeting in Chicago on March 17
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admission Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, IllinoisMentor Counselors, Community Organizations and Public Libraries on February 24, 2010.
We wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that the National College Access Network (NCAN) regional meeting will take place at the University of Illinois - Chicago on Wednesday, March 17, 2010. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) invites you to attend, and looks forward to seeing you there!
The regional meeting will provide an opportunity to network with your colleagues from Illinois and the surrounding region, and to join in discussions regarding college access advocacy, including:
- NCAN's new strategic plan,
- data/evaluation, and
- student success.
Details (including the tentative agenda, online registration, directions and hotel recommendations) are available at the NCAN Chicago Regional Meeting page.
If you are not an NCAN member, you can create an account and enter the code "KH2Go" so that the $50 registration fee can be waived.
The mission of the National College Access Network is
"... to build, strengthen, and empower communities committed to college access and success so that all students, especially those under-represented in postsecondary education, can achieve their educational dreams."
Join Us in Chicago on March 17th for a National College Access Network Regional Meeting
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admission Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, IllinoisMentor Counselors, Community Organizations and Public Libraries on February 11, 2010.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) invites you to attend the National College Access Network (NCAN) regional meeting at the University of Illinois - Chicago on Wednesday, March 17, 2010.
Network with your colleagues from Illinois and the surrounding region, and join in discussions regarding college access advocacy, including:
- NCAN's new strategic plan,
- data/evaluation, and
- student success.
Details (including the tentative agenda, online registration, directions and hotel recommendations) are available at the NCAN Chicago Regional Meeting page.
If you are not an NCAN member, you can create an account and enter the code "KH2Go" so that the $50 registration fee can be waived.
We look forward to seeing you!
The mission of the National College Access Network is
"... to build, strengthen, and empower communities committed to college access and success so that all students, especially those under-represented in postsecondary education, can achieve their educational dreams."
2010-11 FAFSA Available, and Upcoming Important Dates
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admission Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, IllinoisMentor Counselors, Community Organizations and Public Libraries on January 4, 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 college-bound students and their families.
College Awareness & Preparation (CAP) Resources Available for 2010-11 FAFSA Cycle
The 2010-11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) cycle, including FAFSA on the Web and Corrections on the Web, opened on January 1, 2010. The Central Processing System (CPS) began processing 2010-11 FAFSA data on Monday, January 4th. Details regarding the 2010-11 application cycle are provided within the Applying for Financial Aid section of the e-Library.
Note that the Web address for FAFSA on the Web has recently been updated to http://www.fafsa.gov/ - however, the previous address (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) remains active, as well. Either of these URLs will launch the federal site for completing and submitting the FAFSA, free of charge.
Check out the College Awareness & Preparation (CAP) page at collegezone.com for information regarding resources that are available to help your college-bound students complete the financial aid process. Several events, including FAFSA completion seminars, will take place across the State of Illinois from now through March. Encourage families to attend the event that best fits their schedule.
CAP is a comprehensive effort of the Illinois Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (ILASFAA), Inc., the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) and ISAC. Formerly known as Financial Aid Admission/Awareness Month (FAAM), CAP strives to fulfill its mission through a series of workshops, seminars and statewide support with partners from all sectors of education in the State of Illinois.
Next Commission Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will take place on Friday, January 22, 2010, at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. A listing of tentative agenda items will be available prior to the meeting via the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission section of the e-Library. Information can also be accessed by selecting the link that appears beneath the "Resource Center" heading at the College Zone home page.
State Scholar Program Appeals, and Availability of Mailing Labels
January 29, 2010 is the deadline by which student appeals regarding the 2010-11 State Scholar Program must be received at ISAC. After January 29th, forms will be available to order a set of mailing labels of State Scholar Finalists. Remember that a listing of all 2010-11 State Scholars - displayed alphabetically by high school, within each school's county - is available within the 8th-12th Grades area of the Student Zone at collegezone.com. This online listing replaces both the Announcement Rosters for State Scholar Finalists that were mailed to high schools, and the printed listings that were available for order, in previous years.
Holiday Schedules
January 18th: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday, ISAC offices will be closed on Monday, January 18th and will reopen on Tuesday, January 19th.
February 12th: Lincoln's Birthday
February 15th: Presidents' Day
Due to the Lincoln's Birthday and Presidents' Day holidays, ISAC offices will be closed on Friday, February 12th and on Monday, February 15th. Our offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 16th.
For Assistance
Remember that you can access collegezone.com anytime, or send an e-mail message to ISAC's School Services Department. 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).
Summary of January 22nd Commission Meeting
Sent to High School Counselors/Teachers and College Admission Counselors on January 25, 2010.
The following is a summary of action taken at Friday's meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Details regarding several of the topics discussed at the meeting are provided in the January 22nd Agenda Book, which can be accessed from the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission page within the e-Library at collegezone.com.
FY2010 (2009-10 Academic Year) BIG Program Allocation Approved - Agenda Item 9
The Commission approved an allocation of $325,000 to make awards under the College Savings Bond Bonus Incentive Grant (BIG) Program for FY2010. This appropriation will fund approximately 350 grants. Detailed information regarding the application and awarding process will be provided to colleges in the near future.
Proposed Rules and Amendments - Agenda Item 5
Rules amendments are being proposed for the 2010-11 academic year to two existing Parts: Part 2700 - General Provisions and Part 2720 - Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Administrative rules for two new programs that were signed into law in the summer have also been proposed: Part 2739 - Grant Program for Participants in SIU-C Achieve Program and Part 2756 - Public Interest Attorney Loan Repayment Assistance Program. Additionally, one Part - Forensic Science Grant Program, is being repealed. The full text of the proposed rules and amendments and notices is available for review via the January 22nd Illinois Register, accessible through the e-Library's ISAC Administrative Rules section, following publication in the Illinois Register. The anticipated effective ate of these proposed rules and amendments is July 2010.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled Commission meeting is set for Friday, March 26, 2010 at Illinois State University in Normal.
High School Counselors/Teachers
ISAC Offices Closed Friday, April 2
Sent on March 26, 2010.
Staff at all ISAC locations will be unavailable on Friday, April 2, 2010, due to a furlough closing.
Although we're unavailable, our Web site - collegezone.com - can be accessed at any time to find information regarding programs administered by ISAC. E-mail messages sent to ISAC's School Services Department will be answered upon our return to the office.
Regular business hours will resume on Monday, April 5.
Fifth Third Bank Joins ISAC to Present College Smart Fair April 23-24
Sent on March 25, 2010.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is pleased to announce its partnership with Fifth Third Bank to present the College Smart Fair, April 23-24, at the University of Illinois Chicago Student Center East. The two-day event is part of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Money Smart Week®, April 17-24, which provides free financial classes to consumers throughout Chicago and the state.
Hosted by the UIC Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, the College Smart Fair will offer high school seniors the opportunity to receive guidance in navigating the financial aid system; assistance reviewing financial aid award letters and understanding payment responsibilities; and workshops addressing a number of college-related topics and panel discussions regarding paying for college.
Participants will have access to presenters from all aspects of the college experience including College Illinois!® 529 Prepaid Tuition Program representatives, Illinois Student Assistance Corps representatives and representatives from Fifth Third Bank, in addition to financial aid and student account representatives from Illinois colleges.
The ISAC College Smart Fair presented by Fifth Third Bank will include the following components as they relate to how to pay for college in Illinois:
University Student Finance Expo
- Student Financial Aid and Student Account representatives from Illinois universities and community colleges
Workshops
- Paying for college, understanding the total cost of education
- Understanding the financial aid process and financial fitness
- Parent break-out sessions
- Answering questions for students with special needs
Panel Discussions
- Student Ambassadors who are currently attending college and know the process
- Illinois Youth Saves and Money Smart Kids entering college
- University Student Finance professionals
- Parents who have children currently attending college and have been through the process
For more information about Money Smart Week or the ISAC College Smart Fair presented by Fifth Third Bank, visit www.collegezone.com/moneysmart.
To participate in the event, contact Russ Goeltenbodt , ISAC Student Advocate/Financial Literacy Specialist, at
rgoeltenbodt@isac.org, 312.814.1926.
Mark Your Calendars!
Sent on March 12, 2010.
Money Smart Week April 17-24
In support of our mission of making college accessible and affordable for all Illinois students, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and its College Illinois!® 529 Prepaid Tuition Program will coordinate Money Smart Week® (MSW) events to be held April 17–24, 2010 across Illinois. Money Smart Week® is a series of free classes and activities designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances.
The highlight of this year’s Money Smart Week is the ISAC College Smart Fair, April 23-24, at University of Illinois - Chicago. This two-day event--the theme of which is How to Pay for College in Illinois--is presented by Fifth Third Bank and hosted by UIC’s Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
The College Smart Fair will offer a variety of activities: a university student expo offering high school seniors the opportunity to speak with financial aid and student account representatives from Illinois colleges to assist families with reviewing their financial aid award letters and understanding payment responsibilities; workshops addressing a number of college-related topics; and panel discussions with presenters from all aspects of the college experience.
We hope you'll be able to attend the College Smart Fair or participate in one or more of the Money Smart Week events during that week. For more information, visit our Web site at www.collegezone.com/moneysmart.
College Smart Fair to be Part of Money Smart Week
Sent on January 20, 2010.
Money Smart Week 2010 - a series of free classes and activities designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances - is happening April 17th - 24th in the greater Chicago metropolitan area. As part of Money Smart Week, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) have partnered to hold a College Smart Fair on Friday and Saturday, April 23rd and 24th at UIC's Student Center East.
The College Smart Fair, the theme of which is How to Pay for College in Illinois, will offer a variety of activities, including a University Student Expo, where high school seniors and their families can talk with financial aid and student account representatives from Illinois colleges who will assist with reviewing financial aid award letters and understanding payment responsibilities; workshops addressing a number of college-related topics; and panel discussions with presenters from all aspects of the college experience.
A College Smart Fair flyer, for use to distribute to your students and their families, is available in the e-Library of collegezone.com, #12 - Job Aids & Reference Materials.
An invitation and registration form will be posted to the collegezone.com Web site in early February. To learn more about the College Smart Fair, contact one of these organizers:
Russ Goeltenbodt, ISAC Student Advocate/Financial Literacy Specialist
rgoeltenbodt@isac.org or 312.814.1926
Charmaine Daniels, Assistant Director, University Student Financial Services and Cashier Operations
danielsc@uillinois.edu or 312.413.3477
New ISAC Communiqué Available at College Zone
Sent on January 4, 2010
The latest edition of the ISAC Communiqué is now available for your review within the ISAC Publications section of College Zone's e-Library. This electronic version of ISAC's newsletter is a quarterly compilation of information provided to Counselor Zone partners via College Zone's
e-Messaging service during the months of October, November and December.
Topics covered in this electronic Communiqué include:
- Happy Holidays from ISAC
(sent December 15, 2009) - High School Counselor Survey Deadline Extended
(sent December 15, 2009) - 2010-11 Applications for Teacher Education Programs Available - Due on or before
March 1, 2010
(sent December 14, 2009) - We're on the Road Again and on Our Way to a Location Near You ...
(sent December 2, 2009) - 2010-11 State Scholar Announcements Posted at College Zone(sent December 1, 2009)
- ISAC Offices Closed November 25th - 27th
(sent November 24, 2009) - ISAC Asks High School Counselors for Feedback
(sent November 20, 2009) - Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Important Dates
(sent October 9, 2009) - HSSP Sixth Semester Roster Data Due
October 30, 2009
(sent October 6, 2009) - New ISAC Communiqué Available at College Zone
(July - September 2009)
(sent October 1, 2009)
Electronic newsletters are available at the beginning of each quarter (January, April, July, and October), and are the compilation of information announced via an e-Message to any of the Counselor Zone subscription groups during the previous quarter.
Encourage Your Colleagues to Sign Up for e-Messaging
College Zone's e-Messaging service has replaced printed newsletters and special e-mail lists as ISAC's primary means of communicating information to Counselor Zone partners.
Encourage your colleagues to visit the College Zone Counselor e-Messaging Sign-up page today, so that they won't miss any future announcements or updates from ISAC.
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