The Counselor Message Board is updated regularly – check back often for the latest information.
An
October 23 e-Message announces that early bird registration is now open for the 14th annual Success Network Conference. Early bird registration and pricing are available now through December 31, 2026, or until the first 100 tickets are sold.
An
October 21 e-Message provides processing updates about the State Scholar Program. ISAC has begun processing sixth semester data. Schools should submit sixth semester data, if they have not already done so, by November 20.
The 2027-28 FAFSA and Alternative Application are now available for students to submit. An
October 1 e-Message provides information, updates, and important dates that may be of interest to Counselors.
A
September 22 e-Message reminds partners to regularly check the
Upcoming Professional Development Offerings page for professional development opportunities across the state.
A
September 23 e-Message announces that, at the
September 17 Commission meeting, ISAC approved the
2027-28 (FY28) MAP start-up formula, which follows the FY27 recompute formula.
A
September 23 e-Message announces that the call for proposals for the Second Annual First Gen Symposium – which will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026 – has been extended to October 2, 2026. For the latest updates and to register, visit the
First Gen Symposium page.
ISAC announces a lineup of free webinars this fall. A
September 4 e-Message provides webinar dates and times. To register for these sessions or explore additional trainings on financial aid-related topics, please visit our
Professional Development Offerings page.
As announced in an
April 20 e-Message, April 23, 2026 will be the last day for students to apply for 2026-27 MAP grants by submitting an initial 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or, for qualifying students, an Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. Announcements of awards for students whose FAFSAs are received by the federal processor or whose Alternative Applications are received by ISAC after that date will be put "
in suspense" – basically, a waiting list for 2026-27 MAP. Further details are provided on the
MAP page.
College Illinois!®
