2021-22 MAP Start-up Implementation

10/08/2020

2021-22 Monetary Award Program (MAP) data – reflecting the start-up formula that was approved at the September 17, 2020 Commission meeting – is now available to access via the MAP system. All 2021-22 Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) and Alternative Application Student Records received by ISAC through (including) Wednesday, October 7, 2020 are available with their accompanying eligibility status information. Daily processing of 2021-22 ISIR, Alternative Application, and eligibility status information has commenced.

Processing Details

• Following the 2020-21 MAP recompute formula, the 2021-22 start-up formula uses 2009-10 tuition and fees and has no reduction factor; the maximum award is $5,340.
• The MAP component of the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs (GAP) Access portal works best using Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher.
• The GAP Access portal, including the MAP system, is available each day between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. (CT).

More Information Available Online

• The MAP section within the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area was updated with the 2021-22 start-up formula, including 2021-22 Hand Calculation Forms – Start-up.
  • Details regarding calculating a term award for both semester and quarter schools are also available.
• 2021-22 MAP 160 Byte File Layout Specifications and 2021-22 Alternative Application Student Record School File Layout Specifications may be accessed via the Electronic Tools area of the e-Library for Partners.
• Refer to the recent 2021-22 MAP Start-up Formula Approved e-Message for details regarding the following:
  • The 2021-22 priority deadline date for returning MAP recipients – the date on or before which eligible students who received MAP funds during the 2020-21 academic year must submit the 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid in order to receive priority access to appropriated MAP funds – is Tuesday, December 1, 2020.
  • The 2021-22 MAP required school-issued award notification language was updated to include reference to possible student eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for all MAP-eligible students, as required by P.A. 101-0560.
• Be sure to regularly visit the FAA Message Board and the MAP Program News page for new updates, and watch for future e-Messages from ISAC.

Notification to Applicants

• Colleges are required to announce MAP awards to eligible students enrolled at their institutions.
  • Refer to the MAP Award Announcements page for details regarding college requirements, as well as a sample of the required award notification language (as referenced above, under "More Information Available Online").
• ISAC will mail letters only to students who are in a default status on an ISAC-guaranteed student loan.
  • A copy of the Default Resolution Options document, outlining how to regain federal and state student aid eligibility, is enclosed with each Default Status notification.
  • Notifications are dated and mailed after ISAC processes ISIRs and Alternative Application Student Records.

Reminders

• Given the likelihood that 2021-22 MAP award announcements will need to be suspended at some point during the processing cycle, it is recommended that colleges remind students to submit the 2021-22 FAFSA or Alternative Application – which both became available October 1 – as soon as possible.
• Encourage your students to visit the ISAC Student Portal to access these helpful resources:
  • MAP Estimator (located in the Toolbox area) – students planning to attend an Illinois college may use this tool to get an idea of their eligibility for the MAP grant,
  • MAP Paid Credit Hours Display (located in the Program Applications & Status Checks area) – MAP grant recipients may use this option to track the number of MAP Paid Credit Hours they have used to date, and
  • Student Resources Beyond Financial Aid (located in the Resources area) – students can find resources for food (including listings of Illinois food pantries on or near college campuses, as well as across the state), housing, medical care, child and dependent care assistance and consideration because of special circumstances.

You are receiving this message because you registered for ISAC's e-Messaging service through one or more subscription groups for FAAs.

If you have any questions regarding this e-Message, please contact ISAC's School Services Department by calling toll free at 866.247.2172 or sending an e-mail message to isac.schoolservices@illinois.gov.