ISAC Update

VOL. 39, NO. 3F
September 2021

Welcome to the September 2021 ISAC Update for financial aid administrators and business officers. This version of the electronic ISAC Update is a compilation of e-Messages sent through ISAC's e-Messaging service throughout September.

The articles in this Update have been organized according to the FAA subscription groups to which the messages were distributed.

Questions?

Questions regarding information in this ISAC Update can be directed to School Services at 866.247.2172 or at isac.schoolservices@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.

MULTIPLE SUBSCRIPTION GROUPS

First-term Claim Deadline for FY22 MAP, MTI and Golden Apple: December 10
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, MAP Users, and Business Officers on September 22, 2021.

Unless otherwise noted, links in this message are to corresponding pages at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) website (isac.org).

As previously announced – in e-Messages dated August 18, 2021 and September 14, 2021 – colleges may submit 2021-22 first-term payment requests (i.e., claims) for the Monetary Award Program (MAP), as well as for the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship, and Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois (Golden Apple) programs.

Submit Claims by December 10

• MAP – In order to be considered timely, 2021-22 MAP first-term claims must be submitted on or before Friday, December 10, 2021.
  • Any initial MAP claims made after a term's priority payment request deadline will be considered late and will only be paid if funds remain after paying timely claims.
• MTI/Golden Apple – Effective with the 2021-22 payment cycle, and as part of our ongoing efforts to best leverage appropriated funds to award as many eligible students as possible, MTI Scholarship and Golden Apple priority claim deadline dates are being established for each term.
  • The first-term claim deadline date for the 2021-22 MTI Scholarship and Golden Apple programs is Friday, December 10, 2021.

Colleges are always encouraged to submit claims for all programs as soon as they are able to do so. The timely submission of claims and cancellations/adjustments allows ISAC staff to monitor remaining funds and award other students, as applicable.

Refer to the August 18 e-Message (MAP payment) and the September 14 e-Message (MTI Scholarship and Golden Apple payment) for highlights of what's new this year and important processing reminders.

Watch for Future Updates

Future updates – including, once determined, the priority claim deadlines for subsequent terms – will be announced via our usual means of communication: the FAA Message Board; the MAP, MTI Scholarship and Golden Apple "Program News" pages; and/or ISAC's e-Messaging system.

2022-23 MAP Start-up Formula Approved
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, and MAP Users, on September 21, 2021.

p>The following highlights some of the agenda items included at the September 16, 2021 meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and any action taken. A listing of the agenda items is provided in the September 16 Agenda Book, which can be accessed from the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission section of the About ISAC area of ISAC's website.

FY2023 (2022-23 Academic Year) MAP Start-up Formula Approved – Agenda Item 5

Because the fiscal year 2022-23 (FY2023) state budget process has not yet begun, when developing the proposed start-up formula, staff assumed that the Monetary Award Program (MAP) will receive $479.5 million, which is level with the FY2022 appropriation. Following the FY2022 recompute formula, staff recommended and the Commission approved using a living allowance of $5,020 for 2022-23 academic year MAP grants, with a maximum award of $5,496. The approved start-up formula is outlined in the MAP section within the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area of the website.

Operational details regarding implementation of the FY2023 MAP start-up formula will be communicated in a future e-Message.

Encourage Students to Submit 2022-23 FAFSA^® or Alternative Application after October 1

Given the likelihood that 2022-23 MAP award announcements will need to be suspended at some point during the processing cycle, colleges are reminded to encourage students to submit the 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) as soon as possible after the applications become available on October 1, 2021.

Continue to monitor our established methods of communication, including the MAP Program News area and the FAA Message Board, for operational updates throughout the year.

2022-23 Priority Deadline Date for Returning MAP Recipients – December 1, 2021

The 2022-23 priority deadline date by which returning MAP recipients are to submit their FAFSA or Alternative Application in order to receive priority access to appropriated funds is December 1, 2021 (through and including). Returning recipients are students who received MAP funds during the previous academic year, i.e., for 2022-23, students who received MAP for 2021-22. All MAP eligibility requirements must continue to be met.

Additional Items

The following additional items were presented to and approved by the Commission:

• 2022 Meeting Dates – Agenda Item 1
• Proposed Administrative Rules Amendments –Agenda Item 6

Next Meeting

The next Commission meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 2, 2021.

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

2021-22 MTI and Golden Apple Payment
Sent to Financial Aid Directors and Financial Aid Administrators on September 14, 2021.

Unless otherwise noted, links in this message are to corresponding pages at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) website (isac.org).

This message provides information regarding the 2021-22 payment cycle for the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program and the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program.

2021-22 MTI & Golden Apple Payment Requests Being Accepted

Initial payment request records are now available online via the MTI and Golden Apple systems, allowing 2021-22 payment processing to commence for these programs.

What's New

Priority Payment Request Deadlines by Term

Effective with the 2021-22 payment cycle, and as part of our ongoing efforts to best leverage appropriated funds to award as many eligible students as possible, priority payment request deadline dates are being established for each term.

• The first-term payment request deadline date for the 2021-22 MTI Scholarship and Golden Apple programs will be announced once it has been determined.
• Colleges are always encouraged to submit payment requests as soon as they are able to do so.
  • The timely submission of payment requests and cancellations/adjustments allows ISAC staff to monitor remaining funds and award other students, as applicable.

New Field on Golden Apple "Payment Requests" Screen

With the implementation of 2021-22 payment processing, a new "Academic Level" field now appears on the Golden Apple "Payment Requests" screen.

• The "Academic Level" field requires colleges to provide each Scholar's academic level (e.g., Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior).
• As originally announced in a September 2 e-Message, a "Student List Eligibility: View" screen column in the Golden Apple system has been renamed from "Academic Level" to "Year in Program."
  • Verification of the "Year in Program" value is part of the initial certification process completed by the Golden Apple Foundation.
• Each Golden Apple recipient's maximum annual award amount is based on the number of years that they have been a Golden Apple Scholar (i.e., "Year in Program"), not their academic level in college.

The Golden Apple User Guide will soon be updated to reflect these changes.

Processing Reminders

• By submitting a Golden Apple payment request, the institution is certifying that the Scholar is enrolled and continues to meet all eligibility requirements.
  • If not submitting a payment request, the institution reports the reason for the student's ineligibility.
• Submitting MTI and Golden Apple payment requests is a two-step process, which involves generating the request (either individually or in a batch) and then submitting the request.
• MTI and Golden Apple results for payment requests received will be available via each program's online system (within the GAP Access portal).
  • After submitting payment requests, colleges are encouraged to always review the Payment Results/Exceptions report that is available the next business day.
  • As vouchers are generated, they are sent via e-mail to financial aid directors.
• The disbursement of funds will be processed by the State of Illinois Comptroller's Office.
  • Refer to the State Comptroller's Website page, located within the Processes section of the Financial Aid Administrators area, for information on how to track payment.
• Because Payment Offset and Reconciliation procedures apply to MTI and Golden Apple, refund checks should not be sent for cancellations/adjustments made throughout the award year.
  • Funds should only be returned to ISAC after a final reconciliation has been completed at the end of the regular school year.

Available Resources

More information regarding online payment functionality, including detailed instructions, is available at the following locations on ISAC's website:

MTI

• MTI User Guide
• MTI Program News
• MTI Payment

Golden Apple

• Golden Apple User Guide
• Golden Apple Program News
• Golden Apple Payment

GAP Access Reminders

• Please verify that the GAP Access Administrator at your college has established the appropriate MTI and Golden Apple system access level for all impacted staff.
  • Instructions for establishing access to the appropriate system(s) may be found on the GAP Access page.
• Payment functionality is available each day between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. (CT).
  • Payment requests submitted by 7 p.m. (CT) will be included in that night's processing, with payment results available the next business day.
  • Results for payment requests submitted after 7 p.m. (CT) will be included in the following night's processing.

Watch for Future Updates

Future program updates will be announced via ISAC's usual means of communication (e.g., the FAA Message Board, this e-Messaging system, and/or the MTI and Golden Apple "Program News" pages).

Virtual Commission Meeting Thursday, September 16 – Executive Briefing Monday, September 20
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, and MAP Users on September 13, 2021.

The next regular meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will be conducted via videoconference and will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 16.

Some of the items on the tentative agenda for the meeting are:

• FY23 Monetary Award Program (MAP) start-up formula
• Proposed administrative program rules amendments and peremptory amendments
• College Illinois!^® Prepaid Tuition Program investment and program updates

The Agenda Book, providing the complete listing of agenda items, is posted on the 2021 Agenda Books page. Instructions for connection to the meeting via WebEx, including the WebEx link, are available on the Commission Meeting Schedule page. Both pages are located within the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission section of the About ISAC area of isac.org. The online Agenda Book will be updated within 1-2 days following the meeting to reflect action taken.

Virtual Executive Briefing – Monday, September 20

A virtual executive briefing, also via WebEx, is scheduled for Monday, September 20 from 11 a.m. to noon for institutional financial aid staff. Executive Director Eric Zarnikow and ISAC staff will provide information about activity that took place at the Commission meeting and other ISAC updates.

On the day of the briefing, you can gain access through the below link/information, or by visiting the Partner Training page of the e-Library, where access will also be available.

• Access this link: https://illinois.webex.com/join/carol.cook
• When prompted, enter the meeting number 806 754 783

For the audio portion, click on the Audio tab at the top of the page and select one of the available options:

• For toll-free participation, select the "Call Me" option, enter your phone number, and you will be called. (This is the recommended option.)
• For "Use computer audio" you will need to have a microphone to be able to interact with the briefing. Without a microphone, you will be in listen-only mode.
• The "Call in" option is not a toll-free number, however, if you are not able to participate through the provided link and the "Call Me" option, but would like to participate only by phone, you can use this toll number: +1-415-655-0002 (USA Toll) and access code 806 754 783.

ISAC's September Webinar Offered Twice
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools - Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, and FFELP Administrators on September 8, 2021.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will offer the following webinars for financial aid administrators during the month of September:

• September 22 at 2 p.m. (CT) – 2022-23 FAFSA® and Alternative Application Process
• September 29 at 2 p.m. (CT) – 2022-23 FAFSA and Alternative Application Process (repeat of September 22 webinar)

To participate in a webinar, visit the Partner Training page in the e-Library at isac.org to access the webinar link and presentation materials, both of which will be posted on the day of the session. Registration is not required for the webinar.

2021-22 Golden Apple Eligibility Data
Sent to Financial Aid Directors and Financial Aid Administrators on September 2, 2021.

Unless otherwise noted, links in this message are to corresponding pages at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) website (isac.org).

Student Records Available to View in the Golden Apple System

Effective immediately, colleges may view a listing of their institution's potential 2021-22 Golden Apple Scholars, as reported by the Golden Apple Foundation, via the "Student List Eligibility: View" screen within the Golden Apple system.

What's New

Effective with 2021-22 Golden Apple processing, a "Student List Eligibility: View" screen column has been renamed from "Academic Level" to "Year in Program." This field represents the number of years that a student has been a Golden Apple Scholar (for example, records for Scholars receiving their first award this year will have a value of "1" in the "Year in Program" field). Each recipient's maximum annual award amount is based on the number of years that they have been a Golden Apple Scholar, rather than their academic level in college.

Values that the Golden Apple Foundation may provide for the "Year in Program" field are as follows:

1 = 1st year as a Golden Apple Scholar
2 = 2nd year as a Golden Apple Scholar
3 = 3rd year as a Golden Apple Scholar
4 = 4th year as a Golden Apple Scholar
5 = 5th year as a Golden Apple Scholar

When payment processing begins later this month, a new "Academic Level" field on the "Payment Requests" screen will be available for colleges to provide each Scholar's academic level (e.g., Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior).

The Golden Apple User Guide will soon be updated to reflect these changes.

Reminders

• Student eligibility is certified by the Golden Apple Foundation, rather than by the college.
• Once a student has been certified as eligible by the Golden Apple Foundation, their award will immediately appear on the "Student List Eligibility: View" screen within the Golden Apple system.
• To assist colleges as they administer the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program on their campuses, "Eligible Indicators" are available in the system.
• All users need a valid GAP Access ID and password to access the Golden Apple system.
  • ISAC relies on a designated Primary Administrator (usually, the Financial Aid Director) at each institution to authorize users and provide them with the appropriate level of access for each ISAC program, including Golden Apple.
  • Further details may be found in the GAP Access User Guides, and questions may be directed to ISAC's School Services Department.

Resources Available Online

Resources regarding this program are available in the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program section of the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area.

The Golden Apple User Guide may be accessed via the Golden Apple Electronic Processing page of the FAA – Processes area.

Watch for Future Updates

Future updates – including details regarding payment processing for 2021-22 Golden Apple Scholars (which is anticipated to take place by the end of September) – will be shared via the usual means of communication (i.e., the FAA Message Board, the Golden Apple Program News page, and/or ISAC's e-Messaging system).

ISAC UPDATE

August 2021 Electronic ISAC Update
Sent on September 1, 2021.

The August 2021 edition of the ISAC Update is now available for your review, and may be accessed via the Partner e-Messages & Newsletters section of the e-Library for Partners at isac.org. This version of the electronic ISAC Update is a compilation of e-Messages sent to financial aid administrators and business officers via ISAC's e-Messaging service over the past month.

Topics covered in the August 2021 ISAC Update include:

• 2021-22 MTI Awards Announced
  (sent August 31, 2021)
• 2021-22 MAP Suspense Implemented
  (sent August 30, 2021)
• Selective Service Requirement Removed from ISAC's Rules
  (sent August 27, 2021)
• Reminder: ISAC's Monthly Webinar
  (sent August 23, 2021)
• 2021-22 MAP Suspense Date: August 27, 2021
  (sent August 23, 2021)
• MAP Payment and IVG & ING Grant Benefit Usage Functionality Now Available for 2021-22 Processing
  (sent August 18, 2021)
• July 2021 Electronic ISAC Update
  (sent August 2, 2021)

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