JB Pritzker, Governor, State of Illinois

ISAC Update

VOL. 40, NO. 9F
March 2023


Messages sent to:   Multiple Subscription Groups
  ECACE Administrators
  NESP Schools
  ISAC Update

Welcome to the March 2023 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 March.

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


Success Network Webinars & Conference Materials
Sent to Financial Aid Directors and Financial Aid Administrators on March 28, 2023.

As a follow-up to the Illinois Education and Career Success Network's Accelerating Equitable Success 2023 annual conference, a series of free webinars have been scheduled to amplify models and support implementation of key strategies that accelerate equitable postsecondary success. Registration is now open for the following webinars:

  • Lessons from the Learner Voice about the Student Success Movement
    Monday, April 10, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (CT) – Register here

    Nate Simpson, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Programs, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will share findings from an opinion poll research project about learner perceptions of the value of education in the United States, how the learner voice impacted the student success movement, and tips on ways to incorporate findings in ongoing efforts based upon lessons learned from the philanthropy sector.
  • Exploring Career Pathways and Essential Skills in Today's Workforce: Connecting Education and Employers to Enhance the Student Experience
    Monday, April 17, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (CT) – Register here

    The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce partners with local high schools to provide a Six-Session Certificate of Employability Workshop. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between students/education and employers/businesses. Employers from all industry sectors participate in the workshop, sharing about the various careers in their pathway, the education level needed for different careers, and key essential skills. Students who participate in the workshop can gain information about the local businesses in the area and the various career pathways available in the Sauk Valley. They also learn about the importance of essential skills in the workplace. Upon completion of the workshop, participating students receive a certificate of completion they can use when applying for employment. This webinar will explore how the workshop is structured, employers' and teachers' roles, and student feedback about the program.
  • OneGoal Postsecondary Leadership Network: Closing the Gap for Equitable Outcomes
    Monday, April 24, 10 - 11 a.m. (CT) – Register here

    From assessment to outcomes, OneGoal partners with district leaders to improve students' postsecondary readiness and eliminate equity gaps by increasing college and career opportunities for all graduates. Learn how we tailor our multi-year path to districts' unique needs and engage leadership through a supportive community of peers and experts to achieve system-level improvements that lead to better, more equitable student outcomes. Hear directly from our district partners as they describe the impact of our collaboration on their district postsecondary culture and climate.

2023 Conference Resources Now Available

Recordings, presentations, handouts, and photos from the Accelerating Equitable Success annual conference are available at ilsuccessnetwork.org/2023-conference/.

The Illinois Education and Career Success Network (formerly the Illinois 60 by 2025 Network) is a growing network of communities in Illinois that are committed to advancing equitable postsecondary attainment. The Network was launched and is organized by: Advance Illinois, Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University (EdSystems), and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).


Calling All First Generation Scholars!
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers,  ECACE Administrators, and NESP Schools on March 27, 2023.

Encourage Illinois high school students who will be the first person in their family to earn a college degree to join the First Generation Scholars Network (FGSN) from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). The goal of FGSN is to connect first generation college students with one another so they can support each other through this network, receive additional support year-round from ISAC's First Generation Scholars Network mentors, combat summer melt, and help make their transition to college a whole lot easier – and successful.

ISAC and our ISACorps of near-peer mentors have been working with and supporting students through the college going process with activities including, but not limited to, one-on-one mentoring, presentations on financial aid opportunities, and assistance with college admission and financial aid applications. Through this work we know students from high schools across the state and where they plan to go for college. FGSN allows us to extend this college going work to help students develop a sense of belonging as they move from high school to their respective campuses in the fall. This sense of belonging can improve their persistence through the first term and first year of college.

In addition to the other college going support, students in the network can:

  • Meet other first generation students attending their college
  • Hear stories from current first generation college students and first generation college graduates at different points in their career
  • Join live and virtual events created specifically for them throughout the state
  • Engage with professionals who are first generation college graduates

Send students to the FGSN webpage to join and learn more, and please share information about the FGSN with colleagues at your organization and with others in your personal and professional networks.

Campus Partnerships

ISAC wants to collaborate with colleges and universities to help ensure students develop a sense of belonging through the network and get them connected to the campus staff, programs, and services to support them. ISAC and our First Generation Scholars Network mentors are available to work with colleges and universities to support existing campus programming for first generation college students and to collaborate to develop new student supports. Contact ISAC.FirstGen@illinois.gov to start the conversation on ways ISAC can partner with your campus for student success.


2022-23 MAP Payment Update
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, MAP Users and Business Officers on March 21, 2023.

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

The following information is being shared to assist colleges in the administration of the Monetary Award Program (MAP).

Note that a mid-year recompute of MAP awards, which took place during the 2021-22 academic year, will not be needed for the 2022-23 processing cycle.

Submit Third-term* Claims by May 5th

Effective immediately, the MAP system is accepting 2022-23 MAP claims for the third term*. In order to be considered timely, the following claims must be submitted – via either the MAP system or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) – by the third-term priority claim deadline date of Friday, May 5, 2023.

  • 2022-23 third-term* claims are being accepted and paid for:
    • initial claims, and
    • increases to previously-submitted claims.

First-term and Second-term Claims Being Held

The 2022-23 MAP claims indicated below will be held until further notice. Future payment of these claims will be dependent upon ongoing analysis of claim volume and appropriation levels. If available funds allow for the payment of some (but not all) late claims, such payment will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis – therefore, colleges are encouraged to submit all claims as soon as possible.

  • 2022-23 first- and second-term claims are being accepted and held for:
    • increases to previously-submitted claims, and
    • late claims (i.e., initial first- or second-term claims submitted after March 10, 2023).

Continue Submitting Cancellations/Adjustments for All Terms

Colleges are encouraged to continue submitting cancellations and/or adjustments to decrease previously-submitted claims for all terms. Cancellation and adjustment data factors into our analysis of whether late claims can be paid.

  • Because Payment Offset and Reconciliation procedures apply to MAP, 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.

Resources Available Online

Specific details regarding the payment process are provided in the MAP Payment area, as well as in the "Payment" chapter of the MAP User Guide.

Watch for Future Updates

As new updates become available – including whether first- and second-term late claims will be paid – you will be notified via ISAC's usual communication methods (i.e., the MAP Program News page, the FAA Message Board, and this e-Messaging service).

* "Third term" is defined as the third quarter or – for institutions where the second semester begins after February 15th – the second semester.


ISAC Sessions During 2023 ILASFAA Conference
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators and NESP Schools on March 7, 2023.

The 54th Illinois Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (ILASFAA) annual conference – ILASFAA Perks – will be an in-person event taking place March 13-15, 2023, at the iHotel Illinois Conference Center in Champaign.

Please plan to join us for one or more of the following sessions being presented by Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) staff members.

  • Overview of New ISAC Programs
    Monday, March 13
    12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
    Lincoln Room

    ISAC Presenters:

    Stephanie Claudio – Program Services & Compliance
    Kim Eck – Program Services & Compliance

  • Networking for ISACorps
    Monday, March 13
    5 – 6:30 p.m.


  • ISAC Update
    Tuesday, March 14
    10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
    Illinois Ballroom

    ISAC Presenters:

    Eric Zarnikow – Executive Director
    Carol Cook – Managing Director, Program Services & Compliance
    Katharine Gricevich – Director, Government Relations

  • Cybersecurity by ISAC
    Tuesday, March 14
    1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
    Innovation Room

    ISAC Presenter:

    Hari Pillai – Managing Director, Information Technology

  • The New PSLF Regulations: What They Mean For You!
    Tuesday, March 14
    1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
    Alma Mater Room

    ISAC Presenters:

    Meghan Chrum – Capacity Development & Training
    Ana Moya – Capacity Development & Training

  • An Overview of GAP Access
    Wednesday, March 15
    9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
    Lincoln Room

    ISAC Presenters:

    Sherry Schonauer – Program Services & Compliance
    Kim Eck – Program Services & Compliance

  • Preparing for Federal Loan Repayments to Resume: What You and Your Students Need to Know
    Wednesday, March 15
    9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
    Alma Mater Room

    ISAC Presenters:

    Meghan Chrum – Capacity Development & Training
    Elizabeth Groves – Capacity Development & Training

  • Ask ISAC – Open Q & A
    Wednesday, March 15
    11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Lincoln Room

    ISAC Panel Members:

    Carol Cook – Managing Director, Program Services & Compliance
    Kim Eck – Program Services & Compliance
    Ellen Greenan – Research, Planning & Policy Analysis
    Shana Rogers – Managing Director, Research, Planning & Policy Analysis

  • Illinois First-Generation Scholars Network
    Wednesday, March 15
    11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Alma Mater Rom

    ISAC Presenters:

    Abel Montoya – College Access & Outreach
    Sam Nelson – Capacity Development & Training

All times listed are Central.

Once onsite for the conference, refer to the conference agenda to verify the time and location of each session. For more details regarding the 2023 ILASFAA conference, visit the conference area of the ILASFAA website.

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ECACE ADMINISTRATORS


2022-23 ECACE  Reminders
Sent to ECACE Administrators on March 3, 2023.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is sharing the following information to assist colleges in the administration of the 2022-23 Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program.

Submit Payment Requests

Although the first- and second-term payment request deadline dates for this program have passed, ISAC is continuing to accept and pay claims for these terms.

  • The second-term payment request deadline was February 24, 2023.
  • The first-term payment request deadline date was December 30, 2022.

Colleges are encouraged to submit payment requests as soon as possible. Both first- and second-term claims may be submitted by accessing the ECACE system. The timely submission of claims and cancellations/adjustments allows ISAC staff to monitor remaining funds and award other students, as applicable.

Resources Available Online

More information is available at the following locations on ISAC's website:

Applications Still Being Accepted

Even though the July 15, 2023 priority consideration date has passed, 2022-23 ECACE applications will continue to be accepted and considered for awarding as long as funding remains available after all timely, qualified applicants have been awarded. Encourage students who have not already done so to complete and submit their applications – including both the ECACE Scholarship Program application and the FAFSA – as soon as possible.

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NESP SCHOOLS


2023-24 Nursing Education Scholarship Program Application Available
Sent to NESP Schools on March 1, 2023.

The 2023-24 Nursing Education Scholarship Program (NESP) application is now available.

Program Highlights

  • This program was designed to assist individuals who are pursuing a certificate in practical nursing, an associates degree in nursing, a hospital-based diploma in nursing or a bachelor’s or graduate degree in nursing and who demonstrate the greatest financial need among qualified students.
  • The scholarship pays for coursework within the nursing curriculum, but does not pay for pre-requisite coursework.
  • The number of years for which NESP funding may be received is based on the certificate, diploma, or degree being pursued.
  • Scholarship recipients must begin full- or part-time employment as a licensed practical or registered nurse in Illinois within six months of graduating, and remain employed for a period equivalent to the educational time supported by the scholarship.
    • If this commitment is not fulfilled, the scholarship converts to a loan, which must be repaid with interest.
  • To be considered for funds during the 2023-24 academic year, the NESP Application/Promissory Note/Grant Agreement must be submitted to ISAC on or before Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Learn More

The following NESP resources are available at the ISAC website (isac.org).

What's Next?

Colleges will utilize the GAP Access portal to administer 2023-24 NESP awards. The certification and payment processing functionalities are expected to be launched in phases later this spring. Further details will be provided as they become available via ISAC's standard methods of communication, including: the NESP Program News page; the FAA Message Board; and, this e-Messaging service.

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ISAC UPDATE


February 2023 Electronic ISAC Update
Sent on March 1, 2023.

The February 2023 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 February 2023 ISAC Update include:

  • There's Still Time to Submit CCE Conference Proposals
    (sent February 23, 2023)
  • Reminder: Submit 2022-23 Claims and Benefit Usage Data
    (sent February 17, 2023)
  • Don't Forget – Submit Your CCE Conference Proposal
    (sent February 9, 2023)
  • January 2023 Electronic ISAC Update
    (sent February 1, 2023)

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