FAA Message Board
The FAA Message Board is updated regularly – check back often for the latest information
As of
July 9, 2026, ECACE certification data is being accepted. The certification process must be completed before awarding can take place later this summer. Colleges should regularly check the ECACE system for new student records.
The Illinois General Assembly wrapped up its spring 2026 session on June 1, approving a $55.9 billion FY27 budget that largely mirrors the Governor’s proposal and maintains level funding for most ISAC-administered programs, including MAP. View the full legislative update
here.
A
July 1 e-Message provides updates on FY27 program funding. Overall, the FY27 funding levels for ISAC-administered programs are very similar to the current year’s budget, including MAP, which will be held at its current level. With the approval of the budget, program implementation and operational activities for the 2026-27 academic year will begin to move forward. As always, we will regularly provide updates and processing details regarding each of our programs as we proceed through the year.
ISAC is a member of the Illinois State Attainment Working Group, established by Governor Pritzker, to set an attainment goal for postsecondary degrees and credentials of value. You are invited to participate in two engagement stakeholder opportunities: A brief survey and a regional engagement session (offered July 7 - September 1). A
June 30 e-Message provides additional details.
At its
June 25, 2026 meeting, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission
approved a 2026-27 MAP recompute formula that is the same as the 2026-27 start-up formula. Refer to the
2026-27 MAP Formula page and a
June 26, 2026 e-Message for further information.
First, second, and third-term claims received through (and including) June 29, 2026 have been approved for payment. Claims submitted after June 29 will be held as late, to be considered for payment later in the year.
As announced in a
June 10 e-Message, join ISAC for Monthly Program & Operation Updates. Webinars will take place at 2:00 p.m. on June 24, July 29, and August 26. Participate by accessing the webinar link and presentation materials at the
Partner Training page in the
e-Library on the day of the event.
Register today for the
2026 Colleges Changes Everything® (CCE) Conference – Education Matters – which takes place on July 16, 2026 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Further details are provided in a
June 4 e-Message.
A
June 2 e-Message provides information to assist colleges with year-end processing for 2025-26
ISAC gift assistance programs.
A
May 28 e-Message provides information, updates, and important dates that may be of interest to FAAs.
Public comment is now being accepted on proposed amendments to several Parts of the
ISAC Administrative Rules. Specific details, including the date by which public comment for each Part must be submitted, are provided at the
Proposed Rules and Amendments page of the
e-Library and in a
May 26 e-Message.
As announced in a
May 11 e-Message, colleges may
certify 2026-27 NES eligibility using the
NES System. All certification records available in the system must be completed.
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. Suspended records are anticipated to be visible in GAP Access by late April.
The 2025 collection period for MAP advising data has opened. Colleges may now submit the required information via the GAP Access portal. Advising data is due by
Thursday, July 30, 2026. Please note, starting this year, the MAP Advising process has moved to a biennial collection process. Further details are provided in an
April 9 e-Message.
As announced in an
April 7 e-Message, ISAC has released from suspense the 2025-26 MAP award announcements for students who submitted an initial FAFSA or an Alternative Application from July 2, 2025, through and including July 30, 2025. MAP award announcements for released records may be viewed in the MAP system. Announcements of 2025-26 MAP grants remain in suspense status for all eligible students with initial FAFSA or Alternative Application receipt dates after July 30, 2025. The deadline date for submitting first- and second-term claims for these records was April 28, 2026. Third-term claims are due
Friday, May 8, 2026.
ISAC Student Portal
