Past Training
Direct Loan Program Overview
This overview was intended to provide introductory level information to staff new to the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program as well as for those who may be interested in learning more about the program. Topics covered: the roles of each participant in the Direct Loan program--schools, students and FSA--the basic steps involved in the Direct Lending process, loan origination, master promissory note processing, funding and disbursement, monthly reconciliation, year-end closeout, and the various options available to schools in each step of the process. Borrower benefits and the resources and support available to both schools and students were also discussed.
Regulatory and Legislative Update - Spring 2008 Workshop Series
This workshop provided detailed information on the final rules published October 29 and November 1, 2007, and on the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) enacted Sept. 27, 2007. Areas of particular focus included preferred lender lists, prohibited inducements, changes to cash management rules, return to Title IV funds (R2T4) and the new TEACH Grant.
The course materials for these one-day workshops were presented in a lecture format, with case studies and some facilitated discussion.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Training
This instructor-led online training focused on how to calculate an EFC using the three federal formulas. Participants learned how changes to the various data elements collected by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) affect the EFC. Also discussed was the use of professional judgment in the calculation of the EFC.
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Aggregate Loan Calculation
Topics covered included calculating aggregate loan limits using the NSLDS methodology and applying that information to student eligibility decisions. Also discussed were loan types that impact aggregate limit calculations.
NSLDS Overview Training Series
This instructor-led online training focused on NSLDS codes, system access, various reporting features, and on how NSLDS functions. Participants learned how to use NSLDS more accurately for research through demonstrations of the system's screen.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Summer 2007 Workshop
This training, titled "Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration: The Three C's of Effective Student Aid Administration," was designed to reinforce the critical role that institution-wide communications, coordination, and collaboration play in the effective administration of the Title IV programs on your campus. Effective student financial aid administration is an institution-wide responsibility that cannot be accomplished solely by the financial aid office. Therefore, this training was not just for financial aid staff but also for staff from the admissions or registrar's offices, chief enrollment officers, bursars, student account managers, and chief fiscal officers. These workshops were offered at our Atlanta regional office training facility and at six school locations from June 5 thru June 26, 2007.
COD Basics: Resolving Issues with Title IV Grants
Aimed specifically toward resolving issues with Pell Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grants, and National SMART Grants, this beginner-level online class provided practical step-by-step guidance on how to research issues via the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) Web site. Topics covered included: obtaining online access, searching batches by date range or SSN, resolving data warning/reject issues, making corrections, performing grant data requests, working with Multiple Reporting Record (MRR) and Potential Overaward Process (POP) reports, requesting reports, and finding/maintaining school contact information.
ACG and National SMART Grant Training
These day-long workshops were designed primarily for the financial aid administrators who determine student eligibility and award levels under these two programs, but staff from admissions or registration offices could have found this training useful since identification of eligible students may be handled in those offices. Business officers may also have wanted to take part if their responsibilities include reporting awards and monitoring funding levels.
The workshops provided detailed information on the practical aspects of implementing the ACG and National SMART Grant programs, including information relevant to interaction with FSA systems in the self-identification process, COD reporting and information populated in NSLDS.
Fiscal Officer Training
These one-day workshops were targeted to experienced fiscal officers and business officers at Title IV intuitions. Financial aid administrators and representatives from third-party servicers were also encouraged to attend. The main topics were: business officer role in administering the Title IV programs; overpayments and withdrawal issues; cash needs, disbursement rules, and reporting; and management and accounting in the campus-based programs.
Electronic Applications Training
The Electronic Applications training is a classroom-based, instructor-led, hands-on course covering the following subjects:
FAA Access on the Web, including accessing, making corrections and verification data processing ISIR Datamart, access, reporting, queries and best practices Business process improvement, how you can take advantage of the new electronic products Changes to EDExpress
Fiscal Management: Title IV Cash Management Life Cycle [1 Day]
This workshop was given in 2003. It offers a chance for financial aid administrators and business officers to learn to optimize cash management for the Federal Student Aid funds. Learn how to disburse funds to students and return unsubstantiated cash in a timely manner, reconcile funds on a monthly and annual basis, and identify and correct missing batches, unbooked loans, duplicate draws, and discrepancies. Get a better understanding of Common Origination and Disbursement and how it interacts with other systems, e.g., GAPS, SAIG, EDExpress, etc. See the agenda.
Resource: The Blue Book (PDF) is a comprehensive guide to accounting, recordkeeping, and reporting procedures in the Federal Student Aid Programs, tailored to the needs of the business office at your school.
R2T4, Analyzing Data, and Conflicting Information (RAC) [1 Day]
Aimed at experienced financial aid administrators, this one-day training used a combination of case studies, group exercises, and lecture to present updated information on these key topics.
Student Eligibility Basics [1 day]
This one-day workshop was given in 2003. It was designed to broaden the financial aid administrator's knowledge about the basics of student eligibility for federal financial aid. It also provided many opportunities to practice and apply what is learned. Students had the chance to become more familiar with a variety of resources and tools that the U.S. Department of Education (ED) provides that help FAAs be more successful at their jobs. In addition to tools and resources, each module included supplements consisting of learning and job aids, case studies for extra practice, and answer keys.