IFAP - COD Computer-Based Training

Posted Date: November 2, 2012

Subject: COD Computer-Based Training

Federal Student Aid is pleased to announce the availability of the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) Computer Based Training (CBT).

To prepare a user for downloading and navigating the COD CBT, we provide information in the following order:

COD CBT Components
COD CBT System Requirements
COD CBT Use and Navigation
Contact Information
Attachments/Enclosures

COD CBT Components

The COD CBT consists of component simulations and CBTs. Each COD CBT component is explained below. The electronic files associated with each component are provided under the "Attachments/Enclosures" section.

Notes:

The updated component simulations and CBTs will be posted over the next several months (June – November 2012). To assist a school in determining when each simulation or CBT is posted, we include the month and year after each file name.
The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) programs are no longer available as of the 2011-2012 Award Year. The COD System will not process records for these programs for the 2011-2012 Award Year and forward. Accordingly, ACG and National SMART Grant COD System simulations and the related reports CBTs have been removed from the COD CBT.

The components of the COD CBT are as follows:

COD System Simulations – These simulations explain the COD Web site screens and functionality available to a school administrator. There are 12 lessons with text to guide a user through each area of the COD Web site. By entering fictitious data, the user can explore basic navigation and functions of the COD Web site and practice locating and creating information in a safe environment that includes tips for assistance.

Direct Loan Reports CBT – This CBT includes several sections that explain the COD reports a school can use to assist with the administration of and reconciliation process for William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) awards.

Grant Reports CBTs – These two separate CBTs explain the COD reports a school can use to assist with the administration of and reconciliation process for Federal Pell Grant (Pell Grant) and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant awards.

Direct Loan (DL) Tools Simulation – This simulation demonstrates how to use the DL Tools software to assist with the reconciliation process for Direct Loan awards. Although the simulation can be used both by schools that use the EDExpress for Windows software and schools that do not use this software, the simulation is especially useful for schools that do not use the EDExpress software on a regular basis but are interested in a Direct Loan reconciliation resource.

StudentLoans.gov Web Site Simulations – These five separate simulations offer a step-by-step walk through of the various functions available on the StudentLoans.gov Web site. Three simulations demonstrate electronically completing a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN), based on loan type, and entrance counseling. The other two simulations demonstrate completing a credit check or credit appeal online and completing an endorser Addendum online.

TEACH Grant Web Site Simulation – This simulation guides the user through the TEACH Grant Web site and includes a step-by-step walk through of the process for completing TEACH Grant counseling and completing a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve (ATS).

Foreign School Processing Simulations – These two simulations guide the user through the Direct Loan Origination Tool; one for the origination process and one for set-up and student management.

COD CBT System Requirements

To function properly, all COD CBT components must be run on a system that meets the following requirements:

Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, or Windows 7 operating system
Latest version of Adobe Flash Player
15-20 megabytes of free disk space on local hard drive
20 megabytes of RAM
15" monitor with 16-bit color depth and minimum resolution of 1024 x 768

COD CBT Use and Navigation

We have improved upon previous versions of the COD CBT to enhance a user's training experience. Key information to review before using the COD CBT is as follows:

Downloading Electronic Files – Each component of the COD CBT has its own electronic file. All of the electronic files are clearly identified under the "Attachments/Enclosures" section. Depending on his or her needs, a user may download one or more of the electronic files simply by clicking on the desired file or files.

Navigating Electronic Files – Navigation within the electronic file for each component of the COD CBT is consistent and easy. As illustrated at the beginning of each electronic file, navigation buttons display at the bottom of each screen. The navigation buttons allow a user to move back and forth between screens and to advance to a specific screen that the user wants to view.

Entering Information – On certain screens within the electronic file for each COD CBT component, a user will be prompted to enter information or click on specific links. If the user miskeys when entering information, he or she will not need to correct the information. The program will advance to the next screen.

Contact Information

If you have questions or comments about the COD CBT, contact the COD School Relations Center at 800/474-7268 for Grants or 800/848-0978 for Direct Loans. You may also e-mail CODSupport@acs-inc.com. If you e-mail your question or comment, please include "COD CBT Question/Comment" in the subject line.

Attachments/Enclosures:

COD System Simulations

Using the COD System Search Function (November 2012)

Managing School Information (September 2012)

Locating Grant Information (September 2012)

Locating Direct Loan Information (November 2012)

Working with Batches (November 2012)

Updating and Creating Records (November 2012)

Requesting Data (August 2012)

Working the Action Queue (November 2012)

COD System Correspondence (September 2012)

COD System Edits (September 2012)