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ACG and SMART GrantsACG and SMART GrantsA Roadmap to Planning, Awarding and A Roadmap to Planning, Awarding and

MonitoringMonitoring

Presented by Jean GasparatoPresented by Jean Gasparato

Fall 2006 NCASFAA – SCASFAA ConferenceFall 2006 NCASFAA – SCASFAA Conference

November 6-8, 2006 Asheville, NCNovember 6-8, 2006 Asheville, NC

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Get Ready, Get Set…GO!Get Ready, Get Set…GO!

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ObjectivesObjectives

Define the programs and walk through basicsDefine the programs and walk through basics Discuss how schools identify studentsDiscuss how schools identify students Provide ‘quick lists’ of eligibility requirementsProvide ‘quick lists’ of eligibility requirements Examine each eligibility requirement in some Examine each eligibility requirement in some

detaildetail Discuss monitoring challengesDiscuss monitoring challenges Provide tips on paving the wayProvide tips on paving the way Provide list of resourcesProvide list of resources

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Let’s Start With…Let’s Start With…

ACGACG

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What is the purpose of the ACG What is the purpose of the ACG Program?Program?

The Academic Competitiveness Grant The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) program is a new federal grant (ACG) program is a new federal grant program designed to encourage high program designed to encourage high school students to participate in a rigorous school students to participate in a rigorous high school curriculum in order to be better high school curriculum in order to be better prepared for college.prepared for college.

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ACG BasicsACG Basics

Available only to eligible students in their first or Available only to eligible students in their first or second academic year of a two- or four-year second academic year of a two- or four-year degree program.degree program.

Maximum award for a first year student for Maximum award for a first year student for 2006-07 is $750.00.2006-07 is $750.00.

Maximum award for a second year student for Maximum award for a second year student for 2006-07 is $1300.00. 2006-07 is $1300.00.

Students may receive only one full grant for each Students may receive only one full grant for each of the student’s first and second academic year.of the student’s first and second academic year.

Grants are need-based and subject to reduction Grants are need-based and subject to reduction or cancellation in cases of overaward.or cancellation in cases of overaward.

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How do students “apply” for How do students “apply” for ACG?ACG?

Students instructed to ‘self-identify’Students instructed to ‘self-identify’

Online (federal PIN # required) Online (federal PIN # required) https://fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/fotw0607/ACGServlethttps://fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/fotw0607/ACGServlet

By phone to 1-800-433-3243By phone to 1-800-433-3243

Student answers a series of questions Student answers a series of questions about their high school graduation date about their high school graduation date and their high school curriculum.and their high school curriculum.

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How are schools notified of How are schools notified of students who self-identify?students who self-identify?

Schools receive ISIRs with comments 268, Schools receive ISIRs with comments 268, 269, 270.269, 270.

Comments correspond to the three eligibility Comments correspond to the three eligibility criteria for a ‘rigorous high school curriculum’.criteria for a ‘rigorous high school curriculum’.

A student can have more than one applicable A student can have more than one applicable ISIR comment.ISIR comment.

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Are all students who self-identify Are all students who self-identify automatically eligible for ACG?automatically eligible for ACG?

No. The self-identification process is a “pre-No. The self-identification process is a “pre-screening” process to assist schools in screening” process to assist schools in identifying eligible students. Schools are identifying eligible students. Schools are REQUIREDREQUIRED to review each student who self- to review each student who self-identifies. identifies.

Schools Schools MAYMAY develop and implement in-house develop and implement in-house identification procedures, but not requiredidentification procedures, but not required..

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What are the eligibility criteria for What are the eligibility criteria for a a

first yearfirst year ACG? ACG? Must have graduated from high school after Must have graduated from high school after

January 1, January 1, 20062006.. Must be Pell eligible.Must be Pell eligible. Must be a U.S. citizen.Must be a U.S. citizen. Must be enrolled full-time in a degree program Must be enrolled full-time in a degree program

leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree.leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree. Must have completed a rigorous high school Must have completed a rigorous high school

program of study.program of study. Must be in their first academic year.Must be in their first academic year. Must not have been previously enrolled.Must not have been previously enrolled.

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What are the eligibility criteria for What are the eligibility criteria for a a second yearsecond year ACG? ACG?

Must have graduated from high school after Must have graduated from high school after January 1, January 1, 20052005..

Must be Pell eligible.Must be Pell eligible. Must be a U.S. citizen.Must be a U.S. citizen. Must be enrolled full-time in a degree program Must be enrolled full-time in a degree program

leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree.leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree. Must have completed a rigorous high school Must have completed a rigorous high school

program of study.program of study. Must be in their second academic year.Must be in their second academic year. Must have achieved a 3.00 cumulative GPA at Must have achieved a 3.00 cumulative GPA at

the end of their first academic year.the end of their first academic year.

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High School Graduation High School Graduation RequirementsRequirements

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High School GraduationHigh School Graduation

The high school graduation cutoff dates for The high school graduation cutoff dates for first and second year ACG will not roll first and second year ACG will not roll forward in future years. They were forward in future years. They were established as a result of the date of established as a result of the date of enactment of the law.enactment of the law.

Expect non-traditional students in futureExpect non-traditional students in future

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Pell Grant RequirementPell Grant Requirement

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Pell EligibilityPell Eligibility

Previous guidance was that a student may Previous guidance was that a student may receive an ACG Grant only in a payment period receive an ACG Grant only in a payment period in which a Pell Grant is received. in which a Pell Grant is received.

New guidance released November 1 modifies New guidance released November 1 modifies the Pell eligibility requirement to allow payment the Pell eligibility requirement to allow payment of ACG in a payment period in which the student of ACG in a payment period in which the student does not receive Pell Grant, as long as the does not receive Pell Grant, as long as the student was eligible for Pell in the award year.student was eligible for Pell in the award year.

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Citizenship RequirementCitizenship Requirement

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U.S. CitizenshipU.S. Citizenship

Unlike other Title IV programs, only U.S. Unlike other Title IV programs, only U.S. citizens are eligible for these grants. citizens are eligible for these grants. Eligible non-citizens (permanent residents) Eligible non-citizens (permanent residents) are are notnot eligible. eligible.

Must distinguish U.S. citizens fromMust distinguish U.S. citizens from eligible non-citizens.eligible non-citizens.

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Full-Time RequirementFull-Time Requirement

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Define Full Time EnrollmentDefine Full Time Enrollment Must be a minimum of:Must be a minimum of:

12 credit or quarter hours per semester or term, or 12 credit or quarter hours per semester or term, or

24 clock hours per week.24 clock hours per week. The definition of full-time is separate from the The definition of full-time is separate from the

definition of academic year. A student can be definition of academic year. A student can be considered full-time with 12 credits/semester even if considered full-time with 12 credits/semester even if academic year is defined as 30 credits.academic year is defined as 30 credits.

Sample definition:Sample definition: “ “The minimum number of credit hours required to The minimum number of credit hours required to

receive full-time financial aid awards at (name of receive full-time financial aid awards at (name of school) is twelve (12) credit hours for each school) is twelve (12) credit hours for each semester.”semester.”

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Confirm Full Time EnrollmentConfirm Full Time Enrollment

Department of Education guidelines Department of Education guidelines require that schools must use their require that schools must use their Pell Pell Grant recalculation policyGrant recalculation policy to determine to determine enrollment status for ACG.enrollment status for ACG.

Does your school use a census date?Does your school use a census date?

Does your school adjust Pell Grant Does your school adjust Pell Grant throughout the semester for studentsthroughout the semester for students who add/drop credits? who add/drop credits?

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Unique Requirements for Unique Requirements for First and Second Year ACGFirst and Second Year ACG

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Previous Enrollment Requirement Previous Enrollment Requirement ((First YearFirst Year ACG Only) ACG Only)

Students must not have been previously enrolled Students must not have been previously enrolled in a program of undergraduate education leading in a program of undergraduate education leading to a degree or certificate to a degree or certificate while in high schoolwhile in high school..

As long as the student had not been admitted to As long as the student had not been admitted to a postsecondary program as a regular student for a postsecondary program as a regular student for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate while in high school, the student is not considered while in high school, the student is not considered to have been previously enrolled.to have been previously enrolled.

If a student took college courses while in high If a student took college courses while in high school without going through the admission school without going through the admission process to be admitted as a regular student, the process to be admitted as a regular student, the student is not considered to have been previously student is not considered to have been previously enrolled.enrolled.

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3.00 Cumulative GPA Requirement3.00 Cumulative GPA Requirement((Second YearSecond Year ACG Only) ACG Only)

Student must have achieved a 3.00 Student must have achieved a 3.00 cumulative GPA cumulative GPA at the end of the first at the end of the first academic yearacademic year..

The end of the first academic year is the The end of the first academic year is the enrollment period in which the student enrollment period in which the student completes the number of credits required to completes the number of credits required to advance from their first year to their second advance from their first year to their second year based on the school’s definition of an year based on the school’s definition of an academic year. academic year.

One-time checkOne-time check

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The Two Biggest Bumps in the RoadThe Two Biggest Bumps in the Road

Rigorous HighRigorous HighSchool ProgramSchool Program

Academic YearAcademic Year

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Rigorous High School Rigorous High School Program RequirementProgram Requirement

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Rigorous High School ProgramRigorous High School Program

Three ways to meet this requirement; student Three ways to meet this requirement; student can qualify by meeting any can qualify by meeting any oneone of them: of them:

Completion of an Advanced or Honors Completion of an Advanced or Honors Program recognized by the Department of Program recognized by the Department of Education (includes SSI). Comment Education (includes SSI). Comment 268268

Completion of at least 2 AP or 2 IB courses Completion of at least 2 AP or 2 IB courses with appropriate exam scores. Comment with appropriate exam scores. Comment 269269

Completion of a “set of courses similar to Completion of a “set of courses similar to SSI”. Comment SSI”. Comment 270270

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Completion of a High School Completion of a High School Advanced or Honors ProgramAdvanced or Honors Program

Comment Comment 268268

Advanced or honors programs that are recognizedAdvanced or honors programs that are recognizedby the Department of Education can be found onlineby the Department of Education can be found onlineat:at:

http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/about/ac-smart/state-http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/about/ac-smart/state-programs06.htmlprograms06.html

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ED Rigorous Program LinkED Rigorous Program Link

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OhioOhio

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Completion of AP/IB Completion of AP/IB Coursework and ExamsCoursework and Exams

Comment Comment 269269

Requires completion of at least 2 AP Requires completion of at least 2 AP courses with a score of 3 or higher on the courses with a score of 3 or higher on the exams for those AP courses, or 2 IB exams for those AP courses, or 2 IB courses with a score of 4 or higher on the courses with a score of 4 or higher on the exams for those IB courses.exams for those IB courses.

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Set of Courses Similar to SSISet of Courses Similar to SSI

Comment Comment 270270 Set of courses:Set of courses: 4 years of English4 years of English 3 years of Math (Algebra I and above)3 years of Math (Algebra I and above) 3 years of Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) 3 years of Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) 3 years of Social Studies3 years of Social Studies 1 year of a foreign language1 year of a foreign language

Does your school have standard admission Does your school have standard admission requirements?requirements?

Are they comparable to this list? Are they comparable to this list?

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Academic Year RequirementAcademic Year Requirement

++ ==

Credit Component plus Time Component equals Excedrin headache # 1

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Define Your Academic YearDefine Your Academic Year Credit/clock hour component Credit/clock hour component Minimum 24 semester hours, or Minimum 24 semester hours, or 36 quarter hours, or36 quarter hours, or 900 clock hours900 clock hours

Time component (weeks of instructional time) Time component (weeks of instructional time) Minimum 30 weeks (semester or quarter hourMinimum 30 weeks (semester or quarter hour schools) schools) 26 weeks for clock hour schools26 weeks for clock hour schools

Most credit hour schools use a credit hour Most credit hour schools use a credit hour component of either 24 or 30 credits.component of either 24 or 30 credits.

Reminder: The denominator of loan pro-ration Reminder: The denominator of loan pro-ration formula is the number of credits used in your formula is the number of credits used in your academic year definition.academic year definition.

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Academic YearAcademic Year

Sample definitionSample definition

““(Name of school) defines an academic(Name of school) defines an academicyear for the purpose of administeringyear for the purpose of administeringfederal Title IV financial aid as two 15-federal Title IV financial aid as two 15-week semesters during which the averageweek semesters during which the averageundergraduate student completes a undergraduate student completes a minimum of thirty (30) credit hours.” minimum of thirty (30) credit hours.”

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Recent Academic Year FlexibilityRecent Academic Year Flexibility GEN-06-18 (October 20, 2006)GEN-06-18 (October 20, 2006)http://www.nasfaa.org/publications/2006/gen0618.htmlhttp://www.nasfaa.org/publications/2006/gen0618.html Provides flexibility when AP/IB credits are part of Provides flexibility when AP/IB credits are part of

the student’s total credits.the student’s total credits. Provides flexibility in defining ‘fourth academic Provides flexibility in defining ‘fourth academic

year’ for 4-year programs. Follow-up year’ for 4-year programs. Follow-up clarification extends this flexibility to the clarification extends this flexibility to the definition of ‘second academic year’ for 2-year definition of ‘second academic year’ for 2-year programs. programs.

News from NASFAA – 2 follow-up articlesNews from NASFAA – 2 follow-up articleshttp://www.nasfaa.org/publications/2006/rdcl0618clarification102406.htmlhttp://www.nasfaa.org/publications/2006/rdcl0618clarification102406.html

http://www.nasfaa.org/publications/2006/racgsmartqanda102606.htmlhttp://www.nasfaa.org/publications/2006/racgsmartqanda102606.html

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Next Stop…Next Stop…

SMARTSMART

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What is the purpose of the What is the purpose of the SMART Grant Program?SMART Grant Program?

The National Science and Mathematics AccessThe National Science and Mathematics Accessto Retain Talent (SMART) Grant Program is ato Retain Talent (SMART) Grant Program is anew federal grant program designed tonew federal grant program designed toencourage students to pursue college majorsencourage students to pursue college majorscritical to the global economy such as science,critical to the global economy such as science,mathematics, technology and engineering, andmathematics, technology and engineering, andforeign languages critical to the nationalforeign languages critical to the nationalsecurity of the United States.security of the United States.

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SMART Grant BasicsSMART Grant Basics

Available only to eligible students in their third or Available only to eligible students in their third or fourth academic year of a four-year degree fourth academic year of a four-year degree program.program.

Maximum award for a third or fourth year student Maximum award for a third or fourth year student in 2006-07 is $4000.00.in 2006-07 is $4000.00.

Students may receive only one full grant for Students may receive only one full grant for each of the student’s third and fourth academic each of the student’s third and fourth academic year.year.

Grants are need-based and subject to reduction Grants are need-based and subject to reduction or cancellation in cases of overaward.or cancellation in cases of overaward.

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How do students “apply” for a How do students “apply” for a SMART Grant?SMART Grant?

There is no self-identification process for There is no self-identification process for the SMART Grant as there is with ACG.the SMART Grant as there is with ACG.

Schools are required to identify and award Schools are required to identify and award eligible students.eligible students.

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What are the eligibility criteria for What are the eligibility criteria for a SMART Grant?a SMART Grant?

Must be Pell eligible.Must be Pell eligible.** Must be a U.S. citizen.Must be a U.S. citizen.** Must be enrolled full-time.Must be enrolled full-time.** Must be in third or fourth academic year.Must be in third or fourth academic year.** Must be enrolled in an ‘eligible major’ and Must be enrolled in an ‘eligible major’ and

pursuing a four-year degree, or pursuing a pursuing a four-year degree, or pursuing a graduate degree which includes at least 3 graduate degree which includes at least 3 academic years of undergraduate education. academic years of undergraduate education.

Must maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA.Must maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA. Major and GPA must be checked at each Major and GPA must be checked at each

disbursementdisbursement..* Same discussion as with ACG* Same discussion as with ACG

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Eligible Major RequirementEligible Major Requirement

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Eligible MajorEligible Major Eligible majors are in the fields of science, Eligible majors are in the fields of science,

mathematics, engineering, technology, critical mathematics, engineering, technology, critical foreign languagesforeign languages

Defined by Department of Education and provided in Defined by Department of Education and provided in GEN-06-06 (revised 8/25/06 as GEN-06-15)GEN-06-06 (revised 8/25/06 as GEN-06-15)

Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Codes Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Codes http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2002165http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2002165

Major must be reviewed at disbursement for each Major must be reviewed at disbursement for each payment period.payment period.

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Eligible MajorEligible Major

Students can move in and out of eligibility between Students can move in and out of eligibility between semesters if majors change between semesters.semesters if majors change between semesters.

A student who is not in an eligible major at the A student who is not in an eligible major at the beginning of a payment period but who changes to beginning of a payment period but who changes to an eligible major an eligible major within the payment periodwithin the payment period may may receive a grant in that payment period.receive a grant in that payment period.

A student who is in an eligible major at the A student who is in an eligible major at the beginning of a payment period but who changes to beginning of a payment period but who changes to an ineligible major an ineligible major within that payment periodwithin that payment period cannot receive further disbursements of SMART, cannot receive further disbursements of SMART, but is not required to return funds that were already but is not required to return funds that were already disbursed.disbursed.

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GPA RequirementGPA Requirement

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3.00 Cumulative GPA3.00 Cumulative GPA

For SMART, the GPA is cumulative For SMART, the GPA is cumulative through the most recently completed through the most recently completed payment period and checked at payment period and checked at disbursement. disbursement.

A student who did not have a qualifying A student who did not have a qualifying GPA at the beginning of one payment GPA at the beginning of one payment period could gain eligibility by the period could gain eligibility by the beginning of the next payment period.beginning of the next payment period.

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Transfer StudentsTransfer Students

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Transfer StudentsTransfer Students

Transfer students are subject to the same Transfer students are subject to the same general eligibility requirements as non-general eligibility requirements as non-transfer students.transfer students.

Clarification has been provided regarding:Clarification has been provided regarding:

Confirmation of rigorous high schoolConfirmation of rigorous high school programprogram

Cumulative GPA calculationCumulative GPA calculation

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Transfer Student Rigorous High Transfer Student Rigorous High School Program RequirementSchool Program Requirement

An institution may rely on a prior school’s An institution may rely on a prior school’s determination that a student completed a determination that a student completed a rigorous high school program of study if rigorous high school program of study if NSLDS information shows previous NSLDS information shows previous disbursement of ACG.disbursement of ACG.

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Transfer Student GPA Transfer Student GPA RequirementRequirement

If a student has no prior enrollment at your If a student has no prior enrollment at your institution, use the GPA of transfer credits institution, use the GPA of transfer credits acceptedaccepted by your institution. by your institution.

If a student does have prior enrollment at If a student does have prior enrollment at your institution and an institutional GPA has your institution and an institutional GPA has already been established, use the institutional already been established, use the institutional GPA if that is your normal policy.GPA if that is your normal policy.

For semesters after the initial transfer For semesters after the initial transfer semester, use the cumulative GPA semester, use the cumulative GPA calculation your institution would normally calculation your institution would normally use.use.

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MonitoringMonitoring

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Monitoring ChallengesMonitoring Challenges

Change of academic year and/or GPA from time Change of academic year and/or GPA from time the initial award was madethe initial award was made

Late addition of transfer creditsLate addition of transfer credits

Late posting of study abroad credits/gradesLate posting of study abroad credits/grades

Student behavior (drop/add/withdraw/fail)Student behavior (drop/add/withdraw/fail)

Late grades/grade changes Late grades/grade changes

Financial need (overawards)Financial need (overawards)

Pell eligibility changesPell eligibility changes

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Monitoring ChallengesMonitoring Challenges

Remaining eligibility based on percentages Remaining eligibility based on percentages

2006-07 = $7502006-07 = $750 2007-08 = $7002007-08 = $700

Fall 06Fall 06not enrollednot enrolled

Spr 07Spr 0712 credits12 credits

Su 07 Su 07 not enrollednot enrolled

Fall 07Fall 0712 credits12 credits

Spr 08Spr 0812 credits12 credits

ACG1ACG1 ACG1ACG1 ACG1ACG1 ACG1ACG1 ACG 2?ACG 2?

$0$0 $300$300 $0$0 $350$350

0%0% 40%40% 0%0% 50%50%

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AppealsAppeals

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Can students appeal their Can students appeal their eligibility for the grants?eligibility for the grants?

The general eligibility The general eligibility criteria for the grants criteria for the grants cannotcannot be appealed. be appealed.

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Paving the Road to SuccessPaving the Road to Success

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Paving the Road to SuccessPaving the Road to Success Meet with your Admissions Office and Meet with your Admissions Office and

Registrar to learn about:Registrar to learn about:

Standard admission requirements Standard admission requirements

Policy on ‘exceptions’ to standard admission Policy on ‘exceptions’ to standard admission

Timing / policies on data entryTiming / policies on data entry

Calculation of transfer GPACalculation of transfer GPA

Accessibility to data Accessibility to data

Set up processes / define responsibilitiesSet up processes / define responsibilities

Set up contacts for each officeSet up contacts for each office

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Paving the Road to SuccessPaving the Road to Success

Make awarding/packaging decisions.Make awarding/packaging decisions. Will the grant be ‘estimated’ or put on ‘hold’ untilWill the grant be ‘estimated’ or put on ‘hold’ until all documentation is received? Will this impactall documentation is received? Will this impact fee payment?fee payment? Are fund codes and accounts set up so student Are fund codes and accounts set up so student

can be paid?can be paid? Are R2T4 procedures in place for ACG/SMART?Are R2T4 procedures in place for ACG/SMART? Evaluate other processes that are impacted and Evaluate other processes that are impacted and

set your policies.set your policies. overawardsoverawards eligibility checks at disbursementeligibility checks at disbursement Determine how you will correspond with students.Determine how you will correspond with students.

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ResourcesResources DCL GEN-06-04 (Introduction of New Programs – April DCL GEN-06-04 (Introduction of New Programs – April

2006)2006) DCL GEN-06-06 (SMART Eligible Majors – May 2006)DCL GEN-06-06 (SMART Eligible Majors – May 2006) DCL GEN-06-08 (Additional Implementation Guidance – DCL GEN-06-08 (Additional Implementation Guidance –

May 2006)May 2006) DCL GEN-06-15 (Revised SMART Eligible Majors – August DCL GEN-06-15 (Revised SMART Eligible Majors – August

2006)2006) DCL GEN-06-18 (Implementation of ‘Academic Year’ DCL GEN-06-18 (Implementation of ‘Academic Year’

Definition in the ACG and SMART Grant Programs – Definition in the ACG and SMART Grant Programs – October, 2006) October, 2006)

Federal Register 34 CFR Parts 668, 674 et al. Federal Register 34 CFR Parts 668, 674 et al. Interim Regulations (July 3, 2006)Interim Regulations (July 3, 2006)

IFAP website, HERA Information Link, FAQs IFAP website, HERA Information Link, FAQs http://www.ifap.ed.gov/IFAPWebApp/currentHERAPag.jsp?p1=chttp://www.ifap.ed.gov/IFAPWebApp/currentHERAPag.jsp?p1=c

NASFAA HERA Implementation Resources NASFAA HERA Implementation Resources http://www.nasfaa.org/SubHomes/HERA/index.asphttp://www.nasfaa.org/SubHomes/HERA/index.asp

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Finished!Finished!

Thank you!

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QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?