ISAC: Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Partner News & Updates

Newsletters & Emails

Our emails keep you informed and up-to-date on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s programs and services. Messages are organized by subscription group(s), with the most recent messages appearing at the top.

To subscribe, choose the category that best represents you and subscribe to any of our lists.

Students & Parents  
Counselors & Advisors  
Financial Aid Administrators  
Community Partners 

Highlights from April 16 Commission Meeting

April 24, 2026

The following informational updates were provided at the April 16, 2026 meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. You can find a listing of all agenda items in the April 16, 2026 agenda book, which can be accessed via the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission area of our website (isac.org).
FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators

Join Us for One Click College Admit Professional Development Opportunities

April 23, 2026

ISAC offers free professional development opportunities for counselors and school staff who would like a walkthrough of OCCA, including key timelines, frequently asked questions, how to support students through OCCA, and information on the data collection process.
Counselors Principals, Superintendents, Administrators High School Counselors, Teachers College Admission Counselors Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants Community Organizations Public Libraries

Brief Illinois Financial Aid Survey – Please Submit by Friday, April 24

April 22, 2026

As we are sure you are aware, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) published a March 9, 2026 electronic announcement detailing upcoming changes to several Federal Student Aid (FSA) systems. The planned updates are to support the expansion of Pell Grant eligibility for eligible workforce programs and the revised limits on federal student loans enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators

MAP Advising Data Updates – Clarification Regarding Data to Report

April 21, 2026

As was previously announced, the collection period for MAP Advising data opened on April 9, 2026. It has since come to our attention that dates provided in the initial announcement did not match what is being requested in the GAP Access portal. The intent of this message to clarify what data colleges are to report. We apologize for any confusion.
FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators MAP Users Business Officers

2026-27 MAP Suspense: Award Announcements Suspended for all Applications Received AFTER April 23, 2026 - FAAs

April 20, 2026

ISAC is suspending the announcement of 2026-27 Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants for applicants whose initial 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is received by the FAFSA Processing System (FPS) or whose initial Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) is received by ISAC after Thursday, April 23, 2026.
FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators MAP Users Business Officers

2026-27 MAP Suspense: Award Announcements Suspended for all Applications Received AFTER April 23, 2026 - Counselors

April 20, 2026

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is suspending the announcement of 2026-27 Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants for applicants whose initial 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is received by the FAFSA Processing System (FPS), or whose initial Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) is received by ISAC, after Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Counselors High School Counselors, Teachers

Financial Aid Application Completion Initiative System Enhancements

April 17, 2026

As part of our continuous efforts to better support you in guiding students through the financial aid process, we have made two enhancements to the Financial Aid Application Completion Initiative system in the GAP Access portal.
Counselors Principals, Superintendents, Administrators High School Counselors, Teachers

Fostering Unity for Rural Education Webinar

April 16, 2026

Please join the Illinois Education and Career Success Network for a free, virtual discussion on how rural schools, colleges, industry, and community organizations can work together to support student achievement and community resilience.
Counselors Principals, Superintendents, Administrators High School Counselors, Teachers College Admission Counselors Community Organizations Public Libraries

2026 CCE: Education Matters

April 15, 2026

Through conversations, storytelling, best practices, and calls to action, the College Changes Everything ® (CCE) Conference offers a space for learning, advocacy, and action. This year, for our 16th gathering, we call upon you to join us with intention, commitment, and passion as we explore this year's powerful and dual-sided theme: Education Matters
Counselors Principals, Superintendents, Administrators High School Counselors, Teachers College Admission Counselors Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants Community Organizations Public Libraries FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators Public Schools - Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs MAP Users Business Officers ECACE Administrators NES Schools