Publication Date: March 2007

DCL ID: ANN-07-04

Summary: This letter announces a series of one-day workshops covering implementation of the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART). This letter also includes a link to Federal Student Aid's "Training for Financial Aid Professionals" web page, where you can view the workshop schedule and register for the one that best meets your needs.

Dear Colleague:

We are pleased to announce Federal Student Aid's upcoming spring training series, entitled ACG and National SMART Grant Training. The course materials for these one-day workshops will be presented in a lecture format, with case studies and some facilitated discussion.

This workshop provides more 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.

Who should attend the training?
This training is designed primarily for the financial aid administrators who will be determining student eligibility and award levels under these programs. Staff from Admissions or Registrar's offices may also find value in this training as identification of eligible students may be handled in those offices. Business officers may also be interested if their responsibilities include reporting awards and monitoring funding levels.

What will the workshops cover?
Each workshop consists of five modules focusing on various aspects of managing the ACG and National SMART Grants at eligible institutions and a brief federal update:

Module 1-Student Eligibility
Module 2-Student Identification
Module 3-Academic Year Progression
Module 4-Awarding
Module 5-FSA Systems
Module 6-Federal Update

Each participant will receive a Participant Guide with information relevant to the topics being presented, as well as various resources to be used as job aids when returning to the office.

When, where and how long are the workshops?
The workshops will be offered beginning April 17 through June 22, 2007. They will be held at ED Regional Training Facilities (RTFs), at training facilities at postsecondary institutions, and at some sites associated with state or regional conferences.

The workshops will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Do I need to bring anything to the workshop?
We suggest that you bring a 1-inch 3-ring binder to hold the Participant Guide you will receive.

How do I register for the workshop, and how do I find directions to the workshop sites?
To view the schedule of workshops, and to register, go to <http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/training/index.html>. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that is important to register for these workshops, rather than traveling to a workshop site and taking a chance that space will be available on a last-minute basis for unregistered persons. A workshop may be full, in which case there would not be room for non-registered persons. And when a workshop is held in a federal regional office, security procedures will prevent non-registered persons from entering the facility.

Once registered, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. Be sure to retain this as it contains important workshop information, including how to cancel your registration if you will be unable to attend. If you will be unable to attend, please take the time to cancel so that individuals who wish to attend will be able to register. We expect a high demand for this training and want to accommodate as many as possible at each site.

Directions to each location, including the Regional Training Facilities, can be accessed by clicking on the location name in the registration system.

Sincerely,

Claire Roemer
General Manager
School Services and Training Channel
Federal Student Aid

Posted 03/22/07 to www.NASFAA.org. Please submit Web Site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org