The Counselor Message Board is updated regularly – check back often for the latest information.
A
May 28 e-Message provides information, updates, and important dates that may be of interest to counselors.
Public comment is now being accepted on proposed amendments to several Parts of the
ISAC Administrative Rules, including Part 2760 (State Scholar Program) and Part 2777 (Public University Direct Admission Program). Specific details, including the date by which public comment for each Part must be submitted, are provided at the
Proposed Rules and Amendments page of the
e-Library and in a
May 26 e-Message.
As announced in a
May 18 e-Message, ISAC is now accepting
SSP and
OCCA data for students who will be college freshman during the 2027-28 academic year.
Reminder: The sixth semester data collection process will support both the SSP and OCCA program. The information needed for both programs will be collected on one data collection template.
As announced in an
April 20 e-Message, April 23, 2026 will be the last day for students to apply for 2026-27 MAP grants by submitting an initial 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or, for qualifying students, an Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. Announcements of awards for students whose FAFSAs are received by the federal processor or whose Alternative Applications are received by ISAC after that date will be put "
in suspense" – basically, a waiting list for 2026-27 MAP. Further details are provided on the
MAP page.
The 2026 Colleges Changes Everything Conference: Education Matters, will be held on July 16, 2026 at the Tinley Park Convention Center.
Counselors are invited to submit session proposals – due May 15, 2026.
An
April 15 e-Message provides additional details.
In the FAFSA Initiative area of GAP Access, an additional status indicator has been added. The “FAFSA filed” column will now indicate if a student has filed a FAFSA or Alternative Application for the incorrect year and therefore is prevent a successful data match in the portal.
Additionally, as of April 1, the Admin Waiver option is now open to schools.
The 2025-26
Grant Program for Exonerees and Their Dependents is now available. New this academic year, education benefits may be shared with qualifying dependents. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
ISAC Student Portal
