ISAC Student PortalISAC Communiqué
Volume 36, Number 3C
September 2026
| Messages sent to: | Multiple Subscription Groups |
| High School Counselors/Teachers | |
| ISAC Communiqué |
Welcome to the September 2026 ISAC Communiqué, which is a compilation of e-Messages sent through ISAC's e-Messaging service throughout September.
The articles in this electronic Communiqué have been organized according to the Counselor subscription groups to which the messages were distributed.
Questions?
Questions regarding information in this electronic Communiqué can be directed to Partner Services by calling 866.247.2172 or sending an email message to [email protected]. On occasion, you may be directed to a specific contact person or area; when this occurs, we will provide the appropriate information in the individual article or message.
Don't Miss Our Upcoming In-Person Trainings!
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on September 30, 2026.
Just a reminder that ISAC's professional development trainings are happening across the state. These FREE half-day trainings are an opportunity to stay informed about financial aid updates, connect with colleagues, and earn Professional Development (PD) and Continuing Education (CE) credits.
Happening This Week
- What: Overview of Financial Aid Applications & Program Updates
- When: Friday, October 2, 2026
- Where: ISAC Deerfield Office
Registration is still open! If you're planning to attend, we encourage you to register in advance, as walk-in registration is not guaranteed.
More Upcoming Trainings
Looking for another training date? View the schedule and register on ISAC's Upcoming Professional Development Offerings page.
We'd like to thank our community college partners for hosting us!
For questions, contact [email protected].
Last Call to Submit Proposals for the Second Annual First Gen Symposium on Thursday, November 5, 2026
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on September 28, 2026.
We are excited to welcome attendees to the Second Annual First Gen Symposium, which will be held on Thursday, November 5! We look forward to gathering a community of dedicated professionals to share the best practices for supporting first-generation students on their postsecondary journeys.
We want to thank Waubonsee Community College for its partnership in hosting this year's symposium!
To ensure a robust program, the Call for Proposals is closing soon. We encourage anyone interested in presenting their insights or research to begin considering session topics now. Our symposium is a unique opportunity to connect with peers and discover new strategies for postsecondary planning and preparation. We want you to be part of the conversation, whether as an attendee or a presenter!
Call for Proposals
We invite professionals from high schools, community-based organizations, TRIO programs, first-generation programs at colleges and universities, and more to submit a session proposal! We encourage those who are interested to submit a session proposal by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026.
For more information and the latest updates, visit the First Gen Symposium page. If you have questions about the symposium, you can reach us at [email protected].
Thank you,
ISAC Professional Learning Communities' Team
Girlhood, Translated: In-Person FAN Event
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on September 25, 2026.
ISAC is pleased to invite you to join us for an in-person author event with Suzanne Garfinkle-Crowell, MD, MSc, as she discusses her new book, Girlhood, Translated: Understanding Young Women in the Era of Therapy Speak and Self-Diagnosis.
Dr. Garfinkle-Crowell is a psychiatrist in private practice who treats children, adolescents, and adults. She is the Founding Director of the Academy for Medicine and the Humanities at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She has a strong focus in her practice and writing on the mental health of young women. In her latest book, Dr. Garfinkle-Crowell addresses the trend over the last decade of young women seeking treatment for a long list of psychiatric diagnoses often pulled from the internet and social media, and the impact on the young women, their parents, and the ability to discuss the feelings of women separate from jargon, labels, and mental illness. This is a timely and important book for everyone who works with adolescents and young adults, as well as for those who are raising and caring for young women. Please share widely with anyone in your personal and professional networks who may be interested in this event or future events.
The ninety-minute program – which takes place at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (Deerfield) beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13 – will include a Q&A session with the author.
Space is limited, and registration is required. Please register here to secure your spot.
Special Offer: The first 100 registered attendees will receive a signed copy of Girlhood, Translated: Understanding Young Women in the Era of Therapy Speak and Self-Diagnosis.
Venue and Parking Information
There are parking lots on the north and east sides of the building. You can park anywhere, not only in visitor designated spots. Enter the building via the east entrance.
This is a state government building, and all visitors must present valid picture identification upon entry. Take the elevator to the 4th floor, where an ISAC staff member will direct you to the event.
Call for Proposals Extended!
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on September 23, 2026.
We are excited to welcome attendees to the Second Annual First Gen Symposium which will be held on Thursday, November 5!
We are extending the call for session proposals and invite high schools, community-based organizations, TRIO programs, first-generation programs at colleges and universities, and other organizations to submit a session proposal.
New deadline: 11:59 p.m. (CT) on Friday, October 2, 2026
Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
- Solutions to barriers faced by first-generation students and professionals
- Scholarship opportunities for first-generation college students
- Developing events tailored to first-generation students
- Programs increasing belonging among first-generation college students
- Strategies for facilitating successful transitions for first-generation college students
For more information and the latest updates, visit the First Gen Symposium page. If you have any questions, contact the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Team at [email protected].
Join ISAC for Financial Aid Applications and Program Updates!
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on September 22, 2026.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) offers professional development opportunities across the state to help college access professionals stay informed about financial aid changes each year. Professional Development (PD) and Continuing Education (CE) credits will be available for attending these FREE half-day trainings!
View the schedule and register on ISAC's Upcoming Professional Development Offerings page.
Advance registration is highly recommended. Walk-in registration is not guaranteed. We encourage everyone to check back often because new dates and locations are added as they are scheduled.
We'd like to thank our community college partners for hosting us!
For questions, contact [email protected].
Save the Date: Second Annual First Gen Symposium This Fall 2026
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on September 18, 2026.
Join us at our Second Annual First Gen Symposium on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois!
The deadline to register is Friday, October 30, 2026, or until full capacity has been reached — this may be before October 1, as space is limited. Registration is $25 and includes continental breakfast and lunch. Advance registration is required. Walk-in registration is not available. To receive the latest updates, join ISAC's e-Messaging service. For questions, contact [email protected].
Parking: The event will take place in the Academic and Professional Center. Limited parking is available in parking lot N4 with overflow parking available in lot N8.
The First Gen Symposium provides an opportunity for you to learn and share best practices for supporting first-generation students in postsecondary planning. At this year’s symposium, you will:
- Hear from programs actively seeking to increase belongingness among first-generation college students
- Hear from first-generation students and professionals on best practices and solutions that have come out of the barriers they faced
- Learn about scholarships specifically dedicated to first-generation college students
- Learn about different strategies taken by school counselors and college-access professionals to facilitate successful transitions for first-generation college students
- Learn about developing events tailored to first-generation students
- Understand the power of storytelling behind first-generation student success and graduation
Reminder – Submit Call for Proposals by September 24!
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on September 15, 2026.
We are excited to welcome attendees to the Second Annual First Gen Symposium which will be held on Thursday, November 5!
We invite high schools, community-based organizations, TRIO programs, first-generation programs at colleges and universities, and more to submit a session proposal! The deadline to submit a proposal is 11:59 p.m. (CT) on Thursday, September 24, 2026. We want you to be part of the conversation!
Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
- Solutions to barriers faced by first-generation students and professionals
- Scholarship opportunities for first-generation college students
- Developing events tailored to first-generation students
- Programs increasing belonging among first-generation college students
- Strategies for facilitating successful transitions for first-generation college students
For more information and the latest updates, visit the First Gen Symposium Page. If you have any questions, contact the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Team at [email protected].
Save the Date: Second Annual First Gen Symposium This Fall
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on September 4, 2026.
We are excited to welcome attendees to the Second Annual First Gen Symposium which will be held on Thursday, November 5!
We invite high schools, community-based organizations, TRIO programs, first-generation programs at colleges and universities, and more to submit a session proposal! The deadline to submit a proposal is 11:59 p.m. (CT) on Thursday, September 24, 2026. We want you to be part of the conversation!
Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
- Solutions to barriers faced by first-generation students and professionals
- Scholarship opportunities for first-generation college students
- Developing events tailored to first-generation students
- Programs increasing belonging among first-generation college students
- Strategies for facilitating successful transitions for first-generation college students
For more information and the latest updates, visit the First Gen Symposium Page. If you have any questions, contact the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Team at [email protected].
Join ISAC for Our FREE Upcoming Professional Development Webinars!
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on September 4, 2026.
We are excited to share our lineup of free webinars this fall. Please feel free to share these opportunities with colleagues and partners! Professional Development and Continuing Education hours are available, with many webinars offered on multiple dates for your convenience.
One Click College Admit (OCCA)
Have questions about OCCA? Join us for a walkthrough covering the current process, key timelines, and what you need to know to support students throughout the OCCA process.
One Click College Admit Updates:
- Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 30, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Friday, November 13, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Friday, December 11, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
How to Register:
To register for these sessions or explore additional trainings on financial aid-related topics, please visit our Professional Development Offerings page.
For questions, contact [email protected].
HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELORS/TEACHERS
2027-28 MAP Start-up Formula Approved
Sent to High School Counselors/Teachers on September 23, 2026.
he following actions were taken at the September 17, 2026 meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. You can find a listing of all agenda items in the September 17, 2026 agenda book, located in the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission section of ISAC's website (isac.org).
FY28 (2027-28 Academic Year) MAP Start-up Formula Approved – Agenda Item 5
Because the fiscal year 2028 (FY28) state budget process has not started yet, staff assumed that the Monetary Award Program (MAP) will receive the same amount as the FY27 appropriation of $721.6 million. The Commission approved using the following FY27 recompute formula elements in the start-up formula for 2027-28 MAP grants:
- 2021-22 reported tuition and fees;
- the 2021-22 Pell Grant Payment Schedule;
- a $5,200 living allowance; and,
- an $8,400 maximum award (with an effective maximum of $8,064 after the 4% reduction).
Details of the approved start-up formula can be found at ISAC's website, in the MAP section of the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area.
Encourage Students to Submit 2027-28 FAFSA® or Alternative Application
Encourage your college-bound seniors to submit the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) as soon as the applications become available to all students (expected on October 1, 2026). ISAC staff monitors application volume throughout the year to ensure that MAP awarding fits the available funding.
Additional Items
The Commission also approved these items:
- 2027 Meeting Dates – Agenda Item 1
- College Illinois!® Prepaid Tuition Program Updates – Agenda Item 6
Next Meeting
The next Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 3, 2026.
Commission Meeting Thursday, September 17
Sent to High School Counselors/Teachers on September 14, 2026.
The next regular meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. (CT). You may attend the meeting at either the ISAC Deerfield or Springfield office location (see below for addresses).
Some of the items on the tentative agenda are:
- 2027 meeting dates and locations
- Fiscal year 2028 Monetary Award Program (MAP) start-up formula
- College Illinois!® Prepaid Tuition Program investment and program updates
The complete listing of agenda items is included in the September 17, 2026 agenda book, which can be accessed via the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission area of our website (isac.org). The online agenda book will be updated within 1-2 business days following the meeting to reflect action taken.
Deerfield office
1755 Lake Cook Road
Conference Room 3030, 3rd floor
Deerfield
Enter through the east door and check in at the desk.
Springfield office
500 West Monroe
Conference Room, 3rd floor
Springfield
Enter from the rear parking lot (through the door on the east) and then use the elevator or stairs.
August 2026 ISAC Communiqué
Sent on September 1, 2026.
The August 2026 edition of the ISAC Communiqué is now available for your review, and may be accessed via the Partner e-Messages & Newsletters section of the e-Library for Partners at isac.org.This electronic version of ISAC's newsletter is a compilation of information provided to Counselor partners via ISAC's e-Messaging service over the past month.
Topics covered in the August 2026 ISAC Communiqué include:
- Update: One Click College Admit (OCCA) Student Notifications
(sent August 25, 2026) - July 2026 ISAC Communiqué
(sent August 3, 2026)
Encourage Your Colleagues to Sign Up for e-Messaging
ISAC's e-Messaging service is our primary means of communicating information to Counselor partners.
Encourage your colleagues who have not done so to subscribe through the Counselors e-Messaging sign-up page at isac.org today, so that they won't miss future announcements or updates from ISAC.
You are receiving this message because you registered for ISAC's e-Messaging service through one or more subscription groups for Counselors.
Encourage Your Colleagues to Sign Up for e-Messaging
ISAC's e-Messaging service is our primary means of communicating information to Counselor partners.
Encourage your colleagues who have not done so to subscribe through the Counselors e-Messaging sign-up page at isac.org today, so that they won't miss future announcements or updates from ISAC.
