Federal Updates

Closed school corner
The Department of Education announces six new closures.

TG Updates

TG launches redesigned college and career-planning website
Adventures In Education, TG's public-service website that offers information and resources to help students and families prepare and pay for college and explore career options, now has a new design, additional information, and interactive features.

Trends and Issues

Question of the week
May a borrower who is more than 270 days past due on his or her loan and considered in default receive a deferment or forbearance?

TG sponsors chat event on managing student loans
Students and parents can learn about ways to manage their student loans, including repayment options, consolidation, and discharge during a live chat event on the Mapping Your Future website on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 6 p.m. (CDT). The event is interactive, allowing borrowers to ask questions — all from the privacy and convenience of a computer.

This, That, and the Other...

Have a question about the new Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant programs (who doesn't)?

Well, you can ask your question (or maybe see the answer you need already posted) on the Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP) HERA page. Just visit http://www.ifap.ed.gov/IFAPWebApp/currentHERAPag.jsp?p1=c and select the "Frequently Asked Questions on ACG and National SMART Grants." A drop-down box reveals several categories of questions ED has already answered, and if yours isn't there, the last option in the drop-down box allows you to inquire directly to ED.