October 13, 2009 - Edition 525 TG
Shoptalk 525

TG Report

TG redesigns its signature industry newsletter, Shoptalk
Today, TG unveils a retooled Shoptalk, TG's long-time industry e-newsletter read by thousands of financial aid professionals across the U.S. The redesigned Shoptalk continues to focus on topics important to the financial aid community, including regulatory change, financial literacy, and default prevention, but does so under the lens of a fresh, revitalized look.

Enhanced List Assist℠ to offer help with alternative loan lender surveys
TG's List Assist℠ provides schools and lenders with an online tool for managing surveys used in creating a lender list. On October 30, TG will launch an enhanced version of List Assist that will help schools and lenders administer surveys for alternative, also known as private, student loans.

TG adds online payment feature to myTG℠
TG recently introduced a number of enhancements to its loan account management tool, myTG℠, that allow defaulted borrowers to make online loan payments.

Register now for TG's "Getting Familiar With Electronic Resources" webinar
In this webinar, participants will learn how to access and use resources available to the financial aid community, including electronic publications, industry Web sites, and other electronic tools.

Industry Update

New loan purchase programs guidance
ED has posted several new announcements regarding the loan purchase programs authorized by the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans (ECASLA).

ED issues reminder to Eligible Lender Trustees
On October 2, ED released Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) FP-09-07 regarding Eligible Lender Trustees (ELT).

ED releases final volume of the 2009-10 FSA Handbook — TG offers complete bookmarked version
With the release of Volume 6 of the new 2009-10 Federal Student Aid Handbook (FSA Handbook) — Managing Campus-Based Programs — all volumes of the latest edition of the FSA Handbook are now available.

Closed school corner
The Department of Education announces one new closure.

Policy Report

Ask the Policy Expert
What is the Red Flags Rule, and where can a school find guidance on it?

Tell us what you think of Shoptalk's new look
TG wants to know your thoughts on the restyled Shoptalk. Please contact us with your comments and feedback.

Smart Solutions
Credit scores can be difficult to understand. TG's Adventures In Education (AIE™) provides a clear, concise description of the concept with suggestions on how to improve scores. Refer your students to AIE to learn more.
News Briefs

According to the Better Business Bureau, billions of dollars in college scholarships are awarded to aspiring students every year. Given the sheer number and variety of scholarships, some families and students fall prey to scholarship search-and-match services that turn out to be scams. Tell-tale signs of a scam include false promises such as, "You can't get this information anywhere else," or "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back." Also, fraudulent scholarship companies often call themselves by official-sounding names that imply a connection to the federal government. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) offers materials to help college-bound students and their families spot scholarship scams. NASFAA teamed with other higher education associations, the Department of Education, and the Federal Trade Commission to develop the materials last year. The collaboration produced a flyer, pamphlet, poster, and presentation titled "Don't Get Hooked." Find out more about how you can use these resources on your campus.
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