February 2, 2010 - Edition 538 TG
Shoptalk

Industry Update

FY 2008 draft cohort default rates to be released
ED announced that it plans to release the FY 2008 Draft Cohort Default Rates (CDRs) to all eligible schools on February 8, 2010. If a school believes its draft CDR has been calculated incorrectly, it may request a verification and correction of possible errors.

TG Report

Register for TG's financial literacy symposium in Atlanta
TG is offering a series of regional financial literacy symposia in 2010. The second symposium, to be held on March 2 in Atlanta, is designed to help postsecondary schools enhance and promote their financial literacy efforts, and, in turn, help students develop critical financial skills.

Still time to register for TG's cohort default rate webinar
Schools may have questions about how to ensure the accuracy of the data used to calculate a draft CDR. They may also wish to challenge data contained in draft CDRs. TG's webinar "How to Challenge Your Cohort Default Rate" offers help with these issues.

Four good reasons to attend the 2010 TG Annual Training Conference
Attendees have praised past TG conference events for their interactive format and comprehensive agenda. But there are many other reasons for attending a TG annual training conference.

New claim and DAAR forms now available
The revised Common Claim Initiative (CCI) FFELP Claim Form and CCI Default Aversion Assistance Request (DAAR) Form are now available on TG Online.

TG announces election of new TG Users Group board members
Three members have been elected to the board of the TG Users Group (TUG). TUG is a community of TG product users whose members share tips and ideas, suggest enhancements to current TG tools, and offer feedback for new and future products.

Policy Report

Ask the Policy Expert
I have a lot of questions about the changes to the Pell Grant Program that authorize schools to disburse up to two Pell grants in a single award year (year-round Pell). Where can I find more information on this topic?

Smart Solutions
TG's Adventures In Education offers a concise summary of the college cost payment process, including an overview of the cost of attendance (COA), and tips for reducing expenses and living off-campus. Offer your incoming freshmen or continuing students this resource.
News Briefs

More college freshmen are worried about their ability to pay for an education, especially as the economy stalls and traditional resources, such as parents and investments, are affected. The American Freshman: National Norms Fall 2009, conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, reports that more than 65 percent of students say they're worried or somewhat worried about college financing. A growing number of students say that their fathers or mothers are unemployed, and that they'll rely more on education loans to pay for their education. Learn more about other findings of the survey.