February 16, 2010 - Edition 540 TG
Shoptalk

Industry Update

Approved Model Self-Certification Form released
ED released Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) GEN-10-01, which announces the approval of the Model Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form and provides guidance on implementation of the new form, as mandated by Section 487(a)(28) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, (HEA) and to satisfy the requirements of Section 128(e)(3) of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA).

How to manage challenges to draft cohort default rates
On February 8, 2010, ED released fiscal year (FY) 2008 draft cohort default rates (CDRs) to all eligible schools. Beginning on February 17, 2010, domestic schools will have 45 days to submit a draft CDR challenge. All such challenges must be submitted by April 2, 2010.

Deadline approaches for accepting previous versions of the TPD Discharge Application
Beginning April 1, 2010, lenders, guaranty agencies, and Perkins schools may no longer accept previous versions of the of the total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge application from borrowers who are submitting their initial application for TPD discharge.

TG Report

TG announces keynote speakers for its 2010 annual training conference
Keynote speakers have been confirmed for the event and sessions added, including workshops on outreach, financial literacy, and default prevention. The 2010 TG Annual Training Conference is scheduled for April 7-9 at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center in Austin.

Newest edition of TG Connection offers tips for effective outreach
The latest issue of TG Connection delves into several outreach models, takes a look at important lessons in building outreach programs, and showcases an online outreach tool designed to help answer many of the questions families and students may have about higher education.

TG to offer workshop on three-year cohort default rate at SASFAA Annual Conference
This spring conference season offers abundant opportunity for honing your regulatory knowledge and financial aid skills. TG will be presenting sessions at a variety of spring conferences, including the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA) Annual Conference.

Help students avoid common FAFSA mistakes with TG's Adventures In Education
AIE's FAFSA Info Center serves as a helpful utility for the FAFSA, offering an overview of the FAFSA process, help in determining dependency status, and guidance on family arrangements.

Smart Solutions
TG's FAFSA Made Easy program offers guidance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as well as information on scholarships and scholarship searches. Provided free to high schools, libraries, and other civic organizations, the program is available in English and Spanish. Register to receive the program and, in turn, share it with families and students.
News Briefs

California community colleges and Southern California Edison are collaborating to implement a "green jobs initiative." The initiative, which is designed to help train financially disadvantaged students in jobs that serve the environment, will offer $2,000 scholarships to students at 10 colleges that offer job training in six "green" careers. These career fields include solar panel installation, water and waste water management, transportation and alternative fuels, biofuels production and farming, green building and energy efficiency, and environmental compliance. Find out more about this constructive way of promoting environmentalism.