| DCLPublicationDate: 6/1/98 DCLID: ANN-98-5 AwardYear: Summary: This letter describes a nationwide series of National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) workshops and lists the sites, dates, and registration procedures June 1998 ANN-98-5 SUMMARY: This letter describes a nationwide series of National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) workshops and lists the sites, dates, and registration procedures. Dear Colleague: We are pleased to announce an upcoming NSLDS training series to be offered in the U.S. Department of Education's Regional Training Facilities (RTFs). These two-day workshops will provide a comprehensive view of the functions of NSLDS using a combination of discussion and "hands-on" training. What will be covered at the training? The objective of the training is to assist schools to become more proficient and comfortable with the entire functionality of NSLDS. The training will also assist users in problem solving. The course begins with a system overview and proceeds through a discussion and demonstration of each NSLDS function, using the NSLDS test database and exercises. The content is geared to trainees with little or no knowledge of NSLDS. Topics for Day One will include: an overview of NSLDS; cycles and timelines for reporting, including SSCRs, Perkins and FSEOG information; problem resolution; mainframe and PC processing issues; and school and third-party servicer responsibilities. Day Two will feature hands-on exercises on the following: software setup and general navigation; eligibility determination, using the Financial Aid Transcript and overpayment screens; borrower tracking; and using and updating SSCR information. Both training days will begin at 9:00 am and conclude at 5:00 pm. Who should attend the training? This training is designed for any school personnel who will be working with NSLDS or who need to know how the system works and what kinds of data can be obtained from it. Staff from your registrar's office as well as your financial aid office may be interested in this training. Please share this training announcement with the appropriate staff. Remember, this training is recommended for inexperienced NSLDS users, or those currently using the system who need additional instruction. When and where is the training? ED will offer thirty-nine (39) workshops beginning August 10 and ending October 30. See the enclosed schedule for actual workshop dates. All training will be held in the ED Regional Training Facilities and conducted by ED trainers. How do I register for a workshop? Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to limited space, participation by any one institution is limited to two persons. A maximum of forty trainees will be registered for each workshop. Please register for your desired training session using the appropriate enclosed forms. Registration will be confirmed by return FAX. What materials will be provided, and what do I need to bring to the workshop? The NSLDS training has no registration or materials fees. However, registrants should arrange and pay for their own transportation, meals, and lodging. Along with your workshop confirmation you will receive information on nearby hotels, parking and directions to the RTF. If you have any questions about the training, please call one of the contact persons listed on the enclosed schedule. Each registered participant at the workshop will receive a copy of the NSLDS Training Participant's Guide and The Paperless Link Quick Reference Guide (1997). Please bring a one-inch thick, three-ring binder for the Participant's Guide so that you can more easily follow the lecture and hands-on exercises. On behalf of the Student Financial Assistance Programs, we look forward to your participation in this training series, and hope it will be a valuable experience. Sincerely, Diane E. Rogers Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Student Financial Assistance Programs Attachment |