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(ANN-98-11) (ANN-98-11) This letter announces two federal student aid training events for High School Counselors to be presented in Fall 1998, lists the locations and dates for the events, and provides registration procedures.

DCLPublicationDate: 9/1/98
DCLID: ANN-98-11
AwardYear:
Summary: This letter announces two federal student aid training events for High School Counselors to be presented in Fall 1998, lists the locations and dates for the events, and provides registration procedures.


September 1998

ANN-98-11


SUMMARY: This letter announces two federal student aid training events for High School Counselors to be presented in Fall 1998, lists the locations and dates for the events, and provides registration procedures.

Dear High School Counselor:

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is pleased to announce two student financial aid training events for High School Counselors to be presented this fall. On Thursday, November 5, a videoconference will be presented from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time). In November and December, a series of one-day workshops will also be offered. Both the videoconference and the workshops will provide federal student financial aid information to high school counselors who advise students and parents on financial aid for postsecondary education. The videoconference and the training sessions will provide substantially the same information, although the workshop will expand on the topics presented during the videoconference. We are providing both options so that you will be able to choose the videoconference or the workshop, depending upon which format and location are most convenient and accessible.

The Videoconference

A panel of financial aid experts from ED and postsecondary institutions will present the live videoconference on November 5. The videoconference will be interactive, offering viewers the opportunity to use a toll-free number or FAX to question the panel of presenters. The main topics of the videoconference will be:

The 1999-2000 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (the FAFSA)
The 1999-2000 FAFSA on the Web: the electronic alternative to apply for federal student aid
How an expected family contribution (EFC) is calculated
How schools "package" financial aid
Current federal student aid resources, and
Ideas for organizing a financial aid night

The videoconference can be viewed at the following times:

Eastern: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Central: 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Mountain: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Pacific: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

The videoconference will be broadcast on the following satellites:

KU Band Satellite:
Telestar 5 (97 degrees west), Transponder 15,
Vertical downlink frequency 11991 MHz.
Audio at 6.2 and 6.8

C Band Satellite:
Spacenet 3 (83 degrees west), Transponder 3,
Channel 5 Horizontal downlink frequency 3800 MHz.
Audio at 6.2 and 6.8

Enclosed is a form to register for the videoconference as a host (receiving) site. If you can receive this videoconference, please complete the form, including the address of the building in which the videoconference will be viewed, and FAX it to the number at the bottom of the form. We will compile a list of host sites and make the information available on our web site at: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/announce/trng/ or, you may call The Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-4FED AID (1-800-433-3243) to locate a receiving site close to you. If you wish to travel to another school to view the videoconference, please contact that school to let them know you will attend.

If you are unable to participate in the live videoconference, you may borrow a videotaped copy. Please call 1-800-4FED AID (1-800-433-3243) after November 23 to borrow videotape that you can copy, before returning it to the FSAIC.

The Workshops

In addition to the videoconference, 33 one-day workshops will be conducted from mid-November through mid-December 1998 at various locations throughout the country (see the enclosed schedule.) The training will be presented by a federal trainer and a college financial aid administrator. The training will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at approximately 2:30 p.m. There is no charge for the workshop or participant materials, but you will need to make your own arrangements for lodging, transportation, and meals.

The training will include the same topics addressed in the videoconference, but in more detail (see the enclosed agenda). Topics include the process of applying for federal financial aid, including a review of the paper FAFSA and introduction to the FAFSA on the Web. The training will also review the federal financial aid delivery system and how postsecondary schools determine financial aid awards. The trainers will also discuss frequently asked questions from students and parents.

To register for a workshop, use a touch-tone telephone to call our toll-free number, 1-800-341-5682. Enter the three-digit code assigned to that workshop. If the workshop you select is not available, you will be asked to select another workshop. After completing registration, you will be given a 10-digit confirmation number over the telephone. This is the only confirmation you will receive. As space is limited, please do not make any travel plans to attend until you are confirmed.

Participants do not need to bring anything to the training site.

If you have questions about the content of the videoconference or the workshops, or if you require special assistance, please call the Training Branch at 202-205-2667. If you would like directions to the workshop site, please call the number listed on the workshop schedule.

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education, I want to express our thanks and appreciation for your continued support for our training efforts. We look forward to your participation in these training opportunities.


Sincerely,



Diane E. Rogers
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Student Financial Assistance Programs


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