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(General) Subject: SAIG Upgrade - Release of EDconnect 8.1 Software to Replace EDconnect 8.0

Posted Date:March 15, 2012

Author: Pamela Eliadis, Service Director, System Operations & Aid Delivery Management, Federal Student Aid

Subject: SAIG Upgrade - Release of EDconnect 8.1 Software to Replace EDconnect 8.0

On March 5, 2012, we released the EDconnect 8.0 software as part of our upgrade to all components of the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG). Upon user installation, it was reported that SAIG users whose FSA User ID contained a special character (e.g., an apostrophe) were unable to log in to EDconnect 8.0. This issue has been resolved with a new version, EDconnect 8.1, which is now available on the Federal Student Aid Download (FSADownload) Web site.

Note: EDconnect 8.0 has been replaced by EDconnect 8.1 and should no longer be used. EDconnect 8.1 is not an upgrade to earlier versions of EDconnect. All EDconnect users must perform a local or network installation of EDconnect 8.1.

For complete information about the SAIG system enhancements and related requirements that were included in the March 5, 2012 release, refer to the February 23, 2012 Electronic Announcement on the Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP) Web site.

The following enhancements have been implemented in EDconnect 8.1:

  • Special characters are now accepted in the FSA User ID field (e.g., John.O’Mally.fsa).

  • The “unattended transfer user ID” check box is disabled when users log in for the first time to set up their profile.

  • The Network Install feature has been updated to resolve an issue with Network and Workstation Installations.

  • The EDconnect Cover Letter and the EDconnect Installation and User Guide have been updated to include release changes for EDconnect 8.1.

As a reminder, all schools that use EDconnect to connect to the SAIG will be required to download and begin using the upgraded software product by May 27, 2012.

Contact Information

We appreciate the assistance of all SAIG users as we complete these important updates.

If you have questions about this information, contact CPS/SAIG Technical Support at 800/330-5947 (TDD/TTY 800/511-5806) or by e-mail at CPSSAIG@ed.gov.