Financial Aid Workshops and Events

Students who are looking for assistance with completing the 2021-2022 or 2020-2021 FAFSA can sign up for a 30 minute one-on-one Zoom FAFSA Completion Session.  Students are strongly encouraged to have started their FAFSA prior to attending a session. All students are required to have their FSA ID set up prior to attending a session.  Students can set up a FSA ID at studentaid.gov If Dependent, at least one parent must have a FSA ID set up, as well.

• If filing your 2021-2022 FAFSA, you will need a copy of your 2019 Federal Tax Return, 1040. If dependent, you will also need a copy of your parent's 2019 Federal Tax Return, 1040
• If filing your 2020-2021 FAFSA, you will need a copy of your 2018 Federal Tax Return, 1040. If dependent, you will also need a copy of your parent's 2018 Federal Tax Return, 1040

Session Dates and Time

• Friday, May 14: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Friday, May 28: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
• Thursday, June 10: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, June 24: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 8: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 22: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug 5: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

 NOTE: After you sign up, you will receive a separate email confirmation with the Zoom link.

Students can also reach out to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, ISAC, Corps members below for one on one help with their FAFSA.

Yanika Barfield
Phone: (630) 352-9183
Email: Yanika.Barfield@illinois.gov

Elizabeth Barrera
Phone (630) 689-7759
email: Elizabeth.Barrera@illinois.gov
Additional Language: Spanish
Virtual Office Hours: Mondays, 11 a.m. to noon (illinois.webex.com/illinois)

The Office of Student Financial Assistance will be hosting monthly webinars via Zoom on various financial aid topics. If you are looking to learn more about the financial aid process and scholarships, we encourage you to attend.

Understanding your Award Letter

This session will help to breakdown your award letter and talk about the types of financial aid. We will also go over eligibility requirements for each program and how your award may be adjusted based on whether you are a full time or part time student.

• Wednesday, May 5 at 10 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 5 at 5:30 p.m

Financial Aid Self Service & Verification

This session will go over the Financial Aid Self Service portal.  Financial Aid Self Service is where students can access all things financial aid related including financial aid offer letters and required verification documents.

Wednesday, May 19 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students receiving financial aid – whether grants or loans – are required to maintain satisfactory academic standards. This session will go over the impact dropping classes and failing classes may have on your financial aid eligibility.

• Wednesday, June 2 at 10 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 2 at 5:30 p.m

Financial Aid and Paying for Classes

This session will go over how and when financial aid funds are applied to tuition charges.  This session will also touch on the different types of payment plans available to students who have financial aid.

Wednesday, June 16 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, June 16 at 5:30 p.m

Understanding Direct Loans

This session will go over the basics of the Federal Direct Loan Program including types of loans available, repayment options as well as tools for tracking your student loan debt.

Wednesday, July 14 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m

Understanding your Financial Aid Offer Letter

This session will help to breakdown your financial aid offer letter and talk about the types of financial aid.  We will also go over eligibility requirements for each program and how your award may be adjusted based on whether you are a full time or part time student.

Wednesday, July 21 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m

Financial Aid & Purchasing Your Books

This session will go over how students are able to use their available financial aid funds towards the purchase of books in the Bookstore.  This session will also discuss how a student’s bookstore funds are calculated.

Wednesday, Aug.11 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 11 at 5:30 p.m

Satisfactory Academic Progress

This session will go over the impact dropping classes and failing classes may have on your financial aid eligibility. Students receiving financial aid – whether grants or loans – are required to maintain satisfactory academic standards. 

Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m

Federal Student Aid Account, FSA ID

This session will go over how to set up your Federal Student Aid account.  Students applying for federal student aid – whether grants or loans – will need to set up a Federal Student Aid account.  Students are strongly encouraged to have an account set up prior to completing their FAFSA.

Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m

FAFSA & Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid Preview   

This session will preview the 2022-2023 FAFSA and 2022-2023 Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.  This session will also go over common mistakes and answer your questions. 

Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m