The Electronic Access Conference in Reno a Winning Bet,
But the Flight Home A Gamble
By Jim Contreras
This year's Electronic Access Conference (EAC) "Emagine 2001" held in Reno, Nevada, November 5-7, 2001 was the best ever as the U.S. Department of Education continues to out-due itself in providing state of the art technology, software enhancements and the migration to website applications to the financial aid industry. It was a winning bet for all who attended. However, the flight back home would prove to be a gamble.
Many of us on the 11:57 a.m. (changed from 2:50 p.m.) Wednesday, November 07, 2001 United Airlines flight 512 had a chilling experience on our way back to Denver. The flight began when the pilot captain came on the intercom and reminded us to be alert and defensive while on the plane. He encouraged us to "not be sheep lead out to slaughter" should we experience a potential hijacking or terrorist attack and to fight back. He offered us the opportunity to stay or leave the flight. The flight departed with no one leaving. Midway through the flight, one of the stewardesses discreetly reported "suspicious activity." Many of the larger males on the flight, including Mr. Kevin Simpson, were huddled to the back of the plane and informed of this activity. They were re-deployed or reseated closer to where the activity was reported. In fact, many of the men on the flight were re-seated on aisle seats. There was a quiet intensity and curiosity as many on the flight noticed the peculiar activity. The intensity increased as the stewardess serving us in the back rows was quietly and defensively armed with a stun gun. Alert and ready, many on the flight waited for the next move. Fortunately, there was none.
As the flight landed, the plane captain officially announced that there was "suspicious activity" reported on the plane and that we were to remain seated as law enforcement officials apprehended the potential suspects. Not that racial profiling was involved (perhaps), but several individuals who spoke and appeared of middle-eastern descent were taken in for questioning. We exited the plane with a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the EAC sessions were back to back, running from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. With over sixty sessions, it was difficult to prioritize which sessions to attend. To give a few highlights:
SFA to the Internet - With a December 18, 2001, deadline by the Department, over 5,400 schools still have not migrated. The process is simpler than what you think and you can call CPS/WAN at 1-800-330-5947 should you require migration assistance.
NSLDS Transfer Monitoring Process - A newly required process by the Department to inform NSLDS of students identified as mid-year transfers. If you have not done so, you must log into www.nsldsfap.ed.gov and complete your set-ups for this process. You may call NSLDS Customer Service at 1-800-999-8219 should you have questions.
Common Origination and Disbursement or COD - A new web-based system that supports consistent and on-going reconciliation for both Pell Grants and Direct Loans. Convenient features include on-line reconciliation and adjustments. Will migrate RFMS and DLOS data to COD. For updates on COD's development, visit www.sfa4schools.sfa.ed.gov.
2002-2003 FAFSA on the Web - Redesigned three step feature, if an application has already been submitted, users are not allowed to submit another, and many other great enhancements. FAA's may use/view the demo FAFSA beginning December 3, 2001 at www.fafsademo.test.ed.gov
General Update - Now in appropriations a $1.7 billion increase in Pell and $30 million increase in SEOG. See Gen 01-10-13 on the Department's Guidance Letters for individuals effected by terrorist attacks, new "web-chat" for students having questions on the FAFSA, students can now look at their ISIR and other data on "FAA Access on the Web" and more.
Many other sessions like FISAP on the Web, electronic certification, Direct Lending, R2T4, best practices, default prevention, hands on sessions with the modules within EDExpress, Pell Grants On-line and NSLDS were provided. General sessions on Information Security, customer service, student views and "Emagining" were informative and entertaining.
For those unable to attend one of the three conferences held throughout the nation, you may obtain the handouts to most of the sessions on the Department's website at www.ifap.ed.gov in mid December. Unfortunately, you'll not get the provocative discussions, outstanding questions/answers, hands-on training, networking, and one-on-one assistance in the computer lab with CPS/T4Wan, NSLDS, etc. professionals that you'll get by attending the conference but you may be able to get something out of the session handouts. I recommend attending the conference, as you'll be left in the dust with all the new technology enhancements.
For my fellow colleagues flying out for the remaining two conferences, have a safe flight. See most of you here at ACC next week for Decentralized Training and bummer for our Broncos (you're welcome to give a donation to the Jim Contreras sports book relief fund while attending the training). Ciao!
|
|
