Application Standardization

1
Application Standardization

• Georgia Student Financial Aid Application System
• (GSFAPPS)
• Spring GASFAA Conference

2
GSFAPPS Introduction

• Primary Means of applying for State Programs
  administered by GSFC
• Scholarships Grants
• Non FFELP Service Cancelable Loans
• FFELP Loans are not part of GSFAPPS
• Replaces multiple paper-based and e-HOPE/ e-TEG
  applications
• 24 separate applications/renewal applications
• Multiple deadline dates

3
GSFAPPS Introduction (cont.)

• Applicable to the following State Programs
• Accel
• Charles McDaniel Teacher Scholarship
• Georgia Military College State Service
  Scholarship
• Georgia National Guard Service Loan
• Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant
• Governors Scholarship
• HOPE Scholarship/HOPE Grant
• HOPE Teacher Scholarship Loan
• Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant
• North Georgia College State University ROTC
  Grant
• North Georgia College and State University
  Military Scholarship
• Promise Teacher Scholarship Loan
• Public Safety Memorial Grant
• Registered Nurse Service Cancelable Loan
• Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
• Scholarship for Engineering Education (SEE) Loan
  

4
GSFAPPS Considerations

• Key Considerations
• Electronic interface
• Security
• Accuracy
• Reduce number of redundant applications
• Positive feedback

5
GSFAPPS Features

• Key Features
• Web-based, with option to print a paper
  application
• Real-time, on-line edits of application data
• Pre-populate fields where possible
• Ability to suspend application and return

6
GSFAPPS Features (cont.)

• Key Features (continued)
• Branches to obtain program unique data
• Built-in HELP throughout
• Ability to review application and print
• Provides a list of follow-up documents
• Email confirmations and notifications

7
GSFAPPS Features (cont.)

• Key Features (continued)
• Ex Pre-populate fields where possible
• If applicant has already completed FAFSA
• GSFAPPS will pre-fill relevant data fields
• If applying for only a HOPE Scholarship, GSFAPPS
  will inform Applicant no further application is
  necessary unless directed otherwise by your
  Financial Aid Office

8
GSFAPPS Benefits

• Simplify and standardize
• Application Forms
• Submittal dates
• Centralize many eligibility checks at GSFC
• GSFC to create eligibility certification process
• Schools only certify relative to
• Enrollment, course load, curriculum, GPA, hours
  attempted, residency, etc.

9
GSFAPPS Benefits (cont.)

• How will GSFAPPS make the process better for
  Students?
• Simplify and standardize the application
• Offers applicant choice of electronic or paper
  process
• Pre-fills available data
• Provides HELP menu and instant edits
• Confirmation of receipt

10
GSFAPPS Benefits (cont.)

• How will GSFAPPS enhance processing for the
  Schools?
• Centralize many eligibility checks at GSFC
• Provide schools with application/eligibility data
  in a more efficient manner
• Reduce the extent of Compliance Reviews/ Audits

11
GSFAPPS Benefits (cont.)

• How will GSFAPPS support compliance with State
  regulations?
• Conducts eligibility checks on all applications
• Provides electronic audit trail

12
GSFAPPS Implementation

• Conducting Working Group Sessions
• Deborah Barbone No. Georgia Col State
  University
• Janis Bowles Columbus State University
• Jean Dobson Emory University
• Jenelle Handcox Abraham-Baldwin Agricultural
  College
• Lenora Jackson Spelman College
• Susan Little University of Georgia
• Rich Loftus University System of Georgia
• Andy Parsons Dept of Technical Adult
  Education
• Pennie Strong Central Georgia Technical College
• Vincent Walters Gwinnett Technical College
• Robin Winston DeVry University
• Careful design testing

13
GSFAPPS Implementation (cont)

• Will be conducting state-wide implementation
  workshops
• Implement for new (first-time) applicants
• Current recipients grand-fathered
• Current application processes are still available

14
GSFAPPS Implementation (cont)

• Communication Training
• April USG Conference
• May Demo to GSFC Staff Working
  Group
• June GASFAA Conference
• June Oct On Going Activities
• - GSFC Newsletter
• - GACollege411 Activities
• - GSFC Web Site
• July Student Focus Groups

15
GSFAPPS Implementation (cont)

• Communication Training (cont)
• August System Training for GSFC Staff
• FAO, DTAE and Peer Group Conference
• Sept Half-day Workshops (proposed)
• (Savannah, Macon, Albany, Dalton, Atlanta)
• GSFC Mailing to Schools (H.S.s Colleges)
• PROBE Counselor Workshops
• PROBE Student Fairs
• October Implementation Press-release

16
GSFAPPS Implementation (cont)

• Communication Training (cont)
• GSFAPPS web page at GSFC.org
• On-going FAQs on GSFC Web Site
• E-mailed questions added to FAQs
• Presentation on Web Site

17
Using GSFAPPS

• Applicant
• Access GSFAPPS as a registered user of
  www.GACollege411.org

18
Log In

19
To Use GSFAPPS (cont.)

• Applicant
• www.GACollege411.com provides the link to GSFAPPS
• Follow on-line instructions

20
Program Description

21
To Use GSFAPPS (cont.)

• Applicant
• Placing the cursor on a specific Program displays
  a description of that Program
• As an example, selecting the HOPE Scholarship
  Program would display a screen similar to the
  next slide

22
Program Description
23
To Use GSFAPPS (cont.)

• Applicant
• After viewing the Program description, if the
  Program is selected (clicked) for application,
  GSFAPPS will present the Program requirements
• Using the HOPE Teacher SC Loan as an example, the
  Program requirements will look similar to the
  screen on the next slide

24
Program Requirements

25
To Use GSFAPPS (cont.)

• Applicant
• Complete remainder of Application by following
  on-line instructions
• Must complete every field to proceed to next
  screen

26
Application Entry

27
Application Entry

28
To Use GSFAPPS (cont.)

• Applicant
• Once all questions have been answered, the
  completed Application is presented
• Applicant has three options
• - Edit
• - Print
• - Submit

29
To Use GSFAPPS (cont.)

30
To Use GSFAPPS (cont.)

• Applicant
• Upon submission, GSFAPPS will inform Applicant
  about receiving confirmation e-mail
• If Program requires supplemental document,
  Applicant will be instructed what to submit

31
To Use GSFAPPS (cont.)

32
To Use GSFAPPS

• Colleges Universities
• Exchange data files via SURFER or update student
  data on-line
• Continue to certify required data
• Certification reporting for HOPE funds via
  submission of an invoice

33
Summary

• Replaces multiple applications
• Implement for new (first-time) applicants
• Centralize many eligibility checks at GSFC
• Primary Means of applying for financial aid
• If FAFSA completed, no need to apply for HOPE
  thru GSFAPPS (public college students)
• Not the sole System for making application

34
Closing

• Questions?
• Thank you for your attention
• Feedback GSFAPPS_at_gsfc.org
• GSFC Contact Bob Lahl
• [phone]
• bobl_at_gsfc.org