The new FSA Partner Connect features that were planned for September 2023 have been postponed until December 2023. The announcement released last Friday (GENERAL-23-86) covers the upcoming enhancements and changes.
Of importance to note is that to implement the new E-App in FSA Partner Connect in December 2023, FSA must cease use of the existing E-App in the eligcert.ed.gov online system on Nov. 24, 2023. Starting Nov. 25, 2023, users will no longer be able to sign in to the eligcert.ed.gov online system. Accordingly, users should review the following information to ensure all necessary actions are completed by Nov. 24, 2023.
In addition, no later than Nov. 24, 2023, we strongly encourage schools to download or print the following items to save for their records and to have available to re-enter data in the new online system, if needed:
- Current ECAR
- Any acknowledgement and approval notices and letters that the school does not have saved
- The school’s Application data (for cases in which a school recently applied, but that application has not been processed)
The processing of E-Apps during the transition period will be impacted as follows:
- If a school is part of the December 31 Recertification Cohort (i.e., schools that have Program Participation Agreements expiring on March 31, 2024), we strongly encourage the school to submit its E-App via eligcert.ed.gov no later than Nov. 24, 2023, as communicated in email notices sent by FSA. If a school did not receive this email notice, it is not part of the December 31 Recertification Cohort.
- An E-App submitted by a school via eligcert.ed.gov by Nov. 24, 2023, will be reviewed and processed by FSA via FSA Partner Connect after implementation.
- An E-App started but not submitted by a school via eligcert.ed.gov by Nov. 24, 2023, will not be saved or carried over to the new system and will need to be re-started by the school and submitted via FSA Partner Connect after implementation.
- If a school encounters a major event impacting its eligibility, such as a change in accrediting agency or an addition of an additional location after Nov. 24, 2023, the school will need to notify its School Participation Division via email of the event. The school must submit the E-App for this reported event via FSA Partner Connect after implementation.
- If a school anticipates it will close after Nov. 24, 2023, and before the new system is available, the school must contact its School Participation Division for further guidance.
New FSA Partner Connect Features
Below is a summary of the new FSA Partner Connect features that are planed to be implement. FSA will provide additional information about these features in forthcoming Electronic Announcements.
- E-App – A new version of the E-App will be available in FSA Partner Connect for partners to submit new applications for school eligibility, recertifications of school eligibility, and other program participation changes. Partner Connect also will provide access to an automated pre-eligibility application for new applicants and schools seeking reinstatement. Schools that meet the pre-eligibility application criteria will be able to submit an E-App through a temporary Application Administrator identified in the application. The Application Administrator will be able to complete, edit, and submit the application, identify additional temporary users who can complete and edit the application, and track the application process on Partner Connect. The updated E-App will improve the supporting documentation and signature processes. Supporting documentation, such as the Accrediting Letter and State License/Legal Authorization Letter, will be uploaded within the applicable E-App section and eliminate the need to mail or use a separate system to provide supporting documentation. The updated E-App will utilize DocuSign’s digital signature process to collect the required signatures via email notification and eliminate the need to print and mail the signature page. If an authorized signature authority is unavailable, a delegated signature authority will be able to sign the E-App.
- Eligibility & Oversight Administrator Role – The Eligibility & Oversight Administrator will facilitate account management and grant access to those who will edit and update the E-App and view specific eligibility and oversight-related cases. There also will be an option to designate an alternate. FSA will assign this role to the financial aid administrator at each school initially; that individual will then be able to reassign the role to someone else after implementation.
- Third-Party Servicer Relationships – A school’s Eligibility & Oversight Administrator will be able to grant the school’s third-party servicers access to certain systems.
- Third-Party Servicer Inquiry Form – This form—used to validate the information reported to FSA by higher education institutions about the third-party servicers who administer one or more aspects of the Title IV, HEA programs on an institution’s behalf—will be available on FSA Partner Connect. All third-party servicers will be required to electronically submit the form after implementation and keep it up to date going forward.
- Reports – Partners will have access to reports associated with Title IV participation. Users will be able to view and download reports such as:
- Weekly Institutional Update Reports
- Weekly School File
- Monthly Closed School Reports
- Weekly Closed School Search File
Additional Guidance
The announcement provides additional information and guidance was provided for:
- Changes in Ownership
- Prison Education Programs
Stay tuned for additional announcements and training opportunities that will become available in the coming weeks.