Financial Assistance Newsletter
Welcome! We are excited you have chosen to pursue your degree at the University of Illinois at Springfield and look forward to assisting you toward the completion of your goals. Best wishes for a successful semester.
Financial Assistance Updates and Changes
CareerConnect - New Student Employment Application Process
Students who desire to work and/or utilize their work study benefits will need to apply for employment through CareerConnect. Current UIS students have already been registered. New students will need to generate a password at the log-in site. In order to apply for employment through CareerConnect you will need to set-up a personal profile and submit a resume (subjected to a 24 hour approval period). For more information on Student Employment and CareerConnect visit our "Student Employment" section.
E-Awards
As most students may have already noticed, the Office of Financial Assistance has switched from paper award letters to E-Awards. New and returning students will receive their 2010-2011 financial assistance award offer electronically. To access your 2010-2011 E-Award click "Check Your Financial Aid Status" link. New students must establish a Net ID and password.
Federal Direct Loans
Beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year all students and parents who wish to borrow subsidized, unsubsidized, and PLUS loans will need to do so through the Federal Direct Loan Programs. Students will no longer need to select a lender and provide lender codes, however all students will need to complete a new
Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) , available upon accepting your award offer. You will only have the complete the MPN once while in attendance at UIS.
Parents who wish to borrow a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan will need to complete
the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Request Form and return it to our office by the published OFA deadline dates.
How to Apply for Federal and State Financial Aid for the 2010-2011 Academic Year
If you have not applied for and are considering seeking financial assistance for the 2010-2011 academic year, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) as soon as possible. The Office of Financial Assistance recommends that students apply as early as possible to avoid missing out on any grant opportunities. Click here for more information on what you need to know in order to complete your 2010-2011 FAFSA. [PDF]
Keep Your Address and E-mail Address Current
It is important for you to keep all of your contact information updated, especially your 
e-mail and mailing address. There has been increase in e-mail correspondence as it is quicker and cost effective. Most importantly, you do not want to miss your E-Award announcement because it is sent to your e-mail account. To update your personal information you may log into Student Self Service and select the Personal Information link.