--- title: Financial Aid Essentials for Educators and Advisors description: During the October 13 Professional Learning Series session, the Texas OnCourse team shared an overview of the latest enhancements to the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) and demonstrated how to create an online TASFA account. Jasmine Tejeda, Manager of Training and Technical Assistance at uAspire, joined the session to share strategies for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). image: https://blog.texasoncourse.org/hubfs/Updated%20Email%20Banners-3%20(1).png --- ![magnifying glass](https://blog.texasoncourse.org/hubfs/Texas_OnCourse_February2019/Images/search-icon.svg) Search [![Texas OnCourse](https://blog.texasoncourse.org/hubfs/Texas_OnCourse_February2019/Images/Texas%20OnCourse.png)](https://texasoncourse.org) - About - [About Us](https://texasoncourse.org/about/) - [Our Response to COVID-19](https://texasoncourse.org/about/the-texas-oncourse-response-to-covid-19-and-college-and-career-readiness/) - [Our Team](https://texasoncourse.org/about/our-team/) - [Our Story](https://texasoncourse.org/about/our-story/) - [Advisory Committee & Partners](https://texasoncourse.org/about/advisory-committees-and-partners/) - [Texas House Bill 18](https://texasoncourse.org/about/texas-house-bill-18/) - 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Goal - [Jobs and Careers](https://texasoncourse.org/students-and-families/goal-jobs-and-careers/) - [College Planning](https://texasoncourse.org/students-and-families/goal-college-planning/) - [Applying to College](https://texasoncourse.org/students-and-families/goal-applying-to-college/) - [Endorsements](https://texasoncourse.org/students-and-families/goal-endorsements/) - [Finances](https://texasoncourse.org/students-and-families/goal-finances/) - [Graduation Requirements](https://texasoncourse.org/students-and-families/goal-graduation-requirements/) # Financial Aid Essentials for Educators and Advisors Posted by [Jared Garza - Network Marketing Coordinator](https://blog.texasoncourse.org/educator/author/jared-garza-network-marketing-coordinator) on Oct 21, 2026, 10:38:07 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### *Digital Learning Opportunities for Educators* During the October 13 Professional Learning Series session, the Texas OnCourse team shared an overview of the latest enhancements to the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) and demonstrated how to create an online TASFA account. Jasmine Tejeda, Manager of Training and Technical Assistance at uAspire, joined the session to share strategies for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Nathan Schwausch, Operations Coordinator for ADVi, also provided an overview of the ADVi chatbot and how it delivers important college access information to Texas students through text messages. **TASFA Updates** Jasmine Paiz, Implementation Coordinator with Texas OnCourse, provided an overview of the 2027–2028 TASFA. While the upcoming application has no major changes, educators learned about key features of the Online TASFA, including that it does not automatically transfer information from the previous application year, calculate the Student Aid Index (SAI), or allow students to make edits after submission. Students must create an account to complete the Online TASFA, while parents of dependent students receive a secure, view-only copy for review. Paiz also highlighted the importance of helping students understand where to find support. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board can assist with technical issues and general state financial aid eligibility questions, while students should contact their institution for account-specific eligibility questions, documentation requirements, and next steps after submitting the TASFA. FAFSA Updates Tejeda shared updates about the 2027–2028 FAFSA and strategies for helping students navigate common application questions. This year’s FAFSA remains consistent with last year’s application; improvements include real-time identity verification, instant processing, and a Family Fast Pass feature for families with multiple students attending college. Students can also access their FAFSA Submission Summary immediately to review their confirmed SAI and federal student aid eligibility. In addition, Tejeda explored several scenarios that educators may encounter when assisting students, including determining dependency status and identifying which parent must provide information on the FAFSA for completion. They also discussed dependency overrides, situations involving changes in family income, and tips that students who are not eligible for federal student aid can explore, including researching state aid policies and contacting colleges about institutional aid. For more resources on the 2027–2028 FAFSA, visit uAspire.org for free webinars and trainings along with student resources that include videos, checklists, and links to help them navigate the financial aid process. ADVi: Your Students' Financial Aid Sidekick Schwausch showcased ADVi, an AI-powered chatbot designed to reach Texas students with critical college access information via text message. Students can get quick answers to their questions about going to college with support for every step of the journey, including on applications, admissions, financial aid, and enrollment tasks. High school juniors can opt in through My Texas Future, and high school seniors and adult learners can opt in through either ApplyTexas or My Texas Future. ADVi also offers a scholarship resource that connects students to a database of more than 40,000 scholarship opportunities. Students can text #scholarshipbot to access the service and complete a questionnaire to receive personalized scholarship matches. Texas OnCourse Academy Learning Community The Texas OnCourse Academy Learning Community connects educators across Texas to collaborate, discuss, and utilize Texas OnCourse Academy resources to help students achieve postsecondary success. In the community, you can achieve the following: - Synchronous learning: Learn alongside colleagues using a brand-new Academy calendar that highlights helpful modules to use throughout the school year - Collaborative meetings: Attend regularly scheduled virtual Spotlight Sessions led by Texas OnCourse staff - Themed discussions: Participate in conversations centered on key themes and emerging trends in college and career advising - Peer coaching: Develop mentor-mentee relationships to share strategies, build skills, and support one another’s success through our mentoring program Learn more and sign up using the [Academy Learning Community Interest Form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/c8e93a93a0f74a00a7b97392b1ccaf3b). Questions? Contact Paiz at [Jasmine.Paiz@highered.texas.gov](mailto:Jasmine.Paiz@highered.texas.gov). Professional Learning Series  If you missed it, you can view a recording of the [Financial Aid Essentials for Educators and Advisors webinar](https://youtu.be/VtSr-L6zXZA?si=d0Jqox-_6_7NorD2). Our next session will explore strategies to foster a college and career readiness culture. Join us on November 10 to collaborate and highlight resources for integrating the Texas OnCourse Academy, ApplyTexas, My Texas Future, and ADVi into daily work with students. Make sure to [register today](https://highered-texas.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_41-qSaQCRbacN_CU5fok_Q#/registration)! 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