Embedded Files
Understanding the Student Packaging Process
This page is designed to assist clients in understanding the Student Packaging Process, emphasizing the crucial role college officials play in ensuring its success.
Student Portal Access Methods
Student Portal Access Methods
Students can access the SAINT Student portal through one of two methods:
1. Self-Registration (Majority of Clients)
Students create an account via SAINT Student by clicking the Sign Up button on the Welcome screen.
The Self-Registration screen prompts students to create a username and password to access the portal.
Clients using Self-Registration: Follow Step 1 (See Table of Contents) on this page.
2. Redirect Registration
Students log in through the client’s website instead of SAINT Student.
Once authenticated, a link redirects the student to SAINT Student at their latest milestone.
No additional login is required, and password management is handled through the client’s website.
Clients using Redirect Registration:
Send the student an Engagement Email with a link to your College’s Student Website.
Skip to Step 4 in the process (See Table of Contents).
Student Registration & Packaging Process Overview
Student Registration & Packaging Process Overview
Engagement Email – The college official sends an email with a link to start the registration process.
Student Login & Portal Access – The student logs into SAINT Student using their newly created credentials.
Completion of Key Milestones:
Submit FAFSA.
Review Estimated Financial Aid Notification.
Complete required documents (Verification, C-Flag resolution, etc.).
Electronic File Submission – Once all requirements are met, the student submits their file for compliance review.
This page serves as a step-by-step guide to support you in navigating each phase of the Student Packaging Process effectively.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Accessing the SAINT Student & SAINT Admin Submission Guide
Accessing the SAINT Student & SAINT Admin Submission Guide
This section of the GFAS Resource Center provides officials with a comprehensive overview of the SAINT Student Portal. While we outline key procedures that officials should be utilizing to track a student's progress in the SAINT Student Submission process, it is not possible to cover every detail within this page.
For a more in-depth understanding, officials are encouraged to download the SAINT Student & SAINT Student Admin Submission Guide, which contains detailed instructions on system functionality. The latest version of this guide is available on the Global Report Server.
How to Access the SAINT Student & SAINT Admin Submissions Guide:
Click the Report Server button (left).
Log in using your SAINT Director credentials.
Once logged in, select the User Documentation button.
Click on Submission Guide.
Select Chapter 3 – SAINT Student & SAINT Student Admin (PDF).
Download a copy for quick reference.
Click the button to be directed to the Report Server Login page and follow the steps above to access your guide today.
Lifecycle of a SAINT Student File
Lifecycle of a SAINT Student File
Lifecycle of SAINT Student File.pdfFor Integrated Clients:
Global will send electronic batch files to the institution for import into the Student Information System (SIS). These files will be used automatically post schedule aid records to the student’s ledger cards once the student has become eligible for disbursements.
The process begins when the institution sends the student an engagement email prompting them to register online through the Student Portal. Upon registration, the student will sign in and, if not already completed, submit their FAFSA.
Next, the student must fulfill any outstanding requirements. Once all requirements are met, they will submit their financial aid package for the Compliance Review Process.
Global will review and process the student's package in a timely manner to ensure compliance with all regulations. Upon completion of the review, the SAINT Director system will generate an email notification to inform the student of their package status.
The institution is responsible for monitoring the student's progress throughout the packaging process and must update their Student Information System (SIS) accordingly, either electronically or manually.
SAINT Student Process Overview
SAINT Student Process Overview
SAINT Student Process Overview 25.0.pdfTest Your Knowledge
Take a moment to assess your understanding of this training module by clicking the button below. The assessment will take approximately 5-10 minutes and requires you to select the correct answers.
This is a great opportunity to reinforce key concepts and ensure you are prepared to apply your knowledge effectively. Good luck!
To access the the SAINT Admin Training Module, click the "SAINT Admin Portal Overview" Link.
Introduction to the SAINT Student Portal
Why This Training Module Matters
College officials play a pivotal role in ensuring students successfully navigate the financial aid process. This training provides the essential knowledge needed to guide students effectively, improving compliance and accelerating aid disbursement.
Key Learning Objectives:
✔️ Master the Student Submission Process—learn how to assist students from registration to compliance review.
✔️ Enhance Student Engagement—discover best practices for sending Engagement Emails and facilitating account setup.
✔️ Ensure Compliance & Accuracy—gain insights into fund-specific and ISIR-specific document requirements.
✔️ Improve Student Success—help students confidently submit their Estimated Financial Aid Notification for review.
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Financial Aid Process
Although college officials do not have direct access to the SAINT Student Portal, understanding its workflow ensures seamless student support, reducing errors and expediting financial aid approval.
Invest in efficiency, compliance, and student success—begin the SAINT Student Portal Training Module today!
STEP 1: College Sends Student Engagement Email
STEP 1: College Sends Student Engagement Email
Standardized Engagement Email Requirements
While the exact wording may vary by institution, each Engagement Email must include the following essential details:
✔️ Link to the Student Portal – Direct access for students to begin the registration process.
✔️ Student’s Program of Study – Includes the Program Code as profiled in SAINT Director.
✔️ Student’s Start Date – Ensures accuracy in processing financial aid based on enrollment timelines.
Including these key elements in every Engagement Email ensures a seamless student onboarding experience and supports a successful financial aid submission process.
Who should the college officials send Engagement Emails to?
Who should the college officials send Engagement Emails to?
Sending Engagement Emails: Clients Less Than 1 Year
To ensure proper financial aid processing, institutions must send Engagement Emails to the appropriate student categories. Below are the key student groups and the corresponding email requirements.
✅ Students Who Require an Engagement Email:
New Students
Students new to your institution who are requesting Title IV funds (PELL, FSEOG, Loans, etc.).
Repack Students
Students requiring packaging for a 2nd or subsequent Academic Year of Title IV funds.
The Financial Aid Office must send an Engagement Email directing them to the Student Portal.
New Award Year Pell (NAYP) / Crossover Students
Students initially packaged under a prior award year before the institution partnered with Global.
These students still require PELL/FSEOG funding for subsequent payment periods under a new award year.
🚫 Students Who Should NOT Be Sent to the Student Portal:
Previously Packaged Students
These students have already been verified for Title IV eligibility and have had their funds originated on the COD website for the current academic year.
If they still have pending disbursements, refer to the Mid-Year Draws Process instead of sending them to the portal.
Students Not Receiving Title IV Funds
Students not eligible or not requesting Title IV financial aid should not be directed to the site.
Important Note:
Important Note:
Once a student becomes eligible for repackaging or subsequent academic year packaging, the Financial Aid Office MUST provide the student with an Engagement Email to access the Student Portal and continue the process.
Sending Engagement Emails: Clients Longer Than 1 Year
For institutions that have partnered with Global for over a year, the process for sending Engagement Emails is streamlined based on student eligibility and prior packaging history.
✅ Students Who Require an Engagement Email:
New Students
Students new to your institution who are requesting Title IV funds (PELL, FSEOG, Loans, etc.).
These students must receive an Engagement Email with a link to the Student Portal to begin the financial aid process.
🚫 Students Who Should NOT Be Sent to the Student Portal:
Students Not Receiving Title IV Funds
If a student is not eligible or not requesting Title IV financial aid, they should not be directed to the site.
Previously Packaged Students
Students who have already been packaged through the Student Portal in a prior academic year should already have accounts.
The system will automatically send a return notification to these students when they become eligible for subsequent academic year packaging—no manual Engagement Email is required from the institution.
By following these guidelines, institutions can ensure efficient communication with students while eliminating redundant portal registrations for previously packaged students.
Step 2: Registration of Student Account
Step 2: Registration of Student Account
Students will click the link within the Engagement Email to be taken to the Student Portal.
Once on the Student Portal, the student will click the 'Signup' Button to begin registration process.
Student(s) will be required to provide certain Demographic, create a username and password, and input the Program of Study and Start Date information from the Engagement Email.
Once all required fields have been completed, the student/parent will click the 'Signup' button at the bottom of the page to complete the Registration Process.
Students will be taken back to Main Login Page of site.
Click on the "Student Registration Process" button (below) to see this process.
Forgot Username or Forgot Password Process
Forgot Username or Forgot Password Process
Username and Password Recovery Process
Username and Password Recovery Process
If a student forgets their username or password, they can easily retrieve their credentials through the Student Portal. Follow the steps below for assistance:
Forgot Password Process:
Forgot Password Process:
Enter Email Address
Enter the email address associated with the student account.Complete CAPTCHA
Check the "I am not a robot" box to verify you are a human.Submit the Request
Click the "Submit" button to send your password recovery request.
Forgot Username Process:
Forgot Username Process:
The same steps can be followed to request a forgotten username. Click the "Forgot Username" button, then follow the process:
Enter Email Address
Complete CAPTCHA
Submit the Request
Additional Notes:
If both your username and password are forgotten, a separate request must be made for each. You will either receive an email with your username or instructions to reset your password based on your request.
Visual Illustration:
For a visual of the Forgot Password process, click the Forgot Password GIF (Right--->).
Forgot Username or Forgot Password Process
Important
If the Student clicks the Forgot Username/Forgot Password buttons, only click the button once. When the Student receives the email, only click any link within the email once.
Step 3: Access Student Portal (Username & Password)
Step 3: Access Student Portal (Username & Password)
Accessing the SAINT Student Portal: Step-by-Step Guide
To log into their account, students must use the Username & Password they created on the SAINT Student Portal.
For added security, students are required to complete a Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) process upon login. They can request the authentication code via email or text message (if a mobile phone number has been provided).
Once the Two-Factor Code is received, students can either type or copy/paste the code into the designated Two-Factor Code box.
Students have the option to select Trust this device box if they are the only person accessing the site on that device. By enabling this feature:
✅ 2FA will be waived for the next 30 days on the trusted device.
✅ Faster, more seamless login experience without repeated authentication.
Important Note: If another student or parent logs into their own account on the same device, the Trust this device setting will be voided, and 2FA will be required again upon the next login.
After entering the Two-Factor Code, students must click the "Submit" button to complete the login process and securely access their account.
Visual Illustration:
For a visual walkthrough of this process, click the Accessing Student Portal button (Right --->).
Step 4: Completing Milestones on Student Portal
Step 4: Completing Milestones on Student Portal
Navigating Milestones for Compliance Review Submission
Each student must complete the required milestones within their SAINT Student Portal to successfully submit their electronic file for compliance review. The key milestones include:
✅ Apply for Financial Aid – Ensure the financial aid application has been submitted.
✅ ISIR Status – Verify that the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) has been received and processed.
✅ Complete Required Documents – Upload and submit all necessary documentation.
✅ Package Status – Once all previous steps are completed, the electronic file will be submitted for compliance review.
By following these steps, students can efficiently navigate their portal and ensure a smooth financial aid process.
Understanding Milestones & Navigation on the SAINT Student Portal
Students can track their progress through the SAINT Student Portal using the milestone indicators:
✅ Check Mark – A check mark next to a milestone or document signifies that the step has been successfully completed.
📍 Destination Point Icon – This icon highlights the latest milestone the student has reached in the financial aid process.
🎥 Video Help for Guidance – The Video Help button provides students and parents with valuable guidance on the required documentation for Verification and C-Flag requirements.
Click the Video Help button below to view an example of this process.
In the first milestone, "Apply for Financial Aid," students will be guided through the necessary steps to provide required documents and receive a tentative budget along with potential financial aid awards.
Step-by-Step Process:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Review & Adjust Awards – Students can adjust their potential awards and submit any required documents.
Submit Electronic File – Once all required documents are completed, students must submit their electronic file for review.
Compliance Review & Additional Documentation – Before any financial aid funds are awarded, students will receive a review summary and may be required to submit additional documentation if requested.
Milestone 1: Apply for Financial Aid
Milestone 1: Apply for Financial Aid
Student Account with LINKED ISIR
🔹 No FAFSA? No Problem!
If a student has not yet completed a FAFSA or if their ISIR (Institutional Student Information Record) has not been received, they can still progress to the next milestone by providing a few details (see screenshot below) to receive a tentative award estimate.
Student Account with
No ISIR Recieved or Linked
For students who do not have a linked ISIR for the requisite award year, they will be presented with several fields that will be used to estimate their eligibility. The student will click the drop-down arrow and select either ‘Independent’ or ‘Dependent’. The student will then enter their Estimated SAI from the FAFSA Confirmation Page and select the applicable option for each of the remaining fields.
The student can click on More Information below the (Dependency) Model and Primary SAI fields to get additional information on how to answer those questions.
Click the "More Information & Where Do I Find My SAI Example" button (<--- Left) to see an example of this process.
Milestone 2: ISIR Status
Milestone 2: ISIR Status
If ISIR Received = No
If the student’s ISIR has not been received and linked to their account, see below for possible explanations:
Ensure the student has completed the FAFSA for the applicable award year.
Ensure the student added the Federal School Code to the FAFSA for the applicable award year.
Verify the ISIR has a valid SAI by reviewing all ISIRs received in SAINT Director.
Check for data discrepancies—confirm that the student’s last name and Social Security Number (SSN) on the ISIR match the demographic information in SAINT Director.
If ISIR Received = Yes
✅ The student’s ISIR has been successfully received and linked to their account.
✅ The student can proceed by scrolling down the page to review their Estimated Financial Aid Package.
Purpose of the ISIR Status Screen:
Once on the ‘ISIR Status’ milestone, students should:
✅ Confirm if the ISIR has been received and linked to their student account. If the ISIR has not been received, follow the provided instructions to ensure successful processing.
✅ Review the Estimated Financial Aid Notification, which outlines potential awards based on the student's FAFSA submission. This estimate helps students understand their tentative financial aid package before final eligibility is determined.
If any discrepancies or missing information are identified, students may need to take further action to ensure their financial aid is processed accurately and on time.
Understanding the Estimated Financial Plan
The Estimated Financial Plan provides a detailed breakdown of each term/payment period the student will be attending.
The Year in School question impacts the maximum loan amount a student may be eligible to request (e.g., selecting "2nd Year, Sophomore" corresponds to Grade Level 2 loan limits). If the student makes adjustments to their Grade Level, then the student will be required to click the Recalculate button.
Similarly, the "Housing Status" selection affects the total estimated cost displayed per term or payment period.
📌 Term/Payment Period Details
Each term/payment period is listed along with the number of classes (Hours) the student will be enrolled in for Standard or Non-Standard Programs.
Credit Non-Term and Clock Hour Programs will NOT display Hours.
📌 Total Costs Per Term/Payment Period
The Total Costs associated with each term/payment period are clearly outlined.
📌 Possible Funding Sources
Below the Total Costs, the student's potential financial aid is listed per term, which may include:
✅ Pell Grants
✅ Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
✅ Cash Payments
✅ Scholarships
✅ Other funding sources (if applicable)The Total Funding for each term is calculated by summing these funds.
📌 Credit or Remaining Balance
The Remaining Balance is determined by subtracting the Total Funding from the Total Costs:
🔹 If the amount is positive, the student has a remaining balance to cover, represented by an asterisk.
🔹 If the amount is negative, the student has a credit balance (excess funds), represented by a double asterisk.
This breakdown helps students understand their financial responsibility and anticipate any remaining costs or refunds.
Requesting Loans
The loan amounts displayed on this page reflect the maximum loan amount the student is eligible to receive, based on factors such as their grade level, Cost of Attendance (COA), and other relevant criteria.
Max Loan Option: To accept the full available loan amount, the student should leave the default amount unchanged.
Adjusting Loan Amount: If the student desires a lesser loan amount or no loan at all, they must manually adjust the amount in the “Loan” field and click Recalculate.
Recalculation Process: Upon recalculating, the Estimated Financial Plan will refresh, updating the loan amounts and adjusting the Total Funding, Credit, or Remaining Balance fields accordingly.
At the bottom of the screen, the student has the option to:
Print the College Financing Plan (formerly referred to as the Financial Aid Shopping Sheet), or
Print the Estimated Financial Plan as displayed.
Alternatively, the student can proceed to the next step by clicking Next, which will guide them to the Complete Required Documents milestone.
Important Note: The Next button will remain disabled until the student’s ISIR (Institutional Student Information Record) has been received. If the ISIR is not yet available, the student will need to click Finish Later and return to the site once the ISIR has been processed.
For a reference, the student can click on the College Financing Plan Example button below to view a sample of this document.
Milestone 3: Completed Required Documents
Milestone 3: Completed Required Documents
How To: Upload Document on Student Portal
How To: Upload Document on Student Portal
Instructions for Uploading Documents:
Please follow the steps outlined below to successfully upload your required documents:
Access the Completed Required Document Page: Navigate to the Completed Required Documents page.
Select the Required Document: Scroll down and click on the specific required document.
Navigate to the Browse Option: Continue to the page where you will find the Browse button.
Click the "Browse" Button: Click on the Browse button to initiate the file selection process.
Select the File: When the file selection box appears, choose the file you wish to upload.
Open the File: After selecting the file, click the Open button to confirm your choice.
Upload the Document: Click the Upload button to attach the file.
Verify Upload: Ensure that the document appears under the My Documents section.
Complete the Upload Process: Once all required documents have been uploaded, click the Next button to proceed.
Confirm Completion: Verify that a checkmark has appeared next to the corresponding requirement, indicating successful submission.
Completion of Required Documents
In this milestone, the student will need to complete all required documents that have been triggered by their requested funding and the receipt of their ISIR (Institutional Student Information Record). The required documents will be listed on this screen and may include:
Fund-Specific Documents: For example, the Entrance Interview.
Verification Items: Based on the student’s verification group.
C-Flags: Any relevant flags that require attention.
For each document, the student will need to click the link under the Document Name column and follow the instructions provided on the corresponding page.
Document Ownership: The Owner column will indicate whether the student (S) or the parent (P) is responsible for completing the document.
Document Responsibility Key:
S - Student
P - Parent
Important Note:
The Submit button will remain disabled until all required documents are completed, as indicated by a checkmark appearing under the Status column for each document.
Visual Illustration:
To help college officials understand the process of uploading documentation, click the Upload Documents button (located on the left). Detailed instructions will also be provided.
Students with No Required Documents
If a student does not have any fund-specific required documents, their ISIR was not selected for verification, and there are no C-Flags, they will be eligible to immediately submit their package for review.
Step 5: Submit Electronic File for Compliance Review
Step 5: Submit Electronic File for Compliance Review
Once the user has completed all required documents and provided any requested supporting documentation, the Submit button will become enabled. Clicking this button will allow the user to proceed to the final milestone, ‘Package Status’.
At this stage, the user will have the opportunity to review the entire file, ensuring all documentation is correct and complete before submission for final review. The submission of the package marks the completion of the process, allowing it to move forward in the system for further processing.
Milestone 4: Packing Status
Milestone 4: Packing Status
Post-Submission Process
After the student has successfully submitted their file, they will be directed to the next milestone screen. This screen will inform the student that their file is in the review queue and that they will be notified if any additional or corrected information is required.
To log out of the system, the student should click Next. They will then be returned to the SAINT Student Login screen or the client’s designated site, depending on the setup configuration.
After Compliance Review Process: Additional Action Needed
After Compliance Review Process: Additional Action Needed
Handling File Rejection and Resubmission
Following the Compliance Review Process, if additional action is required, the student will be notified to return to the SAINT Student site. On the site, they can view the conflict and/or missing document and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. The student will then need to resubmit the file for a second review.
By clicking the “Your file has been rejected…” link, a window will open displaying the rejection details and instructions for resolution.
After reviewing the rejection comments, the student can close the comment window and click the “Return to Complete Required Documents” link to return to the previous milestone. They should then follow the necessary steps to resolve the issue before resubmitting their file. The rejected document will appear as incomplete (without a checkmark), signaling that action is required.
After Compliance Review Process: Confirmed Package
After Compliance Review Process: Confirmed Package
Confirmed File and Award Letter
Once the student's file is confirmed, they may return to the site to view and print their confirmed award letter.
The student has the option to print the confirmed award letter. Since no further actions are required, the student should click Finish to log out of the system.
Step 6: Parent Engagement Email
Step 6: Parent Engagement Email
Providing Parental Information
Providing Parental Information
Dependent students will also be required to provide parent information so that their parent may access the SAINT Student portal and provide any required information and supporting documentation. The student will enter the parent’s First Name, Last Name, and Email Address at the bottom of the Required Documents page. Once the student provides all of the required information and clicks Save Parent Info, an email will be sent to the parent email address entered within this page.
Note: The parent’s email CANNOT be the same email address as the student’s.
Parent Engagement Email (System Sends)
Parent Engagement Email (System Sends)
Parent Engagement Email (System Sends)
The email will contain a link to the Student Portal and the Parent PIN code required for login under the Parent Login section of the SAINT Student site.
Note:
If the parent does not have the 4-digit PIN, they can click the Forgot PIN link to initiate the recovery process.
Starting Parent Registration Process
Starting Parent Registration Process
By Clicking the Sign Up Button:
The parent will click the link in the email to access the Student Portal, then click the Sign Up button and enter the PIN code to begin the Parent Registration Process.
Important:
Ensure the parent creates a Parent Account, not a Student Account.
Account Creation:
In the Account Migration screen (shown on the left), the parent will:
Enter their preferred username and email address (the same email address where they received the initial login information).
Enter the 4-digit PIN received in the email.
Create a strong password and provide their phone number.
The parent also has the option to enroll in SMS/Text Notifications by checking the corresponding checkbox.
The parent can click the Hide icon to toggle visibility of the entered password.
After entering all required information, the parent will click Update Account to proceed back to the Parent Login page.
When the Forgot Pin option is chosen, the parent will be prompted to provide their email address along with the student’s SSN and student's DOB. A new PIN will be sent via email.
Important
If the Parent clicks the Forgot Pin or Forgot Username/Forgot Password buttons, only click the button once. When the Parent receives an email, only click any link within the email once.
Accessing Parent Portal (Username & Password)
Accessing Parent Portal (Username & Password)
The parent will enter their username and password, then click Login, which will direct them to the Two-Factor Authentication screen.
On this screen, the parent will select their preferred Two-Factor Authentication method—either Email or SMS/Text message—and click Submit.
The parent will then enter the authentication code received and click Submit to proceed.
The parent will select the student account they wish to access. If the parent has multiple children at the same institution, they will be able to select any of the children who have provided their information in the Parent Account Required section on the SAINT Student Portal.
The parent will click Verify & Login next to the selected student to proceed to the Verify Student Information page.
On this page, the parent will enter the following information:
The student’s SSN (without dashes),
The student’s date of birth (in the format mm/dd/yyyy),
The 4-digit PIN code received in the initial login email for that student.
The parent will then click Verify Student Information to continue.
Select an Account (Single vs Multiple Students)
Select an Account (Single vs Multiple Students)
Parent Demographic Information
Parent Demographic Information
The Parent Account screen is a single page where the parent will provide their demographic information and complete their portion of any required documents for the student’s package.
The parent providing this information should be the one applying for a Parent PLUS Loan, if necessary, to cover the student’s educational costs.
Once the parent has completed the General Information section, they will click Save Changes to proceed.
After completing the General Information fields, the parent will review their required documents. These documents are triggered by the receipt of the student’s ISIR when the student’s ISIR has been selected for verification by the Central Processing System (CPS). Similar to the student account, the parent will click the link under the Document Name column to access each incomplete required document, indicated by a series of dots in the Status column.
Once all documents and general information have been completed, the parent will click Logout to exit the SAINT Student Portal.
Family Size - Parent Document
The Family Size - Parent document must be completed by the parent, but it also requires attestation by the student. After the parent provides their family size information, the document will remain incomplete until the student attests to it. If all other documents have been completed and the parent has entered the family size information, they should use the Logout button to exit the SAINT Student Portal. The document can then be accessed by the student in their Documents list.
Parent Required Documents
Parent Required Documents
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