Financial Aid Blog Search

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Department of Homeland Security Education Programs

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Education Programs

http://www.orau.gov/dhseducationprograms

DHS Scholarship Program

Supporting students interested in pursuing the basic science and technology innovations that can be applied to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security mission.

* Undergraduate students

* U.S. citizenship required

* Funding available for fall 2011

* Full tuition and monthly stipends

* Includes 10-week summer internships at federal research facilities or university-based DHS Centers of Excellence

* Application Deadline: January 5, 2011

DHS HS-STEM Summer Internship Program

Providing a 10-week summer research experience for undergraduate students majoring in homeland security related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (HS-STEM).

* Undergraduate students

* U.S. citizenship required

* Funding available for Summer 2011

* 10-week summer research experiences at federal research facilities

* $500 weekly stipends plus transportation expenses to/from the internship location

* Application Deadline: January 5, 2011

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

FSEOG Grant

The FSEOG Grant for 2010-2011 has reached it's capacity, and unfortunately we cannot accept any more names to be added to the waiting list.

There will be additional funding beginning in 2011-2012, so please stay posted for information regarding these funds!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Fall 2010 Disbursements and Refunds

It is that time again!

The Fall semester is already in full swing and we are busy working on verification processing, loan processing, and generally trying to play catch up from the rush of Fall Registration.

I know that many of you will have questions about when your refund checks will be going out and what the amounts of these refunds will be. I will give you the best general knowledge that we have, but please bear in mind that every student is different, and your account may not be the same as another student.

The disbursement date was September 7th. This means that the financial aid funds were applied to student accounts yesterday. The process actually ran last night, and is continuing to run. It should be completed by this evening. **Only students who have a file complete date and have accepted awards on their award letter, will have funds transferred to their accounts.**

If your student loans have not been applied to your account, please verify that you have completed entrance loan counseling and a Master Promissory Note with Direct Loans. You can complete both of these at http://studentloans.gov

**If you have had loans in previous semesters and completed an MPN with a private lender, you will still need to complete a new MPN with Direct Loans.**

These funds have been applied to student account in the Business Office and they will now begin processing refunds. Once the funds reach a student's account, they have 10 business days to issue a refund. If you have Direct Deposit these funds will be sent directly to your bank when refund checks go out, if you do not have Direct Deposit, they will be mailed to your address on file.

I hope this answers your questions regarding the disbursement date and refunds, if not, please leave a comment and I will answer asap.

Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

If you have a Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) between 0-200, you may be eligible for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This grant is a federal need based grant, similar to the Pell Grant.

If you have received your 2010-2011 Award Letter and were not awarded FSEOG, please e-mail Tonya Davis to be added to the waiting list. Tonya can be reached at:

Tonya.Davis@Gvltec.edu

If you are eligible, this is an excellent grant opportunity that you should take advantage of!




Federal College Work - Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program:

Comprised of both federal and college funds, this program is designed to help students who would be unable to pursue or continue their studies unless they earned part of their expenses.

Students in this program work an average of 20-30 hours per week. While assignment of Federal Work-Study jobs related to the student’s field of study is desirable, this is not a requirement and often is not possible. Jobs vary and may include working in offices, laboratories and the library, or as peer counselors, teachers’ aides and reading tutors.

Being eligible for work-study does not guarantee a spot in the program.

GTC Work-Study Application

The Requirements for Work-Study:

Demonstrate need for gainful employment (under program's Federal guidelines).

Maintain a 2.0 GPA minimum.

Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as required by college policy

Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours in a valid program consisting of at least 16 credit hours.

GTC Work-Study Application

Work-Study Facts:

· The Work-Study year begins July 1st. Contracts run from July 1st to June 30th the next year.

· The Work-Study Coordinator begins renewing contracts in April of each year.

o Student’s financial aid file must be complete to have contract renewed.

· Student’s interested in work study must have a completed financial aid file when they apply as well.

o You must apply each academic year for Work-study. (if your name has been on the current list, you may contact the FWS coordinator and ask that your name be added to new list – financial aid file must be complete)

· If chosen for a job, you may NOT begin working until you have a signed contract. You will need an appointment with the work-study coordinator to complete the new hire process.

o The supervisor that chooses to hire you will complete a job placement form and send to the FWS coordinator. You will then be contacted by the FWS coordinator for an appointment time.

· Work-Study time is to be submitted by the last business day of each month. (except in June and December: you will receive emails regarding the deadline for these two months) It is extremely important that you have your time submitted on time if you want to be paid on time. Remember – it is your responsibility to submit your time!

**Currently: I am renewing contracts for 10-11 and reviewing applications. A FWS student may not work after June 30th if they have not renewed their contract.


You can download a GTC Federal Work-Study Application here

Friday, June 11, 2010

SC American Water Works Association Scholarship

The SCAWWA has just informed us of a new scholarship opportunity!!

The deadline for Application is December 31st, so it is not too late to apply.

Here is a link to the application if you are interested: SC AWWA Scholarship

Please send all completed applications to DJ Wetzel, in the Financial Aid office.

Your applications will be sent on to SCAWWA for review.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Additional Scholarships Deadline October 1st!!

***The deadline for this scholarship opportunity has expired, but please continue to check back for more opportunities!!

Here is some great information on new scholarship opportunities:


We have seven available scholarships through my partners, each awarding $500. The scholarships are available to students who are working towards degrees in various fields. These are for the 2010-2011 school year, with the deadline on all scholarships being October 1, 2010.

I have listed the partners below that are offering scholarships:

1. Medical Billing and Coding $500 Healthcare Scholarship
http://www.medicalbillingandcoding.org/academic-scholarship/

2. Medical Assistant Schools $500 Healthcare Scholarship
http://www.medicalassistantschools.org/academic-scholarship/

3. Clara Barton $500 Nursing Scholarship
http://www.onlinenursingprograms.net/academic-scholarship/

4. Albert Einstein $500 Academic Scholarship – Masters and Doctoral Students
http://www.onlinephdprograms.com/academic-scholarship/

5. Online Education $500 Science Scholarship
http://www.onlineeducation.net/academic-scholarship/

6. Sir Isaac Newton $500 Honors Scholarship
http://www.onlineschools.org/academic-scholarship/

7. Online MBA $500 Business Scholarship
http://www.onlinemba.com/academic-scholarship/

Feel free to browse the sites, including our own at http://www.curledwire.com.

Monday, May 17, 2010

New Scholarships!!!

The Scholarship Deadline is April 1, 2011 for these upcoming scholarships. Start Early!!

------------------------------------------------------------

Nursing and Medical Assisting - Associate Degree Scholarship http://degreedirectory.org/pages/Nursing_and_Medical_Assisting_Associates_Degree_Scholarship.html

A $500 scholarship for students who are interested in pursuing associate level degrees and certificates related to Nursing, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Physical Therapy, Veterinary Technology, Radiologic Technology and others.

Art and Design - Associate Degree Scholarship http://degreedirectory.org/pages/Art_and_Design_Associates_Degree_Scholarship.html

A $500 scholarship for students who are interested in pursuing associate level degrees related to Art, Computer Aided Design, Fashion Design, Visual Communications, Interior Design, Computer Graphics and others.

Computer Technology and Information Systems - Associate Degree Scholarship http://degreedirectory.org/pages/Computer_Technology_and_Information_Systems_Associates_Degree_Scholarship.html

A $500 scholarship for students who are interested in pursuing associate level degrees and certificates related to Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Networking, Computer Software, Database Technology, Information Security and others.

Online Associate Degree Scholarship

http://degreedirectory.org/pages/Online_Associates_Degree_Scholarship.html

A $500 scholarship for full-time or part-time students who are interested in pursuing any online associate level degree.

Please let me know if you have any questions about our scholarships and I'd be happy to help. You can also learn more about our site DegreeDirectory.org by visiting our "About Us" page or by clicking on our Better Business Bureau Accreditation seal.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Summer 2010 Book Vouchers

As the Spring 2010 semester wraps up we are all looking ahead to the Summer 2010 semester! If you are taking classes this summer and you receive financial aid, then you are probably already aware of the many changes in financial aid this year surrounding the Summer semester.

For starters, if you are a Pell grant recipient and you came full time in Fall and Spring, you may be eligible to receive an additional Pell disbursement this summer.

The deadline to apply for a Summer only student loan is June 11. If you know that you are going to need a student loan for Summer 2010, make sure to get your request completed before this date.

Book vouchers for Summer 2010 start TODAY! If you have received additional awards after your tuition has been paid, you may be able to access these funds to purchase your textbooks. Simply login to your Campus Cruiser account, go to Web Advisor, and find the Book Voucher tab on the left hand column. Print this voucher out and bring it to any GTC Campus bookstore to purchase textbooks using your financial aid excess funds.

Also, remember to file your 2010-2011 FAFSA if you have not done so already! The priority deadline has already passed, but you are still encouraged to file your FAFSA if you plan on enrolling in Fall 2010.

As always, please leave a comment or a question regarding any financial aid information!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

List of 50 Scholarship Opportunities

With the new school year rapidly approaching, it is still not too late to apply for new scholarships. Here is a list with 50 scholarship opportunities that you may be eligible to apply for. Many have deadlines that are coming up quickly, and many will involve a lengthy application process but I guarantee that your effort will not be in vain. There should be at least one application that everyone can qualify for! Good luck and as always, if you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment and I will respond quickly!

NOTE: If the links do not work, simply type the URL into your browser.

1) Bell Labs Fellowships for Under Represented Minorities http://www.bell-labs.com/fellowships/CRFP/info.html

2) Student Inventors Scholarships
http://www.invent.org/collegiate

3) Student Video Scholarships
http://www.christophers.org/vidcon2k.html

4) Coca-Cola Two Year College Scholarships
http://www.coca-colascholars.org/p rograms.html

5) Holocaust Remembrance Scholarships
http://holocaust.hklaw.com/=2 0

6) Ayn Rand Essay Scholarships
http://www.aynrand.org/contests/
7) Brand Essay Competition
http://www.instituteforbrandleadership.org/IBLEssayContest-2002 Rules.htm

8) Gates Millennium Scholarships (major)
http://www.gmsp.org/nominationmaterials/read.dbm?ID=12

9) Xerox Scholarships for Students
http://www2.xerox.com/go/xrx/about_xerox/about_xerox_detail.jsp

10) Sports Scholarships and Internships
http://www.ncaa.org/about/scholarships.html

11) National Assoc. of Black Journalists Scholarships (NABJ)
http://www.nabj.org/html/studentsvcs.html%C2%A0 tw.html

13) Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
http://www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org/sk_v6.cfm

14) FinAid: The Smart Students Guide to Financial Aid scholarships)
http://www.finaid.org/

15) Presidential Freedom Scholarships
http://www.nationalservice.org/scholarships/

16) Microsoft Scholarship Program
http://www.microsoft.com/college/scholarships/minority.asp%21%C2%A0 _search.jsp

18) Hope Scholarships &Lifetime Credits
http://www.ed.gov/inits/hope/

19) William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship for Minority Students
http://www.apsanet.org/PS/grants/aspen3.cfm

20) Multiple List of Minority Scholarships
http://gehon.ir.miami.edu/financial-! assista nce/Scholarship/blackhtml

21) The Roothbert Scholarship Fund htt! p://www .
roothbertfund.com

22) BOEING scholarships (soma e HBCU connects)
http://www.boeing.com/ /companyoffices/educationrelations/scholarships

23) Easley National Scholarship Program
http://www.naas.org/senior.htm

24) Maryland Artists Scholarships
http://www.maef.org/

26) Jacki Tuckfield Memorial Graduate Business Scholarship (for AA students in South Florida )
http://ww/ w.jackituckfield.org/

27) Historically Black College & University Scholarships
http://www.iesabroad.org/info/hbcu.htm%C2%A0 larships.htm

29) International Students Scholarshi ps &Aid Help
http://www.iefa.org/

30) College Board Scholarship Search
http://cbweb10p.collegeboard.org/fundfinder/html/fundfin d01.html

31) Burger King Scholarship Program
http://www.bkscholars.csfa.org/

32) Siemens Westinghouse Competition
http://www.siemens-foundation.org/

33) GE and LuLac Scholarship Funds
http://www.lulac.org/Programs/Scholar.html

35) Union Sponsored Scholarships and Aid
http://www.aflcioorg/scholarships/scholar.htm

36) Federal Scholarships &Aid Gateways 25 Scholarship Gateways from Black Excel
http://www.blackexcel.org/25scholarships.htm

37) Scholarship &Financial Aid Help
http://www.blackexcel.org/fin-sch.htm

38) Scholarship Links (Ed Finance Group)
http://www.efg.net/link_scholarship.htm

39) FAFSA On The Web (Your Key Aid Form &Info)
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

41) Scholarships and Fellowships
http://www.osc.cuny.edu/sep/links.html

42) Scholarships for Study in Paralegal Studies
http://www.paralegals.org/Choice/2000west. htm

43) HBCU Packard Sit Abroad Scholarships ( for study around the world)
http://www.sit.edu/stud! yabroad /packard_nomination.html

44) Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities
http://ccmi.uchicago.edu/schl1html

45) INROADS internships
http://www.inroads.org/

46) ACT-SO bEURoeOlympics of the Mind 'A Scholarships
http://www.naacp.org/work/actso/act-so.shtml

47) Black Alliance for Educational Options Scholarships
http://www.baeo.org/option s/privatelyfinanced.jsp


48) ScienceNet Scholarship Listing

http://www.sciencenet.emory.edu/undergrad/scholarships.html

49) Graduate Fellowships For Minorities Nationwide
http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/Student/GRFN/list.phtml?category=MINORITIES

50) RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS AT OXFORD
http://www.rhodesscholar.org/info.html%C2%A

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Scholarship Opportunity

Here is a brand new scholarship opportunity that our office has just been made aware of. Simply follow the links to the scholarship opportunity that you will qualify for. Best of luck!

Computer Science and Computer Engineering Degrees - Undergraduate Academic Award http://education-portal.com/pages/Computer_Science_Academic_Scholarship.html

A $1,000 academic award given to a student pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Areas of study that will be considered include computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, database management, computer networking, computer programming and information technology management.

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Degrees - Undergraduate Academic Award http://education-portal.com/pages/Criminal_Justice_and_Law_Enforcement_Degrees_-_Undergraduate_Academic_Award.html

A $500 academic award given to a student pursuing any associate or bachelor degree program emphasizing Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement. Areas of study that will be considered include criminal justice, law enforcement, homeland security, sociology with law/criminal emphasis, corrections, computer forensics, and forensic psychology, among others.

Liberal Arts and General Studies Degrees - Undergraduate Academic Award http://education-portal.com/pages/Liberal_Arts_and_General_Studies_Degrees_-_Undergraduate_Academic_Award.html

A $500 academic award given to a student pursuing an associate or bachelor degree program emphasizing Liberal Arts, General Studies, or Humanities.

Architecture and Drafting Degrees - Undergraduate Academic Award http://education-portal.com/pages/Architecture_and_Drafting_Degrees_-_Undergraduate_Academic_Award.html

A $500 academic award given to a student pursuing an associate or bachelor degree program emphasizing Architecture, Architectural Drafting, Architectural Design, or Architectural Engineering.

Undergraduate Distance Learning Degrees - Academic Award http://education-portal.com/pages/Undergraduate_Distance_Learning_Degrees_-_Academic_Award.html

A $500 academic award given to a student pursuing a distance learning associate or bachelor degree program. Available to all part-time or full-time undergraduate students completing an online degree program.

Monday, February 22, 2010

New Scholarship Opportunity

The South Carolina Tax Council is sponsoring a scholarship for all Accounting and Tax Majors.

There are three $1000 scholarships available.

Scholarships are available to Second year students.

Applications are due by May 15, 2010 for the 2010-2011 school year.

Please contact DJ Wetzel in Financial Aid to request an application.

Friday, February 19, 2010

GTC student goes to great lengths for a scholarship

A few weeks ago Meredith Wood, a GTC Respiratory Therapy student, contacted me about a scholarship opportunity. The scholarship is an essay contest and one of the rules of this contest is that the essay must be posted on a website or blog. She asked if her essay could be hosted on this blog, I heartily agreed, and so here it is. A short note before I post the actual essay. This is an excellent example of a student going above and beyond the normal to search for scholarships. There are thousands of scholarships out there and available for students, it all depends on the amount of hard work you are willing to dedicate towards finding it!

In Meredith's own words "Scholarship opportunities are out there and it is a matter of connecting with those you are qualified for and meeting their requirements. As part of the application process for a scholarship contest in honor of James Rhio O’Connor, I was required to write an essay telling what I would do if I was faced with a diagnosis of cancer and how his story inspires me. I was also required to share this essay with others so they might also be encouraged. Here is my essay."

Cancer. Was it better to think our family members died of natural causes at young ages as we did in the past, or is it better to know and name our killer? Is it easier to use the fancy medical terminology for the specific diagnosis and not say the C word? Each person, each family deals with it differently; some according to their superstitions, some according to their ignorance, some fear, some faith.

With my father’s diagnosis, we were unprepared. He was the strength in our family. We had no experience to draw on about how this was supposed to work. He spoke with a survivor of his particular kind but there was only one, not a recovery or support group. We should have wondered. Each of my family members reacted differently, and in a crisis you really learn about personalities. His struggle, from diagnosis to surgery to our hope for recovery dashed, to his shrinking, choking body taking its last breath, lasted a short 3 months. He was 54.

When my younger brother was diagnosed with melanoma, another word that keeps us from saying cancer, the internet played a more vital role. His research though caused him great fear as the survival rate was very low for his level. He had avoided the sun in his youth so this discovery of a skin cancer on a protected part of his body was shocking, confusing, unexpected, and unfair. The surgery was immediate, and my faith was strong. I had learned to pray specifically for what I wanted to see God do. I visualized the size and shape of the tumor to be removed and my brother’s full recovery. When I asked about the prognosis following surgery and he described my vision, it was a confirmation for both of us of the power of prayer. He now has two kids and has learned to treat every day as a gift. He lives like there is no tomorrow. He has survived without reoccurrence for 10 years.

My mother’s diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, another skin cancer, seemed less devastating. I know now that her personality won’t allow bad thoughts and she won’t remember or share with us anything serious the doctor tells her. She had not protected her head as she should have during her frequent visits to Florida, so this cancer actually made sense, if any could. The recovery time required due to the extensive area they removed was unexpected. My sister and sister-in-law dressed her wounds for months. Plastic surgery was suggested but not covered by insurance so was never done. Although she is not a vain woman, she still works to cover the scar that is so visible to her.

Through the years I have had several brushes with the C word myself and learned personally how invaluable it is to talk with an expert and get a second opinion. Twice I have been told by my primary care person that they suspected a situation was a sign of cancer. Then the specialist they recommended used the same exact sign to explain that was how they knew it was not cancer. I do appreciate their thoroughness in my care and also that my insurance allowed me to follow up with a specialist.

I think the way people approach a cancer diagnosis tells a lot about them. When something is so overwhelming, so beyond our control, people tend to react differently. Inwardly, I pray and rely on my faith in God to use all things for His good. Outwardly, my sense of humor kicks in and holds me together while I wait. When I was told I probably had cancer in my hand and was waiting for test results, I told my sister I would need a new hand once they took mine off. She found a mannequin hand and sent it to me. Our humor works well together. I still have that hand peeking out from behind my couch reaching over the shoulder of a guest as a reminder. At Thanksgiving dinner, following surgery on my hand, we brainstormed as to what type of attachments, besides a replacement hand, I could use on my arm. I was thinking about developing a modular prosthetic, with a curling iron attachment, a mixer, a fancy pirate hook, a backscratcher, and other odd gadgets; anything to keep from focusing on the potential life change I might be going through if they did find cancer. It turned out to be a cyst and not cancer.

Along with humor, I like to find out what I can about my options in any situation. With the prevalence of the internet and immediate access to all things medical, it is getting easier and sometimes more confusing. The advice is personal and professional, fact and opinion, all mixed together. If I was told that I had cancer I would combine my internet searches with information from professionals and specialists. I like to be prepared for what my doctors might say, and to understand some of the terminology they might use. The story of James Rhio O’Connor is a great example of working with medical professionals and doing research to fight for a better life with a cancer diagnosis. Occupational cancers such as Mesothelioma which is caused by asbestos exposure are on the rise as we discover too late the impact that years of working in a specific environment can have on us. Mr. O’Connor’s journey with Mesothelioma gives us insight into the options we have as we face a dire prognosis. His survival years beyond expected lets us know that it can be done. His research shows there is evidence out there to support the benefits of proper nutrition and supplements in cancer care. He is our hope and our guide in that world.

Since my brother is a cancer survivor, I would also get advice from him. I know he changed many things in his life because of his diagnosis. He pays attention to foods and nutrition. He has reduced his stress and simplified his life. His attitude reminds us what is really important, and to him that is spending time with his family and his children while he can. I have learned that the time to say those unspoken things you want to say is always now. Don’t wait. Make the most of your time. Do those things you always wanted to do while you still can.

Prioritizing is important and making decisions about whether a treatment will reduce quality of life without extending life expectancy very much can be difficult. Becoming educated in the medical terminology, the tests and expected results, the recovery times for treatments, the available facilities and experts in the field, all are crucial in making the best decisions in the limited time you may have. Ask questions and understand why things are done the way they are. Depending on the situation it may be important to update any wills, life insurance, and medical powers of attorney. Make plans to make any transition easier on your family so they can care for you as you wish, and so they will be taken care of in the future. Make smart informed decisions.

We must also remember that each person’s body is different. We each have been exposed to different environments, we react differently to medications, and our immune systems may respond differently to attacks. The doctors can only give us the benefit of their experience and available statistics. It is worth taking note but also worth looking into other possibilities and not accepting defeat. There are many alternative treatments and therapies available that may be beneficial. Make your own fight plan and stick with it. I have been through some medical issues, some undiagnosed for long periods of time, and my search for answers and relief led me to try treatments and seek specialists that were outside my comfort zone. I worked with my doctors to determine the best dosage of new medications for my situation. When I discovered the reason for my issue, through research on the internet and talking with some support groups, I shared the answer with the various doctors and specialists I had seen so they might consider it when treating patients in the future with similar symptoms. Anything you make your doctor learn may help the next person he treats too.

As I write this essay I am reminded that my mother has recently been diagnosed with a form of Leukemia. I am learning more about blood counts and complications she might face. Cancer has been a part of my life for many years. Research continues into treatments and cures are getting closer every day. The fight continues and stories like that of James Rhio O’Connor and others continue to give me hope.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Clarification on Refund Checks

I wanted to write a short post and hopefully clarify a few points on refund checks. I know all of you who may be receiving a refund check are waiting anxiously for them, and hopefully this post will give a little insight into when those may be coming.

First off, today is the first day that refund checks will be mailed out and direct deposited. Starting today, refunds will be mailed and direct deposited every Friday for the rest of the semester by our Business Office.

How do you know when your refund will be sent out?

There are a lot of factors that could impact your financial aid refund check. Since this blog is only able to disseminate general information, many of the special circumstances that could delay your refund check cannot be articulated in a blog setting. Also, since specific dates and times have been discussed on this blog in answer to reader questions, some confusion has been generated. In an effort to stem off any additional confusion and give you our best possible assistance, I would recommend to contact our office, have an officer access your specific account, and give you our best possible estimate for when your refund check will be delivered. I can say that our business office's policy is that once your financial aid awards are credited to your account, it will be 10 business days before your refund is actually mailed out.

If you would like, please feel free to contact our office at 864-250-8128 and we will be happy to assist you!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Spring 2010 Refund Checks

Yesterday was the disbursement date for all Spring 2010 funds. The process began last evening and will continue through today of transferring all financial aid funds to student's accounts. After this transfer is complete, our business office will begin to process refund checks. The refund check process takes about 2 weeks.

The first batch of refund checks are scheduled to be released on 2/12/10.

Refund check will be created every subsequent friday.

If you have signed up for direct deposit and your refund is scheduled to be released, your refund will be sent to your bank on 2/12/10.

If you need to sign up for direct deposit you can access your campus Cruiser account and input your information under your Web Advisor.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Financial Aid Awareness Month

February is Financial Aid Awareness Month. In recognition of this, the financial aid office will be hosting a series of events.

The first event is FAFSA Fridays. Every Friday in February (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th) we will have financial aid officers available in the ARC computer lab to assist you in completing the FAFSA for 2010-2011. Students should bring their 2009 taxes if they filed as well as their parent’s 2009 taxes. This event will help you to get a jumpstart on completing the FAFSA for the upcoming year! Please contact our office at FAFSAFridays@gvltec.edu to schedule an appointment!

The second event is 3 Thursdays. Every Thursday in February, Financial Aid officers will be at various locations around campus to answer general questions and give tips on completing the FAFSA and the Financial Aid process. The schedule is as follows:

Feb. 4 – UT building lobby 9-2

Feb. 11 – UT building lobby 9-2

Feb. 18 – TRC auditorium/atrium – 9-2 – Black History Event: Lecture- A Day without Black People

Feb. 25 - TRC auditorium/atrium – 9-2 – Black History Event: Play – We’ve Come a Mighty Long way

Please plan to attend one or both of these events!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Scholarship Time Again

I cannot believe that it is time again for scholarship applications. You may have noticed that the frequency of posts about scholarships has been increasing lately and that is because it is quickly approaching the time to start applying for scholarships for the Fall 2009 semester.

I have written many posts concerning searching for scholarships. This one post in particular is full of great information for searching as well as some helpful links on where to search for scholarships: Scholarship Post

Greenville Tech also offers numerous scholarships through the Greenville Tech Foundation. You can complete one application and be qualified for hundreds of scholarships thorough the GTC foundation. Scholarship applications can be found here: GTC Foundation Application

Please contact us if you have any questions!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Book Vouchers and a New Year

Happy 2010! A new year brings a new semester and that means spring registration. Classes have already started and hopefully you are all in the swing of things. Just a few quick points about this semester:

  • Book vouchers are now available for print through January 22, 2010. If you are having trouble printing your book voucher, you may need to come into the office and a financial aid officer can assist you in obtaining your book voucher.
  • If this is your first semester and you are just now submitting your FAFSA, be sure to check back with us to verify that we have all of the information we need to complete your FAFSA.
  • If you are selected for verification, we will send you a letter notifying you of the documents we need. please be sure to return with all of the requested documents. This will allow us to process your FAFSA in the quickest manner possible.
  • If you are receiving student loans for the very first time here at GTC, be sure to complete a session of Entrance Loan Counseling at: http://mappingyourfuture.org/FAP/ and also complete a Master Promissory Note with your chosen lender
These are the high points for right now. As always, if you have any specific questions, please feel free to leave a comment and we will get back with you as quickly as possible.