NEWS & UPDATES        November 2009

Dollars & Sense:

FREE FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP

Financial Aid professionals will conduct an overview of federal, state and CUNY financial aid programs on Monday, November 16. Tips on applying for financial aid and opportunities available to finance your college education will be discussed. Workshops will be held in English and Spanish.

The workshop will begin at 5pm in the Little Theater.

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The LaGuardia Community College Foundation program recognizes academic excellence, college, or community service and considers students financial needs. Our scholarships can supplement the funding of the cost of education. LaGuardia Foundation Scholarship awards range from $500 to $3500 per year. We invite you to apply at www.laguardia.edu/sfs/inst_scholar.aspx. You may also go to our Resource Center in room C109 to complete your application.


FEDERAL WORK STUDY (FWS) – Use It or Lose It

The Federal Work Study Program offers you an opportunity to gain amazing work experience that will enhance your resume and future job search. If you have received a Federal Work Study award, be sure to come to Student Financial Services (C-107) or call 718-482-5935 and sign up for a FWS Orientation/Placement Workshop. Don’t let your FWS award go to waste. The following is useful information about the program:

 FWS students must be registered for at least 6 credits/hours per semester, be matriculated and in good academic standing.

 All wages earned during the intersession will be subject to FICA withholding.

 FWS students are responsible for monitoring their earnings. No student should exceed his/her award/hours.

 FWS students who will graduate or transfer at the end of Fall 2009 semester must stop work by February 17, 2010, the last day of Fall 2009 classes.

 All time sheets must be forwarded to the Office of Student Financial Services in C-316.

If you have any questions, please contact Manual Ayala, at 718-482-5015.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FEDERAL WORK STUDY (FWS)

How do I apply?

To be considered for this award, you must fill out your financial aid applications by an established filing deadline and request consideration for FWS by checking the appropriate box on the FAFSA. FWS money is awarded on a first-come, first served basis. The College receives a fixed amount of money each academic year to make FWS awards. Once this money is awarded, there is no more for that academic year. You are encouraged to file your financial aid applications early when you receive your award letter from the College, it will indicate whether or not you have been awarded FWS.

Where would I work?

Where you work depends on the amount of your award, class schedule and job skills. To the maximum extent possible, the Financial Aid Office tries to place you in a job that complements or reinforces your educational program or career goals. You may work either on-campus in one of the departments of the College or off-campus at a number of non-profit community service agencies. Also, it may be possible for you to work at selected companies in the private sector that choose to participate in the program. If you receive a small award or have a heavy class schedule, you will usually be placed on-campus.

Can I choose where I would like to work?

Yes. If you receive FWS, you will come to the Financial Aid at the beginning of the term for placement.

You will usually be given a list of jobs available.
After selecting a job, you will arrange for an interview with the work-study employer and travel to the job site with a work-study employment contract. If you are hired, you and your work-study employer will sign the contract and you will return it to the work-study placement office. You may then begin to work.
Note: if you are not hired, you must return the unsigned contract to the work-study placement office, choose another job assignment, arrange for another interview and get a new contract for your employer to sign.
Can I earn as much money as I want?
No. Your FWS award represents the maximum amount you may earn for the academic year. How much of the total award you actually receive depends upon your rate of pay, the total number of hours you work each week and the number of weeks you work in the year. Once you have earned your maximum FWS award, you will have to stop working.
Am I paid an hourly wage or a salary?

You are paid by the hour, your rate of pay being determined by the job location and the nature of the work involved. You will receive at least $ 8.00 per hour for on-campus positions. The rate of pay can be higher for jobs off-campus but will be no lower than $8.00 per hour.

How will I be paid?

Every two weeks, your supervisor submits a time sheet for you. After your first time sheet is submitted, you may have to wait up to 4 weeks for your first check. Subsequently, you will receive a paycheck every two weeks.

If I am unable to earn my entire award, will I be able to receive the rest of the money?
No. You can be paid only for the hours you have worked. If you cannot earn your entire FWS award before the end of the academic year, the unearned portion of your award is returned to the program.
How many credits do I have to take for FWS eligibility?
You must register for and maintain an enrollment status of half-time (6 credits or equated credits) or greater to be eligible for FWS. If, for any reason, your course load falls below half-time, you can no longer participate in the program and must stop working.
Do I have to stop working if I withdraw from school?
Yes. If you withdraw from school for any reason, you lose your eligibility for FWS and must stop working.
I am currently receiving unemployment. Do I have to report FWS earnings to the unemployment office?
Yes. If you are receiving unemployment insurance benefits and are also employed in the FWS program, you must notify your local unemployment office that you are working in the FWS program. The New York State Department of Labor considers it willful misrepresentation to collect unemployment benefits without revealing that you are also receiving FWS.

Are FWS earnings taxable?

Yes. FWS earnings are considered taxable income by both federal and state governments. The money you earn from Federal Work-Study is generally subject to federal and state income tax, but exempt from FICA taxes (provided you are enrolled full time and work less than half-time). However, FWS earnings are not included in the calculation of your eligibility for financial aid.
Federal Work-Study earnings during the calendar year should be included in the totals for AGI and Worksheet C on the FAFSA. Work-study earnings should only be included in Worksheet C when they represent financial aid to the student, since the answer to this question is used as an exclusion from taxed income. The student should also be careful to report amounts based on the calendar year, not the school year.

Why do I have to fill out an I-9 Form?

According to federal law, the identity and work eligibility of all FWS students must be verified before beginning a FWS assignment. You will have to complete an I-9 form and present certain documents to an appropriate FWS representative. You may not participate in the on-campus FWS program until you have filed an I-9 form with the Financial Aid Office. If you work off-campus, you will file your I-9 with your off-campus employer.
What are the benefits of the FWS program?
If you have never had a job, the FWS program can give you your first exposure to the world of work. FWS employers are often willing to give you on-the-job training. You can find positions relating directly to your program of study or career choice, thereby gaining valuable job experience. You may learn about giving something back to the community through a community service related FWS position. When seeking regular employment after graduation, you may use your FWS job as an employment reference. If you are required to do internships through the Cooperative Education department, you can sometimes use your FWS job to fulfill this requirement. Finally, the employer you worked for as a FWS student could take you on as a regular employee.

Check your Financial Aid Status via The CUNY Portal - eSIMS

The CUNY Portal is a gateway to CUNY applications, services and CUNY resources. With a single sign-on you can access many CUNY applications. Now you can check your student information, financial aid application status (both Federal FAFSA and State TAP), financial aid awards, view and fix errors, link to the Education Department’s Online Entrance Interview for Direct Loans, and link to the interactive Loan request page – all through the CUNY Portal.

Go to www.cuny.edu.
Click “Log-in” at bottom left of navigation bar
Type in your Username and Password. Click the “Log In” button. (If you do not have an
account, click “Register Now!” to get a username and password.)
Click the link to CUNY’s Online Center for Admissions and Financial Aid under the
Apply to CUNY section.
Click Financial Aid on the left of the navigation bar.
Click on Application Status – this will lead you to FAFSA and TAP applications
Click on Award Summary to view a display of Pell, TAP, campus-based aid and Direct
Loans

You will also find links to:
• Guide to Financial Aid
• FAFSA on the web
• Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
• Summary of Financial Aid Programs
• Federal Tax Benefits for Tuition and Fees
• Preventing Financial Aid Scams
• Identity Theft Prevention


FINANCIAL AID SUCCESS STORIES

College $ense: How to Pay for College at wwww.nygearup.org/collegesense/. See videos of students like yourself who made it to college and how they are paying for it. Available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, or Russian.


College Discovery Program Eligibility

• Must be Full-time
• Complete the 2009-10 FAFSA and TAP application.
• Submit all 2008 income information (tax returns, W2s, 1099s, etc.)
• New student for Fall 2009 must have their economic eligibility verified prior to the start of classes (September 10, 2009)

If you have any questions, please contact Arianna Pina, at 718-482-5199.

Visit the Enrollment Service Resource Center (C-109)

 File your FAFSA online & automatically receive a PIN # from the Dept of Ed
 Link to the TAP application
 Take online loan entrance & exit interviews
 Link up with other government websites for your financial aid questions
 Re-Authenticate your PIN for security purposes
 Apply for a FAFSA PIN #
 Secure your PIN
 Check for Institutional Scholarships, as well as external scholarships
 Download Direct Deposit application forms

Call (718)-482-5935 for Resource Center hours.

Apply for Financial Aid Online and Link to TAP Application

2009-10 FAFSA on the Web is fast and helps reduce errors. If you are a New York State resident, you can also link to the TAP web application form after completing your FAFSA. What is great news about this is that your FAFSA data will already be pre-filled on your TAP Application!!

We encourage you to do one of the following:

• Use the Internet to fill out and transmit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Note: LaGuardia's Title IV Institution number is 010051.

• Come to the Enrollment Service Resource Center (C-109). Bring the following documents showing your and spouse’s, and if you are a dependent, your parents' finances:

2008 Federal Income Tax Returns
2008 W-2 Forms
2008 Records of untaxed benefits received (e.g. Social Security payments, public assistance, etc.)
2008 Bank statements
2008 Records of other savings and investments.

Dependent students must also know their parent(s)’: Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Dates of Parent(s)’Marriage, Separation &/or Divorce, and if a parent is disabled, the month and year of the Disability.


AN IMPORTANT REMINDER

Be sure to keep your FAFSA PIN # in a safe place
Why?
With your PIN# you can go on-line to:
renew your FAFSA
or
make corrections on your application


Free Financial Literacy Workshop
You are invited to participate in a Financial Literacy Workshop in room C107 (media room) on any of the following dates; Wednesday November 11th at 3pm or Tuesday November 24th at 3pm. Just walk in. No reservations required. Topics covered include: Financing Your Education, Budgeting, and Protecting Your Identity. If you currently have an outstanding balance (e.g. tuition charges), our professionals will work with you to provide the options and resources you need to cover your educational expenses while you are enrolled at LaGuardia. We will provide an annual financial plan to ensure you complete your degree while meeting your financial obligations.

Perkins Loan Entrance Interview

All students who have been awarded a Federal Perkins Loan for 2009-10 must take the on-line Pre-Loan Entrance Interview before a check can be issued. Follow these 4 simple steps:

• Log on to www.lagcc.cuny.edu/financialaid
• Take the Entrance Interview
• Print the Confirmation page upon completion of the Entrance Interview

Bring the Confirmation page to Mr. Stanley Rumph in C-107 for final approval of your Perkins Loan. We will accept only electronically signed Promissory Notes.

Direct Loan Entrance Counseling

All students applying for a Federal Direct Loan must complete the Department of Education's On-line Entrance Counseling for Borrowers’ Quiz. Just follow these 5 simple steps:

• Log on to www.dlservicer.ed.gov
• Take the Quiz
• Print out the Rights and Responsibilities page, and sign it
• Bring the signed Rights and Responsibilities page, within 30 days, to Student Financial Services (C-107), where you will complete your loan application
• E-sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) at http://dlenote.ed.gov using your PIN. If you do not have a PIN, you can request one at www.pin.ed.gov.

Once the MPN is completed, you will receive a Disclosure Notice from the Department of Education approximately 10 days before the scheduled disbursement date. The Disclosure Notice will indicate the approved gross loan amount(s), fees, net loan amounts, and anticipated disbursement dates. All loans are disbursed in at least 2 disbursements.

ATTENTION STUDENT BORROWERS!
If you are graduating, drop below 6 credits, or leaving LaGuardia Community College, and you have an outstanding Perkins or Direct Loan, federal regulations require you to complete an Exit Counseling/Interview. The exit counseling/interview serves to remind you of your rights and responsibilities, and gives you an opportunity to speak with a financial aid counselor about any questions that you may have regarding your loan.

What will happen if you leave the college without taking an exit counseling/interview?

• Your school records, including your academic transcript and diploma will not be released until you complete this requirement;

Perkins Loan Borrowers: You must take the online Exit Interview at www.lagcc.cuny.edu/financialaid

Direct Loan Borrowers: Complete your Exit Counseling online at: www.dlservicer.ed.gov

Don’t Default on Your Student Loan

If you default on your student loan you will face the following serious consequences:
• Your loan will be reported to national credit bureaus and it will damage your credit rating;
• A defaulted loan has a negative affect when you try to purchase a home or a car;
• Legal action can be taken against you;
• Your wages can be garnished;
• Your income tax refund can be withheld;
• You may not be eligible for additional student aid.

For information about Student Loan Repayment options:

Federal Direct Student Loan borrowers can visit the NSLDS website: www.dlservicer.ed.gov

Perkins Loan borrowers can visit the Educational Computer Services, Inc. website: www.ecsi.net

Direct Deposit Through Any Bank

Why wait for checks in the mail? With Direct Deposit your money will be available to you immediately!

Direct Deposit of your financial aid checks into your bank account can be arranged by completing and submitting the Student Financial Assistance, Direct Deposit Request/Authorization Form which is available at the Bursar's Window (M Building, Basement Lobby).

Drug Convictions May Affect Your Student Aid

Students who have a drug-related conviction may be ineligible for federal student aid. A drug-related conviction refers to the possession or sale of illegal drugs. To learn more about how such a conviction may affect your student aid and how you can regain eligibility, pick up a brochure from the Student Financial Services (C-107) or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.


Financial Aid Waiver Appeals
Academic Year 2009 - 2010

Financial aid waiver appeals will only be approved by the Waiver Appeals Committee within the current academic year. Documents supporting the appeal must be attached to the appeal form for review. The dates for supporting documentation must be within the current academic year the appeal is being requested. The decision of the committee is final.
TAP and Title IV Appeals
Submission Dates

Fall 2009 No later than January 7, 2010
Spring 2010 No later than July 8, 2010

Students can only apply for a one-time waiver for TAP



Pell/TAP Queries?

(800) 433-3243 Pell application status or to order a duplicate SAR.
(800) 433-3243 General information about Federal Aid
(888) 697-4372 or www.hesc.com Information about CUNY TAP application
(888) 697-4372 or www.hesc.com Stafford Loans
www.hesc.org TAP or Loan status
(847) 688-6888 www.sss.gov Selective Service
(888) 442-4551 or www.va.gov/education VA Education Benefits.
(800) 647-8733 or oig.hotline@ed.gov Report the grant fraud to Ed. Dept's Office of Inspector
General
(877) 382-4357 Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
or www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams
(866) 653-4261 FTC teletype for the hearing impaired

 

Enrollment Service Center Hours

Monday –Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday Closed
Closed Thursday, Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving Day)

 2009-2010 Free Application For Student Aid
Check your email for messages from the U.S. Department of Education. To ensure that e-mail from the Department of Education is received on a reliable manner, the U.S. Department of Education recommends that students or parents who have requested a PIN number or will complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using  FAFSA on the Web and have provided their e-mail address as a means of correspondence add the e-mail address cpsnotify@cpsemail.ed.gov to their e-mail address book. If this e-mail address is not recognized as an "acceptable" e-mail address, some internet service providers may attempt to filter this incoming e-mail correspondence as spam.

What To Do If Your Personal Information Has Been Compromised? Click FTC Consumer Alert