Student Support Services

Student Financial Aid

Financial aid programs have been established to help students pay the cost of attending college. Ricks College participates in the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Family Education Loan programs, which are awarded on the basis of financial need.The process of determining a student’s eligibility for financial aid is called “need analysis”. This examines the income and asset information from both student and parents (or student and spouse, if married) to determine the family’s ability to contribute toward educational costs. This figure, called the Expected Family Contribution, is subtracted from what it will cost the student to attend Ricks College. If the cost is more than the family’s EFC, the student has financial need.

Ricks College uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), to determine a student’s eligibility. All students applying for financial aid must complete this form. The application is not complete until the results of the FAFSA have been received by the Ricks College Financial Aid Office.

The FAFSA forms are available from high school counselors, the Ricks College Financial Aid Office or any other college or university. Cont-inuing students who filed for federal aid during the previous school year will receive a renewal application in late November or early December. In this case, only ONE of the forms should be used, the FAFSA OR the Renewal Application, not both. An application must be processed for each school year. Do not submit your application to the federal processor prior to January 1. The Ricks College Title IV Code is: 001625.

Applying for financial aid is complicated and time-consuming. Considerable delays and frustrations can arise from filling out forms incorrectly or failing to submit the proper documents in a timely manner. Students and their parents are encouraged to read instructions carefully and to complete all forms and documents correctly. Professional counselors are available in the Financial Aid Office to help with the application process.

Students who plan to get married in the next few months should contact the Financial Aid Office. Getting Married may affect the student’s eligibility.

FINANCIAL AID HANDBOOK

For additional information, the Financial Aid Handbook may be obtained in the Financial Aid Office.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for federal financial aid students must:
1. Be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program;
2. Be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible noncitizen;
3. Be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate as defined in the Financial Aid Handbook;
4. Not owe a refund on any federal grant or be in default on any federal loan received for attendance at any school;
5. Be registered with the Selective Service, if male, over 18 and born on or after January 1, 1960, and not currently in the U.S. Armed Forces.
6. Be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D. certificate;
7. Adhere to the policies of individual programs.

Financial aid recipients who withdraw from Ricks College or drop credits and are due a refund will have the refund returned to the appropriate financial aid program. They may also be required to repay a portion of the aid they received in cash.

FEDERAL PELL GRANT

Federal Pell Grants are non-repayable grants from the federal government. Students eligible for these grants have demonstrated financial need with the use of the FAFSA as described previously.

Pell grant funds will be credited to the student’s account after the student is enrolled and attending classes and, if the student is selected for verification, the verification procedure has been completed. The funds will be credited in the following order: tuition, fees, books, supplies and campus housing. Any remaining amount will be available to the student at the Cashier’s Office.

If students desire a payment for less than full-time enrollment they must request it at the Financial Aid Office by signing an acknowledgment that this amount is their final payment for the semester/term. Adding classes later (block plan, for example) will not increase an award.

FEDERAL FAMILY EDUCATION LOANS

Federal Stafford Loans
First year students meeting federal guidelines may borrow up to $2,625 per academic year and second year students may borrow up to $3,500. Loan proceeds will be delivered to students in a minimum of two disbursements (generally one each semester/term). Students entering the first year of a program who are first time borrowers will have their initial disbursement delayed 30 days to comply with federal regulations. Late fees which accrue for tuition, fees and books will be reversed.In compliance with federal regulations, students must attend an Entrance Interview before they receive their first Stafford Loan check. They must also attend an Exit Interview as they leave Ricks College. They will be informed of the time and place of these interviews when Ricks College processes the loan application or they may obtain the interview schedule from the Financial Aid Office.

Loan applications may be obtained from participating lenders or at the Financial Aid Office.

Subsidized Stafford Loan
Principal and interest payments are postponed while students are enrolled in school at least half time and during their grace period.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Monthly principal payments are postponed while students are enrolled in school at least half time and during their grace period. They are responsible for the interest accrued on their loan . Students can either make interest payments or request that the lender add the accrued interest to the principal balance. This will result in higher interest charges over the life of the loan. When the loan enters repayment, the monthly payments will be higher or there will be more payments to make.

Additional Unsubsidized Loan
Similar to the regular unsubsidized loan. This loan is available to independent students.

Parent Loans For Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
Parents of dependent undergraduate students may borrow up to the student's cost of attendance per year. Loan proceeds will be delivered to the parents in a minimum of two disbursements (generally one each semester/term). Repayment of principal and interest begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed.

DEADLINES

Priority Deadlines

In order to award students money and make disbursements on time, the Ricks College Financial Aid Office will need the Student Aid Report (SAR) data, any loan applications and/or all verification documents at least 2 to 3 months prior to the date the student will attend Ricks College. Students not meeting these deadlines will not be denied aid, however, funding may not be available until later in the school year. The Financial Aid Office will not be responsible for any late fees the student may recieve.

Mandatory Deadlines

FAFSA
Whether the Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is done by mail or done electronically, it must be recieved by the application processor by June 30, 1999 for the 1998-1999 school year. When the FAFSA is recieved by the processor they will produce a SAR (Student Aid Report).

SAR Submission
The correct results of the SAR must be recieved at Ricks College by your last day of enrolement in 1998-1999 or by August 31, 1991, Whichever is earlier.

Verification
The Verification process must be compleated within 60 days after teh last day of attendance or August 31st, whichever is earlier.

For more Information about Financial Aid at Ricks, Contact the Financial Aid Office at (208) 356-1013 or visit our web site at: http://www.byui.edu/Ricks/FinancialAid/

VETERANS BENEFITS

Students who are eligible for Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits should contact the Ricks College Veterans Administrator:
Veterans Administrator
Manwaring Center 242
Ricks College
Rexburg ID 83460-0705
(208) 356-1019

Scholarships and Awards

Scholarships and awards provide incentives, assistance and recognize outstanding student performance in many areas. Scholarships vary in amount and duration and are based upon individual achievement. They are awarded in the following areas:

Academic Scholarships
Based upon High School GPA and ACT/SAT scores.
A. Presidential: two years full tuition.
B. Honors: One year full tuition.
C. Merit: One year half tuition.

Students who have completed AP or Honors classes will receive special consideration.

Leadership Awards
Consideration is given to students who have held various school, seminary and civic leadership positions. To receive full consideration, grades must be above average.

Departmental Achievement Awards
These awards are available in varying amounts from select departments to acknowledge outstanding achievement in a particular area. Please write specific departments for application materials.

Talent Awards
Awards in varying amounts are given in art, dance, debate, drama, journalism and music. Supplementary scholarship application materials are required. Please write specific departments for application materials.

Sophomore and Continuing Student Academic Awards
These awards, which vary up to full tuition, are based upon academic performance and a review by the scholarship committee. To be considered, students should carry a minimum of 12 credits each semester of their freshman year. Applicants who have completed 55 or more credits must request special consideration.

Scholarship Application Deadline

Freshman
Feb. 15 - Fall and Winter Semesters
Oct. 1 - Winter Semester only

Sophomore/Continuing
April 15 - Fall and Winter Semesters
December 15 - Winter Semester only
March 1 - Summer Terms

Athletic Grants-In-Aid
For special assistance contact:
Don Rydalch, Director of Athletics
Hart Building No. 146
Ricks College
Rexburg, ID 83460-0900
(208) 356-2103

For Additional Information
Scholarship Office
Administration Bldg. no. 180
Ricks College
Rexburg, ID 83460-4104
(208) 356-1087

NOTE: For scholarship consideration, students must have all admission requirements completed prior to announced deadlines. Students may receive more than one scholarship; however, totals may not exceed full (LDS) tuition.

Student Employment

Students may be assisted in locating both on and off-campus part-time jobs. On-campus job referrals are based on first come first served, job skills/qualifications, availability and existing job vacancies. Job vacancies vary widely throughout the calendar year.

During the fall and winter semesters, all jobs are extremely limited. Any available 2-4 hour block of time between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily and willingness to accept any type of job and work any hours will greatly increase opportunity for work. However, the very best opportunity to get on-campus jobs is during the first, second, or third summer terms, in that order.

Job Application Procedures:
Students are eligible for on-campus employment if they:
1) are full-time students taking 12 semester, 6 block, or 1 summer term credit (s);
2) have not yet completed 80 cumulative credits;
3) are not on academic or Dean of Students probation;
4) are not the spouse of a "non student" Ricks College employee;
5) do not have "tuition waiver" benefits (scholarships and grants DO NOT prohibit student employment);
6) are at least 17 years old

For Fall semester, student employment interviews for all students with priority numbers will begin September 2, 1997 Beginning Monday, June 2, students may call (208) 356-1018 for an interview priority number. (Note: Students' admission to Ricks College must be complete before an interview number will be issued.)

Students will be mailed a letter confirming their interview number, time, date, and interview location; together with a detailed Student Employment Brochure and an application form which should be completed and returned to the Student Employment Office.Priority numbers will be given to the first 400 student callers. All other students will be eligible for unnumbered walk-in interviews, which will begin on September 10, 1997.

Federal government regulations require proof of eligibility to work in the United States. For a U.S. citizen this requires: an original U.S. Social Security card, or certified Birth Certificate with a photo I.D. U.S. passports are acceptable proof of eligibility. All student employees must have a U.S. social security card.Student Employment Offices are located in the Manwaring Center, rooms 243/244, Ricks College, Rexburg, ID 83460-0705. For general information, call (208) 356-2290.

Housing

The goal of Ricks College Housing is to provide all students with safe and appropriate housing, a peaceful environment and adequate supervision. All single students must live at home with parents or in approved housing that is limited either to the Ricks College on-campus residence halls or units on the Ricks College approved off-campus housing list.

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

The Ricks College On-Campus residence halls are located convenient to the campus. Adequate parking and utilities are provided with these facilities. Each apartment has a telephone from which local calls may be made without charge. Long distance calls are billable.

Reservations for on-campus housing are made on a first-come-first-served basis. The application payment is $175 and should be sent with the student’s name, social security number, semester you plan to attend, home address and phone number to the Housing Office Admin. 110, Rexburg ID, 83460-4119.

On-Campus Cooking StyleWomen Only
Four women share the cost of food, do their own cooking, and furnish their own dishes and cooking utensils. They share a furnished two-bedroom, carpeted apartment. Cost - $1662 (Dorm’s 1 through 4)

On-Campus Cafeteria Style
(Board and Room)

Women - Six women share a carpeted and furnished three-bedroom apartment with living room, double-sink bathroom, small refrigerator, and microwave.

Men - Two men share a room with sink, small refrigerator, microwave, built in dresser and desks. The dormitory-type hall has a large shower/restroom facility at the center of each wing.

Room Cost
Women's Cafeteria Style
...*Dorm’s 5 and 6 - $1472
Men's Cafeteria Style
...*Rigby and Biddulph - $1562
*Meal Plan Options - Men and Women cafeteria-style housing must also choose one of the following meal plans to eat in the Galley:
Gold 13-19 meals per week - $2142
Silver 12-14 meals per week - $2058
Bronze 8-10 meals per week - $1844

Returned Missionaries and Academic Rebate
A $50 rebate for each completed semester is available to on-campus students living in the cafeteria-style residence halls. Written verification of an honorable mission or a 3.5 GPA each semester must be turned into the Housing Office before the student checks out of the residence hall. (Only one rebate is available for each student per semester.)

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
A list of approved off-campus housing is maintained by the Housing Office with information about price, facilities, furnishings, etc. Students desiring off-campus housing must make arrangements directly with the landlords.

SUMMER HOUSING
The on-campus, cooking-style residence halls are open during the summer for both men and women students. In addition, a Monday-through-Friday food contract may be obtained upon request from the Food Service Department in the Manwaring Center. Some off-campus housing is also available. A list of available housing may be obtained from the Housing Office.

FAMILY HOUSING
There is a variety of off-campus, married-student apartments available in Rexburg. A list of information concerning off-campus apartments may be obtained from the Housing Office.

For additional information write:Ricks College Housing OfficeAdministration Building, 110Rexburg, ID 83460-4119 orcall (208) 356-1045.

BookStore

The Ricks College Bookstore provides students with all necessary classroom needs and convenience items. The following tips can help in having a successful experience at the Bookstore:

Rush
Buy early to avoid the long lines the first few days of class. Many books are on the shelf up to three weeks before the beginning of class.

Returns
Textbooks that are in resalable condition may be returned through the last day to add/drop classes without penalty. There is also a generous return policy on other products.

Buy Back
The Bookstore buys used books at the end of each semester during test week. The number of books bought is contingent upon the estimated course enrollments. Excess books and books not being used again on campus are bought by NEBRASKA BOOK COMPANY for resale in the national market.

Check Cashing
Checks may be cashed for up to $25 over the amount of purchase. A current student ID must be presented, and student number, local address and telephone number must be clearly written on all checks. Payroll checks or large personal checks may be cashed at the Cashier's Office in the Administration Building.

Student Charges
All registered students have a charge account set up through the Ricks Accounting Office. This charge can be used at the beginning of each semester to purchase textbooks and school supplies. The balance must be paid off within 30 days of the date of purchase. Payments are made at the Accounting Office.

Student Health Care Services

The Students Health Center is located in the John L Clarke Building room 120 and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed during the lunch hour and devotionals). Limited services are offered during the summer. Our staff consists of three physicians, a physician’s assistant, two nurses, a lab technician and an X-ray technologist. We also have a licensed pharmacist and a well-supplied pharmacy with most prescriptions and many over the counter medications. A Campus ambulance is maintained for emergency transportation which can be arranged through Campus Police.

If a student requires health care we do not provide, a referral to a qualified physician or specialist will be arranged. Most medical specialities are available either in Rexburg or nearby Idaho Falls--just 30 minutes away. Madison Memorial Hospital is just minutes away from Campus. Our rates are reduced as a service to the Students. However, there are charges for our services.

Except for prescription cards, we do not bill private insurance companies. The students are responsible for submitting the bills to their private companies. In the meantime, their student account can be charged for Health Center services. They will have 30 days before interest is charged to pay the bill. If a student has Ricks College insurance and no private insurance, the adjustment in their bill is made the day of service. If a student has both Ricks insurance and private insurance, the private insurance is ALWAYS the primary coverage and must be billed before the Ricks insurance adjustments can be made.

A student needs to be aware that Ricks insurance does not cover any pre-existing conditions. students should carefully study the details of coverage before dropping private insurance. All students are required to have insurance coverage. Details are provided each student at the time of registration.

Internship/Cooperative Education

Ricks College students are encouraged to obtain career internship/co-ops. This experience should supplement your education. By definition, an internship or co-op is work experience that corresponds to your major. This is generally accomplished with summer work or part-time work through the school year. The main purposes for an internship are:

1) to get work experience to list on your resume,
2) to help you decide to continue or discontinue a particular major, and
3) to meet people in the industry and begin to get a network of contacts to refer to at a later date for full-time employment.

The best way to get an internship is to use contacts that you already have in your home town. Other resources include teachers, the Placement Center, and written directories of internship opportunities (found in the Placement Center or Library).

It is important to note that in many cases a student may receive college credit for an internship/co-op experience. The cost and number of credits received vary depending upon the number of hours worked in the internship. Also, some internship are “paid” and some are “non-paid.” For more information please talk to your advisor, a departmental teacher, or the Placement Center.

Placement Center

The Placement Center is set up to help students and alumni of Ricks College who are looking for careers, internship, cooperative work experience or summer work.

Services include resume writing, interviewing tips, letter writing helps, job search skills, job leads and career counseling. Available are an IBM PC and a laser printer for students desiring to write resumes and business letters. Students should have a rough draft of the resume completed before using the computers.

Also available in the Placement Center are company information and recruitment bulletins. The Placement Center is located in the Manwaring Center, room 380. It is open 8-12 and 1-5 Monday through Friday. Students are invited to come by at their convenience, or they may call 356-2170 for an appointment. The Placement Center highly recommends students begin their job search as early as possible.

�Ricks College 1998