Things every freshman should know
Lauren Dickens
Issue date: 8/25/08 Section: News
| |
| |
|
There are many ways that the financial aid office can help students once school has already started.
"Once they have already started school, if they have not processed their financial aid and they have gone ahead and paid their own tuition, they still go ahead and fill out the federal application, the FAFSA, and we can still process it. If they are eligible for a grant or student loan, that may mean they get their money in October or November, but we can still pay them," said Sherry Cliburn, Assistant Director of Financial Aid.
The computers in the financial aid office are available to help students trying to fill out their FAFSA or student loan application online.
"A lot of students will come in here because they are not sure how to do the form and that way we are here to help them when they get stuck," said Cliburn.
Once students are awarded their financial aid, it is available for an academic year, meaning that they are eligible for the fall and spring semesters.
"During the spring semester, normally about February or March students need to complete a new FAFSA application to get it renewed for the next academic year. They have to renew the FAFSA each academic year that they are in college," added Cliburn.
Students can reach the financial aid office by calling 230-3456.
Another service students should know about is Public Safety. Public safety is located downstairs in Wood 105.
"We ask that you travel in groups especially if you are taking evening classes," said Chief William Rogan, Director of Public Safety. "We have call boxes at different locations around parking lot areas you can use. If you feel unsafe or anything that makes you feel uncomfortable come and report it."
Chief Rogan also wants students to remember to go fifteen miles per hour in the parking lot and make sure to use crosswalks instead of cutting in between cars. "We haven't had any issues of major concern and we don't want any. We do everything we can to make this a safe campus," continued Rogan.
He also wants students to secure their possessions and make sure to keep an eye on their stuff.
Health Services is located in Wood Suite 215 and is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Students can go to the nurse if they become sick or injured while on campus.
If a student has not received the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) shot by the time school has started, it will put a hold on their account if admissions does not have records of it.
"I can help them through that process, but I do not give the MMR," said Director of Health Services, Kyla Webb.
Health Services also offers Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B testing. "Don't wait till the last minute to check to make sure have all your shots," added Webb.
Starting Aug. 19 until Sept. 12, students can sign up to participate in the Biggest Loser Challenge on campus and kick off for the event will be Sept. 18.
"Biggest loser is a program we started here on campus to encourage healthy lifestyles by making healthy choices as far as food and exercise," said Webb. "We have weekly weigh in's and a couple of team events just for fun that anyone can do. They will receive a weekly email from me on a health related topic related to weight loss and healthy eating, portion control and exercise."
Students will also be able to get involved with the lunch and learn program offered by health services.
Webb has also marked off some maps for students. "I have done some trails throughout campus so if anybody has 15 or 20 minutes and they just want to take a little walk they can walk that trail. We are just hoping to add more options for everyone on campus," Webb added.
The Math and Science Lab is located in J. Howard Warf Building room 123. The lab is open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
According to volstate.edu, there is a trained staff selected from students, graduates, and almost graduates.
The lab is available to help students prepare for test and quizzes and assist them with homework questions.
"Any question can be answered," said Bill Smith, Assistant Director for the Math and Science division.
Video and computer tutorials are also there for students.
Staff members can also help students understand why they missed a certain question on a test or a quiz.
The Language Lab is located in the Hal Reed Ramer Administration Building Suite 157 and is open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"These hours may be subject to change and hopefully expand," said Laura Black, Assistant Professor of the Humanities Division.
The Language Lab has sixteen computers that have Microsoft Word and an Internet connection. The lab can help students edit, and revise papers that they have already written and help students avoid plagiarism.
No appointment is necessary to use the lab.
The Computer Lab is located in E.G. Mattox Business Building room 111. The lab is available to help students with homework for their computer classes. Students can receive help with PowerPoints, Excel, and Microsoft Word.
Student Services is located in Wood Suite 217.
This is where students can get student i.d's or renew their i.d's.
Parking decals are required to park on campus. Students can get their's from the office by simply filling out the required information on a note card.
Student Services also has catalogs available for students.
They also encourage students to check their student emails regularly. Important updates and campus events are sent to emails throughout the year.
Be the first to comment on this story