When it comes to financial aid, West Virginia University understands that the process of applying can be confusing.

That is why the University’s Financial Aid is holding Financial Aid Awareness Week in February. The week begins on Monday, Feb. 7, and will conclude on Sunday, Feb. 13.

An information booth will be set up in the Mountainlair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, where students can pick up worksheets for the 2011-12 Free Application for Federal Student Aid and get their questions answered. Financial aid counselors will also be available in the office, located on the second floor of the Mountainlair.

“With so many students needing assistance with educational expenses, it is very important to understand the process, the options that may be available and to file for aid in a timely manner,” said Kaye Caplinger Widney, director of Financial Aid and Scholarships. “We don’t want any student to miss out on an opportunity to be considered for aid.”

Students will also be able to receive information on WVU’s new satisfactory academic progress standards, and regulations that impact every student using financial aid. The Student Government Association will provide information on scholarship opportunities.

The primary goal of the week is to encourage all students to complete and submit the 2011-12 FAFSA by March 1, in order to meet the requirements for several undergraduate-level financial aid programs.

The week will conclude with College Goal Sunday on Feb. 13. During this event, financial aid professionals will offer one-on-one, confidential assistance with completing and filing the FAFSA. This will take place from 1-4 p.m. in the Rhododendron Room of the Mountainlair.

Participants will need to bring their 2010 federal tax information. If those forms are not available, participants may bring their 2009 federal income tax forms. Students who participate in College Goal Sunday and file the FAFSA online will be entered for a chance to win an Apple iPad.

College Goal Sunday West Virginia is coordinated by the College Foundation of West Virginia, an initiative of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
Also on Feb. 13, the WVU Financial Aid Office will conduct a webinar to tackle questions about financial aid, particularly for those new to the process. To register for the webinar, visit www.finaid.wvu.edu .

For more information about College Goal Sunday, visit www.cfwv.com or www.finaid.wvu.edu .

-WVU-

cd/01/31/11

CONTACT: Paula King, Financial Aid
304-293-5242, Paula.King@mail.wvu.edu