Important Dates and Policies

Western Nevada College develops an estimated Cost of Attendance as part of determining the students financial need for awarding aid. Federal regulations governor the components included in the Cost of Attendance calculation and includes average estimated expenses in the Western Nevada College service area.

Tuition & Fee Explanation

Registration and Course Fee

Registration and fee costs are used in the calculation of the cost of attendance. A full time enrollment (15 credit hours for undergraduates) is used unless the students enrollment indicates otherwise. Actual registration and fee rates are available in theBoard of Regents Procedures and Guidelines Manualand on theNevada System of Higher Education webpage.

Book/Supplies

The Books and Supplies allowance is based on the estimated average cost of books per semester by the contracted Follett Bookstore.

Room/Board

Room and Board expenses are based on the average estimated expenses for renting and apartment or rental home in the northern Nevada area.

Transportation

Transportation cost allowances are estimated based on average driving distances to campus and routine vehicle maintenance. Actual expenses for these items will vary depending on individual lifestyles, however the college is required to use an average in calculating these costs.

Personal Misc

Personal expenses include costs for clothing, toiletries, medical/dental, recreational, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Loan Fees

Loan Fees can be added to a student budget. Loan fees are not automatically applied to a students Cost of Attendance. At the discretion of the Student Loan Coordinator Loan Fees might be added to accommodate a student loan request or to prevent over-awarding.

Allowable Budget Adjustments

Federal law specifies the components of a students cost of attendance. The college uses a standard budget to determine financial aid eligibility. However, if a student has special circumstances, the Financial Assistance Office may be able to add additional items to the cost of attendance. The most common budget allowances are for unusual medical expenses and child care cost, when both the student and spouse are working or attending school full time. If the student can submit documentation of required medical expenses and/or documented disability expenses, and/or child care costs or other funding, adjustments may be made to their budget using professional judgment. Requests for budget adjustments must be in writing or using the appropriate form. Most budget adjustments increase loan eligibility.

Please contact a Financial Aid Advisor for additional information.

In-State Resident

 

Out of State Resident

In-State Resident

 

Out of State Resident

Disbursement of Financial Aid and Financial Aid Refunds from Grants and Loans

WNC begins disbursements 10 days prior to each semester. During the week before school and the first week of school, disbursements and refunds are completed Monday-Friday. Beginning with the second week of school disbursements and refunds are processed on a weekly basis. In general, the disbursement and refund batch jobs are ran on Wednesday.

Financial Aid refund checks will be mailed by the WNC Business Office, to the address that is on a student’s myWNC account. If the student has signed up for direct deposit, funds will be directly deposited into their bank account. It is the student’s responsibility to update any changes of address or changes in bank account information through their myWNC account.

Summer 2023:

• May 1, 2023: Priority deadline for completion of financial aid file, to ensure eligible students will receive aid in time for Summer. Students completing their files after this date will be expected to pay their own fees and will be reimbursed after they are eligible.
• June 2, 2023: First day that financial aid can be applied to student’s myWNC accounts. Students with incomplete files or who have not met Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be responsible to make a payment on their account.
• June 2, 2023: Spring financial aid residual checks will begin being refunded to students for grant and scholarship programs. Students who have a problem obtaining satisfactory progress will experience a delay receiving their funds. Refunds to students begin within 10 to 14 days after being posted to student accounts.
• June 26, 2023: Federal Student Loans will begin disbursing and residual checks will be issued. Loans will not be disbursed until confirmation of a student’s academic activity.
• July 10, 2023: Second disbursement checks for Summer Semester-only loans and residual checks will be issued.
• July 12, 2023: Federal Student Loan disbursements begin for 30 day delay or freshmen first-time borrowers and residual checks will be issued.

Fall 2023:

• July 1, 2023: Priority deadline for completion of financial aid file, to ensure eligible students will receive aid in time for Fall. Students completing their files after this date will be expected to pay their own fees and will be reimbursed after they are eligible.
• August 18, 2023: First day that financial aid can be applied to student’s myWNC accounts. Students with incomplete files or who have not met Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be responsible to make a payment on their account.
• August 18, 2023: Fall financial aid residual checks will begin being refunded to students for grant and scholarship programs. Students who have a problem obtaining satisfactory progress will experience a delay receiving their funds. Refunds to students begin within 10 to 14 days after being posted to student accounts.
• September 11, 2023: Federal Student Loans will begin disbursing and residual checks will be issued. Loans will not be disbursed until confirmation of a student’s academic activity.
• September 27, 2023: Federal Student Loan disbursements begin for 30 day delay or freshmen first-time borrowers and residual checks will be issued.
• October 23, 2023: Second disbursement checks for Fall Semester-only loans and residual checks will be issued.

Spring 2024:

• December 1, 2023: Priority deadline for completion of financial aid file, to ensure eligible students will receive aid in time for Spring. Students completing their files after this date will be expected to pay their own fees and will be reimbursed after they are eligible.
• January 12, 2024: First day that financial aid can be applied to student’s myWNC accounts. Students with incomplete files or who have not met Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be responsible to make a payment on their account.
• January 12, 2024: Spring financial aid residual checks will begin being refunded to students for grant and scholarship programs. Students who have a problem obtaining satisfactory progress will experience a delay receiving their funds. Refunds to students begin within 10 to 14 days after being posted to student accounts.
• February 5, 2024: Federal Student Loans will begin disbursing and residual checks will be issued. Loans will not be disbursed until confirmation of a student’s academic activity.
• February 21, 2024: Federal Student Loan disbursements begin for 30 day delay or freshmen first-time borrowers and residual checks will be issued.
• March 21, 2024: Second disbursement checks for Spring Semester-only loans and residual checks will be issued.

Disbursement dates could depend on when funds are awarded AND will reflect a student’s actual enrollment status at the time of payment. WNC begins disbursements 10 days prior to each semester. During the week before school and the first week of school, disbursements and financial aid refunds are completed Monday-Friday. Financial Aid is not adjusted for added or dropped units after the first week of the term.

Enrollment Changes and Attendance

If a student never attends a class or has a change of enrollment status, the financial aid award must be recalculated. This will result in the student owing part or all of the award money to the college. At the Financial Aid Census Date, the college will request instructors to report student participation in an academically related event. Students who have not had an academically related event in a course during the first week of school will be considered as Unofficial Withdrawn and their aid will be adjusted to the level of enrollment that reflects their participation.

Returned Checks

If a check is returned to the college, it will not be re-mailed; it will be held at the Business Office and the student will be responsible for picking it up. Unclaimed checks will be cancelled after 30 days.

Lost Checks/Checks Not Received

If a check is lost or not received, contact the Business Office (775-445-4221) to stop payment. Reissued checks can take up to six weeks.

 Academic Engagement Requirements

WNC requires instructors to report academic participation/activity as of the Financial Assistance Census Date, WNC is not consider an attendance taking school and only confirms participation for the establishment of aid eligibility.   The WNC Financial Assistance Census Date coincides with the last date students can drop full term classes for a 100% tuition refund.  Important WNC Dates and Deadlines can be viewed at: https://www.wnc.edu/dates-deadlines/. In order to maintain or establish eligibility for federal aid, students must establish Academic Attendance or have Attendance at an Academically-Related Activity as defined by under Academic Engagement in 34CFR 600.2.

“Academic Engagement” —Includes:

• Attending asynchronous class, lecture, recitation or field or laboratory activity, physically or online, where there is an opportunity for interaction between the instructor and students;
• Submitting an academic assignment;
• Taking an exam, an interactive tutorial, or computer-assisted instruction;
• Attending a study group that is assigned by the institution;
• Participating in an online discussion about academic matters; and Initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course;
  

  “Academic Engagement” Does not include activities where a student may be present, but not academically engaged, such as—

  • Living in institutional housing;
  • Participating in the institution’s meal plan;
  • Logging into an online class without active participation; or
  • Participating in academic counseling or advisement;
  • Participating in a student-organized study group.

A determination of “academic attendance” or “attendance at an academically-related activity” must be made by the institution; a student’s certification of attendance that is not supported by institutional documentation is not acceptable. 34 C.F.R. § 668.22(l)(7).

Federal regulations require Western Nevada College (WNC) to establish and apply reasonable standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) for the purpose of the receipt of financial assistance under the programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act. The law requires WNC to develop policies regarding SAP. WNC must design criteria which outline the definition of student progress towards a degree and the consequences to the student if progress is not achieved. Students who wish to be considered for financial assistance must maintain satisfactory academic progress in their selected course of study as set forth in this policy.

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Academic Standards

The Financial Assistance Office evaluates student academic progress at the beginning of each semester. Students are evaluated using a qualitative standard (cumulative grade point average), quantitative standard or pace (semester and cumulative unit hour completion rate), and maximum time frame limitation (150% of degree requirement). A student must meet these standards of progress regardless of whether he or she has previously received financial assistance.

The students satisfactory academic progress is again reviewed and evaluated at the end of each semester for the next semester in attendance. Financial Assistance and most scholarships including federal, state and college administered funds are covered by this policy.

In addition, the Financial Assistance Office does not certify alternative educational loans for students who are not meeting satisfactory academic progress. Exceptions to the SAP policy for alternative loans, can only be made by the Director of Financial Assistance with documentation from the lender.

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Qualitative Standard

Grade Point Average: Financial Assistance students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA for all coursework regardless of whether or not assistance was received for previous course work. If a students cumulative GPA drops below 2.0, the student is ineligible for financial assistance and is placed on financial assistance suspension, even if the student completed all units. Only units attempted at WNC are considered in this calculation.

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Quantitative Standard

Academic Completion Rate or Pace: At a minimum, a student must satisfactorily complete 67% of all credits attempted each semester. If the student has not completed 67% for the most recently attempted semester, the student is ineligible for financial assistance and is placed on financial assistance suspension. In addition, a student must maintain a cumulative completion rate or pace of 67% or higher. If a students cumulative completion rate or pace is not at 67%, the student is ineligible for financial assistance and is placed on financial assistance suspension. Only units attempted at WNC are considered in this calculation. WNC will use regular rounding rules to determine completion rate/pace (i.e. 66.666% = 67%).

Unacceptable Grades

Maximum Timeframe (Maximum Number of Units for Degree Program)

For Financial Assistance purposes a student is limited to attempting 150% of the units required for their specific degree program.

• Students enrolled in an Associate Degree program are allowed a maximum of two associate degrees and/or a maximum of 90 attempted units (60 units x 150%), whichever comes first.

• Students accepted to the Associate of Applied Science RN program are allowed a maximum of 107.25 attempted units (71.5 units x 150%)

• Students enrolled in a Certificate of Achievement are allowed a maximum of two certificates and/or a maximum of 45 attempted units (30 units x 150%), whichever comes first.

• Students enrolled in a Bachelor Degree program are allowed a maximum number of 180 units (120 units x 150%).

Payments for degrees or classes beyond these limits are at the students own expense. Students may still be eligible for Millennium Scholarships, outside/external scholarships, tribal funds, outside agency funding, VeteransBenefits, alternative Loans and third-party payments.

For Transfer Students: Units taken at other post-secondary education institutions that are accepted for transfer credit by WNC will be counted toward the 150% unit maximum. Transfer units will not be considered when calculating GPA and academic completion rates.

Repeated Course Work: Repeated units will be counted as attempted units toward the maximum number of allowable units (150% of a degree program).

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Degree/Certificate Programs

To be eligible for financial assistance, a student must declare with WNC Admissions and Records, and with the intent to obtain a degree or certificate in a financial assistance eligible program at WNC.

Degree Requirement: Financial Assistance students must declare a major and carefully review their courses and degree programs. It is the responsibility of the student to order transcripts from institutions previously attended if the student wants courses evaluate to be considered towards a degree at WNC. Students must declare their degree by the financial assistance census date or no later than the last date of the 100% refund period.

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Not Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress

Notification

Students not meeting SAP requirements are notified when a SAP Checklist item is added to the myWNC/PeopleSoft To Do List. Students are emailed a To Do list letter through myWNC/PeopleSoft indicating that there are items that need to be addressed related to financial assistance. Students and appropriate staff are able to view financial assistance checklist items and instructions in the myWNC Student Center.

Receiving all W, F, I, AD, U, or EXP Grades

If a student receives all W, F, I, or EXP grades for a semester, the Financial Assistance Office will determine the last date of attendance and calculate any repayment the student may owe for funds received. If unable to determine the last date of attendance, the 50% date will be used for the Return of Title IV (R2T4) determination.

Financial Assistance Suspension

If at any time the students semester or cumulative completion rate drops below 67% and/or the cumulative grade point average drops below a 2.0, the students eligibility for additional financial assistance is suspended.

Reinstatement of Financial Assistance

If a student has been denied receipt of financial assistance due to unsatisfactory academic progress, the student must, at their own expense, achieve the minimum requirements for SAP: 67% cumulative completion rate, 67% prior semester completion rate, and a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Financial Assistance Appeal Process

If a student is placed on financial assistance suspension, the student may appeal to the Financial Assistance Appeals Committee. The student must complete a Financial Assistance Appeal and Academic Plan form online and meet with an Academic Counselor to develop and Academic Plan that explains how the student will be successful moving forward.

Students Not Meeting Qualitative (Cumulative GPA) or Quantitative Standards (Rate or Pace)

Student appeals for Qualitative and Quantitative issues are typically based on an unforeseen medical issues, death of a relative, or other extenuating circumstances which resulted in the student not achieving the units or grade point average required by WNC Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. The appeal may be strengthened with supporting documentation written by a third party on letterhead that verifies the students situation. Third party documentation may also include instructors verification of the students last date of attendance, letters from doctors, statements from hospitals, etc. Additional documentation is required for medical reasons, death, or other extenuating circumstances. The Financial Assistance Appeals Committee will consider the students written statement, all supporting documentation, prior academic history, and potential for academic success prior to determining a decision.

Students will be notified of the decision by email through myWNC/PeopleSoft. The decision by the Financial Assistance Appeals Committee is final and cannot be appealed further.

Financial Assistance Probation

If an appeal is approved for probation, the student will be placed on probation for one semester. Students must complete 67% of the units attempted during the probationary semester. The student must also maintain a 2.0 GPA during the probationary semester.

Failure to satisfactorily meet the terms of a probationary period will result in the immediate suspension of financial assistance eligibility.

Financial Assistance Academic Plan:

Students are required to meet the conditions of Financial Assistance Probation. Students who meet the terms of probation, but are not yet meeting the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements must continue meeting the terms outlined in an Academic Plan to continue receiving financial assistance. Additionally, students who are submitting a second appeal requesting an additional probationary semester and are approved by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee are required to follow terms outlined in an Academic Plan to receive financial assistance. The Academic Plan will outline specific requirements that the student must meet until he is able to reach the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. The student must complete a Financial Assistance Appeal and Academic Plan form with an Academic Counselor.

Students Exceeding the Maximum Timeframe (Maximum Number of Units for Degree Program)

Exceptions to the maximum timeframe limits may be considered on an individual basis and with an explanation of the students special circumstances. Students who have credits that need to be completed for their degree program may submit a maximum credit appeal for consideration by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. The student must complete a Financial Assistance Appeal and Academic Plan form with Academic Counselor. The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will review the students appeal form, course history, and degree audit report when making a decision. The form is submitted online through the Financial Assistance Office or website using the link below.

Financial Aid Appeal Form and Academic Plan

Repeated Courses

All repeated courses will be counted as attempted units when calculating the maximum unit limit. Financial Assistance funding is limited to only one repeat of any particular course, if the repeat is to improve a grade of D or higher. Repeats of failed classes or those with W grades are allowed. When units are repeated, the grade earned in the latest class will be used to determine the students GPA.

A Return of Title IV (R2T4) of money occurs when a student receives all (or a combination of) F, I, W, EXP, AD, or U grades before completing more than 60 percent of the semester. If this happens to you, you will be required to return any unearned Federal funds (including Direct Loans and/or PLUS Loans).

The Financial Assistance Office is required to perform a R2T4 calculation based on the Department of Educations Federal Regulations.

Federal work-study earnings are excluded from the calculation.

Your withdrawal date will be:

• The date you notify the Financial Assistance Office that you intend to withdraw, or
• The midpoint of the semester if you leave without notifying the college, or
• Your last date of attendance in class as documented by the instructor

Students who receive all (or a combination of) F, I, W, EXP, AD, or U grades will be considered unofficially withdrawn.

Within 30 days, you will be notified of any funds you owe. The amount that the college has to return to the Federal program will be charged to your student account and you will be responsible to repay those funds to Western Nevada College.

 

NOTE: New regulations, effective 7-1-2021, a student who withdraws from a program offered in modules is not considered to have withdrawn for R2T4 purposes if the student completes:

• One module that includes 49% or more of the number of days in the payment period; or
• A combination of modules that when combined contain 49% or more of the number of days in the payment period; OR
• The institution obtains written confirmation that the student will be attending a later module; OR
• The student completes the requirements for graduation; OR
• The student completes coursework equal to or greater than the coursework required for time enrollment.

Students enrolled in module courses, should continue to consult the Financial Assistance Office for additional information.

You Have The Right To:

• Know what financial aid programs are available;
• Know the deadline for submitting applications for each of the programs available;
• Be informed of financial aid policies and procedures;
• Know how your financial eligibility was determined and what resources (such as your income, assets, parental contribution and other resources) were considered in the calculation of need;
• Know what portion of your financial aid must be repaid, and what portion is gift or aid received from work;
• Know how the Financial Assistance Office determines whether you are making satisfactory academic progress and what the consequences are if you are not;
• Request an explanation of the various programs in your financial aid package;
• Know the terms of any loans you receive, and your deferment, cancellation and forbearance rights.

You Have The Responsibility To:

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Complete all application forms accurately and submit them on time;
• Provide correct information. Misrepresentation of information on financial aid applications is a violation of federal law and may be a criminal offense (see section on Fraud);
• Report any change in the information used to determine your eligibility, including name, family size, or financial resources;
• Return all documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by either the Financial Assistance Office or the agency to which you submitted your application, in a timely manner;
• Read and understand all forms that you are asked to sign and keep copies of them;
• Accept responsibility for all agreements that you sign;
• Perform the work that is agreed upon in accepting a Federal Work-Study award in a satisfactory manner;
• Notify the Financial Assistance Office immediately if you withdraw from school or reduce enrollment below six units.
• Be aware of repayment procedures;
• Complete Loan Exit Counseling if you graduate, drop below six units, or leave Western Nevada College;
• If you are a recipient of a student loan, notify your lender and the Financial Assistance Office of changes in your enrollment status;
• Repay all loans including the interest on those loans;
• File all required student loan deferment forms on time.

The Financial Assistance Office shall:

• Be committed to removing financial barriers for those students who wish to pursue a college education.
• Educate students and families through quality outreach financial aid information.
• Respect the dignity and protect the privacy of students and assure the confidentiality of student records and personal circumstances.
• Assure equity by applying all need analysis formulas consistently among student financial aid applicants.
• Recognize the need for professional development and continuing educational opportunities.
• Commit to the highest level of ethical behavior.
• Maintain the highest level of professionalism, reflecting a commitment to the goals of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Any individual who fraudulently manipulates the financial aid programs or process for personal gain will be reported to the Department of Education any individual committing fraud on an application for financial aid.

Cases of suspected fraud, including knowingly misrepresenting family or financial application information, purposeful certification of false statements as true and correct, or intentional falsification or misrepresentation on, or alteration of documents used in the financial aid process that results in the receipt of aid, will be reported for possible collection of funds and/or prosecution.