Student Financial Services

General Information

The purpose of financial aid is to provide monetary assistance to eligible students who may otherwise be unable to continue their education. The College will make every effort within available financial aid resources to assure that qualified students will not be denied the opportunity to attend college because of a lack of adequate funds to help meet educational expenses. Although students and students’ parents are primarily responsible for financing a college education, financial assistance may be available to students in the form of federal and state grants, scholarships, work study programs and loans. Students who realize they will not be able to meet college expenses should take an early initiative in seeking financial assistance.

Students apply for financial aid annually by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available after January 1 of each year for the following academic year. Students may apply online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students may also call 1-800-4-FEDAID to order a paper FAFSA. Forsyth Tech’s school code is 005317, and must be listed on the FAFSA. About three weeks after submitting the FAFSA application, students and Student Financial Services will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor. At that time, Student Financial Services will inform students of any required documentation to complete students’ financial aid files.

It is recommended that applications for student aid at Forsyth Tech be submitted no later than March 15th preceding the academic year for which aid is requested. Applications submitted after March 15th will be processed; however, funding for many programs is limited.  Late applicants may find most funds already awarded to other applicants.

Financial aid will not be awarded to any student until all admissions requirements are met. Therefore, students should apply for admission upon completion of the FAFSA.

Most one- and two-year programs of study are eligible for financial aid. Students enrolled in certain certificate programs, the developmental education program or as special credit are not eligible for financial assistance through Student Financial Services. Students are advised to contact Student Financial Services if they are unsure as to whether their program of study is an eligible program for financial assistance.

Eligibility for Aid

Most awards are based on financial need. This is determined by subtracting the expected family contribution (EFC) as reported on the Student Aid Report (SAR) from students’ educational cost of attendance. Other requirements may be established by the agency or individual making the funds available.

Students have an obligation to maintain the satisfactory academic progress requirements as defined by the U.S. Department of Education and this institution for financial aid recipients. Each financial aid recipient is provided a copy of the policy upon notification of award. A copy of the requirements can also be obtained from Student Financial Services. Failure to maintain academic progress will result in the termination of financial assistance. Eligibility may be regained by re-establishing satisfactory academic progress.

Financial aid recipients must notify Student Financial Services of any change in enrollment status or program of study. Financial aid from all other sources must be reported to prevent over-awards. Name and address changes should be reported to the Records Office.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations require that students receiving Title IV financial assistance must maintain satisfactory academic progress.  At Forsyth Tech, satisfactory academic progress is measured every semester by the following:

• Quantitative Method: A student must successfully complete, with a letter grade of A, B, C, D, or F, at least 66% of all coursework attempted.  This includes every course (a cumulative history) on their Forsyth Tech transcript. 
• Qualitative Method:  A student must maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average. 
• Time Limitation: All students receiving federal aid are required to complete programs within the time limitation, excluding 30 hours to complete any necessary remedial courses determined by institutional testing.  The maximum time frame may not exceed 150% of the published length of the program.  For example, a student enrolled in the Accounting AAS Degree Program can receive federal aid up to 105 hours (70 hours required to complete the program X 150% = 105).  Federal regulations require the time limitation to be cumulative and must include all periods of enrollment, regardless of whether or not the student received aid.  Withdrawals, incompletes, repeated courses, transfer credit, credit by examination, and audits will count toward the 150% time limitation.

Consequences of failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress: Students who do not complete at least 66% of all attempted coursework and/or fail to attain the required 2.0 grade point average will be notified by e-mail of failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress.  The student will be allowed one more increment of aid (one semester/term), called a financial aid warning period, to reestablish satisfactory progress.  If a student placed on financial aid warning does not earn the required grade point average and/or 66% satisfactory completion rate at the end of the warning semester/term, he/she is considered to be making unsatisfactory academic progress, and financial aid will be suspended.  Federal and state aid will remain suspended until the student enrolls for subsequent semesters/terms, at his or her own expense, and completes the work necessary to regain satisfactory progress. 

If a student reaches the 150% maximum time frame, federal and state financial aid will be suspended immediately until the student graduates from a program.  

Incomplete: A course for which an incomplete grade is received must be completed by the end of the next term, or the grade will remain as an "I" on the academic transcript.  Incompletes will count toward progression, but do not count toward graduation.  Failure to remove incompletes could prevent a student from meeting satisfactory progress.

Withdrawal: All grades of "W", "WP", and "WF" will count toward progression, and could prevent a student from meeting satisfactory progress.

Repeated Course: When students receive incompletes or failing grades, they are encouraged and allowed to repeat courses as required by their advisor.  Students should be aware, however, that repeated courses count toward progression, and could prevent a student from meeting satisfactory progress.

Audit or Credit by Examination: Audits and proficiency exams are not covered by any type of financial aid.  Students are responsible for all costs incurred with these types of courses.  These hours do count toward progression.

Program Change: Students who change programs should be aware that all hours attempted, regardless of the program, will count toward satisfactory progress unless the student graduates.  Students who graduate from one program, and wish to earn another degree, diploma, or certificate will be allowed to complete a new program within a new 150% time frame allowed by law.

Note:  Maintaining satisfactory academic progress for financial aid may not be the same as remaining in good standing in the program.  Each program has its own requirements.  As a result, even though a student may meet satisfactory progress for financial aid purposes, they may not be meeting the requirements necessary to continue in their program.  It is the student's responsibility to know their program requirements.

Appeal Procedures for Financial Aid Termination:  Students whose financial aid has been suspended due to unsatisfactory progress may appeal this decision.  However, the student must be able to document mitigating circumstances.  A student must indicate in writing to the Office of Student Financial Services why the aid should not be suspended.  The student should submit this appeal within ten calendar days of the termination notification.  Appeals may be made if there are unusual situations such as injury to or illness of the student, death of a family member, undue hardship, or other serious crisis.  External documentation may be required.  The appeal will be reviewed to determine whether or not reinstatement of aid is justified, and the student will be notified of the decision by e-mail.  If the appeal is approved, the student will be allowed one more increment of aid (one semester/term for all programs) to meet satisfactory progress.  If the appeal is not approved, the student has the right to request a hearing with the Forsyth Technical Community College Financial Aid Advisory Committee.  The student should request a hearing within ten calendar days of the appeal decision notification.  The Advisory Committee's decision will exhaust all avenues of the appeal process.

Disbursement of Aid

Students approved to receive financial assistance will receive an award letter detailing the types and amounts of aid awarded for the entire academic year. All financial aid recipients are notified in writing of registration procedures and are provided a disbursement schedule of all funds for the academic year.

Important Note: Tuition, fees, books and supply charges will be paid automatically, after class attendance has been verified, for students who have received an award letter from the Office of Student Financial Services. Decals and/or malpractice insurance may not be paid with a financial aid award, as these charges must be paid prior to the first day of class. Students are responsible for the out-of-pocket cost for parking decals and/or malpractice insurance.

Refund Policy - Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid are responsible for being familiar with the information found in the College Catalog regarding tuition refund guidelines. Also, students receiving federal financial aid are subject to the Return of Title IV Funds Policy, as described below.

Return of Title IV Funds Policy

Students who receive federal financial aid are expected to complete each term. All students receiving federal financial aid who totally withdraw before the 60 percent point of the term will have to pay the “unearned” portion of federal financial aid funds received back to the federal government or lose financial aid eligibility. Students who initiate withdrawal procedures after completing 60 percent of the term are deemed to have earned 100 percent of the federal financial aid received for that term and no repayment will be required.

For a more complete information sheet on the Return of Title IV Funds Policy, including College procedures and sample refund calculations, students may contact Student Financial Services, Allman Center, Main Campus.

Note: All policies and regulations pertaining to federal and state aid are subject to change in order to meet regulations as amended by the U.S. Department of Education, the state or other entities.

Grants

Students are encouraged to contact Student Financial Services, Allman Center, Main Campus, for additional information and application criteria for the grants listed below:

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant program is a federal entitlement program designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students who attend post-secondary educational institutions. Students may apply at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students may also call 1-800-4-FEDAID to order a paper FAFSA. Forsyth Tech’s school code is 005317 and must be listed on the FAFSA. Students should allow at least six weeks for processing.

Pell Grant proration is based on the following standards:

• Full-time……………12 or more credit hours (full award)
• ¾ time……………….9 – 11 credit hours (3/4 of the full award)
• ½ time……………….6 – 8 credit hours(1/2 of the full award)
• Less than ½ time……1 – 5 credit hours (prorated based on Pell chart payment schedule)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The FSEOG is a program funded by federal and institutional matching funds and is awarded to the neediest students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and have a $0 expected family contribution (EFC) on the Student Aid Report (SAR).

North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG)

The NCCCG program is funded by the state to provide need-based aid to students who are North Carolina residents. Students must be in an eligible credit program and be enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester. Students must complete the FAFSA, have a valid expected family contribution (EFC) within a specific range and meet all other eligibility requirements.

North Carolina Student Incentive Grant (NCSIG)

The NCSIG is a program administered by the College Foundation, Inc. from state funds provided through the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority for students who demonstrate substantial financial need. It is open to North Carolina residents attending Forsyth Tech full time who complete the FAFSA by March 15th and meet all other eligibility requirements.

North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (NCELS)

The NCELS program is funded by the state and administered by the College Foundation, Inc. to provide need-based aid to students who are North Carolina residents enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester in an eligible curriculum program. Students must complete the FAFSA to apply for NCELS.

North Carolina Community College Child Care Grant Program

This state-funded program assists student-parents with child care expenses for their children ages 0-12 in facilities that are licensed by the state of North Carolina. Credit program students who are enrolled at least half-time and have demonstrated financial need are eligible to apply for this program.

North Carolina Targeted Assistance Program

The North Carolina Targeted Assistance Program provides financial aid to students who enroll in low enrollment programs that prepare them for high demand occupations.

Work Programs

Students are encouraged to contact Student Financial Services for additional information and application criteria for the work programs listed below:

Federal Work Study Program (FWS)

The FWS program is a federally-supported program with institutional matching funds through which students, primarily from low income families, are given positions for part-time employment from 10 to 20 hours per week. Students must complete the FAFSA, maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet all other requirements to be eligible for the program.

FWS jobs are available in many academic and administrative departments on campus.

Community Service FWS

Community Service FWS jobs are available on West Campus and at other sites in the local service area and involve tutoring special needs and elementary school students in reading and math skills. These positions may also include assisting disabled students with their classes on Main Campus. The Community Service FWS positions are paid a slightly higher wage than FWS positions due to the responsibilities involved, as well as to support transportation expenses that may be incurred in traveling to West Campus and other sites to work.

Loans

Students are encouraged to contact Student Financial Services for additional information and application criteria for the loans listed below:

William D. Ford Direct Loan Program

Direct Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of education.  The lender is the U.S. Department of Education, and the program offers several repayment plans to meet the needs of most borrowers.  Students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive a Direct Loan.

• Direct Subsidized Loans are for students with demonstrated financial need.   No interest is due on the loan while the student is enrolled in school at least half-time, and during the grace and deferment periods.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans are awarded to students regardless of financial need.  Interest is charged on the loan once disbursement is made, although payment on principal is deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time and during the grace period,
• Direct PLUS Loans are available to parents of dependent students.  Interest is charged on the loan once disbursement is made.

North Carolina Community College Loan (NCCCL)

The NCCCL program is funded by the state to provide need-based financial assistance funds for short-term, no-interest loans. These funds are limited to students enrolled in at least six credit hours, are in an eligible program and meet all other eligibility requirements.

North Carolina Nurse Education Scholarship/Loan Program (NESLP)

The NESLP was designed to address the shortage of trained nurses practicing in North Carolina. Funds are available for study in nurse education programs located in North Carolina that lead to a degree (Associate Degree Nursing) or a diploma (Practical Nursing). Funding is contingent upon appropriations by the General Assembly of North Carolina. All scholarships/loans made from this program are based on demonstrated financial need.

North Carolina Student Loan Program for Health, Science and Mathematics (HSM)

This program is administered through the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority to provide funds to students enrolled in a wide range of eligible programs of study for the enhancement of the state’s health care delivery system and educational institutions. Students should visit the College Foundation of North Carolina’s Web site at www.cfnc.org for additional information.

Nurse Scholars Program (NSP)

The NSP is a competitive scholarship/loan program administered through the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority. Financial need is not a criterion. An 11-member Nurse Scholars Commission, created by the General Assembly of North Carolina, developed the selection criteria and the method of selection and annually selects recipients on a statewide basis. The deadline for submitting applications to the state is usually May 1 of each year. Students should visit the College Foundation of North Carolina’s Web site at www.cfnc.org for additional information.

Sloan S. Sherrill Nursing Loan Fund

The Sloan S. Sherrill Nursing Loan is an interest-free loan made through the College for second-year associate degree nursing students who demonstrate financial need.

Scholarships

Students are encouraged to contact Student Financial Services for additional information and application criteria for scholarships.

• The R. D. Boyer Scholarship is awarded annually, based on financial need, to a student enrolled in the air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technology; electrical/electronics technology; plumbing; or welding technology diploma programs and pursuing a career in the construction occupations.
• The Fred M. and Marjorie P. Crouch Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates financial need.
• The Rufus Dalton Memorial Scholarships are need-based funds awarded to students in associate degree nursing and practical nursing.
• The Garden Study Club Endowment is an academic scholarship awarded to an outstanding student entering the second year of horticulture technology.
• The Forsyth Technical Community College Alumni Association Scholarship is periodically awarded to a student with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• The Forsyth Technical Community College Adult High School Graduate Scholarships are awarded annually to students who have graduated from the Forsyth Technical Community College Adult High School program.
• The Forsyth Technical Community College General Education Development (GED) Graduate Scholarships are awarded annually to students who have the highest scores in the Forsyth Tech GED program.
• The Forsyth Medical Center Auxiliary Volunteers Scholarships are awarded to second year Health Technologies Division students who have at least a 2.0 GPA and are enrolled in at least six credit hours.
• The GMAC (formally Integon) Scholarship is awarded to a student in office administration who has at least a 2.0 GPA.
• The Bob H. Greene Scholarship provides emergency assistance for tuition/fees or books/supplies to students who demonstrate a financial need.
• The Allen and ParaLee James Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a student enrolled in the certified nursing assistant II class with priority given to employees of the Homestead.
• The Sandra Lea Johnson Memorial Scholarship is an academic scholarship awarded annually to an outstanding student entering the second year of office administration.
• The Marshall P. Johnston Scholarship is a perpetual scholarship available to an automotive systems technology student.
• The Randall R. Jones Scholarship is an academic scholarship awarded to the daytime machining technology student with the highest GPA.
• The Charlie King Student Developmental Services Memorial Fund is awarded periodically to a student who demonstrates financial need and has a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
• The Modern Machine Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving student in welding technology and is based on academic ability and need.
• The Clara K. Martin/Winston-Salem Soroptimist Club Scholarship is an academic scholarship awarded to the female with the highest GPA entering the second year of accounting.
• The Medical Alliance of the Piedmont Scholarships are awarded to students entering associate degree nursing and may be renewed for the second year of the program.
• The Medical Alliance of the Piedmont - Allied Health Awards are scholarship funds awarded to students in allied health programs.
• The Jane Gaither Murray Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving student entering associate degree nursing.
• The PICA/Weese Scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding student in graphic arts and imaging technology.
• The 1990 Student Government Association/Tom Mayerchak Scholarships are awarded annually to deserving students entering the second year of a technical or college transfer program with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Priority is given to full-time students.
• The National Tooling and Machining Association Scholarship is an academic scholarship awarded to the full-time evening machining technology student with the highest GPA.
• The Lynne Breedlove O’Rourke Memorial Scholarship is an academic scholarship awarded annually to an outstanding student entering the second year of radiography.
• The RJR Archer Scholarships are academic scholarships for students in manufacturing engineering technology, electronics engineering technology, and mechanical engineering technology/drafting and design.
• The Salemtowne Scholarship for Certified Nursing Assistant is awarded to a student who is in the nursing assistant program.
• The Thomas E. Shown Scholarship in practical nursing is awarded to a student in the practical nursing program, 22 years old or older, with at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA, who works part-time.
• The Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Snyder Sr. Scholarships are need-based funds for students in all programs. Priority is given to males in allied health programs.
• The State Employees Credit Union Scholarship (SECU) is awarded annually to two full-time students enrolled in a curriculum program who are U.S. citizens and residents of North Carolina. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and exemplify the credit union philosophy “people helping people”. Applicants must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale or 3,000 on the GED test and be enrolled full-time.
• The Louise G. Wilson Scholarship is available to poverty-level Forsyth County residents who are accepted or enrolled in diploma or technical credit programs.
• The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc. Scholarships are awarded annually to female nursing and allied health students who have demonstrated a financial need.
• The Wachovia Technical Scholarship is awarded annually, based on need and scholastic promise, to a student who is enrolled full-time in the second year of a technical program.

Forsyth Tech Foundation Scholarships (Endowed)

• The Terry Alexander Memorial Scholarship from the Clemmons Rotary Club is awarded to a full-time resident of Forsyth County who has at least a 2.5 GPA and is based on a combination of academic ability and financial need. Preference is given to seniors at West Forsyth High School.
• The Don Angell Nursing Scholarship is awarded annually to associate degree nursing or practical nursing students. Priority is given to employees of Angell Care, Inc. and their dependents.
• The John P. Arrowood Sr. Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a high school or GED graduate who is enrolled in the air conditioning, heating and refrigeration; electrical/electronics technology; plumbing; real estate; or welding diploma programs, the architectural technology A.A.S. degree program or the real estate appraisal certificate.
• The Branner Dixson Baldwin Scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in practical nursing. It is based on need, academics and references.
• The Tom Blair Legacy Grant was established to honor Mr. Blair upon his retirement from DataMax. It is awarded based on merit and need.
• The Daniel Bradley Barrow Scholarship is for student(s) in Engineering Technologies with strong emphases in carpentry, plumbing and other construction trades. Student must have a 2.0 or C average and be a native of surrounding counties.

• The John T. Eagan, Jr. Memorial Scholarship is established to provide assistance to student(s) who demonstrate a financial need.
• The Forsyth County Dental Society Endowment is established to provide financial assistance to students in the Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Program.

• The Mary B. Lauerman Memorial Scholarship is an academic scholarship awarded annually to the full-time student with the highest cumulative GPA entering the second year of associate degree nursing.
• The David W. Lewis Scholarship in accounting is for a mature student with a 2.5 GPA or better who has financial need and resides as a single parent living on their own in Forsyth, Stokes, Davie or Davidson County.
• The Lucent Technologies Pioneers Scholarships are awarded to full-time students who are North Carolina residents having at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and who are enrolled in an eligible credit program.
• The Catherine Leigh Kiser Marshall Scholarship is awarded annually to older students who demonstrate financial need and have a 2.8 GPA in the associate degree nursing program. Preference is given to single parents.
• The Medlin Scholarship Fund is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates financial need.
• The Steven R. Moser Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student in paralegal technology who demonstrates financial need and maintains a 3.0 GPA.
• The Hilda R. and William H. Moser Scholarship is awarded to a student in paralegal technology who demonstrates financial need and maintains a 3.0 GPA.
• The Tom Staley Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a student in the second year of business administration who has at least a 3.0 GPA.
• The Wachovia General Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates a financial need.
• The Spencer C. and Nell K. Waggoner Scholarship is awarded annually to a student based on financial need and academic merit.

Other Foundation Scholarships (Non-Endowed)

• Apple Foundation Scholarships are awarded by the Apple Foundation to students enrolling from Stokes County.
• The Marshall B Bass Scholarship was established for a student who has completed at least one academic year and maintained a 2.5 GPA. Minority students will be given preference for this scholarship. All applicants must be citizens of the United States and Forsyth County, North Carolina. The recipient is considered a Marshal B Bass Scholar.

• The Mike and Wendy Brenner Scholarship in Engineering Technologies is for a student in Welding, Machining or the Carpentry Program who is a North Carolina resident and demonstrates a financial need.
• The Gerald L. Eggert Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in the fifth semester of the radiation therapy program with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• The Thurmond E. Siceloff Scholarship is awarded to a male student in the Mechanical Engineering Associate Degree Program who demonstrates financial need. Student must have a 3.0 GPA, be a native born US citizen and a resident of Forsyth County.

• The Grainger Scholarships were established to provide financial assistance to students in the industrial technology fields.  A scholarship will be available to one student in each of the following fields: Mechanical Engineering Technology Associate Degree, Industrial Systems Technology Associate Degree, Electronics Engineering Technology Associate Degree, Machining Technology Diploma, and Welding Technology Diploma.  The awards will be made on the basis of need and merit.
• The N. W. Mitchell Piedmont Federal Endowed Scholarship Fund was established on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Piedmont Federal Savings & Loan Association and in honor and memory of Nicholas W. Mitchell. The scholarship is for a Forsyth, Stokes, Davie, Davidson, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes or Yadkin County resident who is a first semester student enrolled in a minimum of 12 course hours per semester and is accepted into an associate degree program or a college transfer program. This scholarship is awarded through the Winston-Salem Foundation.
• The L. Gordon and June Pfefferkorn Scholarship was established to provide up to two consecutive years of financial assistance to a Forsyth County student who demonstrates promise in academics, has a 2.5 GPA or better in high school, demonstrates a financial need and enrolls full-time.
• The Ivey Lamb Scholarship in International Business is awarded bi-annually, based on need, to students in business administration/international business who are enrolled in at least nine credit hours.
• St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church Scholarships are awarded to students with priority to those in the automotive technologies, construction technologies, and health sciences on the basis of financial need and academic merit.

Note: In addition to the scholarships listed above, there are various individuals and organizations who contribute money yearly for scholarships to needy students. Some of the scholarships are limited to individuals enrolled in certain credit programs. Contact Student Financial Services for specific information regarding all available federal, state, institutional and local (outside-sponsored) financial aid funds.

All financial aid awarded is based on available funds and is contingent upon the receipt of those funds by the College.

Other Sources of Aid

Other sources of aid not administered by Forsyth Tech are available for eligible students. Interested students should apply with the appropriate agency. Student Financial Services can assist students in making the initial contact with the sources listed below:

• Americorps National Service Awards
• William H. Andrews-HAWS
• Crosby Scholars Program
• Datatel Scholars Foundation Scholarship
• Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR)
• Golden L.E.A.F. Scholarship
• Golden L.E.A.F. Transfer Scholarship
• Grainger Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship
• Hispanic League Scholarships
• North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (T.E.A.C.H.) Scholarship Program
• Local Hospital Scholarship/Loan Programs
• North Carolina National Guard Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP)
• North Carolina Teaching Assistant Scholarship/Loan Program (TASL)
• North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs (State VA Scholarship)
• North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation
• Professional Women of Winston-Salem Scholarship
•  R.J. Reynolds Foundation Vocational/Technical Scholarships
• Winston-Salem Foundation
• Winston-Salem Medical Group Managers
• Winston-Salem/Twin City Kiwanis
• Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

Veterans’ Benefits

All of Forsyth Tech's curriculum programs of study approved by the State Board of Community Colleges are eligible for education benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Continuing education programs and/or courses are not approved for these education benefits. Students must have a completed admissions file before the VA Certifying Official can report enrollment to the VA for payment. Once all components are in place, certification will be sent electronically to the VA for payment.

Students receiving VA education benefits are responsible for being familiar with the information found in the Student Academic Planner, College Catalog and all veterans’ brochures and information obtained from Student Financial Services.  Students are encouraged to visit the GI Bill web site at www.gibill.va.gov for the most up-to-date information on VA education benefits.

The Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is available for those who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces.  Under Chapter 30, Active Duty members enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months; and are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation. When applying for the benefit, the following applies:

• Students must apply and be accepted into a degree, diploma or certificate program at Forsyth Tech before they can begin receiving benefits from the VA. Continuing Education courses are not covered.
• Students must complete "VA Form 22-1990" if this is their initial application or "VA Form 22-1995" if they have previously received VA benefits at another institution.
• Students must provide a copy of their DD-214 Member 4 discharge papers.
• Students must provide the Admissions Office with a copy of:

1. High school or GED transcript
2. All college transcripts.

• The program offers up to 36 months of education benefits.

Montgomery GI Bill - Post 9/11 New GI Bill (Chapter 33)

The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Students must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the new bill.  When applying for the benefit, the following applies:

• Students must apply and be accepted into a degree, diploma or certificate program at Forsyth Tech before they can begin receiving benefits from the VA. Continuing Education courses are not covered.
• Students must complete “VA Form 22-1990” if this is their initial application. For students who are electing this new MGIB instead of their current MGIB chapter, or for students who have previously received Chapter 33 benefits at another institution, they will need to complete “VA Form 22-1995”.
• Students must provide a copy of their DD-214 Member 4 discharge papers.
• Students must provide the Admission’s Office with a copy of: 

1. High school or GED transcript
2. All college transcripts.

• The program offers up to 36 months of education benefits.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill also offers some service members the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill to dependents.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA - Chapter 35)

The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition.  When applying for the benefit, the following applies:

• Students must apply and be accepted into a degree, diploma or certificate program at Forsyth Tech before they can begin receiving benefits from the VA. Continuing Education courses are not covered.
• Students must complete "VA Form 22-5490" if this is their initial application or "VA Form 22-5495" if they have previously received VA benefits at another institution.
• Students must provide a copy of a Certificate of Eligibility.
• Students must provide the Admission’s Office with a copy of:  

1. High school or GED transcript
2. All college transcripts.

• The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits.

The Montgomery GI Bill—Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

The Montgomery GI Bill—Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. When applying for the benefit, the following applies:

• Students must apply and be accepted into a degree, diploma or certificate program at Forsyth Tech before they can begin receiving benefits from the VA. Continuing Education courses are not covered.
• Students must complete "VA Form 22-1990" if this is their initial application or "VA Form 22-1995" if they have previously received VA benefits at another institution.
• Students must provide a completed DD-Form 22-2384, Notice of Basic eligibility (NOBE).
• Students must provide the Admission’s Office with a copy of:

1. High school or GED transcript
2. All college transcripts.

The Montgomery GI Bill (REAP - Chapter 1607)

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) provides educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This new program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.  When applying for the benefit, the following applies:

• Students must apply and be accepted into a degree, diploma or certificate program at Forsyth Tech before they can begin receiving benefits from the VA. Continuing Education courses are not covered.
• Students must complete "VA Form 22-1990" if this is their initial application or "VA Form 22-1995" if they have previously received VA benefits at another institution.
• Students must provide a copy of their DD-214 Member 4 discharge papers.
• Students must provide the Admission’s Office with a copy of:  

1. High school or GED transcript
2. All college transcripts.

New Vocational Rehabilitation/Continuing Vocational Rehabilitation students (Chapter 31)

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program is designed to assist veterans who have disabilities received while serving in the military “prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs.”

For detailed information on VR&E, students may contact the VA help desk at 1-800-827-1000 or the Winston Salem VA Regional Office at 1-336-631-5451.

Standards of Progress

Federal regulations require that students receiving veterans’ educational benefits must maintain standards of academic progress and conduct.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The Academic Standing section of the Student Academic Planner and College Catalog describes the basic academic requirements for all students. A 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) must be maintained and a probationary period of not more than one semester is permitted. Progress is reviewed at the end of each semester.

If a student receiving VA benefits is classified as making unsatisfactory progress, the Veterans Administration will be notified and benefits will be terminated. Termination will take place effective with the posting of grades at the end of the probationary semester. Recertification will not be made until satisfactory progress has been established by the student regaining a 2.0 GPA. Students should request recertification from Student Financial Services following the semester in which satisfactory progress has been regained.

Satisfactory Conduct

Conduct in accordance with the Student Conduct and Responsibilities section of the Student Academic Planner is expected of all students. Dismissal of a student receiving VA benefits for unsatisfactory conduct will be reported to the Veterans Administration and benefits will be terminated as of the date of the student’s dismissal from class(es).

Satisfactory Attendance

All students are expected to maintain satisfactory attendance as defined in the Academic Information section of the College Catalog. Students receiving VA benefits who are dropped from courses for nonattendance or poor attendance, or those who withdraw, will be terminated or have their hours reduced effective the last day present in class. Unless mitigating circumstances are involved, the Veterans Administration may determine this termination or reduction to be an overpayment retroactive to the beginning of the semester.

Punitive/Nonpunitive Grades

Federal regulations prohibit payment of VA benefits for grades that do not count as progress toward graduation. Audits are not payable. A grade of withdrawal failing (WF) is punitive because it counts as an F in the grade point average (GPA) computation. A grade of withdrawal (W) or withdrawal passing (WP) is nonpunitive because it does not count in the GPA computation. If a student receiving VA benefits drops a class that reduces training time, the Veterans Administration will be notified. If a student receiving VA benefits drops a class and receives a punitive grade, payments will be adjusted effective the last date the class was attended. If a student receiving VA benefits drops a class and receives a nonpunitive grade, payments will be adjusted effective retroactive to the beginning of the semester. This adjustment may result in an overpayment, unless mitigating circumstances are documented.