Fee payment deadlines move up as VSU converts to semester system

Valdosta State University officials are reminding students to apply early for financial aid.

It is more important than ever before to apply as early as possible, according to Tommy Moore, VSU's director of financial aid.

Conversion to the semester system for Fall 1998 means students will begin classes�and fees will be due�a month earlier than under the old quarter system. If a student has pre-registered for the Fall semester, then the fee payment deadline will be Aug. 4. For regular registration at the beginning of the Fall semester, fees are due Aug. 18.

If students plan to use financial aid to pay fees, their financial aid files must be complete and all Direct Loan promissory notes signed by the fee payment deadline. Of course, students who don't have their financial aid complete by the deadline always have the option of paying fees with their own funds and getting reimbursed from financial aid during the semester�once their file is complete.

Financial aid officials say students should remember:

Respond promptly to any correspondence from the U.S. Department of Education or the Valdosta State University Office of Financial Aid.

Call the VSU Office of Financial Aid at 229-333-5935 if you have a question.

VSU students who had a valid Student Aid Report for the 1997-98 academic year were mailed a 1998-99 Renewal Application by the U.S. Department of Education in January. This form, or the 1998-99 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), are available in the Office of Financial Aid and can be used to apply for aid. Either application is acceptable.

Students must complete a 1998-99 Renewal Application or 1998-99 FAFSA to be considered for the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford and PLUS loan programs, Student Incentive Grant and HOPE Scholarship. Although students might have received funds under one or more of these programs in the 1997-98 academic year, they must re-apply and establish eligibility each year.