Minot State University helps with North Dakota College Goal Sunday
On Sunday (Feb. 22), Minot State University staff will participate in the second annual North Dakota College Goal Sunday. They will be available to help college-bound students and their families complete and submit college financial aid applications online in Main 314 and 316, 1-3 p.m.
This is a free event for students interested in furthering their education after high school. Many students and their families are unfamiliar with the financial aid application process. College Goal Sunday’s objective is to get students on the right track toward applying for aid to pay for college.
Most colleges, universities and vocational and technical schools in the nation require students seeking federal financial aid, including grants and loans, to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Because many types of aid are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, this form should be completed as soon as possible after Jan. 1. March 15 is the priority deadline in North Dakota. While forms may still be submitted after this date, students may miss aid opportunities.
"At College Goal Sunday, we help students complete the FAFSA properly and before important deadlines," said Merri Jo Connole, financial aid counselor.
As an added bonus for participants, all students who complete a FAFSA at North Dakota College Goal Sunday will receive a flash drive. Each potential student also has a chance to win a $500 scholarship, a laptop or other prizes. Prizes have been sponsored by the Bank of North Dakota, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bremer Bank of Grand Forks, Education Assistance Corporation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Education Department and Student Loans of North Dakota.
Participants should bring the following documentation to College Goal Sunday:
- Social Security Number (student’s and parents’)
- Alien registration card (if not U.S. citizen)
- 2008 Federal Tax Return and W2 (student’s and parents’)
- 2008 untaxed income records (veteran non-education benefits, child support, worker’s compensation)
- Driver’s license (if any)
The Indiana Student Financial Aid Association, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. and supplemental support from Lumina Foundation, created College Goal Sunday for Education. The North Dakota Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators received a grant from Lumina Foundation to implement a program in North Dakota. More than 125 local volunteers will be assisting students throughout the state on Sunday (Feb. 22).
Other cities taking part in North Dakota College Goal Sunday are Belcourt, Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Fort Totten, Fort Yates, Grafton, Grand Forks, New Town and Williston. For specific time and site information, visit www.collegegoalnd.org, call (866)454-3308 or e-mail collegegoal@nd.gov. For specific questions for the Minot site, contact the MSU Office of Financial Aid at 858-3375.
02/17/09