Tax Filing Assistance for Students

NOVA Students FILE YOUR TAXES FOR FREE!

IRS-certified volunteers will help ensure you receive the maximum tax refund and help determine if you are eligible
for Earned Income Tax Credit. Workshops are Facilitated Self Assistance (FSA) sites. You will use computer to file taxes and will be able to type your own information into the software, with the step-by-step instructions from a certified volunteers.

OPEN TO ALL NOVA STUDENTS & THEIR FAMILIES with an annual household income under $66,000

Available at ALL NOVA Campuses
Please visit the link below register!
https://blogs.nvcc.edu/wssn/

Free and confidential Credit Counseling is available with a BB&T representative at the end of your tax filing appointment.
Please indicate your interest on your registration form!

Student SpotLight: How to ball On a Budget

This week’s Student Spotlight is written by Marly Narcisse. Marly is working towards a degree in Engineering and has a knack for learning other languages. She is currently taking German through NOVA Online. For most students, College is expensive. We get it. Marly is here to share
with us some tips on how to manage our finances.   

Greetings

Growing up my mother was not very financially responsible, and when I moved to the USA my family was not financially responsible. I decided that this wouldn’t be me, so I experimented with many ways before I found out the one that works for me. Below are the top five things I do keep my finances in check.

  1. Get A Spending Notebook

In this book I write down all my wants and needs. I also write down savings and financial goals. I have a job, but I also have bills. For better accuracy I write down everything that I must pay for each pay check and I cross them off as I go. I also keep track of how often I need the basics (toothbrush, shampoo, etc.) so I can plan accordingly.

2. Budget

Budget. I consider budgeting as the maximum amount of money I am willing to pay for things. I have a car, so I need gas. I tell myself based on my commute, how much gas do I need? It turns out, I could get by with $100 a month. I allocate $100 for gas every month using a gift card. Unless it’s necessary I will not go beyond my commute. Everything I need is on the way. I also do that for everything else, clothes, books, etc. I like to avoid surprises. My wallet doesn’t like them very much. 

3. Create Different Savings Accounts

I have three different savings accounts based on my priorities. I have an emergency account. I was told to have at least 3-4 months bills put away, so I am working towards that. I also want to invest money for residual income and I want to go places, it doesn’t matter where. I allocate some money each month for it according to importance. Suppose I save $100, 50% would go to emergency, 30 to travel and 20 to investment.

4. Spend Less

I only buy things I need. When I go to the store, usually Bed Bath and Beyond because I use their 20% off coupons, A LOT, I make sure I get things I really need. I’ll ask myself three times if I really need something before I hit the register, and I’ll put the No’s on the side. When I reach the register, I’ll ask myself, “do I need it?” one more time before I make final my purchase.

5. Save All Extra Cash

I get money for my birthday, work bonus or for whatever other reason. I used this money strictly for savings and I follow the same breakdown as before 50 for emergency, 30 for travel and 20 for investment.

These tips work for me. I live within my means and I can still afford to do things I want to do without feeling guilty. At the same time, I have a cushion for the future. If you have any additional tips or have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank You

What is First Day?

Don’t get this confused with the first day of classes! First Day is not the first day of classes, rather it is tuition based model in which the cost of digital course materials (textbooks etc.) will be included in the tuition for certain courses or programs. The benefit of this program is to provide a cost- efficient option for students, ensure students are prepared for their first day of class, and have their course material accessible from where ever there is Internet.

First Day course materials are digital versions of the physical textbook, and can be inclusive of other educational resources such as workbooks, tutorials, videos, and problem sets. Standard features included are highlighting, annotations, search functions, and multimedia links. All the digital materials will be easily accessible through the Blackboard Learning Management System.

Directions on how to access your material can be found at the following link:  McGraw-Hill First Day Registration Instructions.

Note: After you are registered the first time, you should be able to access any McGraw Hill resources indicated in your assignments course page in Blackboard.

If you prefer to have a physical copy instead/regardless you can by filling out the Course Content & eText Free Opt-Out Request form. Keep in mind the Opt- out requests must be received by NOVA campus Auxiliary Services or the Campus Bookstore prior to the Census Date. To check if the course you are registering in offers First Day you can read the Notes section of the class you are registering in SIS.

What Do I Need to Complete the FAFSA

There are several items you will need to complete the FAFSA. The 2018-2019 FAFSA covers Fall 2018, Spring 2019 and Summer 2019. For 2018-2019, you will need financial information from 2016. All students will need the following information to complete the FAFSA application:

  • Your social security number
  • Your name and date of birth must match your records with the Social Security Administration
  • Your 2016 federal income tax return
    • Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ
    • Foreign tax return, or tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, Marshall Islands, Federal States of Micronesia or Palau
  • Your 2016 W-2 forms and other records of money earned in 2016, if any income was earned
  • Your 2016 untaxed income records, if applicable (i.e. child support received, interest income, veterans’ benefits, etc.)
  • Your current bank statements
  • Your current assets held outside of retirement accounts
  • Your alien registration or permanent registration card, if applicable (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

If you are a dependent student, you will also need to provide the following information for your parents:

Note: A dependent student is a student who does not meet any of the criteria for an independent student. An independent student is one of the following: at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, someone with legal dependents other than a spouse, an emancipated minor, someone with a court appointed legal guardian, or someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. 

  •  Parent(s) 2016 federal income tax return and W-2s
  • Parent(s) bank statements and current records for all non-retirement investment and asset accounts
  • Parent(s) social security number, date of birth (day, month and year)
  • Date your parents were married, widowed, divorced or separated

If you are married, you will also need to provide the 2016 federal income tax return information for your spouse.

Federal Student Aid Information Center

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Monday – Friday (EST) and 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday – Sunday (EST)

Phone: 1-800-433-3243 | International: 1-334-523-2691 | Hearing Impaired: TTY calls only 1-800-730-8913

Questions about your Financial Aid award? Financial Aid assistance is available by creating a case at https://mysupport.nvcc.edu or uploading documents that are accepted electronically through the To Do List. You may also fax documents to (703) 323-3494.   Questions about financial aid eligibility? Check out the Financial Aid Blog.

Apply for Financial Aid in Three Easy Steps

STEP ONE:  Create a Federal Student Aid ID or
FSA ID
by visiting https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm. If you are under the age of 24 and considered a dependent student, your parent must also create a FSA ID using a separate email address. This FSA ID will be used every year to complete and sign your FAFSA application for NOVA or any other college.

*Keep this login safe and secure.

STEP TWO:  Complete the FAFSA application by choosing “Start A New FAFSA” at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Northern Virginia Community College’s School Code is 003727. Allow 3-5 business days for your FAFSA application to be sent to NOVA.

*Returning students can renew their FAFSA application by choosing the “Login” option.

STEP THREE:  Once your FAFSA application has been received by NOVA, check your “To Do List” in your Student Center by logging into myNOVA at www.nvcc.edu for any additional documents or verification required by NOVA. Awards are usually posted 2 weeks after all documents have been received and the verification process has been completed (if required).

*You will receive an email to your NOVA email account 3-5 business days after submitting your FAFSA.

  • Navigating to the “To Do List”: NOVA’s Website > myNOVA > VCCS SIS > Student Center > To Do List.
  • NOVA’s Financial Aid Support Center Contact Number (Open 24/7): 1-855-323-3199.
  • FAS Online Verification (School Servicing Center) Contact Number: 1-855-328-4400.
  • The FAS Online Verification can be completed at sscwp.org by signing in under “Students”.

Federal Student Aid Information Center

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Monday – Friday (EST) and 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday – Sunday (EST)

Phone: 1-800-433-3243 | International: 1-334-523-2691 | Hearing Impaired: TTY calls only 1-800-730-8913

Questions about your Financial Aid award? Contact them by phone, live chat, or email through the Student Support Center.

 

The VALHEN 2018-2019 Scholarship Application

The VALHEN 2018-2019 Scholarship Application is now open.

The Virginia Higher Education Network (VALHEN) is dedicated to assist Latinx/Hispanic students to pursue higher education within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Scholarship awards are for one year and are paid directly to the recipient’s college or university, to cover tuition, books, and/or fees. Application deadline: Dec. 1, 2017

Applications available at: bit.ly/valhenscholarship

Visit: www.valhen.org/scholarships/

Contact the Scholarship Coordinators at scholarship@valhen.org

Applicants must:

  1. Be of Latinx/Hispanic heritage
  2. Live in Virginia
  3. Have a minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  4. Be a high school senior or graduate of a Virginia high school and either have been accepted to, or be already enrolled as a full-time student, in a degree-granting public or private college or university
  5. Be able to demonstrate leadership through involvement in school and in the community, government, non-profit organization, work/job duties, or in another manner not mentioned here

*Important note: Essays of 300-500 words are required for all applicants.*

For additional information or questions, please contact the Scholarship Coordinators at scholarship@valhen.org

FAFSA Reminders

Now is the time to apply for Financial Aid 2018-2019!If you have not already done so, complete the 2018-2019 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now!

Start your fall financial aid application now for priority award consideration. Priority consideration deadline is March 1.

Follow these steps to apply:

Get an FSAID.

Before beginning the FAFSA process, you (and one parent, if parental information is required on the FAFSA) should apply for an FSAID at www.fsaid.ed.gov.  Returning students can use their existing FSAID’s.

Complete Your Application.

Go to www.fafsa.gov to complete your FAFSA on line.

Enter NOVA’s School Code.

When completing the FAFSA form, you will be asked to supply the school code(s) of the school(s) that you want to receive your results.  NOVA’S SCHOOL CODE IS 003727.

 Submit the FAFSA.

Make sure to click the “Submit” button, or your FAFSA will not be processed.

Regularly check the status of your application on MyNOVA and respond.

*Go to www.nvcc.edu/novaconnect.

*Click on Self Service, then Student Center.

*Review your To-Do list items.

*Respond promptly. Provide all items on your To-Do list to your Campus Financial Aid Office.

Fall 2017: purchase books/supplies using financial aid

Students with financial aid awards for fall 2017 can purchase books against their excess financial aid–either online or in campus bookstores—from August 7, 2017 through September 7, 2017, the 16-week (term) census date.  A second book purchase period will be open for students who still have anticipated aid from two weeks before the second 8-week term through that term census date, October 4, 2017 through October 24, 2017.

Students wishing to purchase books on-line must complete and sign the Bookstore Authorization E-Form, via the Financial Aid Dashboard, prior to completing a purchase. Students enrolled or planning to enroll in later starting classes who desire to use their financial aid to purchase books must purchase during this purchase periods; no additional accommodations will be made.  The financial aid process must be complete and anticipated aid must be enough to cover tuition, fees and books.  Files can have no negative holds. E-forms must be submitted each academic year.

First Book Purchase Period

  • First day to purchase books/supplies using financial aid: August 7, 2017
  • Last day to purchase books/supplies using financial aid: September 7, 2017

Second Book Purchase Period (for students with remaining anticipated aid)

  • First day to purchase books/supplies using financial aid: October 4, 2017
  • Last day to purchase books/supplies using financial aid: October 24, 2017

You may place your on-line order 24 hours after completing the authorization e-form or on the first business day after completing the e-form, if later.

Search the  online bookstore for the textbooks and course materials required for your NOVA Online courses.

Questions about your Financial Aid award? Contact them by phone, live chat, or email through the Student Support Center.

FA Support Center

 

The Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship Program

logoFiling Deadline:  All on-line applications must be received by Friday, June 23, 2017.

The purpose of the Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship Program is to increase access to higher education and to develop student leadership potential for graduating high school seniors who will be attending a Virginia Community College for the first time in Fall 2017. One ($3,500) scholarship will be awarded for the fall 2017 and spring 2018 semesters.  The Student Financial Aid Committee will select the recipient in July. The recipient will be notified by August 2017.  The following criteria will be used to award the scholarship:

  1. Commonwealth Legacy Scholars will be students attending Northern Virginia Community College for the first time in Fall 2017.
  2. Selections will be based on merit.
  3. Scholars will demonstrate academic excellence during high school.
  4. Scholars will demonstrate a willingness to promote community college education and the Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship Program.
  5. Scholars will demonstrate a willingness to mentor future scholars.
  6. Scholars will demonstrate a commitment to developing leadership potential.
  7. Students must be full-time, associate’s degree-seeking students with plans to graduate from  Northern Virginia Community College.
  8. Scholars must agree to an interview with the selecting committee to be considered.
  9. If selected, recipients agree to participate in the annual Student Leadership program.

Applicant Materials

  1. Complete on-line  application at: https://nvcc.academicworks.com/
  2. High School Transcript (upload to the on-line application)
  3. One letter of recommendation from high school faculty written on official school stationary- (see submission instructions in the on-line application).

Creating and Using the FSA ID

What’s an FSA ID? 

The FSA ID is a username and password you use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites, including fafsa.gov, StudentAid.gov, and StudentLoans.gov. The FSA ID is your legal signature and shouldn’t be created or used by anyone other than you—not even your parent, your child, a school official, or a loan company representative. You’ll use your FSA ID every year you fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and for the lifetime of your federal student loans.

How do I get an FSA ID? 

Visit StudentAid.gov/fsaid to create an FSA ID. You’ll need your Social Security number, full name, and date of birth. You’ll also need to create a memorable username and password, and provide answers to some challenge questions so you can retrieve your account information if you forget it.

We strongly recommend that you provide a mobile phone number and email address when you make your FSA ID. Providing a mobile phone number and/or email address that you have access to will make it easier to unlock your account, retrieve your forgotten username, or reset your forgotten password.

Important: An email address and mobile phone number cannot be used with more than one FSA ID. If you share an email address with someone else, then only one of you will be able to use that email address to create an FSA ID. This applies to your mobile phone number too.

FSA ID Tips 

 One of your parents might need an FSA ID as well. If you need to provide information about your parents on the FAFSA® form, one of your parents will have to sign the form. Your parent can create an FSA ID and then sign the FAFSA form electronically using that FSA ID. Not sure whether you’ll need to put your parents’ information on the FAFSA form? Check out StudentAid.gov/dependency. Remember: You should create your own FSA ID and your parent should create his or her own FSA ID. Also, make sure to use the correct FSA ID when signing the FAFSA form electronically.

 When you first create your FSA ID, all you’ll be able to use your FSA ID for is to complete, sign, and submit an original (first-time) FAFSA form. You’ll have to wait one to three days for your information to be confirmed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) before you can use your FSA ID for other actions, such as submitting a Renewal FAFSA form or signing a Master Promissory Note. If you provided an email address, then you’ll receive an email letting you know that your information was successfully matched with the SSA and you can use your FSA ID for all of its purposes.

 If you forget your FSA ID username and password, look for links, such as “Forgot My Username” and “Forgot My Password,” at the log-in pages of our websites. These links will direct you to web pages where you can request a secure code to be texted to your verified mobile phone number or emailed to your verified email address. The secure code will allow you to retrieve your username or reset your password. You can also retrieve your username or reset your password by successfully answering your challenge questions.

Learn more about the FSA ID at StudentAid.gov/fsaid. Find this fact sheet at StudentAid.gov/resources.

Questions about your Financial Aid award? Financial Aid assistance is available by creating a case at https://mysupport.nvcc.edu or uploading documents that are accepted electronically through the To Do List. You may also fax documents to (703) 323-3494.