DACC Catalog - Dona Ana Community College - New Mexico State ...

2012-2013 Catalog 13Toolboxes, tool kits, and Personal Materials. Students enrolled inthe Automotive, Dental, Welding, and Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigerationprograms will be issued tools during the first week of classes.One-third of the total price of the toolboxes or tool kits is due at the timethe tools are issued. The remaining toolbox/kit balance must be paidby the end of the semester in two equal installments, usually spacedtwo months apart. Failure to pay the balance will result in exclusionfrom registration the following semester. Down payment and subsequentpayments for toolboxes/kits must be made at the DACC Cashiers Office inroom DAMA-118 on the Central Campus. The student is responsible for fullpayment regardless of withdrawal from the community college. Return oftoolboxes/kits will not constitute payment, as used tools cannot be reissued.Students in the Building Construction Technology Program will need to purchasesteel-toed boots (approx. $75) and a set of hand tools (approx. $75).Campus Health CenterDACC students can purchase semester-long access to the services offeredby the NMSU Health Center. Visit the following site for pricing information:http://wellness.nmsu.edu/shc/fees.htmlSupplemental Health InsuranceStudents who have access to the Student Health Center may choose to buya commercial insurance policy endorsed by NMSU. This insurance is intendedto supplement the Student Health Center service. Dependent coverageis not available through NMSU but may be purchased directly from theinsurance company; however, dependents of students are not eligible to usethe Student Health Center. Information about this insurance can be found athttp://www.uhcsr.com.AggieFit MembershipAggieFit is a good option for improving one’s health while studying atNMSU/DACC. Membership in the AggieFit program provides access to theActivity Center, Aquatic Center, fitness classes provided in both, and participationin our Intramural programs. For additional information, including thefee schedule, visit http://wellness.nmsu.edu/aggiefit/index.html.HousingHousing is available to community college students on the same basis as itis for other New Mexico State University students. Rates and other informationmay be obtained online at http://nmsu.edu/~housing/.Food ServicesNew Mexico State University, located adjacent to the Las Cruces CentralCampus of DACC, offers a number of meal plans and has a wide selectionof eateries: http://nmsu.edu/Campus_Life/auxserv/public_html/dining/.The DACC Snack Bar operates stores on the Las Cruces Central and EastMesa campuses.Financial AidAs an open-door institution, DACC is committed to providing equal educationalopportunities to students regardless of personal, economic, or socialconditions. This commitment means helping students overcome financialbarriers in getting the education they seek. Each year, DACC provides aidto many students who would otherwise be unable to attend the collegebecause of lack of funds.The college, in conjunction with the NMSU Financial Aid Office, offers anextensive array of grants, scholarships, and loans. Grants are awarded on thebasis of financial need only, while scholarships may be awarded accordingto academic ability, as well as financial need.Applicants desiring financial assistance should apply first for federal or stateaid programs. Applications for state and federal aid are evaluated by theFinancial Aid Office on the basis of published policies and procedures. Applicantsare encouraged to apply by submitting a Free Application for FederalStudent Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 of each year in order to allow sufficienttime for aid to be awarded for the fall semester. All students must maintainsatisfactory academic progress to continue receiving aid.EligibilityEligibility for most financial aid is based on an analysis of the parents’ and/or student’s ability to pay the cost of a school year. Ability to pay is determinedthrough the application process.Most financial aid programs have the following eligibility requirements:• Only those who are U.S. citizens, or are eligible noncitizens with avalid Social Security number will be considered.• Applicants must have a high school diploma or a GED, or must havepassed an independently administered test approved by the U.S. Departmentof Education (Ability-to-Benefit).• Applicants should be enrolled at least half time (six hours) and be seeinga certificate or a degree for most federal aid programs and scholarships.Students enrolled less than half time must visit with Financial Aid staff.• Applicants must be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactoryacademic progress.• Applicants who are required to register with Selective Service mustindicate that they have done so.• Applicants must verify that they do not owe a refund on a federal grantand that they are not in default on a federal student loan.• Need must be clearly established for need-based financial assistance.No applicants will be denied financial assistance on the basis of age, color,disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. Students receiving financialaid are expected to achieve a degree within a reasonable length of time. Eligibilityfor financial aid may be terminated if satisfactory academic progressis not demonstrated. Action by the student will be required for financial aidto be reconsidered. Most undergraduate students seeking their first associatedegree have a maximum of 99 credits to receive their degree.Note: All credits are included in the limits, even if financial aid was not receivedwhile taking those credits. This would include all credits attempted atother schools. A student who has fewer than the maximum credits allowedwhen the term begins will be certified for aid for the term.Semester Review—Minimum Expectations for Retaining FinancialAid. Most undergraduate students receiving financial aid must maintain aminimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain in good standing.Credit Hours Progression. Credit hour progression will require a studentto complete a minimum of 66.6 percent of all attempted hours withpassing grades. Summer hours and transfer hours will also be included inthis calculation. Only courses receiving grades of A, B, C, D, and S willcount as completed courses. Courses with all other grades, including I (incomplete),RR, W, U, and F, will not count toward progress (and may or maynot be funded by financial aid).Retaining Eligibility for Financial Aid. All Students must continue tomeet the requirements for eligibility that were necessary for them to receivean offer of assistance. This includes being admitted and completing coursesin a degree program. Students cannot owe any refunds or be in default onpreviously received financial aid. All other criteria as defined by the rulesand regulations of the institution, New Mexico State University–Doña AnaCommunity College, and the federal government must be met.Application ProcedureDACC uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Contact the FinancialAid Office, room DAMA-115, for assistance in completing this form.The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.gov. Applications shouldbe submitted by March 1.