Chico State Parent Newsletter (August 2009)

The e-Newsletter for Parents of Chico State Students Volume 8, Issue 2 August 2009

• Wildcat Welcome Week
• Staying Current with Chico State News and Events
• Join Our Parent Advisory Council
• Multicultural Welcome Receptions
• Family Weekend - October 8-11, 2009
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Office: Helpful Information for Parents of Chico State Students
• Introducing Zipcar!
• Getting to and from Chico
• Volleyball and Soccer Season Tickets Now Available
• Disability Support Services
• 10 Ways to Prepare to be a Green Parent—And Help Prepare Your Student for Chico's Sustainable Style!

Stay up-to-date with Chico State Parent activities: http://www.csuchico.edu/alumni/parents/

 

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Wildcat Welcome Week—Parent Program

Together we will celebrate your student's arrival at Chico State and the Chico community. Friday, August 21, 2009 is your time to meet and mingle with the university president, vice president, college deans, academic advisors, financial aid counselors, housing representatives, career counselors, student leaders, and other new parents. Attend parent workshops and join your student for a BBQ Lunch and Information Fair on the Kendall Lawn.

On Saturday, August 22, 2009 the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations invites you to join us for a continental breakfast to get any unanswered questions addressed and wish your student well before their new college career officially begins. For a complete schedule of events go to http://em.csuchico.edu/aap/WildcatWelcome/.

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Staying Current with Chico State News and Events

Chico State and the Chico community provide many ways for parents to keep up with what's happening on campus:

• Facebook Parent Fan Page - for events and news pertaining directly to the University. See what other Chico State parents have to say by becoming a fan and following parent comments (you do not have to be a member of Facebook to access the Parent Fan Page).
• The Orion - the Chico State award-winning weekly student newspaper
• The Chico News & Review - weekly Chico newspaper filled with events and stories with local interest
• The Chico Enterprise-Record - daily newspaper for the Greater Chico area
• Chico State Top Stories - campus updates from University Public Affairs
• 2009-2010 Academic Calendar - for important dates related to the 2009-2010 school year

Bookmark these sites in your favorites to ensure year-long access. In addition, many questions can be answered with either the University Catalog, or the Online Parent Guide. Another suggestion is to create a Google alert for "Chico State" that sends news items including this term straight to your e-mail address as frequently as you indicate. Should you have any additional suggestions for staying current with the University, send a note to parent@csuchico.edu, and let us pass it on to other parents.

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We Need Your Help! Join the Parent Advisory Council

The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a new organization on the Chico State campus created for the purpose of creating a liaison between the University and parents. The function of the PAC is to help the University identify unmet parent needs, conduct a regular review of parent events to evaluate continued need for and involvement in events, and to assist with the raising of PAC funds. The PAC is composed of up to 40 parents of current and past Chico State students.

The PAC meets two times per year (in October in conjunction with Family Weekend, and in early spring). Advisory Council members are also asked to assist with a minimum of two events per academic year. These events may include Admissions Receptions, Summer Send-Off events, Wildcat Welcome Week, and Family Weekend. We are looking for parents who are interested in being active and involved with the University. As a member of the PAC, you serve not only your student, but all students of the University. If you are looking for an opportunity to learn more about what is happening at Chico State, this organization is for you. Please contact Polly Crabtree, Associate Director of Alumni and Parent Relations, 530-898-6472, or by e-mail at parent-at-csuchico-dot-edu, to find out how you can become part of this very worthwhile organization.

Important Parent Advisory Council Information:

Parent Advisory Council Job Description
Parent Advisory Council Bylaws
Parent Advisory Council Application

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Multicultural Welcome Receptions

Multicultural welcome receptions allow students to network, build alliances, and make friends. All students are welcome to attend:

Pride Welcome Reception	September 2 at 5:00 p.m. BMU 210
Native American Welcome Reception	September 3 at 5:00 p.m. Selvester's Cafe by the Creek
Asian Welcome Reception	September 4 at 3:30 p.m. Selvester's Cafe by the Creek
Black Welcome Reception	September 8 at 5:00 p.m. Cross-Cultural Leadership Center
Veterans Welcome Reception	September 9 at 3:30 p.m. BMU 210
Bienvenida Reception	September 15 at 3:30 p.m. Kendall Hall Lawn

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Family Weekend - October 8-11, 2009

Chico State will hold Family Weekend October 8-11, 2009. This event will celebrate the role families play in the lives of our students. Parents of new and returning students can benefit from parent workshops; everyone can enjoy soccer and volleyball on campus over the weekend; and without a doubt, the Family Picnic and Barbecue on Saturday afternoon is a definite weekend highlight. The weekend calendar of events is available at http://www.csuchico.edu/alumni/parents/family_weekend_calendar.php. The barbecue order form is available at http://www.csuchico.edu/alumni/_pdf/family_weekend_bbq.pdf, or you can order tickets online.

We hope you can join us, and we know your student will be happy to see you, too!

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FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP OFFICE: HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF CHICO STATE STUDENTS

Financial Aid and Scholarship Office
Student Services Center 250
Phone: 530-898-6451
Fax: 530-898-6883
E-mail: finaid@csuchico.edu
Web site: www.csuchico.edu/fa

How will CSU fee increases affect students' financial aid?
Due to an unprecedented drop in state support and a $584 million budget deficit, in a special session on July 21, the California State University Board of Trustees increased student fees for the 2009-10 academic year as part of an overall budget action plan. 

Effective fall 2009, full-time fees increase by $672 for undergraduate students. This increase is in addition to the $306 fee increase (full-time undergraduates) adopted in May, resulting in a total State University Fee of $4,026 per year.  All Chico students also pay $1310 annually for in Campus Fees that include the Student Union, student activities, and the new Wildcat Recreation Center.

The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office is helping students meet this new increase in several ways.

•  Federal aid is not affected by the state increase. All federal programs are determined by the Expected Family Contribution and enrollment, and will continue unchanged. See our Web site for Understanding Your Award .

•  Our office has amended the Cost of Attendance for the additional increase. The new totals are available on our Web site .

•  Although threatened, 2009-10 Cal Grants were included in the recently passed budget compromise. Cal Grants will cover the State University Fee. Some students who do not receive Cal Grant may qualify for State University Grant to help meet fees. The changes to both Cal Grant and State University Grant must be made manually. Making sure that all eligible students receive the correct amounts is labor intensive. Some changes in grants will show up as later disbursements.

•  Students may qualify for additional resources, such as an additional $2,000 in unsubsidized Stafford loan. CSU, Chico also administers Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) and assists students with alternative loans. For loan information and how to apply, see Types of Loans .

•  Short-term Loans ($500) are available to all enrolled students and do not require a financial aid file.

Important Dates

Thursday, July 30, 2009 Students must pay fees or pay the difference between anticipated financial aid and registration fees. Anticipated aid defers charges until the first disbursement, after which disbursements occur weekly as files are completed.

Thursday, August 20, 2009 First disbursement to students (see below).

Monday, August 24, 2009 First day of Fall 2009 semester

Friday, September 18, 2009 University Census , when financial aid awards may be adjusted for enrollment

December 15, 2009 Last day to submit online application for CSU, Chico Scholarship for 2010-11.

Our Most Frequently Asked Question: When and how do students actually get their financial aid?

Financial Aid and scholarship disbursements start five days before the beginning of each semester. Students will receive funds on the first disbursement day of each semester only if :

•  All requested documents have been signed and returned promptly

•  There are no items remaining on their To Do List

•  They are enrolled at least half-time. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time (12 units per semester for undergraduates)

•  Any loans have been certified (and, if borrowing for the first time, Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling have been completed)

•  There are funds left over after registration and other costs are paid. Registration fees, housing charges, and other financial obligations students owe to the University are deducted from their award, and any remaining aid is disbursed. Parent applications for PLUS loans may designate either the parent or the student checking account for remaining funds.

Awards are subject to change. Your student's financial aid is estimated using their initial FAFSA information, and their offer is based on full-time enrollment. Students will receive updated award notifications by e-mail to their Wildcat e-mail address if there are changes to their awards.

Financial aid awards may be adjusted for a number of reasons, including corrections to the FAFSA, changes in enrollment or residency status, and over-awards. Student athletes receiving the athletic grant-in-aid are also subject to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations governing the individual limit of countable aid, which includes both institutional and outside aid.

A Brief Guide to Scholarships

CSU, Chico Scholarships: University scholarship recipients receive their payment according to the specific guidelines of the scholarships. Some scholarships are fall-only, while other scholarships are divided evenly between fall and spring payments. Students receive a letter from the campus scholarship committee that made the selection, and an e-mail from the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office that explains the procedures for acceptance and payment. After the start of the academic year, scholarship funds are typically disbursed within three weeks after the scholarship has been accepted and all eligibility requirements have been met.

External (Private) Scholarships: After the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office receives a student's external scholarship check(s), the office enters it into the student's financial aid award, and the student receives an e-mail informing them of a change in their award. The scholarship is then considered anticipated aid. If the amount of the external scholarship is not enough to pay fees, the student must pay the difference before the fee payment deadline. After all charges are paid, any money remaining will be disbursed as above. The turnaround time for complete processing of external scholarships is two to three weeks.

Can parents talk to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office about their student's financial aid?

Federal law protects the privacy of student education records. For students 18 or older, the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office must have written permission from the student to release information about their financial aid file. While we encourage parents to be knowledgeable about the financial aid and scholarship process and supportive of their students, we expect students themselves to handle the details of filing and following through on their aid as part of their overall education. Financial Aid and Scholarship advisors are available throughout the year to assist students with their questions and concerns.

When parents feel contact is necessary, we have a downloadable form - Authorization to Release Information - available on our Web site. When submitted by a student, the form allows our staff to speak directly to a parent about their student's financial aid and assures compliance with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

We encourage parents and students to discuss such topics as living within a budget, use of credit, self-protection against identity theft, and loan terminology and repayment of loans. See the following resources available on our Web site:

•  Loan Term and Financial Management Information

•  Money Matters

Congratulations on bringing your student this far. Best wishes for a successful year ahead.

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Introducing Zipcar!

Worried about sending your student to school with a car? Worry no more. Chico State has partnered with the award-winning car-sharing company Zipcar to provide students a reliable mode of transportation when they need one. Offered 24/7 at both hourly and daily rates, Zipcars are available to rent on campus and at a discounted price to all CSU, Chico students. The fuel-efficient rentals include insurance and gas and can be easily reserved online once the student creates a Zipcar account.

Founded in 1999 in Cambridge , Massachusetts , Zipcar is the world's largest car-sharing network with over 6000 vehicles shared between 275,000 people worldwide. Evident to their leadership in sustainable practices both on and off campus, CSU, Chico is the first California State University to offer Zipcar to the campus community as well as the Chico community at large.

Chico State 's partnership with Zipcar will revolutionize the way students' travel in and out of town. Whether traveling for a doctor's appointment, a job interview or a weekend camping trip, Zipcar provides safe and efficient transportation for students in need without the worries of monthly insurance payments, registration and parking fees or scheduled tune-ups. After a quick calculation of the costs associated with owning a car while living near campus, most parents find Zipcar to be a much cheaper alternative.

For questions or information visit www.zipcar.com/chicostate or call Halli Bovia at: 530-898-3332.

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Getting to and from Chico

Your student is in Chico, without a car, and needs to get to the Sacramento airport, or Southern California, or the Bay Area - how are they going to get there? Transportation and Parking Services has a great Web page designed to connect you with some of the various methods of transportation into and out of the Chico area. The "More Options" Page has direct links and information for some of the more common methods of transportation. Amtrak train service on the Coast Starlight has direct routes from Seattle to Los Angeles on a regular basis. The North Valley Shuttle travels from Downtown Chico to the Sacramento Airport up to three times per day for the rate of $48 per person one-way (plus fuel surcharge). Students in Chico can pay $10 extra to be dropped off at their residence hall when returning to Chico.

Ridesharing is another inexpensive and sustainable alternative for transportation to and from Chico. Ride share boards are available in the Bell Memorial Union atrium area, and in most residence hall common areas. For students living in the residence halls, please remember to consider the hall closure dates and times when booking transportation.

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Volleyball and Soccer Season Tickets Now Available!

Everyone knows that folks are having to pinch their pennies where they can, and the Chico State Athletic Department is doing what it can to help out. Fans of Wildcat volleyball and/or soccer can now save big bucks by purchasing a volleyball or soccer season ticket.  Adult season tickets are just $25, couples can get a season ticket for $50, and the family ticket (good for two adults and up to three children) is just $100—a savings of $76 off the general admission price! Download a season ticket form by going to www.chicowildcats.com and clicking “Ticket Information” on the left side. For more information call Athletics at 530-898-6470, or the University Box Office at 530-898-6333.

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Disability Support Services

Hey Parents! Did you know that one in 11 students has a disability? Does your student have problems learning, chronic health issues, mental health issues, visual or hearing impairment… ? If so….Disability Support Services may be able to help!

DSS can help students talk with faculty, get extra time on exams, produce text books in alternate formats, get a note taker, obtain consideration for attendance problems, get around campus! For more information about eligibility, documentation required, and services, contact Disability Support Services (530) 898-5959. Visit our website at www.csuchico.edu/dss.

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10 Ways to Prepare to be a Green Parent—And Help Prepare Your Student for Chico's Sustainable Style!

•  Shop locally. Collier's Hardware on 1st Street downtown is within walking distance to campus, and has many of the supplies for residence hall room upgrades and additions!

•  Avoid buying plastic bottled water for your student when you visit. Our campus offers many free and convenient filtered water stations, so think about getting them a Klean Kanteen or other reusable water bottle as a one-time investment. They could also use a Brita pitcher in their room for much cheaper than buying flats of bottled water regularly.

•  When it's time to get textbooks at the AS Bookstore, buy used books first and only purchase new copies if that is all that's available. It will help reuse materials and you will save money.

•  When you're out shopping, say no to plastic bags . Bring along a reusable tote bag, like a ChicoBag, and help to reduce waste. Make sure your student has a reusable bag or two for their shopping as well.

•  Invest in a reusable mug for coffee or tea for your student. They can bring it with them to dining halls or cafes and never need to get disposable paper cups. Using your own mug at campus coffee shops gets you a discount too.

•  Leave the car and bring their bike! Chico has been voted one of the most bike-friendly towns in the United States. Almost any place students need to go is within 15 minutes biking. Also, all students can ride the local bus (the "B-Line") for free with their student ID.

•  Buy notebooks, paper, and flashcards that are made from recycled content paper. The AS Bookstore offers a wide array of sustainable school supplies at affordable prices.

•  Get a power strip for all your students' electronics—their computer, printer, TV, cell phone charger, and iPod charger all suck energy even when they're not in use! Flipping the switch on the power strip when not in use will kill the "phantom loads" of wasted energy.

•  Buy in bulk, and avoid overly packaged products. Rather than buying individually packaged "snack packs" of nuts, chips, cookies, and other food items, try to buy in bulk with less packaging. Bulk is generally cheaper since the company makes you pay for the packaging. Your student can use Tupperware to carry small amounts or keep it fresh.

•  When your student is moving and leaving home, donate the items they don't need to keep anymore. Their old clothes, games, bedding, and other goods can be a new item to someone else, and is one less thing in the landfill.

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