Fort Lewis invites educators to attend our second annual Summer Showcase for high school counselors, community college advisors and TRiO program coordinators. Attendees will learn about our liberal arts experience, experience our beautiful mountain setting, and enjoy historic Durango. The summer is a great time to visit Durango and to tour campus. Come join us!
Meals and lodging for this three-day exploration are free. Counselors must register by June 1, 2010.
A schedule of events can be accessed here.
Use our on-line form to register today!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Come meet us at The Beach!
It's Spring Break for FLC this week! And to celebrate, the Office of Admissions will be hanging out at The Beach on Sunday! Ok, it's probably not the beach you have in mind, but it will still be fun. On Sunday, March 14, the Office of Admission will be handing out free goodies at the Durango Mountain Resort Beach. Along with DJ Wreck from KDUR, we'll be slopeside from 2-4pm with cookies, chap stick and other fun give-aways. Take a break from the great spring skiing conditions on Sunday and stop by to say hi.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
5 Quick Tips on Financial Aid
The cost of a college degree is getting more expensive every year. According to College Board, the average four-year public college charges a tuition rate of $7,020 and the average tuition cost of a four-year private college is $26,273. That’s a lot of money. And while there are resources out there to help families cover their college expenses, who has the time to research these opportunities? It’s tough. The purpose of this blog is to simplify your life. If you follow these quick tips on financial aid, your college financing process will be a lot easier. Let’s get started…
1.Research, Research, Research. Again, there is good information out there on financial aid, but you need to know where to look. I encourage families to research two types of areas: Scholarship funding and College Tuition Savings Plans. Scholarships and money from 529 plans can add up quickly. Every dollar that you can secure through these areas can cut down on the possible need to borrow money for your college expenses.
2.Apply, Apply, Apply. Consider winning a scholarship like winning the lottery. There are many other people who want the same result, but only a handful of people will be picked as winners. Don’t just look at 1-2 scholarships, but apply to as many scholarships as possible. While it won’t necessarily mean that you’ll earn a scholarship, your odds will be much better if you apply to multiple scholarships as opposed to just a few. In the end, chances are you will qualify for at least one scholarship.
3.Pay Attention to Deadlines. In the competitive dog-eat-dog world of financial aid, deadlines are hard and fast. You miss a deadline, and there is no turning back. Look at application materials, the requirements, and the submission deadlines. I’ve known funding organizations to return “late” applications to students, even if they missed the deadline by just one day. Missing a deadline is a dead-end.
4.Learn from the Experts. Navigating the financial aid process is overwhelming. I encourage you to develop strong relationships with your high school guidance counselor and with financial aid representatives at the colleges and universities. Financial Aid professionals handle aid for college for a living so they stay current on changes to federal funding programs, loan rates and grant assistance.
5.Complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a must-requirement for college-bound students. Families should complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible for the upcoming academic year. As part of the FAFSA, state that you are willing to work a part-time job through the Work Study Program. Most students work part-time jobs during the week and on the weekends. Consider some of the money that students earn as the students’ financial contribution for college. Some students work a partnership with their parents–parents will pay the tuition expenses and the students will cover their entertainment and ”pizza” money with money from their part-time job. Remember–every little bit helps. If the FAFSA results, don't look right to your family, then consider an appeal. Once you get your financial aid package from colleges, look at them closely. If your financial situation has changed due to an unexpected drop in income, don’t hesitate to contact the colleges and universities to which you applied to let them know these changes. Most colleges allow families to submit an appeal letter explaining why they believe that their financial aid package should be reevaluated. Be prepared to provide supporting documentation, but remember, an appeal isn’t always granted. Colleges don’t have ESP, so if they don’t know that there have been financial changes, then they can’t consider you for an updated financial aid package. Make it easy for them and appeal when you have a need to do so.
Finding money to pay for college can be a lengthy and time-consuming process, but by following these easy steps, you’ll be on the right pathway to success. Good luck.
1.Research, Research, Research. Again, there is good information out there on financial aid, but you need to know where to look. I encourage families to research two types of areas: Scholarship funding and College Tuition Savings Plans. Scholarships and money from 529 plans can add up quickly. Every dollar that you can secure through these areas can cut down on the possible need to borrow money for your college expenses.
2.Apply, Apply, Apply. Consider winning a scholarship like winning the lottery. There are many other people who want the same result, but only a handful of people will be picked as winners. Don’t just look at 1-2 scholarships, but apply to as many scholarships as possible. While it won’t necessarily mean that you’ll earn a scholarship, your odds will be much better if you apply to multiple scholarships as opposed to just a few. In the end, chances are you will qualify for at least one scholarship.
3.Pay Attention to Deadlines. In the competitive dog-eat-dog world of financial aid, deadlines are hard and fast. You miss a deadline, and there is no turning back. Look at application materials, the requirements, and the submission deadlines. I’ve known funding organizations to return “late” applications to students, even if they missed the deadline by just one day. Missing a deadline is a dead-end.
4.Learn from the Experts. Navigating the financial aid process is overwhelming. I encourage you to develop strong relationships with your high school guidance counselor and with financial aid representatives at the colleges and universities. Financial Aid professionals handle aid for college for a living so they stay current on changes to federal funding programs, loan rates and grant assistance.
5.Complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a must-requirement for college-bound students. Families should complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible for the upcoming academic year. As part of the FAFSA, state that you are willing to work a part-time job through the Work Study Program. Most students work part-time jobs during the week and on the weekends. Consider some of the money that students earn as the students’ financial contribution for college. Some students work a partnership with their parents–parents will pay the tuition expenses and the students will cover their entertainment and ”pizza” money with money from their part-time job. Remember–every little bit helps. If the FAFSA results, don't look right to your family, then consider an appeal. Once you get your financial aid package from colleges, look at them closely. If your financial situation has changed due to an unexpected drop in income, don’t hesitate to contact the colleges and universities to which you applied to let them know these changes. Most colleges allow families to submit an appeal letter explaining why they believe that their financial aid package should be reevaluated. Be prepared to provide supporting documentation, but remember, an appeal isn’t always granted. Colleges don’t have ESP, so if they don’t know that there have been financial changes, then they can’t consider you for an updated financial aid package. Make it easy for them and appeal when you have a need to do so.
Finding money to pay for college can be a lengthy and time-consuming process, but by following these easy steps, you’ll be on the right pathway to success. Good luck.
Monday, February 1, 2010
College Goal Sunday
On Saturday, February 20, Fort Lewis College will host College Goal Sunday. Ok--Make that College Goal Saturday, but the event is part of a national program called College Goal Sunday.
We encourage you to visit with us on February 20 to navigate the anxiety-producing world of paying for college. College Goal Sunday is an opportunity for students and parents to get free help in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the first step and a Federal requirement for all college students who plan to pay for college with the help of: grants, scholarships, work Study Funds, and student loans. Prospective students and their families can talk to Financial Aid professionals and get one-on-one assistance from the Fort Lewis College Office of Financial Aid.
In case you are curious, Fort Lewis is hosting this year's College Goal Sunday on a Saturday because we also will host a Skyhawk Saturday for Prospective Students on the same day (February 20). This will provide two key reasons for prospective students and their families to visit with us on February 20. Come learn about FLC, and also discover your options to pay for college.
We look forward to seeing you on February 20.
We encourage you to visit with us on February 20 to navigate the anxiety-producing world of paying for college. College Goal Sunday is an opportunity for students and parents to get free help in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the first step and a Federal requirement for all college students who plan to pay for college with the help of: grants, scholarships, work Study Funds, and student loans. Prospective students and their families can talk to Financial Aid professionals and get one-on-one assistance from the Fort Lewis College Office of Financial Aid.
In case you are curious, Fort Lewis is hosting this year's College Goal Sunday on a Saturday because we also will host a Skyhawk Saturday for Prospective Students on the same day (February 20). This will provide two key reasons for prospective students and their families to visit with us on February 20. Come learn about FLC, and also discover your options to pay for college.
We look forward to seeing you on February 20.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
House Bill 10-1067
Many individuals are concerned about new legislation that could impact Fort Lewis College. Today's blog will provide some background on current legislative activities. Recently introduced as proposed legislation, Colorado House Bill 10-1067 would have a direct impact on the current funding mechanism for our Native American Tuition Waiver. In effect, HB 10-1067 would reduce Lewis College’s $41 million General Fund budget by approximately $1.8 million. As you can surmise, Fort Lewis College is opposed to HB 10-1067.
To provide some background, the College’s commitment to Native American students is long-standing. Indeed, it dates back to 1911, almost 100 years ago when Colorado agreed that Native American students would be admitted to Fort Lewis College tuition free. As many readers can attest, Fort Lewis offers a rich, vibrant and diverse educational experience. Roughly 760 Native American students are presently enrolled at Fort Lewis College, and it goes without saying that Fort Lewis College is proud of our heritage and our service to all of our students.
To quote Fort Lewis College President Brad Bartel, "Fort Lewis College understands that sacrifices must be made to help Colorado through these difficult economic times, but HB 10-1067 is not the answer. Fort Lewis College should not be penalized for fulfilling its statutory role and mission. The College is working to educate the legislature and the public concerning the reality of HB 10-1067."
If HB 10-1067 were to pass, Fort Lewis College intends to continue to fund the Native American Tuition Waiver. Current and future students would not see a reduction in their Native American Tuition Waiver funding, but HB-10-1067 would place additional strains on the Fort Lewis budget.
Again, this is just proposed legislation at this time. Fort Lewis Collge hopes that it does not pass and that we can continue to provide current service levels to all students. Even so, I encourage you to contact your local representatives to let them know your thoughts on HB 10-1067.
To provide some background, the College’s commitment to Native American students is long-standing. Indeed, it dates back to 1911, almost 100 years ago when Colorado agreed that Native American students would be admitted to Fort Lewis College tuition free. As many readers can attest, Fort Lewis offers a rich, vibrant and diverse educational experience. Roughly 760 Native American students are presently enrolled at Fort Lewis College, and it goes without saying that Fort Lewis College is proud of our heritage and our service to all of our students.
To quote Fort Lewis College President Brad Bartel, "Fort Lewis College understands that sacrifices must be made to help Colorado through these difficult economic times, but HB 10-1067 is not the answer. Fort Lewis College should not be penalized for fulfilling its statutory role and mission. The College is working to educate the legislature and the public concerning the reality of HB 10-1067."
If HB 10-1067 were to pass, Fort Lewis College intends to continue to fund the Native American Tuition Waiver. Current and future students would not see a reduction in their Native American Tuition Waiver funding, but HB-10-1067 would place additional strains on the Fort Lewis budget.
Again, this is just proposed legislation at this time. Fort Lewis Collge hopes that it does not pass and that we can continue to provide current service levels to all students. Even so, I encourage you to contact your local representatives to let them know your thoughts on HB 10-1067.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Welcome back!
Happy New Year, and I hope each of you are settling into 2010 with a renewed sense of optimism and resolution. Here in Durango, our campus is abuzz and full of energy. Today is the first day of our Winter Semester, and we are excited to have students back on campus.
As I think about the past few months, I am reminded that it has been a very dynamic and exciting time for us. Truly, Fort Lewis is a college on the move. Several recent developments reinforce our unique nature. They include:
• Dr. Ron Estler of the Chemistry Department recently was selected as the Colorado Professor of the Year. Dr. Estler will now compete for US Professor of the Year honors.
• Our Men’s Soccer team recently won the NCAA Division II National Championships, and our cycling team won the Collegiate Team Omnium National Championships in Cyclocross.
• Construction on the new $11.6 million Biology building will finish later this month. The new building will house the Biology and Agriculture departments along with a new greenhouse, animal facilities, laboratories, classrooms and offices.
• For prospective students, we will host three upcoming Skyhawk Saturdays for
--January 23, 8:30am-12:00 noon
--February 20, 8:30am-12:00 noon
--March 20, 8:30am-12:00 noon
As you can see, this is an engaging time at Fort Lewis We look forward to sharing our progress with you and to working with you.
Now it is time for me to get back to reviewing application files. Seniors--good luck with finishing your application.
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