Types of Financial Assistance Available

• Tuition Installment Plans

How to Apply for Financial Aid

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Blue Mountain Community College Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are considered for the following student financial aid programs:

• Federal, State and College Grants
• Federal Work-Study
• Federal Loans
• Scholarships

The 3-Step Process

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA on the Web
Step 2: Confirm Your FAFSA Information
Step 3: Review and Respond to your Award Notification

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA on the Web

The FAFSA serves as the single application for all types of student financial aid – federal, state and College programs. To apply for student financial aid at BMCC you must complete the FAFSA and be enrolled in at least 1 credit in a degree program.Please complete the following steps to ensure smooth processing of the FAFSA.

Before you complete the FAFSA on the Web, if you have not already done so, request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov. Two to three days after you request a PIN, you will receive an e-mail message that your assigned PIN is available on a designated secure Web site.

• If parent information is included on your FAFSA, your parent will also need to request a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov.
• Your PIN serves as an electronic identifier as it is necessary for you and your parent (if applicable) to electronically sign the FAFSA on the Web.
• Because your PIN provides access to personal records, guard it as you would your ATM number.

Complete the FAFSA on the Web at the Department of Education’s secure site, www.fafsa.ed.gov, as soon after January 1 as possible, however we will accept applications right up until June 1, 2008. We recommend that you submit the FAFSA by March 1 for maximum consideration of all student financial aid programs offered by BMCC.

Applying online is fast, easy, secure, and less error-prone than applying on paper. The federal processor is able to process your electronic application two to three weeks faster than a paper application.

As you complete the FAFSA on the Web, read and follow the online instructions carefully and be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your social security number
• Individual student information (e.g., marital status, veteran status, etc.)
• 2006 Federal income tax information for you and/or your parents/spouse.
  • Adjusted gross income (AGI) and benefits
  • Non-taxable income and benefits
  • Assets

Note: If necessary, use estimated tax information to complete the FAFSA by the recommended date.

Review the information you have entered on the FAFSA and make sure it is correct before you press the “submit” button. A complete and accurate FAFSA is an important step in the smooth processing of your student financial aid application.

Blue Mountain Community College’s federal school code is 003186. Use this code when completing the FAFSA to ensure BMCC’s receives your FAFSA information.

After you submit your FAFSA on the Web, you will be prompted to sign the application electronically using the PIN you previously requested. If you included parent information on the FAFSA, your parent will need to sign electronically using a PIN as well.

Keep important papers, such as a printed copy of your FAFSA, tax information, and letters that you receive in a student financial aid folder.

Step 2: Confirm Your FAFSA Information

In order to successfully begin your term at BMCC, you must complete the following steps:

• Review your processed FAFSA information. Make sure you have updated your and/or your parent’s tax filing status from “Will file” to “Completed”, AGI, taxes paid, etc. once you have completed your 2006 Federal Tax Return.
• It is important that you update this information as your file will not be processed and awarded until this information has been updated. You can update this information by going to the www.fafsa.ed.gov Web site using your PIN number.
• Read all communications received from the Financial Aid Office and provide all documentation requested. NOTE: THE FILE REVIEW PROCESS MAY TAKE 2 – 4 WEEKS.

Step 3: Review and Respond toYour Award Notification

Once BMCC Student Financial Assistance staff receiv your application from the Federal Department of Education, you can expect to receive:

• A Financial Aid Information Request (FAIR) which will let you know that we have received your file and will be reviewing it.
• Possible communications asking for more information and/or documentation, and notifying you of changes you may need to make on your application. (No further action will be taken on your file until you have responded to the requests in this notification).
• An initial award letter in which we inform you of what you have been awarded.
• Additional award letters anytime your award changes for any reason.

Be sure to read the Financial Aid Notification Guide. It will answer many questions you may have about your award.

In general, students are awarded at Full-time (12 or more credits) for Fall, Winter and Spring term. If you plan on taking less than 12 credits during any given term please make sure to notify our office as soon as possible. Changes in enrollment status will, in most cases, affect the amount of aid you are eligible for and may cause a delay in the disbursement of aid to you should loan funds need to be adjusted.

If you are interested in applying for a Federal Stafford Loan or Student Employment please read the “steps to applying” section in your Financial Aid Notification Guide.

Applied for Aid, What Next?

After you have applied, our office will receive your FAFSA information typically within 1 week (if you filed electronically or 1-2 weeks if you sent in the paper FAFSA). After we receive your FAFSA information we will send you a Financial Aid Information Request (FAIR) letter notifying you that we now have your information.

We may also require that you send us

• A SIGNED copy of your (and your parent's, if applicable) 2006 Federal Tax Return (only the 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ or Telefile – do not send copies of schedules or other forms used to prepare your taxes)
• Other documents (will be indicated on your letter)

After our office has received ALL requested documents:

1. Your Financial Aid Advisor will review your file. Normal processing time is 3-4 weeks from the date our office received the last requested document. Should they need additional information you will be notified either by mail, email or by phone. Please be sure that you have updated your student information (address, phone number and email address) by logging into the Student wolfWeb on BMCC's web site at www.bluecc.edu.
2. If corrections are necessary our office will submit them electronically.If no corrections are necessary your file will be considered “Ready to Award”

Awarding is done on a continuous basis. Initial Award Notifications for the 2007-08 academic year will will be sent out starting around June 1, 2007. Your Award Notification Packet will include:

• 2007-2008 Award Notification or Financial Aid Eligibilty Notification
• Information on How To Apply for Federal Stafford Loans and Student Employment
• A Student Support Services Program brochure

Loan Information

Federal Stafford/Plus Loans

If you are interested in applying for a Federal Student Loan or, for parents of dependant students a Federal PLUS, you must complete the steps listed below. ALL new AND returning students must complete the following steps when applying for federal student loans:

Step 1: Mapping Your Future Stafford Loan On-Line Entrance Counseling

Go to www.bluecc.edu

Select "Student WolfWeb"

Log on to your student account

Select "Financial Aid" from the "Additional Resources" menu

Select "Applying for a Loan"

Follow the instructions until you have completed all steps (You will be asked to log in again)

BMCC will receive an electronic notification once you have successfully completed the counseling session.

Step 2: Choose your Lender: Upon completion of Step 1, you will be automatically routed to the BMCC preferred lender s list. Select your lender. You have 2 options to complete your Master Promissory Note (MPN)

• Electronically : Using your Federally assigned PIN (used to electronically sign your FAFSA) you may electronically sign your MPN. If you do not have a Federal PIN, you can go to www.pin.ed.gov to receive one.

OR

• Paper MPN: If you would prefer to complete a paper MPN, please contact our office for detailed instructions.

New Borrowers

By federal regulation, all first time borrowers must wait 30 days for their first Federal Stafford loan disbursement. Your loan funds will be available as of the 31st day of the first term that you receive loan. Those dates are as follows:

Summer 07: July 25, 2007	Winter 08: February 6, 2008
Fall 07: October 24, 2007	Spring 08: April 30, 2008

Deadlines to Apply

The deadline dates to apply for these loans are:

Terms applying for	Deadline Date
Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring	July 20th for all courses that begin and end within 6 weeks August 17th for all courses that begin and end within 10 weeks
Fall, Winter, Spring	November 30th
Winter, Spring	March 7th
Spring only	May 30th

Financial Aid Contacts

Address

Blue Mountain Community College
PO Box 100, 2411 NW Carden
Pendleton, OR 97801
Email: finaid@bluecc.edu

Location

Our office is located on the Pendleton campus, upstairs in Morrow Hall on the south end of the building. For appointments with the Student Financial Assistance staff, or to contact them, please check in at the Service Center in the Pendleton Morrow Hall.

Phone Numbers

Phone: (541)278-5790
Fax: (541)278-5889

Office Hours

Our office hours are: Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. In addition, click here for the Pendleton Service Center hours.

Our offices are open all year round with the exception of holidays and other campus closure dates. See the Academic Calendar for details. In addition, we may be closed periodically for training and development. If you are traveling from a distance please call ahead to make sure we will be here to assist you.

Staff

• Director
  Karen Graybeal
• Student Financial Assistance Specialists
  Cristina Sweek
  Jayne Ann Patterson
• Veterans Certifying Official
  Cristina Sweek

BMCC Students Financial Aid Budget

2007/2008 Financial Aid Student Budgets

The following budgets are based on full-time enrollment for Fall, Winter and Spring term.  If you are attending less than full-time during any part of the academic year, in most cases, your financial aid budget will be pro-rated.  By definition, full time is 12 or more credits in a term.  However, for purposes of establishing a budget, full time costs have been calculated based on 14 credits per term, which has been shown to be the average for full time students at BMCC. 

There are possibilities for adjustments to the budget if you have documented expenses that are not included in this budget, for example child care costs or for programs of study with special budgetary needs such as Dental Assisting, Diesel Technology and Nursing.  In addition, if you are borrowing Federal Stafford Loans and your lender charges an Origination fee your budget will be increased by approximately $50 per term to adjust for fees charged by your lenders.  Contact your Financial Aid Advisor if you have questions about your budget.

The cost of attendance (student financial aid budget), or COA, is based on the following average direct and indirect costs:

• Tuition and Fees: Set annually by BMCC’s Board of Education. (direct cost)
• Books and Supplies: An estimate of average costs for the academic year. (direct cost)
• Room and Board: An estimate of average costs based on double occupancy and off-campus housing. Students living at home will have this amount pro-rated. (indirect cost)
• Personal and Transportation: An estimate of possible expenses for personal items, clothing, recreation, and travel. (indirect cost)
• Loan Fees: Covers a portion of the fee for all loan recipients (only added to those students that are charged originations fees by their federal student loan lenders.) (direct cost)

 

Budget Components	Off Campus	At Home
Tuition & fees	$3,261	$3,261
Books & supplies	1,425	1,425
Room & Board	6,450	1,950
Miscellaneous/Personal	2,100	1,725
Total	$13,236	$8,361

Policies, Forms and General Information

Financial Aid Policies

• Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
• Satisfactory Academic Progress Frequently Asked Questions
• Total Withdraw and Return of Title IV Aid Policy
• Dual Enrollment

Financial Aid Forms

The following forms are Word documents or writable pdf files. To use the writable pdf files, save them to your computer and reopen. If you are unable to download these forms please contact our office by phone at (541) 278-5790 or by email at finaid@bluecc.edu and we will mail out a copy to you.

• Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) Eligibility Worksheet
• Academic Progress Appeal Form
• Length of Time Prior Degree Appeal Form
• Request for Professional Judgment
• 2007-08 Verification Worksheet Form
• Request for Budget Adjustment -Dependent Care Form
• Petition to Apply for Professional Judgment (Dependency Override)

Other Information

• Financial Aid Notification Guide (FANG)
• Financial Aid Calendar
• Frequently Asked Questions
• General Eligibility Criteria
• Staff, Hours and Contact Information
• Student Budgets

Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

Hopefully you'll find answers to many of your questions on this page or some of our other pages. The Department of Education also has a list of FAQs for questions about filing your FAFSA electronically; check them out online: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/faq001.htm. If you still have questions, contact the Student Financial Assistance Office by email at finaid@bluecc.edu

• The Application Process
• Getting Your Money
• About Loans
• Withdrawal and Aid

The Application Process

When should I apply for financial aid?

You must apply for financial aid every year. The best time to apply is as soon as possible after January 1 prior to the school year for which you are applying for financial aid. If you apply early, you may be eligible for Federal Work Study, FSEOG Grants, and/or Oregon Opportunity Grants if you have a high enough need level. Even if you miss the timelines for priority consideration, you will still be considered for the aid programs with available funding (usually Federal Pell Grant and Federal Stafford Loan). Other processing timelines may apply so check with the Student Financial Assistance Office if you are unsure.

How do I apply for financial aid?

You can apply for financial aid (FAFSA) in several ways. We recommend that you apply on the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Before you complete the FAFSA on the Web, if you have not already done so, request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov. Approximately two to three days after you request a PIN, you will receive an e-mail message that your assigned PIN is available on a designated secure Web site.

• If parent information is included on your FAFSA, your parent will also need to request a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov.
• Your PIN serves as an electronic identifier as is necessary for you and your parent (if applicable) to electronically sign the FAFSA on the Web.

If you filed a FAFSA the previous school year and have not changed your address since you reported it to the Federal Processor, you should receive a paper renewal application in January. You may use this paper application, rather than the Web, if you prefer.

If you haven't received a Renewal FAFSA by the end of January prior to the school year, you can also complete a regular paper FAFSA available at the BMCC Student Financial Assistance Office.

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I don't live with my parents, they don't claim me on their tax returns, and they don't give me any financial support. Do I have to put down their information on my application?

If you cannot answer YES to any question in the "Step 3" section on the FAFSA, you must include parent information. Parent information is used because the U.S. Congress has said that families have the primary responsibility for funding college education. If, however, you feel that you have special family circumstances, you should contact a financial aid advisor before completing the FAFSA.

I already filed my application, but I'm now married. Can I be considered independent now?

Your marital status as of the day you applied is the status you will stay at during that aid year. Therefore, if you had to include your parent information when you applied, their information will be included throughout that aid year.

My stepparent is not willing to support me. Do I have to list his/her income under the parent section too?

Yes, if your "supporting" parent has remarried, his/her spouse's information must be included on the FAFSA.

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My parents are divorced/separated, and I do not live with either parent. Whose income should I use?

The parent who supported you last is the person you should use. If that parent is remarried, you must also include the step-parent's income information.

I live with my grandparents/other relatives/guardians who support me. Should I put their income information on my aid application instead of my parents'?

No, you must put down your parents' information under the parent section. If, however, unusual circumstances exist, contact the Financial Aid/Veteran’s Benefits Office before applying.

When they ask for my household size, who should I include?

Include yourself. If you are married, include your spouse. (If you are divorced, separated, or widowed, DON'T include spouse information). List the people for whom you (and your spouse if you are married) will provide at least half their support and who LIVE with you (children who are college students and would be considered "dependent" on the FAFSA should also be included). If you were required to include your (step)parent(s)' information, even if you do not live with them, include your (step)parents(s) and their dependents.

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You're asking for my tax returns and W-2s. I didn't keep copies. What should I do?

You must contact the IRS (1-800-829-1040) and request copies. If you completed a 1040EZ or TeleFile, you can request "Letter 1722." Otherwise, you must request a full printout of your tax return or a transcript (Form 4506). If you had a tax preparer do your tax returns, you may want to contact him/her if you believe s/he keeps copies. For copies of W-2s, you can contact your employers or request a full printout of the information from the IRS.

You're asking for verification of my selective service registration. I never received anything. What should I do?

You must contact Selective Service at 1-847-688-6888 or www.sss.gov to request a copy of your registration card. If it is determined that you have not registered, you must do so if you are still between the ages of 18 and 25 and bring us a copy of your registration card when you receive it. If you are not registered and over 26 years of age, you will need to request a letter from Selective Service showing your status and turn it in to us.

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BMCC already has my financial aid application record, but I need to make some changes to my application. How should I make the changes?

If you have your pin number from the federal processor, you can make the changes at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Click on "Entering a FAFSA" then "Make Corrections."
It depends on the type of changes you have as well as the time of the year. Contact BMCC’s Student Financial Assistance Office BEFORE making any changes. We will advise you on how to proceed.

I have some unusual circumstances that I need someone to know about when my application is reviewed. Should I send a letter with the FAFSA?

Do not send anything except the FAFSA, and fill it out according to the directions. Any other paperwork sent to the federal processor will simply be shredded. Contact the BMCC Student Financial Assistance Office about unusual circumstances you'd like considered.

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What is untaxed income?

Students need to review worksheet A and B on their FAFSA instructions, which outlines what is to be included as untaxed income. Also, all amounts listed noted on your W-2 forms' items 12 a – d. codes D, E, F, G, H & S.

I don't understand Worksheet C on the Financial Aid Application. Please explain.

Question 1: Asks about "Education Credits" refers to credits that you may have claimed on your federal tax return as the result of the Tax Relief Act of 1997. This amount is listed on IRS form 1040 – line 50, or 1040A – line 31.

Question 2: Refers to child support PAID OUT by the student, or the parent if the student is still considered dependent under financial aid guidelines.

Question 3: Refers to the taxable Work Study funds that you earned that was included on your 2006 Federal Tax return.

Question 4: Refers to the amount of grant and scholarship aid you received that exceeded the cost of tuition, fees, books, and required supplies that was reported on a 1040 income tax return, as well as allowances and benefits you received from the Americorps program.

Note: The amounts to include here should be ANNUAL amounts NOT monthly amounts.

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I did not list BMCC on my FAFSA when I first applied. What should I do?

If you have your pin number from the federal processor, you can add BMCC over the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov. To request a pin number, go to www.pin.ed.gov.
If you have your Student Aid Report (SAR), you may also call the federal processor at 1-800-433-3243. Give them your name, social security number, the DRN number and transaction number off your SAR (in the upper right corner of the front page), and the name of the school you want to be added to your application (Blue Mountain Community College, Title IV School Code 003186). If you no longer have your SAR, call the federal processor for a duplicate SAR. When you get it, call the processor again to provide the needed information.

Can I still get aid if I filed late in the year?

Yes! Even if you missed the timelines for priority consideration, your application will still be considered for aid programs with available funding, usually Pell Grants and Stafford Loans as long as the federal processor receives your application by the deadline listed on the FAFSA and we receive a record of that application while you are still enrolled.

When will I get my Award Notification?

In general, it may take 2 to 3 months after you send your FAFSA in the mail before you find out what type of aid eligibility you have. Please keep in mind that this timeline may be lengthened, depending on the time of year and your individual situation.

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Getting Your Money

How much aid will I get?

The information you provide on your FAFSA, as well as the other information you submit to our office, will allow us to determine what type of need level you have and, thus, what type of aid we can offer you. Funding availability, federal regulations, and "cost of education" will also be considered.

How much money can I earn and still be eligible for financial aid?

Your financial aid award will be based on a wide variety of factors. Therefore, it is extremely difficult, and usually impossible, to give an answer to this question without first going through the entire application and review process. Keep in mind, though, the Pell Grant is not the only form of financial aid. Even if it appears that you are not eligible for this grant, you may be eligible for other types of aid.

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When are financial aid funds available?

For the 2007-08 academic year, if the amount of aid you are eligible for exceeds the amount of your tuition, fees and book charges (if applicable) you will be sent a refund check on the following dates:

Term	Date Term Begins	Checks Mailed to Students
Summer 2007	June 25, 2007	Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Fall 2007	September 24, 2007	Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Winter 2008	January 7, 2008	Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Spring 2008	March 31, 2008	Tuesday, April 8, 2008

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How will I buy my books if my financial aid is not disbursed until the end of the 10th day of classes?

Students that have financial aid that exceeds the amount of their tuition and fees will be allowed to “charge” books and supplies in the BMCC Bookstore on the following dates:

Term	Dates Available
Summer 2007	June 19th - June 28th
Fall 2007	September 17th - September 28th
Winter 2008	January 2nd - January 11th
Spring 2007	March 24th - April 4th

The amount students will be able to charge in the Bookstore will in NO case exceed the amount of aid available after tuition and fees charges have been applied to their student accounts.

Example:

Financial Aid	$2,000
Tuition and Fees charges	-$1,500
Available to charge in Bookstore (books and supplies only)	$ 500

NOTE: Financial aid will not cover late fees.

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Can I use my aid to pay for other expenses?

Your federal financial aid (Federal Pell, Federal SEOG, Federal Stafford Loans) can be applied to:

• Tuition
• Most fees (can not be applied to late fees)

Your other forms of financial assistance (private scholarships, agency assistance, some BMCC talent and athletic scholarships) will also cover tuition and fees and in most cases will cover late fees charged to your account.

Should you have financial assistance over and above the cost of tuition and fees (with the exception of late fees in some cases) a refund check will be mailed to you. You may use your refund money to pay for other education-related expenses such as rent, groceries, transportation, child care, and other miscellaneous expenses.

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About Loans

How do I apply for a student loan?

As student loans are also financial aid, you must first complete the financial aid application (FAFSA – as described above) and review process before your eligibility for a federal student loan can be determined. You will received information on “how to apply for a federal student loan” along with the 2007-08 Financial Aid Notification Guide (FANG) posted on our website..

What if I originally was not interested in a student loan when I filled out my FAFSA, but now I am?

The last day to apply for loans during each term is listed below. To apply please follow the instructions on page 4 of the 2007-08 Financial Aid Notification Guide.

Term		Loan Period	Deadline to Apply
Summer 07	6 wk	SU - SP	July 20, 2007
	10 wk		August 17, 2007
Fall 07		FA - SP	November 30, 2007
Winter 08		WI - SP	March 7, 2008
Spring 08		Spring only	May 30, 2008

I have a previous loan but am back in school. How can I defer my loan so that I don't have to make payments while I'm in school?

Most lenders automatically receive notification that you are enrolled through the National Student Loan Clearinghouse. BMCC sends a Student Status Confirmation Report to the Clearinghouse approximately 3 times per term. Your enrollment status is updated at that time.

What if I have defaulted on a student loan?

We cannot offer you financial aid if you are in default on a student loan. You must provide us with documentation that the default has been cleared or put into satisfactory repayment before we can consider you for aid eligibility. Contact your lender or servicer for additional information.

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Withdrawal and Aid

What if I have to drop out of ALL my classes, and I already received my financial aid?

You will be subject to the Policy on Return of Title IV Aid and may have to repay part of your aid. If this happens, the Financial Aid Director determines your last date of attendance and applies the regulations accordingly. You must also successfully complete a "Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal" in order to be considered for future aid at BMCC.

What do I do if I am not done with my classes at BMCC before my financial aid Time Frame Limit is reached?

You will have to successfully complete a Length of Time Appeal if you want to be considered for continued financial aid funding at BMCC. Otherwise, you must pay your educational expenses on your own. Please make sure to pay attention to the deadline dates to appeal.

What if I owe repayment on financial aid at another school?

We cannot offer you financial aid if you owe repayment of financial aid at another school. We must receive documentation from the school showing that you no longer owe repayment before we can consider you for aid eligibility. This does not pertain to the outstanding loans you borrowed while at that school.

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Veterans Educational Benefits

BMCC's Veterans Certifying Official is located in the Student Financial Assistance Office in Morrow Hall at BMCC Pendleton.

General Information about Eligibility

In order to be eligible to receive VA Educational Benefits veterans must:

• Take the BMCC placement test, or provide OFFICIAL grade transcripts from prior colleges, to determine proper course placement in math and/or writing courses PRIOR to enrollment.
• Be assigned an academic advisor.
• Be pursuing a BMCC degree or certificate.

How to apply

First time applicants

• Apply on-line at: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
• OR Submit a paper application to the Veterans Certifying Official

(Note: If eligible for benefits, the Veterans Administration (VA) will send you a "Certificate of Eligibility" letter. You will provide a copy of this letter to the Veterans Certifying Official along with other documents described below.)

• Students that have used their MGI Bill benefits in the past:
  • Submit 22-1995 Change of Program or Place of Training form to the BMCC Service Center in Pendleton.

VA Education Chapters

• Chapter 30 - Discharged from Active Duty
• Chapter 31 - VA Vocational Rehabilitation
• Chapter 1606 - Selected Reserve
• Chapter 1607 - Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)
• Chapter 35 - Dependents Education Assistance

Additional Information

Applicants must also provide the Veterans Certifying Official with the following:

• Enrollment Certification Form
• Statement of Rights and Responsibilities

Send all information to the Service Center at BMCC, Attn: Veterans Certifying Official, PO Box 100, Pendleton, OR 97801. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing and certification of your enrollment to the VA. Upon receipt of the certification, the VA may take additional time to process your payments. Typically, students are paid monthly for the prior month’s enrollment. For example, you will receive payment in the month of October for September class days, and in November you will receive payment for October. Tuition will be due before you receive your first VA payment. If you are unable to pay your tuition in full by the due date, you may set up a Tuition Installment Plan with the Pendleton Service Center (or the center or COD near you) on or before the due date. If you cannot make payments, late fees will be added to the cost of your tuition if you do not drop the courses by the specified date. Tuition due dates, as well as add/drop dates are posted on our web site, in the student handbook, and at various locations around the Pendleton and outlying centers.

Advance Pay Request

Veterans that need financial assistance to begin classes may request Advance Pay for the first term. Requests must be made 4 to 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the term. With Advance Pay, veterans are paid for the first two months of the term; however, the VA pays based on the number of days the veteran was enrolled for a given month. There will be a delay in receiving payment after receiving an advance. For example, if Fall term begins the last week of September, the advance paycheck would be for part of September and all of October, and no further payments would be received until November. The advance check is sent directly to the BMCC Pendleton Service Center, (541) 278-5747.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

• Maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
• Probation status will occur if a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 or if they do not successfully complete the minimum number of credits according to their certified enrollment level (Full-time = 12+ credits; ¾ time = 9-11 credits; ½ time = 6-8 credits; ¼ time = less than 6 credits).
• Suspension status will occur if:
  • A student completes two consecutive terms below the minimum number of credits according to their certified enrollment level (Full-time = 12+ credits; ¾ time = 9-11 credits; ½ time = 6-8 credits; ¼ time = less than 6 credits).
  • A student receives grades of all W’s, F’s, NCA's, INC’s, or any combination of these grades in a given term.
  • If a student’s cumulative GPA is less than a 2.0 for two consecutive terms.
• If suspended, the entitlement will be interrupted until the student completes one term using their own resources. After successfully completing one term, at least ½ time (6 – 8 credits) on their own, students may request reinstatement and back pay.

Program Changes

Veterans who will be changing their degree program must contact the Veterans Certifying Official immediately. A Request for Change of Program must be completed and submitted to the Veterans Certifying Official to forward to the VA.

Transfer Students

Students must provide official grade transcripts from all colleges or postsecondary schools previously attended. Transcripts should be sent to:

Blue Mountain Community College,
Records Office,
PO Box 100,
Pendleton, OR 97801

It is the responsibility of the veteran to submit a Transcript Evaluation Request Form to the Records office at the Pendleton Service Center. In addition,a Request for Change of Program form must be completed and returned to the Veterans Certifying Official. The Veterans Certifying Official will forward all changes to the VA. The Veterans Certifying Official may certify up to two terms in a “Pending” status while awaiting completion of the transcript evaluation. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the Veterans Certifying Official is notified when the evaluation is completed. Failure to have transfer transcripts evaluated within two terms may result in an overpayment of benefits which the student may be required to repay to the VA.

Certification Periods

The Veterans Certifying Official will certify based on the BMCC Official Academic Calendar and may certify a veteran’s enrollment for up to one academic year. A new Enrollment Certification Form must be completed each year.

Some courses vary in length. The Veterans Certifying Official will certify enrollment according to each course’s beginning and ending dates, in accordance with VA Regulation ¹. This may affect the rate of pay. If you have questions or would like further information, please contact the Veterans Certifying Official.

Pay Table

Rate of pay depends on the Veteran’s Chapter, enrollment level, and other VA incentive plans. Any changes during the term will be reported to the VA and they may adjust the monthly allowance. It is the veteran’s responsibility to report any changes to the Veterans Certifying Official within 10 days.

Pay rates are updated each year, usually in October. Veterans may be eligible for additional tuition assistance or “kickers”. The VA can provide information with regard to additional eligibility. Pay tables are available for review at www.gibill.va.gov. For specific information regarding payment, eligibility, or “kickers”,contact the Department of Veteran’s Affairs at 1-888-442-4551.

Other Assistance to Veteran's

Returning Veterans Enrollment Incentive

In addition to certifying standard veteran’s benefits, BMCC offers "Returning Veterans Tuition Discount" for service men and women and their dependents. A Veteran is any member of the armed services, that is currently on active duty or who has been honorably discharged within the last 18 months. Veterans will register in the same manner as all other students.

• The student participating in the returning veterans program will have the first year of tuition for credited classes reduced by 50% unless they are funded by the Montgomery GI Bill or Tuition assistance. Individuals funded by these other programs are not eligible for BMCC Returning Veterans Tuition Waivers.
• Fees and AFEES (A Fee For Education, i.e., fees for non-credit classes) are not available for waiver.
• Depending on when the student commences course work, the year will begin with the start of the first term and end after four consecutive terms. If a student chooses to attend less than the four given terms, his/her eligibility is still exhausted after the fourth consecutive term.
• If the veteran is recalled to active duty, he/she will have the choice of continuing course work via distance education or restarting the program upon his/her return.
• To receive a tuition waiver, a veteran must present a current identification card or discharge papers (DD214) to the Financial Aid Office along with the completed Returning Veterans Tuition Waiver Form.

For additional information, please contact the BMCC Financial Aid Office at (541) 278- 5747.

Certification is based upon the beginning and ending dates of your courses. The VA considers 6 credits in 6 weeks to be a “Full-Time”schedule. Some courses during the summer term are 6 weeks, others are 8 and 10 weeks. Depending on the beginning and ending dates of your courses you may be considered a full-time student for a portion of the term (first 6 weeks), and part-time for the remaining 2 to 4 weeks of the term.