SPC Financial Aid Director in Spotlight

Wayne Kruger, Executive Director of Financial Assistance Operations at St. Petersburg College, was recently honored by The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), when they named him an MVP: Most Valuable Professional.

MVP: Most Valuable Professional is an occasional series that features a brief Q&A with a different NASFAA member.

Kruger has worked in financial aid for 20 years, with 11 years at SPC, and got his start in higher education as a federal work-study student in the admissions office during his undergraduate years at Sacred Heart University, where he was a first-generation college student. He later earned his master’s degree in College Student Affairs and Administration at the University of South Florida.

In addition to being the Executive Director of Financial Assistance Operations at St. Petersburg College, Kruger has held several leadership positions with the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA) and the Florida Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (FASFAA) and has been a guest on the NASFAA “Off the Cuff” podcast.

In the Q&A, Kruger said he chose to work in financial aid in higher education because he wanted to make an impact by helping people figure out how to pay for college.

“As I decided to continue to work in higher education,” he said, “I decided that working in financial aid might be the most impactful position within a college. The idea of helping others navigate the finances of higher education, and help others learn from my own mistakes, really drew me in.” 

He also noted why he loves working at St. Petersburg College, which is largely due to the college’s diverse and nontraditional student population.

“Having vocational training, certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees while being open-access, we serve students from all walks of life,” he said. “The experiences you see daily are ever-changing and keep you on your toes.” 

Read Kruger’s spotlight interview on the NASFAA website.

Read Full Post »

Events Offer Guidance for Financial Aid Process

Finances can often be a stumbling block to education, but many people are eligible for more financial aid than they may suspect. The process to apply for aid can be daunting, as well, so that’s why St. Petersburg College is hosting free Zoom events to offer virtual help for high school seniors and their parents, as well as current college students, who are navigating the process for filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2021-2022 and/or the 2020-2021 academic years.

Attend an online FAFSA: Fill It Out! event.

Online Fill It Out events will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, and Thursday, Nov. 19.

“This event provides families with the opportunity to get assistance from financial aid professionals,” said Todd Smith, SPC’s Executive Director of Financial Assistance Services. “We can answer any questions they may have and guide them through the process.”

Smith said families who attend events like this one are often surprised at how smooth and fast the process can be.

“Quite often, the financial aid process is about on par with completing your taxes, signing mortgage paperwork at closing or going to the dentist,” Smith said. “They eventually find out it isn’t as painful as they thought it would be.”

What to bring

Attendees should come prepared to fill out the FAFSA by having the following information on hand to ensure a successful online submission.

For the 2021-2022 FAFSA:

• The student’s Federal Student Aid FSA ID, which can be obtained by visiting the FSA website
• Student’s/parent’s 2019 federal income tax return (1040) and W2s
• 2019 untaxed income (Social Security, disability, workman’s comp, etc.) 
• Driver’s license or state ID
• Social Security number, Alien Registration number, passports, date of birth for student, spouse and/or parents

For the 2020-2021 FAFSA: 

• The student’s Federal Student Aid FSA ID, which can be obtained by visiting the FSA website
• Student’s/parent’s 2018 federal income tax return (1040) and W2s 
• 2018 untaxed income (Social Security, disability, workman’s comp, etc.)
• Driver’s license or state ID
• Social Security number, Alien Registration number, passports, date of birth for student, spouse and/or parents

Anyone who would like to attend a Fill It Out event to see what benefits they may be eligible for can register here.

Individuals with disabilities who require accommodations to participate in this activity, please call 727-341-7924 at least one week prior to the event.

For more information, go to spcollege.edu/applyforfinancialaid.

Read Full Post »

SPC’s FAFSA Nights helps students get more financial aid

When every dollar counts, getting the most out of your financial aid is a priority. The sooner students can complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the better chance they have at getting a slice of the financial aid pie.

Sponsored by SPC, FAFSA Nights is an event aimed at helping parents and students complete the FAFSA quickly and accurately so they can qualify for the most financial aid possible. Those who participate can expect to get their FAFSA results in just one week.

No matter what college they plan to attend, students and parents can get one-on-one help completing their FAFSA on :

• Feb. 9 – Northeast High School (map), 6-8 p.m.
• Feb. 16 – Clearwater High School (map), 6-8 p.m.
• Feb. 20 – College Goal Saturday – St. Petersburg College EpiCenter (map), 10 a.m.- noon (FREE 2015 tax preparation available on Feb. 20. Please bring your Social Security Card.)

This event is open to Pinellas County High School seniors and their parents as well as current college students.

Free iPad giveaway at each event with completion of the FAFSA.

Visit www.spcollege.edu/fafsanights for a checklist of documents to bring to ensure successful completion. Follow us at #FAFSAnights.

For more information, call Gwen Reed at 727-341-7924 or Shirell Essix at 727-302-6802.

Read Full Post »

SPC’s FAFSA Nights helps students get more financial aid

When every dollar counts, getting the most out of your financial aid is a priority. The sooner students can complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the better chance they have at getting a slice of the financial aid pie.

Sponsored by SPC, FAFSA Nights is an event aimed at helping parents and students complete the FAFSA quickly and accurately so they can qualify for the most financial aid possible. Those who participate can expect to get their FAFSA results in just one week.

No matter what college they plan to attend, students and parents can get one-on-one help completing their FAFSA on :

• Feb. 10 – Countryside High School (map), 6-8 p.m.
• Feb. 17 – Gibbs High School (map), 6-8 p.m.
• Feb. 28 – College Goal Saturday – St. Petersburg College EpiCenter (map), 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (2014 tax preparation available 10 a.m. – Noon on Feb. 28.)

This event is open to Pinellas County High School seniors and their parents as well as current college students.

Free iPad giveaway at each event with completion of the FAFSA.

Visit www.spcollege.edu/fafsanights for a checklist of documents to bring to ensure successful completion. Follow us at #FAFSAnights.

For more information, call Gwen Reed at 727-341-7924 or Shirell Essix at 727-302-6802.

Read Full Post »

Withdrawing from class can cost students

St. Petersburg College’s Associate Vice President of Financial Assistance Services Michael Bennett offers the following advice to students who may be considering dropping or withdraw from a course.

Financial aid is awarded with the expectation that you will attend your classes for the entire term. Never attending, dropping or withdrawing can have both short-term and long-term consequences on your eligibility to receive the financial aid you have been awarded.

If you withdraw from a class, your tuition charges will remain the same; however, your financial aid may be reduced or eliminated. Also, you might find you are not eligible for financial aid in future terms because you have withdrawn from too many credit hours in past terms.

If you plan to withdraw from all of your classes, consider the consequences first.

• If you withdraw on or before the “Withdraw deadline”
  – Academic consequence: grade of “W”
  – Financial consequence: required repayment of a portion of your financial aid

• If you withdraw after the “Withdraw deadline”
  – Academic consequence: grade of “WF” (same impact on your GPA as an “F”)
  – Financial consequence: no repayment of your financial aid

Future financial aid eligibility may be affected no matter when you withdraw

Decisions related to your academic program should not be based solely on financial considerations. Check out the following resources first.

• Your instructor – speak with your instructor first if you are struggling in your class
• Learning Center – students who visit a Learning Center more than four times in a term have better than an 80 percent chance at success
• Smartthinking – SPC students can get 10 FREE hours of online tutoring. Sign into ANGEL and look on the Resources tab

 If you do decide to withdraw, consult an Academic Advisor and a Financial Assistance Counselor to be sure you understand the consequences of your decision.

Additional information and a downloadable document can be found at www.spcollege.edu/withdrawal.

Read Full Post »

College’s 2014-15 Presidential Scholars honored

SPC President Bill Law congratulates one of the Presidential Scholarship recipients.

St. Petersburg College honored its 105 Presidential Scholarship recipients this week.

SPC President Bill Law and the college’s Executive Team welcomed our 2014-15 Presidential Scholars to the college at an event held at the Seminole Campus on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

Student speakers included Salwa Shamsi representing Phi Theta Kappa and Carmen Mendez-Rivera representing the Honors College.

Scholarship recipients were honored on stage and given a certificate for their accomplishments.

The Presidential Scholarship covers up to 15 credit hours per term for one year following high school graduation. Since 2010-11, SPC has awarded over $1.2 million in Presidential Scholarships.

See more photos from the event on the college’s Facebook page.

Read Full Post »

FAFSA Nights wrap up with more than 500 attendees

Five FAFSA Nights, held at various Pinellas County high schools in February and March, drew more than 500 attendees looking for help completing financial aid applications.

The federal financial aid outreach initiative, sponsored by St. Petersburg College, was aimed at helping Pinellas County students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2013-14.

More than 200 SPC faculty, staff and student volunteers traveled to Boca Ciega, St. Petersburg Collegiate, Dunedin, Lakewood and Largo high schools to offer assistance. Students received one-on-one help and could expect to receive their FAFSA results in just one week. Completing the applications as soon as possible also allowed students a better chance at receiving financial aid. FAFSA also is a requirement for students who want to use Bright Futures money.

Results for attendees at the different FAFSA Nights were:

• Boca Ciega High School – Feb. 6 – 123
• St. Petersburg Collegiate High School – Feb. 12 – 64
• Dunedin High School – Feb. 19 – 194
• Lakewood High School – Feb. 26 – 67
• Largo High School – March 12 – 84

Photos from the different FAFSA Nights are on the college’s Facebook page.

Read Full Post »

More than 150 students, family at Dunedin FAFSA Night

About 47 SPC faculty, staff and student volunteers helped more than 194 family members and students at the FAFSA Night at Dunedin High School on Feb. 19.

The federal financial aid outreach initiative helps Pinellas County students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2013-14.

Upcoming FAFSA Nights From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 26 – Lakewood High School March 12 – Largo High School

The event was the second in a series of four FAFSA Nights offered in the county. The next FAFSA Nights will be held at Lakewood High School on Feb. 26 and Largo High School on March 12.

More photos from FAFSA Night at Dunedin High School are on SPC’s Facebook page.

Read Full Post »

More chances to attend FAFSA Nights

There still are three upcoming FAFSA Nights events over the next several weeks, TBNweekly.com reported. SPC is hosting the event to help students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as fast and accurately as possible. Those who participate can expect to get their FAFSA results in one week.

Locations and dates for the remaining events are:

• Feb. 19 – Dunedin High School
• Feb. 26 – Lakewood High School
• March 12 – Largo High School

Read Full Post »

More FAFSA Nights, financial aid application help ahead

Volunteers work with students and their families at SPC’s FAFSA Nights.

St. Petersburg College will be holding more FAFSA Nights in the next several weeks.

The federal financial aid outreach initiative helps Pinellas County students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2013-14.

About 36 SPC faculty and staff volunteered their time for FAFSA Nights at Boca Ciega High School on Feb. 5. The event was the first in a series of four FAFSA Nights offered in the county. The next FAFSA Nights will be held at Dunedin High School on Feb. 19.

Every year, current and prospective college students who want to qualify for aid from schools, state and federal government have to fill out a FAFSA. Forms need to be submitted by June 30 to be considered for federal aid, but every college and scholarship program has a different due date, said Todd Smith, SPC director of financial assistance and services, in an article on TBO.com. “Students will learn how much aid they qualify for within a week, but the application process can be frustrating. That’s why St. Petersburg College wants to offer help,” the article stated.

Upcoming FAFSA Nights From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 12 – St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Feb. 19 – Dunedin High School Feb. 26 – Lakewood High School March 12 – Largo High School

“Would you rather do your taxes at home or sit down with an H&R Block agent for free and get it done the right way?” Smith said in the news report. “It’s always good to have someone there with you. If you’re sitting at the computer by yourself, it’s easy to feel lost.”

ABC Action News aired a news report about SPC’s FAFSA Nights. News about the event also has been reported in I4U News and the Tampa Bay Times.

See more photos from the FAFSA Nights at Boca Ciega High School on the college’s Facebook page.

 

Read Full Post »