Enrollment Services

Bergen Community College provides the option of registering in person or online via Self Service.
Self Service tool is accessible directly from Bergen portal (my.bergen.edu).
Self Service accounts are available for all students enrolled in credit programs.
Step-by-step instructions on how log on Self Service, search and register for classes are accessible at https://bergen.edu/new-students/self-service/
Registration materials containing course schedules and calendars are available each semester at www.bergen.edu.

Residency Requirements

According to regulations of the State of New Jersey (N.J.A.C.9A:5), tuition charges are determined by the student’s permanent place of residency, or domicile (home). A residence established solely for the purpose of attending a particular college cannot be defined as a person’s true, permanent domicile.

To be considered a resident of the state, a student must have resided in New Jersey for one year before enrolling at a public college in this state.

To be considered a resident of Bergen County, a student must be a state resident as defined above, and must show proof of having a permanent residence in the county.

The Office of Admissions and Recruitment must make a determination of the residency status of students, and as such, reserves the right to require students to show proof of residency when asked.

Deliberate misrepresentation of an address may result in the student’s registration activity being suspended and may be subject to the College’s student disciplinary process.

For more information, visit the Residency web page at
https://bergen.edu/current-students/student-support-services/registration/residency-requirements/

Tuition and Fees

Bursar’s Office
Main Office: Pitkin Education Center, One Stop, Room OS-136
Website: www.bergen.edu/bursar
E-mail: bursaroffice@bergen.edu

Tuition is payable by all students each semester or session on a per credit basis.
For the tuition rates and fees table for each academic year, go to bergen.edu/bursar.

Information on the student account is available on the Bergen student portal (my.bergen.edu).
Tuition and fees are payable online via the Bergen Portal (my.bergen.edu) or at the Bursar’s office, located in One Stop Center, on the College’s main campus in Paramus.

Checks and money orders must be made payable to Bergen Community College and have student’s College ID number on the face.
Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover are also accepted.
Cash payments are accepted in person at the Bursar’s Office, One Stop, on the main campus in Paramus.

Students who register in person will be given a bill with a due date at the time of registration.
Students are responsible for withdrawal from classes if they do not plan to attend. Students also may take advantage of the College’s deferred payment plan accessible through the Bergen Student Portal, under “Student Finance / Payments” group menu.
Payment plans are available during fall and spring semesters.

Students may also visit the Financial Aid Office (www.bergen.edu/fa) to explore other options for payment of tuition and fees.
The Financial Aid Office is located in One Stop Center, on the College’s main campus in Paramus, and can be reached via email at financial.aid@bergen.edu or by phone at (201) 447-7148.

A student with outstanding charges must resolve those charges with the Bursar’s Office, located in One Stop Center, on the College’s main campus in Paramus, or via email at bursaroffice@bergen.edu

Tuition

Payable by all students each semester or session on a per credit basis.

Applicable Course Fees

In courses where additional instructional cost factors are incurred, the student will be charged a course fee.
Schedules and bills will indicate which courses have an additional cost factor.
Students in Health Career Programs incur additional costs for items such as uniforms, instruments, liability, insurance, and transportation.
These costs vary by program and are factored into financial aid benefits.

Course Specific Fees Information

The Course Specific Fee supports costs that are unique to a specific course, which would be considered above and beyond the cost of instruction and basic instructional materials and equipment.

There are courses that have specific fees.
The list of course specific fees and detailed information about tuition and fees can be found at https://bergen.edu/bursar/tuition-and-fees-current-and-previous-academic-years/

General Fee

Payable by all students each semester or session, the general fee partially defrays the following costs: registration, library, laboratory breakage, student and intercollegiate activities, student government, and graduation cost.
This general fee is non-refundable and payable each semester or session on a per credit basis.

E-Textbook Fee

Some courses offer the option to access an electronic textbook, charged as a fee on the student account, as an alternative to purchasing a textbook from the bookstore.
Students will receive an email with information about this fee.
Those who wish to opt out and purchase the text another way should contact the Bergen Community College Bookstore at bookstore@bergen.edu

More information about textbooks can be found at https://bergen.edu/follett-access/

F-1 Student Fee

This is a one-time fee paid by F-1 visa holders and those changing to F-1 visa status upon initial registration for the Fall and Spring semesters.
This fee will enable the College to meet U.S. government requirements surrounding F-1 visa regulations and will enhance the services that are offered by the International Student Center.
This fee does not apply to F-1 Visiting Students and these fees are non-refundable.

Returned Check Fee

Any check not honored by the bank will incur a returned check fee and will require restitution in cash, money order, or certified check.
All future transactions with the College also must be made by cash, money order, or certified check.

Security Fee

Payable by all students each semester or session.
The security fee partially defrays the cost of campus security.
This security fee is non-refundable and payable each semester or session on a per credit basis.

Special Registration Fee

Payable by all students each semester or session.

The special registration fee covers the cost of parking permits, student ID cards.

Technology Fee

Payable by all students each semester or session.
The technology fee partially defrays the cost of the development and replacement of instructional technology, including expanding and improving internet access, maintenance of academic computing labs and networks, maintenance of desktop computers and multimedia labs, and expanding distance learning opportunities for students.
This technology fee is non-refundable and payable each semester or session on a per credit basis.

Chargeback

Chargeback enables a student to pay In-County tuition rates. The difference in tuition will be paid by student’s home county if the chargeback application is approved.
Chargeback requests may be approved by Home Counties if the county’s community college does not offer the program or course or if the county’s community college does not have space available in the program or course.
Chargeback application process information and forms can be found at https://bergen.edu/bursar/chargebacks/

Out-of-County

Out-of-county residents who are enrolled in a program or course not offered by their home county community college may pay in-county rates if they present a completed out-of-county charge-back form with their tuition payment.
The forms and instructions for a chargeback are available at the Office of Admissions and Recruitment (Room SC-110), on the College’s main campus in Paramus.
Depending upon home county requirements, a new chargeback will be needed for each academic year, or in some cases, for each semester.
For more information about the chargeback application process, visit https://bergen.edu/bursar/chargebacks/

Stop Payment

Students who issue stop-payment authorization against checks paid to the College for tuition, fees, and other services are held responsible for such payment.
A returned check fee for such stop payment authorizations also will be assessed.
Once the outstanding financial obligations have been met in the Office of the Bursar, students are eligible to withdraw from classes according to the guidelines indicated under WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASSES (in this section) and the posted college deadlines for withdrawal from classes.

Students with Outstanding Charges

Students who have outstanding financial obligations to the College or those who fail to return college materials on loan or assignment to them will have a hold placed on their record.
Such students will not receive copies of academic transcripts and will not be permitted to register for the next session.

College must receive full payment for any outstanding balance before release of transcript or registration for future semesters.

In the case of a graduating senior, conferment of the degree will be withheld.
When materials cannot be returned because of loss or damage, the student is liable for the full retail price of a replacement.

Refunds

Refunds are based on the date that the drop or withdrawal form was filed (See Withdrawal from Classes) and are figured according to the following schedule:

Courses that do not meet for the full semester have prorated refund periods*.

*The actual dates are published in the Registration and Academic Calendar each semester.
“Weeks” are figured based on the starting date of the of the semester. For example, if the semester starts on a Wednesday, the first week of classes ends on the following Tuesday.
Due to the compressed nature of Summer semesters, please refer to the Registration and Academic Calendar for specific dates.

Method of Refund

Refunds will be made by Bergen Community College check in the name of the student and mailed to the address of record or through a direct deposit to the student checking or savings account.

Credit card refunds will be processed to the account originally charged.

Students on scholarship or other tuition assistance who withdraw in time for a refund may receive the refund based on the stipulation of the grantor.

Refunds for special sessions conducted by the College are paid in accordance with the local calendar covering that specific session and within the College framework and guidelines.

For information on direct deposits, contact the Bursar’s Office at bursaroffice@bergen.edu

Refund Guidelines

The following fees are non-refundable: Reinstatement Fee, General Fee (per credit), Technology Fee (per credit), Security Fee (per credit), and Special Registration Fee (per semester).

Refunds for Military Service

Students who are called to active duty in the Reserve or National Guard or who are inducted in to other branches of the military may apply for a full refund of tuition and fees or re-enroll in the course upon the completion of military service.

Students must be actively attending the course to within seven days of departure.

Application for refund must be processed before the end of the semester in which the withdrawal occurs. In those cases where the instructor agrees to assign a grade because the student has completed most of the work for the course, there will be no entitlement to a refund of tuition and fees.

Financial Aid Students should refer to the Financial Aid Section for information on refunds.

Method of Return of Funds by the Student

The student (or parent, if a Federal PLUS loan) must return the unearned funds for which they are responsible to loan programs in accordance with the terms of the loan, and to grant programs as an overpayment. Grant overpayments are subject to repayment arrangements satisfactory to the school, or over-payment collection procedures prescribed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

Graduation Residency Policy

Students must be enrolled for the semester in which the degree will be conferred.

Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis for those students who take up to two courses elsewhere to complete their degree requirements and up to five years from the last date of attendance.

Students must abide by the Transfer Admissions Policy. Detailed information about the transfer process and transfer credits evaluation can be found at https://bergen.edu/transfertobcc

Degree-seeking students desiring to take a course or courses at another institution must complete the form entitled “Request Permission to Take a Course at Another Institution” and have it completed and signed by the appropriate Academic Department Head.

Registration forms are accessible under https://bergen.edu/regcal

The academic divisions and departments contact information can be found at https://bergen.edu/academics/academicdivisions-departments/

Verification or Certification of Student Enrollment Status

Verification or certification of student enrollment status can be done only with the student’s signed consent.
Verification of Enrollment and Authorization to Release Information paperwork accompanied with documents requiring the College Seal cannot be returned to the student; they must be mailed directly to the requesting agency or organization.The process usually takes about three to five working days, except during in person registration periods, when there may be some delay.
Enrollment verification request information is accessible at www.bergen.edu/enrollmentverification

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office
Pitkin Education Center (1st Floor), One-Stop Center

Phone: 201-447-7148

E-mail: financial.aid@bergen.edu

Website: bergen.edu/fa

Bergen Community College offers financial aid to help students progress through their academic studies.
These programs include scholarships, federal grants, and tax incentives.

The College is committed to counseling and aiding current and prospective students with financial need through Financial Aid Office, which is located in One-Stop Center, on the College’s main campus in Paramus, NJ.

Application Deadlines for Financial Aid

Students interested in receiving financial assistance, including student loans, are encouraged to apply for financial aid beginning October 1 and must be prepared to submit all required documentation as requested by the Financial Aid Office.

Students interested in applying for State of New Jersey Aid (TAG) are required to file by the following deadlines:

• Prior year Tuition Aid Grant recipients: June 1
• College Choice change for Tuition Aid Grant: November 15
• All other Applicants:
• October 1 (Fall and Spring term);
• March 1 (Spring term only).

Students must adhere to published deadline dates to ensure receipt of all eligible aid and payment of term tuition and fees. Additional deadline dates can be found on our Web pages accessible at https://bergen.edu/financial-aid/dates-deadlines/

Financial Aid Terms and Conditions

1. Awards are based on information provided by the student and are subject to change and/or cancellation at any time due to any of the following:
   • Federal and/or New Jersey regulation updates
   • Federal, New Jersey or institutional budget changes
   • Estimated family contribution changes
   • Additional awards received by the student (i.e. outside scholarships, Veteran’s benefits…)
   • Miscalculation on your estimated eligibility/award
2. The Office of Financial Aid reserves the right to request verification of any data submitted by the applicant. Any incorrect information will be revised, and may cause your award to be adjusted or cancelled.
3. The student will be responsible for payment of all balances incurred at Bergen C.C.
4. Students must maintain minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
   Notes: The SAP evaluations are run at the end of each semester.
5. Certain Financial Aid awards such as Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG), Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) and Federal Work Study (FWS) are based on availability of funds.
6. The student will be responsible for checking the Bergen CC self-service frequently as Financial Aid awards are subject to change at any time.

Detailed information and important resources regarding financial aid terms and conditions, student’s responsibilities, and policies affecting financial aid eligibility are accessible under www.bergen.edu/fa

Types of Financial Aid

Grants and scholarships are gift aid that do not have to be repaid and are the most desirable form of aid.

Students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form at www.studentaid.gov to determine grant eligibility.

Information regarding scholarships for Bergen Community College students may be obtained through the BCC Foundation, Pitkin Education Center, Room A-325 on the College’s main campus in Paramus, by calling (201) 447-7117 or by emailing bccfoundation@bergen.edu.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

Federal Financial Aid programs (Grants) available for eligible students include:

• Federal Pell Grant (PELL)
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
• Veterans’ Administration Educational Benefits

State Financial Aid Programs

• New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
• NJ STARS(Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship)(NJSTARS)
• New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
• New Jersey Pilot (Part-Time Tuition Aid Grant) (TAG)
• NJ Best
• Survivors Tuition Benefit (STB)
• The Governor Industry Vocational Scholarship (NJGIVS)

Scholarships

• Private
• BCC Institutional Scholarships

Loan Programs

Available loan programs include:

Loans are funds are considered self-help aid and are awarded based on need and eligibility. Loans must be repaid by the borrower. Students must have filed a FAFSA® prior to applying for a loan.

• William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program for all Federal Stafford Loans. (By participating in the Federal Direct Loan Program, the College and the students will be assured of guaranteed access to funding through the Federal Government as Financial Aid will be processing all loans directly through the U.S. Department of Education (not through individual banks).
• New Jersey Class Loans are considered alternative educational loans and are primarily based on credit worthiness. They are currently applied for through www.hesaa.org and the student must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
• Other Alternative Loans are available for applying at www.elmselect.com; they do not require a FAFSA® or a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standing.

Detailed information on the standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are accessible at https://bergen.edu/financial-aid/standards-of-satisfactory-academic-progress/

Other Programs

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a program which provides part-time employment to students attending institutions of higher education who need the earnings to help meet their cost of postsecondary education and encourages students receiving FWS assistance to participate in community service activities.

Students must be eligible for FWS in order to participate in the program. Placement of students is done by Career and Workforce Development Center, Room A-123, on the College’s main campus in Paramus.

More details on the Federal Work Study program can be found under the Career and Workforce Development Center/Student Employment Web page.

Notes: FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Education.

NJ STARS

NJ STARS (New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship) is a State-sponsored program that provides New Jersey’s brightest students with free tuition at their local community college regardless of their financial need.

The program covers up to five semesters of approved tuition at the New Jersey Community College in their home county (unless their major is unavailable, in which case a student can attend an out-of-county college).

Students must first apply for all need-based federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and merit-based state financial aid grants within established State deadlines.

NJ STARS will cover 12-18 college level credits per semester of approved tuition less other need and merit-based aid.

To qualify for NJ STARS Scholarships, students must be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status in the State of New Jersey.

Students and parents must be residents of the State of New Jersey as per the guidelines established by the State.

Students also must have attended their full senior year at a New Jersey high school and have graduated in the top 15 percent of their class.

For more information, refer to: https://bergen.edu/new-students/nj-stars/

Qualifications for Financial Aid

In order to be considered for all the federal and state aid programs students must:

1. Be accepted in a degree program or eligible certificate program by the Office of Admissions and Recrutment.
2. Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
   This is the application document used for determining eligibility for both federal and state financial aid programs. The Bergen Community College’s Title IV Federal School code is 004736 and must be included in the section “What Colleges Do You Plan To Attend?”.
   Online FAFSA applications are highly recommended and FAFSA on the Web can be found at www.fafsa.edu.gov. Because electronic signatures hold the same legal status as written signatures, students and parents applying for aid must sign their FAFSA on the Web applications by using their FSA ID Numbers, allowing the process to be completed totally online. If students or their parents do not have a FSA ID Number, the FSA ID Number can be requested at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/fsaid before completing the FAFSA. The FSA ID numbers can be requested as early as the student’s senior year in high school.
   Students who are in need of assistance in completing the FAFSA can contact the Federal Student Aid information center at 1-800-433-3243 during the student’s senior year in high school.
3. Meet the standards of Academic Progress as set by the College to conform with federal and state regulations.
   These standards are in addition to the Satisfactory or Conditional Academic Standing Regulations. (See the section on Academic Regulations  in this catalog).
4. Register for classes and meet the required enrollment status for each financial aid program.
   Most state and federal financial aid programs require a minimum of six college credits for eligibility. Enrollment status is determined by the students’ official enrollment at the census date.
   Please refer to the following table for enrollment status definition:

   Full Time	12 credits or more
   Three Quarter Time	9-11 credits
   Half Time	6-8 credits
   Less than Half Time	1-5 credits

5. Eligible non-citizens must submit a copy of their Alien Registration card.
6. Students selected for verification by either the Federal or State Government will be required to submit relevant documents/forms to the Financial Aid office to determine aid eligibility.
7. *State grant recipients must meet the enrollment status requirement at the time of disbursement. In many cases, the state (HESSA) will require additional documentation prior to awarding.
8. *Loan recipients must be enrolled in at least six credits at the time of disbursement (before loan funds are disbursed).

Book Voucher Process

Book Voucher funds will be used for Books and Supplies related to registered coursework only.

An electronic book voucher is generally funded through a student’s financial aid package.

The student’s account will only be charged for the costs of the books charged, which will reduce the amount of any financial aid refund that the student may receive for the term.

• Students may purchase books two week before classes and two weeks after classes begin and two weeks after the beginning of classes.
• Book store will order textbooks/supplies if not available at the time students will be charged from their book voucher money.
• Student must present valid Bergen Community College Identification.
• Students may only buy textbooks and any other supplies on the syllabus that they require for their class.
• Students may also receive a credit to their Financial Aid account if return is made before the book voucher cut-off-date.
• The return needs to be accepted by the bookstore.

Details about return, refunds or exchanges are included in the Bookstore Return Policy accessible at https://www.bkstr.com/bergenccstore/help-faq/return-policypolicy

What my Book Voucher CAN NOT be used for:

NOTE: Electronic Items and accessories that are NOT REQUIRED in the syllabus of the class being taken within the said semester.

• Clothing
• Food
• Text Books not related to students schedule
• Stuffed Toys
• Greeting cards
• Reference Material not required in syllabus
• Computer software, printer ink, and other computer accessories.
• Gift cards

Students may “Opt-out” of the Credit Balance Book Voucher program by not using their credit balance at the bookstore.

If you do not use the book voucher, the remainder balance will be refunded to the student after all tuition charges are deducted from your account.

Opting out will not result in a faster refund.

If a balance is owed on the student’s account, student is responsible for said balance.

**A CREDIT BALANCE BOOK VOUCHER WILL ONLY AFFECT THE STUDENT’S REFUND IF IT IS USED**

———-

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policies and Procedures

Federal and New Jersey State financial aid is to help students pay for their college expenses.
To receive grants, loans, scholarships, and work study, students must meet minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards while completing their Associate Degree or Certificate programs at Bergen Community College. SAP Measures a student’s performance at the end of each semester in certain areas.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards ensure that students are successfully completing their coursework and can continue to receive financial aid. All students receiving financial aid are required to meet SAP standards.
To be eligible for financial aid funds, a student must make Satisfactory Academic Progress, and Bergen Community College must have a reasonable policy for monitoring that progress. The Department considers a satisfactory academic progress policy to be reasonable if it meets both qualitative and quantitative criteria. Below are the basic policies our office has adopted from the 2022-2023 FSA Handbook.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

The following Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policies will be applied to all financial assistance programs, including Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), Federal Direct Student Loans (Stafford and PLUS loans), as well as assistance from state aid programs, including the NJ Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), NJ Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program, NJ Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (STARS) and Veterans Benefits.

1. Federal regulations require Bergen Community College (BCC) to establish satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards for student financial aid recipients.
The standards that have been established meet both qualitative and quantitative regulations and will be applied to all students within categories, e.g., full-time and part-time undergraduate students.

1.1. Qualitative Standards

Policy must specify the qualitative standard (grade point average or GPA) that a student must have at each evaluation. Includes remedial coursework which must
be included in the qualitative assessment of SAP.

• Policy: Cumulative GPA - 2.0 or better required by BCC. Students that fall below a cumulative GPA of 2.0 have not met the qualitative standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress.

1.2. Quantitative Standards

Policy must also specify the quantitative standard (pace) at which students must progress through their program to ensure that they will graduate within the
maximum timeframe, and each academic progress check must measure this. May include but aren’t required to include remedial courses when making the quantitative assessment.

• Policy: Cumulative Completion - BCC requires a completion percentage of 67 or greater. Students that fall below the 67% completion standard for financial aid have not met the quantitative standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress. (Calculation: earned credits divided by attempted credits)
   
• Policy: Maximum Timeframe - Measured in credit hours, a period no longer than 150% of the published length of the program. (Calculation: 150% x 60 = 90 credit hours).
  A student is ineligible when it becomes mathematically impossible for him/her to complete their program within 150% of its length. In this situation, an appeal is necessary.

1.3. Frequency of SAP Evaluations

Policy must specify the frequency of SAP evaluations. If a school reviews SAP at the end of each payment period, they must also review SAP after a
summer term if the student attends the summer term.

• Policy: An official evaluation must be performed at the end of each payment period, e.g., fall, spring and will also require a review of SAP at the end of summer terms for students who attend summer courses.

1.4. A review of SAP is not complete until both the qualitative and quantitative measures have been reviewed.
 

• Policy: If a SAP review shows that a student does not have the required GPA or has not maintained the required pace, that student then becomes ineligible for financial aid funds unless they are placed on financial aid warning (since BCC reviews SAP at the end of each payment period) or probation (after a successful appeal).

2. Federal regulations require Bergen Community College (BCC) to explain how GPA and Pace of completion are affected by course incompletes, withdrawals, repetitions, and by transfer credits from other schools.

• Policy: BCC permits a student to pursue multiple academic programs at the same time in both certificate-seeking and degree-seeking programs. In addition, a student may seek multiple degrees.
   
• Policy: SAP standards will be measured on the latest active degree-seeking program. If there is no active degree-seeking program, the longest standing certificate program will be used.
   
• Policy: All periods of the student’s enrollment count when assessing progress, even periods in which the student did not receive financial aid funds.
   
• Policy: Course credits are treated as attempted credits if a student is enrolled in the credits on the census date of the course’s term.
   
• Policy: All BCC course work will be treated as attempted credits as long as the course work may be applied toward a certificate or degree program.
   
• Policy: Failures (grade of “F”), Unofficial withdrawal (grade of “E”), withdrawals (status “W” and grade “W”), incompletes (status of “I”) are considered attempted but not earned credits.
   
• Policy: Repeated courses are included in the calculation of both attempted and earned hours. SAP policy abides by the College’s academic policies regarding the treatment of repeated courses in the determination of the cumulative GPA.
   
• Policy: The financial aid program regulations make no provision for the concept of academic amnesty or renewal. Therefore BCC will always include courses applicable to the student’s major (whenever taken) in evaluating a student’s SAP (both quantitative and qualitative components). This policy is not subject to appeal.
   
• Policy: Audited courses are not considered credits attempted or earned.
   
• Policy: Transfer credits are not counted in the calculation of the Cumulative GPA. Only transfer credits that count toward the student’s current degree program will be included in the calculation of the Cumulative Completion Rate standards and the Maximum Time Frame standard, as both attempted and earned hours.
   
• Policy: Credits earned by examination or testing are counted in the calculation of all three standards and treated as both attempted and earned hours.
   
• Policy: If a student changes program(s) or certificate(s), the credits from the previous program(s)/certificate(s) will be counted in attempted and earned credits. However, if the student does not meet the minimum standard requirements, the student may appeal on the basis of a change in program/certificate. This process “resets” the academic progress and can only be applied once.
   
• Policy: Pursuit of a second associate degree is permissible and would be aid eligible. All credits previously attempted while pursuing the first degree will count towards the second.

3. Federal regulations require Bergen Community College (BCC) to describe the status of being placed on warning or probation.

3.1. Financial Aid Suspension Status

Students who do not meet the SAP standards will be placed on financial aid suspension. Students in Suspension Status are not eligible to receive financial aid, unless an appeal is submitted and approved.

3.2. Warning Status

This status is only for students who were making SAP in the prior payment period for which they were enrolled or who are in the first payment period of their program.
Students will be placed on SAP warning for one term if they fail to meet the required GPA and/or overall cumulative completed credits percentage standards. While on warning, the student may still receive financial aid.
To be removed from warning status, the student must attain the required cumulative GPA and/or cumulative completed credits percentage standards by the end of the warning period (warning last for one payment period only). The student will be suspended from receiving aid at the end of the warning period if they fail to attain the required standards.

• Policy: BCC must provide notification to students of all results of any evaluation that affects their eligibility for financial aid funds. Students will receive an email notifying them that they have been placed on warning.

3.3. Probation Status

Students will be placed on probation only if they have been denied financial aid because of not meeting SAP requirements and have successfully appealed. Students on
probation are eligible for financial aid.
Failure to attain the required GPA and/or cumulative completed credits percentage result in the student no longer being eligible for financial aid. If the student does not attain required GPA and/or cumulative completed credits percentage, but successfully follows the academic plan submitted with their SAP appeal, they may submit a follow-up appeal showing that they have met the terms of the academic plan.

• Policy: BCC must provide notification to students of all results of any evaluation that affects their eligibility for financial aid funds. Students will receive an email notifying them that they have been placed on suspension and are eligible to appeal for probation.
   
• Policy: Students that are failing to make SAP and successfully appeal will have their eligibility for aid reinstated for three (3) payment periods. The student will be suspended from receiving aid at the end of the 1 st probation period if they fail to attain the required standards.
   
• Policy: Probation status is for three (3) periods if at the end of the 3 rd period the student still does not have minimum required GPA and completion rate and is maintaining the minimum for each period, the student will be placed on a new probation status for an additional three (3) terms.

4. Federal regulations require Bergen Community College (BCC) to explain the appeal process and how a student may reinstate good standing.

4.1. Appeal Procedure

Students who have not met SAP standards may petition BCC for reconsideration of their eligibility for FSA funds by completing an SAP Appeal Form at least 15
days prior to the start of the term for which they are seeking eligibility. The form must be accompanied by a typed letter that describes the circumstances, including the illness or death
of a relative, illness or injury of the student, or other mitigating circumstances, that inhibited the student’s academic progress and how those circumstances have changed so that the
student will make satisfactory academic progress in the future.

The typed letter must also be accompanied by required documentation to support their circumstances including but not limited to:

• Policy: Students that have been placed on financial aid suspension, will have their financial aid awards canceled prior to the start of the next payment period.
   
• Policy: Appeals must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the start of the term for which the student is seeking eligibility. Incomplete or late appeals may jeopardize the reviewing of the appeal in a time frame that would allow disbursement of financial aid, if the appeal is approved.
   
• Policy: The SAP Appeals Committee will review each appeal and render a decision, which the Financial Aid Office will convey in writing to the student prior to the startup of the student’s registered term, provided their appeal was received prior to 15 days prior to the start of the term for which the student is seeking eligibility.

4.2. Reestablishing Aid Eligibility

Students who are not making SAP can restore their eligibility for FSA funds by taking action that brings them into compliance with OCC’s SAP standards.
These actions include:

• Successfully completing the appeal process.
• All SAP minimum standards have been met.
• Students who are making unsatisfactory progress and have had financial aid suspended due to not meeting the minimum standards of SAP may enroll in subsequent semesters at his/her own cost. In this case eligibility can only be reestablished after the student has successfully completed the appeal process and is now meeting the minimum SAP standards.
   
• Policy: Aid eligibility will be reinstated for subsequent terms of enrollment once all Satisfactory Academic Progress minimum standards have been met.
   
• Policy: Students whose aid eligibility is reinstated due to approval of an appeal will be placed on a status of financial aid probation for three payment periods.
   
• Policy: Students on financial aid probation who do not meet the SAP requirements of the College or the requirements of the established academic plan in the next subsequent semester of enrollment will become ineligible for federal financial aid.
   
• Policy: Neither paying for one’s courses nor sitting out for a term affects a student’s academic progress status, neither is sufficient to reestablish aid eligibility.

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Quantitative Pace (Cumulative Course Completion Rate)

Students must meet minimum completion rate (number of credits attempted verses number of credits earned) standards. All withdrawals (official or unofficial) from classes will affect their rate.

Qualitative Pace [Cumulative Grade Point Average(GPA)]

Students must have a cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 on all hours attempted at Bergen to maintain financial aid assistance eligibility.

Max Time Frame

Students are only allowed to use the required number of credits to complete their Associate Degree or Certificate programs (150%).

*Health professions programs are provided separate standard.

The definitions of SAP Statuses information is accessible under Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Statuses

How Grades Affect Student’s SAP

More information on “Treatment of Grades, Repeats, Audit, Withdrawals, & Grades” can be found on the Office of Financial Aid/Satisfactory Academic Progress Web page accessible at https://bergen.edu/financial-aid/standards-of-satisfactoryacademic-progress/

Student Aid Programs Affected

These guidelines apply to undergraduate students enrolled at Bergen Community College who have been awarded federal, state, and/or institutional aid. Student aid programs include the following:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
• Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)
• Federal Direct Loan Program (Subsidized & Unsubsidized)
• Federal PLUS (Loans for Parents)
• Institutional Funds
• New Jersey State Assistance Programs (including Tuition Aid Grant [TAG], Educational Opportunity Fund [EOF], NJSTARS & NJ CLASS Loans)
• Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG)

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Statuses

Financial Aid Satisfactory Status

Student meets the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements as outlined under Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) information section.

Definitions of SAP Statuses

Satisfactory

The student is meeting minimum standards & is eligible for financial aid.

Warning

Student is beginning to fall below minimum standards & is given an alert for time to improve, but is still eligible for financial aid.

*Unsatisfactory

Student has fallen below minimum standards & is not eligible for financial aid.However, the student may appeal if there were circumstances that had an affect on their academic performance.

*Unsatisfactory Maximum Time Frame

Student is close to or has exceeded the maximum time for their program of study & is not eligible for financial aid

Probation 3

Once an appeal is approved, the student is placed on probation for three (3) semesters.
The student is eligible for financial aid as long as he/she earns at least a 2.25 cumulative GPA & minimum standard cumulative completion rate each semester of probation.

Probation 1

Once an appeal is approved, the student is placed on probation for one (1) final semester.
The student is eligible for financial aid for a final semester.

Failed Probation

The student was in prior probation, but received less than a 2.25 cumulative GPA.
While in this status, the student is not eligible for financial aid or to appeal.

Denied and Max Time Denied

Once an appeal is not approved, the student is denied. The student is not eligible for financial aid or to appeal again.

Detailed information about the SAP standards is accessible at https://bergen.edu/financial-aid/standards-of-satisfactoryacademic-progress/

Regaining Eligibility - Appeal Process

Students, who fail to meet the academic standards of progress because of extenuating circumstances may submit their appeal forms to the Financial Aid Office.

Students will be allowed to appeal only twice during their enrollment at Bergen Community College.

How to Appeal an Unsatisfactory Status

Step 1. Please see an Academic Counselor/Advisor in One Stop, Pitkin Education Center, to review your Academic Plan. Once this is done,
Step 2. You will receive a message in your Bergen C.C. email to finalize the process.
Step 3. Click the link in the email to complete the SAP Appeal & attach any documentation relevant to your circumstances, if applicable. Once submitted,
Step 4. The appeal will be reviewed by the SAP Committee.
Step 5. Please allow 7 business days to be notified of the SAP Committee’s decision in your Bergen Self Service portal and Bergen email.

Notes: The appeal processing time is subject to change.

Example of Extenuating Circumstances

Extenuating circumstances that may be considered:

• Death in the student’s family
• Trauma in student’s life
• Serious illness to student
• Involuntary call to Active Duty
• Emergencies circumstances
• Drastic Change to Employment Conditions

The SAP Committee will receive and review the appeal and student will be contacted of the Committee’s decision via email.

Under extreme circumstances beyond student’s control, students who fail probation may submit an appeal to the Dean of Student Services for further review.
The appeal must include all supporting documentation pertaining to the term the student was not able to maintain minimum SAP standards.

Academic Plan

Long-Range Academic Plan

Effective spring 2013: Students placed on Financial Aid Probation prior to the 2013SP will be evaluated against the new BCC SAP standards at the end of the probation period.
If the result of the SAP calculation is Unsatisfactory, the student will be placed on an Unsatisfactory SAP status for subsequent semesters of enrollment.

For students who after being on Probation prior to spring 2013 AND if mathematically impossible to achieve minimum SAP standards at the conclusion of one payment period (the mathematical impossibility may be related to GPA, pace, or both), in cases where one payment period is not sufficient for a student to meet minimum SAP standards , the student performance for the ‘probation’ term will be reviewed on a case by case basis and, at the BCC’s Financial Aid discretion, the student will be considered to be placed on a long-range academic plan.

If all classes are passed with a semester GPA of 2.0 and progress is demonstrated by the student at the end of the probation period, the student will remain on probation for the following term and aid will be reinstated for subsequent payment period.

The long-range academic plan will have appropriate checkpoints and to be achieved by the student. The student’s performance will be evaluated at the end of each payment period to determine minimum SAP requirements agreed on the long-range academic plan are being met to be eligible for Title IV or state aid for subsequent terms.

Financial Aid Denial or Suspension

Students, who failed by not passing with a semester GPA of 2.0 after being on Financial Aid Probation, will be placed on Financial Aid Denial/Suspension and will not eligible to receive aid and will not be allowed to appeal for subsequent semester as indicated in section 2.8 of this policy.

Change of Academic Program Limits

Students receiving financial aid are allowed to change his/her academic program only ONCE.

Notification

Students who are not in academic compliance will be notified after each semester via email of their academic performance/Satisfactory Academic Progress status.

Financial Aid SAP Appeal Committee Procedures

The members of the SAP Appeals Committee convene at the beginning of each semester (including summer sessions) to review financial aid appeals.

Procedures exercised by the Committee are as follows:

• Upon receipt of appeals and supporting documentation, academic transcripts are reviewed by the Appeals Committee.
• Appeal results are recorded in the student’s electronic academic file/digital record and an electronic notification of appeal decision are sent to the students.
• Appeals are granted for one-term only and eligible students will receive funding for the term in which they are enrolled in. At the end of the semester, grades will be reviewed by the SAP Appeals committee to determine eligibility for subsequent term(s).
• Students will be notified within ten (10) business days of the submission of their appeal.
• Students are required to meet an academic counselor for assistance in initiating the SAP appeal process.
• Students are required to submit an appeal electronically using the provided link/URL redirect to online SAP Appeal Form.

Appeals Committee’s notifications sent to students are accessible in the Bergen Student Portal (my.bergen.edu).

Student Rights and Responsibilities

It is the student’s responsibility to monitor academic progress as it relates to maintaining eligibility for financial aid.
The Office of Financial Aid assists by annually measuring progress for aid recipients and notifying students who have not met the minimum standards for continued eligibility.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Financial Aid of any grade changes made after the official posting for any semester.

If discrepancies are discovered, students should contact the Registrar’s Office,located in One-Stop Center, Pitkin Education Center, at the College’s main campus in Paramus, NJ.

Students may request copies of their academic transcripts by contacting the Registrar’s Office.
The academic transcript request/order process information is accessible at https://bergen.edu/registration/requesttranscripts/
For further details regarding Student Rights and Responsibilities, please visit https://bergen.edu/financial-aid/important-information-and-resources/

Fraud

If there is suspicion that a student, employee, or other individual has misreported information or altered documentation to fraudulently obtain federal funds, it will be reported to the Office of Inspector General.

Examples of Circumstances Indicative of Possible Fraud

The following circumstances are indicative of possible fraud when the office can find no other legitimate reason for a discrepancy:

1. False claims of independent student status
2. False claims of citizenship
3. Use of a false identity
4. Forgery of signatures or certifications
5. False statements of income

Contact Information

Regional Offices

Main Office

Office of Inspector General
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1510
1-800-MIS-USED
E-mail: oig.hotline@ed.gov
Web: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oig/hotline.html

Financial Aid Refund Policy

If the student receives more Student Financial Aid Program assistance than the amount earned, the school, or the student, or both, must return to the Student Financial Aid Program the unearned funds as required below.

The school must return the lesser of:

• The amount of Student Financial Aid Program funds that the student does not earn; or
• The amount of institutional costs that the student incurred for the payment period, multiplied by the percentage of funds that was not earned.

The student (or parent, if a Federal PLUS loan) must return or repay, as appropriate, the remaining unearned Student Financial Aid Program grant and loan funds.

Method of Return of Funds by the Student

The student (or parent, if a Federal PLUS loan) must return the unearned funds for which they are responsible to loan programs in accordance with the terms of the loan, and to grant programs as an overpayment.

Grant overpayments are subject to repayment arrangements satisfactory to the school, or overpayment collection procedures prescribed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

Return of Federal Aid and Institutional Refund Policies

Federal Aid will be returned according to the formula outlined above, and is separate from Bergen’s policy.
The result of the return of federal aid maybe that a student now has an outstanding debt on their account for institutional charges.
The outstanding debt can be viewed on the student’s Self-Service portal (my.bergen.edu).
The student must then follow the Bursar’s policy for how to pay their outstanding balance.
More information about the financial aid can be found under https://bergen.edu/fa/
Bursar’s bill payment options and refunds information can be found at https://bergen.edu/bursar

Return of Financial Aid when a Student Withdraws from All Classes

A student is awarded financial aid with the hopes of attending and completing the entire semester.
When a student does not complete the semester (received all “W” or “E” grades), a portion of the award may be returned to the U.S. Department of Education and New Jersey State.
Once a student withdraws, their award may be adjusted. The calculation of the adjusted award is based on the amount of time they attended their classes.

Official Withdrawal Policy and Withdrawal Offices

Students receiving financial aid assistance (grants, scholarships, or loans) or participating in specific programs must contact the respective office/department or academic counselors prior to any withdrawal action.
Students who have questions or need the course drop/withdrawal assistance are referred to the Withdrawal Offices. The Bergen Community College’s Official Withdrawal policy and a list of Withdrawal Offices and contact information is accessible under Registration /Official Withdrawals (https://bergen.edu/registration/official-withdrawals/)

Return of Financial Aid Funds

When a student ceases attendance (officially &/or unofficially) from all of their classes, they may no longer be eligible for the full amount of funds originally posted to their account.

Under Federal regulations, Bergen Community College will calculate the amount of earned funds during the semester the student withdrew based on their last date of attendance.

Calculation of the Amount of Financial Assistance Earned by the Student

The formula used to determine the financial aid a student is eligible for after a withdrawal is a pro rata based on the number of days completed vs the number of day is the semester:

• Earned % (financial aid eligibility after withdrawal) = Number of Days Completed (using last date of attendance) ÷ Total Days in Semester
• Unearned % (financial aid to be returned) = 100% (financial aid originally awarded) - Earned % (financial aid eligibility after withdrawal)

At the 60% point of a semester the student will be considered to have earned all their Federal Aid.

Examples of Award Adjustment

For Fall 2019 Semester (Term Start Date: 9/4/19; Term End Date: 12/21/19):

Student 1:

• Original Award = $306;
• Withdrawal Date = 09/10/19 (6 out of 104 days in attendance);
• % of Award Earned = 5.80%;
• Adjusted Award = $17.75.

Student 2:

• Original Award = $2,273;
• Withdrawal Date = 10/31/19 (57 out of 104 days in attendance);
• % of Award Earned = 54.80%;
• Adjusted Award = $1,027.40.

Order of Return of Funds

Funds are returned in the order specified by the Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) regulations:

• Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan
• Subsidized Federal Direct Loan
• Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
• Federal Pell Grant
• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
• Federal SEOG

Any unearned grant funds are repaid at fifty (50%) of the original amount received or scheduled to receive.
A $50 or less grant repayment amount does not have to be repaid.

Student Notification of Aid Recalculation

Students receive an email notification to their college and personal email accounts outlining that they have withdrawn from all term classes and their aid may have been adjusted.
The student is instructed to review their aid and their student account on self-service for any adjustment and open balance.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement of Federal Direct Loan

If the student earned funds that were not yet disbursed they may be eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement.
The student is given fourteen (14) days from the date of notification email to the request the reinstatement of their loans.
To receive a post-withdrawal of your loan funds the student must contact Bergen requesting the reinstatement of the loan(s).

Education Tax Credits Available to Federal Tax Filers

Both the Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits-which directly reduce the amount of federal income tax owed-are targeted to help working and middle income families afford college. The following are guidelines on what the tax credits cover, who qualifies, and IRS sources to contact for information.

A Hope Tax Credit of up to $2500can be claimed for each of the first two years of post-secondary education college or vocational school for each eligible student in a family. The student must be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible educational institution and not have completed his or her first two years of study. The credit is 100 percent of the first $1,100 of payments for qualified tuition and fees and 50 percent of the second $1,100.The goal of Hope is to make it possible for all Americans to afford the cost of the first two years of a college education. In most states, the Hope credit will cover the tuition
and fees of a community college education. There is no limit on the number of eligible students who can claim a Hope credit in a household in any given year.

The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit picks up where Hope leaves off and is available for post-secondary education to vocational, college, graduate and professional students; adults who want to upgrade their job skills or acquire new ones or pursue another course of study; and even to students taking a single course as long as it is job related. Filers can claim a Lifetime Learning Credit up to $2,000. A taxpayer can claim only one Lifetime Learning Credit per tax return year for the aggregate amount of the qualified tuition and fees of those students in the family for whom no Hope credit is claimed. There is no limit, however, on the number of years a taxpayer may claim the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit.

Taxpayers cannot claim both credits for the same student in one tax year, even if the student is a sophomore at the beginning of the tax year and a junior in the second half of the tax year. Families will be able to claim the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit for some members of their family and the Hope Tax Credit for others who qualify in the same tax year. Qualified expenses covered by the tax credits are tuition and required fees, less any grants and scholarships that are received tax free. Room, board, books, and supplies are not covered.

To take advantage of the Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits, taxpayers must complete and submit IRS form 8863 with their federal tax return.

For more information, call the IRS Help Line at 1-800-829-1040, read IRS publication 970 or visit the Treasury Department’s Website at https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions-for-individuals

Foundation - Scholarships Available for BCC Students

Bergen Community College Foundation administers several funds and endowments that provide annual graduation and scholarship awards for BCC students. All full and part-time students are encouraged to apply for these awards regardless of financial aid status. Each award has a separate set of qualifying criteria so, in most cases students may qualify for one or more awards. Please visit the Foundation Office Website for further details.

Registration, Course Schedules

A course schedule is available each semester online at my.bergen.edu that provides all necessary course information for all locations, the registration calendar, deadlines for add/drop periods, registration forms and policy.

Instructions on how to use Bergen Portal/Self-service tool is accessible at www.bergen.edu/selfservice

Priority Registration

• Currently enrolled students with 44+ credits towards their degree are given priority over all new students at the start of each registration period. Students who have earned the most credits will be invited to register first.
• Returning students may visit the Registration Calendar by clicking here.
• After the Priority Registration period, all students will be permitted to register.

Ongoing Registration

Payment of tuition and fees is expected at the time of registration.

A payment plan is available at the Bursar’s Office for the fall and spring semesters.
Detailed information about tuition payment options is accessible under Bursar’s Payment Options Web page.

Change of Registration

Once classes have begun for any given semester, change of registration will be accepted.
There is a fee for each occurrence, if applicable.
Please refer to the most recent Registration Calendar at www.bergen.edu/regcal for Change of Registration dates.

Registration Calendar

Students are responsible for referring to the official Registration Calendar and complying with the dates and procedures contained therein.
The most recent calendar and forms can be found under Registration Calendar and Forms Web page (www.bergen.edu/regcal).

Web Registration via Bergen Portal/Self Service

Bergen Portal /Self Service (formerly known as WebAdvisor) is a Web interface that allows students to register online and access their records at the College.
Self-Service accounts are available for all students enrolled in credit programs. Bergen portal login information is provided to admitted students.
Eligible students may login on a Self Service account online by visiting my.bergen.edu using the Bergen username and password.

Technology support is available via Bergen Help Desk (www.bergen.edu/helpdesk).
Step-by-step instructions/ tutorials - on how to use Self Service to plan, search, and register for classes - are available at www.bergen.edu/selfservice

Cancellation of Classes

The College reserves the right to cancel a class for which there is insufficient enrollment or to make changes in prerequisites, instructor assignments, course descriptions, credits, and scheduled offerings in the academic year as it may deem necessary for the proper and efficient functioning of the College.

Should a course be cancelled by the College, students enrolled will be given the opportunity to enroll for other courses in which seats remain.
Those choosing not to enroll will receive a full refund.
Class cancellation information is made available at https://cancelledclasses.bergen.edu/

Student Responsibility

Students will be held responsible for reading all pertinent information in college publications regarding withdrawals, course drops, college deadlines, and tuition refunds.
Students are responsible for compliance with the rules and regulations as stated in college publications.
Students who have holds or violations on their records will not be permitted to register for classes, receive final semester or session grades, or obtain copies of their academic transcripts or other college records.

Special Registration - Tuition Waiver Registration

Waivers will be accepted and applied only if the student registers on the designated date(s). If a student registers prior to the designated date(s), waivers will not be accepted; in these instances, the student will be responsible for all tuition and fees.

Senior Citizens

Bergen County residents, who have reached their 65th birthday on the date of Senior Citizen Registration, may enroll in any credit courses offered by the college without payment of tuition or technology fees, provided space availability following the registration of all other students. All applicable fees must be paid. Senior Citizen Registration will occur in person on the specific dates and times designated. All pre-requisites and basic skills testing must be met.
Tuition waiver registration dates, form, and eligibility information can be found at https://bergen.edu/registration/tuition-waiver-registration-information/

Veterans

Students planning to receive Veterans Administration educational benefits should report to the Veteran & Military Center, Room L-113, Pitkin Education Center, on the College’s main campus in Paramus, or call (201) 447-7997, before the beginning of each semester of attendance, including summer session.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Veteran & Military Center of any changes in enrollment, for any semester of attendance, during the school year.

Tuition waiver registration dates, form, and eligibility information can be found at https://bergen.edu/registration/tuition-waiver-registration-information/

New Jersey National Guard

A New Jersey resident who is currently an active member of the New Jersey National Guard or a child or spouse of an active member killed in the performance of military duty, is entitled to enroll in a maximum of 16 credits per semester without paying tuition.

Tuition-free enrollment is permitted only to the extent that federal and state financial aid does not cover tuition costs; however the appropriate financial aid forms must be filed and reviewed by a Financial Aid advisor.

Applicable fees must be paid by the student.

Any child or surviving spouse of a member of the New Jersey National Guard, who has completed Initial Active Duty Training and was killed in the performance of military duties while on Active Duty Training, shall be permitted to attend regularly- scheduled courses and receive up to 16 credits per semester tuition-free as per the “Higher Education Incentive Funding Act.”

Tuition waiver registration dates, form, and eligibility information can be found at https://bergen.edu/registration/tuition-waiver-registration-information/

New Jersey World Trade Center Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to eligible students enrolled in an institution of higher education.
The World Trade Center (WTC) scholarship benefits dependent children and surviving spouses of New Jersey residents who were killed or died as a result of injuries sustained by the terrorist attacks against the U.S. on September 11, 2001.
The award also benefits the dependents of those who died as a result of illness caused by exposure to the attack sites.

Before payment may be made to an eligible student, the institution must first certify that the student has registered full- time for an academic term and that the student is meeting the minimum standards for academic performance and academic progress at the institution in accordance with NJCAC 9A9-210.

The WTC Scholarship eligibility requirements, application process and deadlines information is accessible under NJ High Education Assistance Authority (HESAA/Grants & Scholarships) at https://www.hesaa.org/documents/wtc_program.pdf

Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship Program

The Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship Program-administered by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority-applies to a surviving spouse and/or to a dependent spouse of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty during the September 11, 2001 attack.
Enrollment must occur within eight years of the death of the law enforcement officer, following graduation from high school.
These scholarships shall be awarded annually to the dependent children of New Jersey law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty for the costs of their undergraduate study.
The dependent child must be enrolled or plan to be enrolled as a full-time student in good standing in a curriculum leading to a valid degree at an institution of higher learning in New Jersey, in order to be eligible to receive a Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship.
Students who already possess a baccalaureate degree are not eligible. Before payment may be made to an eligible student, the institution must certify that the student has registered on a full-time basis.

Volunteer Fire, First Aid, and Rescue Squad Members and Family

New Jersey residents who are active members in good standing of a volunteer fire company, or volunteer first aid or rescue squad and the dependent children and spouse of a volunteer, shall be allowed to enroll on a tuition free basis and be eligible to receive tuition credit in an amount not to exceed $2,400. Students will be eligible for this tuition credit provided that available classroom space permits and those tuition-paying students constitute the minimum number required for the course. Registration must occur on designated days only. A letter from the municipality must accompany the registration to the Financial Aid Office. The forms needed to apply for this tuition-credit program are available at local municipal offices.

In order to be eligible to receive tuition credit, a person shall agree to serve as a member of a volunteer fire company or first aid squad for a minimum of four years and sign an agreement with the municipality pledging four years of service in exchange for the tuition credit. Following each year of volunteer service performed, the volunteer, dependent, or spouse shall be entitled to receive tuition credit of up to $600 per year, not to exceed a maximum of $2,400 over a four-year period. Upon completion of each semester, the volunteer shall submit a transcript to the municipality to be maintained in a permanent record. The volunteer or the dependent child or spouse shall maintain a “C” grade average in order to continue eligibility for the tuition credit program. 000000
Students should contact the Financial Aid Office at (201) 447-7148 or email to: financial.aid@bergen.edu for additional information.

Unemployed Persons

Bergen County residents who have been in the labor market (full-time employment or active pursuit of full-time employment, or a combination of the two) for at least two years and who are unemployed, or in receipt of a layoff notice, are entitled to enroll in credit courses on a tuition-free basis. Enrollment is on a space available basis and registration must occur on the designated days only.

Tuition-free enrollment is permitted only to the extent that federal or state financial aid does not cover tuition cost; therefore, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by June 1 for the fall semester waiver; October 1 for the spring semester waiver; and April 1 for the summer sessions waiver. The student must pay applicable fees. All registrations under this program are on a space available basis at time of registration.

To be eligible for the tuition waiver, students must submit to Bergen Community College, the New Jersey Department of Labor’s Unemployed Person Training Form (Tuition Waiver Program). Students must submit this statement each semester or session, and it must be dated within 30 days of the tuition waiver registration date for that semester or session.

Tuition waiver registration dates, form, and eligibility information can be found at https://bergen.edu/registration/tuition-waiver-registration-information/.

Bergen County Employee Registration

Persons employed full-time by the county of Bergen may register for six credits without payment of tuition, provided space is available. County employees are responsible for payment of all applicable fees. This registration is conducted in person only on the date(s) and time so designated in the college calendar. County employees must bring a letter from their employer. All pre-requisites and Basic Skills Testing requirements must be met.
Tuition waiver registration dates, form, and eligibility information can be found at https://bergen.edu/registration/tuition-waiver-registration-information/

Student Accident and Sickness Insurance

On July 5, 2013, Governor Chris Christie signed into law a bill that no longer mandates full time students in institutions of higher education in the State of New Jersey to carry health insurance.

With effect to the fall 2013 semester, students who wish to purchase individual health insurance may do so at the State of New Jersey website: http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_insurance/ihcseh/shop_ihc.htm

Students are encouraged to explore and obtain health insurance coverage from other insurance providers .

Tuition Appeal / Late Withdrwal Appeal / Leave of Absence (Revised 6/28/13)

This process has been designed to address extenuating circumstances that have occurred during a semester that has prevented the student from completing his/her studies.

Extenuating circumstances are defined as a one- time occurrence that was beyond the student’s control such as accidents, legal or other catastrophic and unforeseen events.

For more information on the appeals process, visit the One Stop/Registration (Managing Director of Records/Registration).

Withdrawal from Classes

Students may officially withdraw from a course(s) either via Self Service/Bergen Portal (my.bergen.edu) or in person. Refunds are based on the date that the drop or withdrawal form was filed.See the Refunds sections for more information. Students are responsible for being aware of refund and last-day-to-withdraw deadlines.

• Failure to officially withdraw from a course a student is no longer attending will result in a grade of “E” or “F” that will be calculated into the student’s grade point average as a failing grade.
• Students are required to initiate the official withdrawal process from the College or from an individual course; instructors cannot initiate the process for students.
• Once students file the request, students will be given a receipt, either a bill/schedule showing the drop or withdrawal, or a copy of the withdrawal form. Students should keep this for future records. Students withdrawing via Self Service should confirm that the process was completed by checking and printing the page, “My Class Schedule.”
• The liability for tuition and fees is based on the refund schedule and the date that the withdrawal request was submitted.

Withdrawal Offices