Financial Aid and Scholarships

Penny James, Director of Financial Aid

 

What is financial aid?  

Financial Aid includes scholarships and grants - which provide free money that does not have to be repaid.   It also includes loans - which do have to be repaid, usually after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time.  In addition to loans for students, there are loans available for parents of dependent undergraduate students.  

Financial aid is provided by the federal and state governments, the college, and also by private organizations not affiliated with the college.  We encourage students to explore all avenues of free funding for which you are eligible in order to reduce the amount you need to borrow or pay out-of-pocket.  Some sources of outside assistance include:  employer sponsored tuition assistance, churches, civic organizations or clubs, high schools, community foundations, veteran's or other military benefits.  Several online scholarship searches are also available, and you can find links to some from our website.  

Two special programs are available to employees of Methodist Health System.  

• The Employee Development Grant (EDG) provides $1600 annually. Click here for the application.
• The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides reimbursement for tuition up to $2000 annually.  Contact Human Resources for more information.  

 

How do I apply for Nebraska Methodist College scholarships?

• You should have received a scholarship application following your admission to NMC. The application is also available on the college's website.
• Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis.  
• To apply for renewal of a scholarship, submit a new application by January 15^th each year.
• Continuing students can also apply for scholarships.  The deadline is January 15^th each year.  

 

How do I apply for Federal and Nebraska State aid?

• If you do not already have one, request a federal PIN at www.pin.ed.gov
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov
• This should be completed in the early spring for the following academic year.
• You will need to have your previous year's federal income tax returns and W-2's available (and your parents' or spouse's, if applicable).  For example, to complete the FAFSA for 2012-13, you would use your 2011 income tax return.
• By listing the Nebraska Methodist College Code, 009937, the Financial Aid Office will receive a copy of the results.  
• Respond promptly to requests for additional information.
• Watch your mail/e-mail for your official Award Letter. Prior to your first semester of enrollment, we will correspond by mail. Once your classes begin, we will correspond through your college e-mail account.  

What Happens Next?

• When you receive your Award Letter, review it carefully and read the materials enclosed with it.  
• Decide whether you want to borrow the loans offered.
• Complete the necessary forms or online processes to finalize each of your awards.
• If you are concerned that you may not have enough resources to cover your costs, please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss your options.
• Anticipated financial aid will be communicated to the Business Office about two to three weeks before the start of the semester.  If your financial aid exceeds your charges, you may be authorized to charge your books at the NMC bookstore.  
• All funds including loan funds are applied to student accounts approximately one to two weeks after courses begin.  You will be notified by the Business Office when that has happened.   Any funds remaining after the account is paid will be sent to the student by the Business Office.

 

Are there deadlines?

Funding for some grant and loan programs is limited. We do not have specific deadlines for these funds but we will award them until they are gone, which usually occurs around May 1st.  Our best advice is to always apply for financial aid as soon as your taxes are completed in February.  We do reserve some of the grant funds for students who start in our Spring and Summer terms.

Most loans do not have deadlines.  However, we cannot certify a loan after the semester is finished.  You do have to watch specific deadlines for the various scholarships.  The deadline for the Methodist Scholarship for current students is January 15^th.  

Anything else?

• If you feel you have special circumstances that affect your eligibility for financial aid, or if your financial situation is significantly different than what was reported on your FAFSA, you are encouraged to speak with your financial aid counselor to discuss your options.  Examples of such situations might include loss of a job, separation or divorce of student or parent, etc.
• Remember that financial aid is an on-going process and that awards can change.  For instance, enrollment status changes or additions to resources can affect eligibility and total awards.
• Every student at Nebraska Methodist College is assigned a college email address.  It is very important that you access and read your college email  at least weekly.
• Finally, we cannot stress enough the importance of reading the materials that are sent to you.  Not knowing what you need to do or missing deadlines can (and has) cost students thousands of dollars.

 

Who do I contact if I have more questions?  

In order to provide NMC students with personal attention and continuity of service, each student is assigned a financial aid counselor to serve as the primary contact on all aspects of your financial aid.  Your counselor is determined by the first letter of your last name and your program of study as indicated below.  In the event that your assigned counselor is not available, please feel free to contact one of the other counselors for assistance.

 

Last names A - D, H-N and all Medical Assisting students

Mike Evert, Financial Aid Counselor                                                      
E-mail: Mike.Evert@MethodistCollege.edu    
Phone: 402-354-7011
Office: Riley-Leinart 1053

 

Last names E-G, O - Z and all Nurse Educators

Mark Araujo, Associate Director of Financial Aid                        
E-mail: Mark.Araujo@MethodistCollege.edu
Phone: 402-354-7227
Office: Riley-Leinart 1051

 

Business Office

Beth Friedman, Business Office Director

 

The Business Office bills students each semester or term for tuition, student housing, and miscellaneous fees.   Statements are mailed to incoming and transfer students following registration. You may view your statement, current balance and anticipated financial aid through MyMethodist once you have received your log-in information. 

Deadlines

Tuition & fees are due in full by the 15^th of the month following the start of classes. Check your NMC e-mail or MyMethodist prior to each semester for the tuition due date . Payment arrangements, including an interest-free payment plan is available.  Arrangements must be made prior to the start of classes by contacting the Business Office at the number below.   If your financial aid package does not cover all charges on your account, you must pay the difference or make arrangements to pay the amount not covered by financial aid by the Friday before the first week of classes.

Please contact us with inquires or questions -- phone: (402) 354-7105 or email: busoff@methodistcollege.edu

FAQ's

What if I have a financial aid refund?  How do I get that money?

When a student receives financial aid, funds are received by EFT (electronic funds transfer).

NMC must wait until the funds reach our bank before we can distribute any excess funds to students.

 

If I have an excess of funds applied to my student account, how soon will I receive a refund?

Refund checks for excess funds on your student account are distributed each semester once funds are disbursed from your lender.   Students whose funds are received in the Business Office by 5 p.m. on Monday will receive their refund on Wednesday. You may choose a paper check available for pick up at the Leinart front desk or direct deposit into your bank account. Please contact the Business office at 402-354-7105 to sign up for an electronic refund. Refund notices will be sent to your NMC e-mail account.

 

I heard that I can charge books in the bookstore with my financial aid money.   Is that true?

Yes.   Books can be charged to your student account if you receive more financial aid than the cost of tuition, fees and student housing.   There are specific guidelines with this policy so it is best to check with the Financial Aid office.

 

Student Health Services

Roni Gray, Nurse Practitioner

All students enrolled in NMC programs are required to maintain complete and current health records. This requirement ensures the well being of students, clients and the NMC community.

Student Health Fee

Health services are available to all currently enrolled undergraduate and certificate students. Students who do not pay the semester/term fee (online, nursing assistant and phlebotomy students) may access student health services; however, they will be charged for the office visit and any subsequent services.

The student health fee covers many, but not all, of the services provided at the Health Center. Students may see the nurse practitioner for free and can also receive in-stock over-the-counter medication at no cost. A minimal charge will be assessed for laboratory tests, diagnostic tests, required and requested immunizations and any services delivered off of the NMC campus.

Pre-Entrance Health Assessment

All entering undergraduate and certificate students must make an appointment with the Student Health Center or have their physician/provider perform a physical exam and complete the Student Pre-entrance Form. Charges for the pre-entrance health assessment are not included in the semester/quarterly student health fee.

Click here to print a copy of the student health form.

Proof of required immunizations must be submitted along with the Pre-entrance Health form prior to the start of classes.

Location

The Student Health Center is located on the first floor of the Clark Center in Room 1233.

To make an appointment, call (402) 354-7211. For questions, please contact Roni Gray at (402)354-7210, roni.gray@methodistcollege.edu or Crystal Lush at (402) 354-7211, crystal.lush@methodistcollege.edu .

Provider & Office Hours:

Roni Gray, Nurse Practitioner

Mondays and Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Summer Hours Vary

 

Student Health Insurance

Student Health Center Exam Room

 

All Nebraska Methodist College Students are required to carry and show proof of health insurance throughout their enrollment at Nebraska Methodist College. Good health is essential to academic success and adequate insurance helps provide the opportunity to receive high quality health care. Unexpected medical bills can threaten your ability to complete your education should you or your family member be uninsured or have inadequate coverage.

All NMC students are required to have and show proof of some form of health insurance. This is necessary for the College to be in compliance with its clinical site contracts. Although this requirement originates from our clinical sites, the College strongly believes that adequate insurance coverage also enables students to rest assured that their educational investment is not in jeopardy of unexpected health care costs.

All registered students will be automatically enrolled in and billed for the Nebraska Methodist College Student Health Insurance Plan at the beginning of each semester. In order to avoid enrollment under the Nebraska Methodist College Plan, students covered by another insurance plan must complete an Insurance Waiver Form indicating comparable coverage. Students who do not waive out of the Nebraska Methodist College Plan will be enrolled and billed.  Late waivers will be charged an administrative fee.

Please review the insurance brochure and if you have any questions about the policy, contact Crystal Lush at (402) 354-7211 or email at Crystal.Lush@methodistcollege.edu .

 

Academic Skill Building

Carol Moore, Academic Skills Specialist

Regardless of previous college or life experiences, we all have room to improve in our study skills.  NMC provides free, one-on-one academic skill building assistance.  Whether you need a refresher on note-taking, text book reading, or test-taking strategies, contact Carol Moore, academic skills specialist, for assistance.

FAQ's

I did pretty well in college before.  Why would I need academic help now?

Health care programs have a heavy science focus which requires students to build on previous knowledge.  Students sometimes find it helpful to learn new study strategies that work well with these types of subjects.

 How can I remember what I have studied?

• Make note cards
• Review often
• Put the information into your own words
• Compare and contrast the information

Related Links

NMC Academic Skill Building site: www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html

 

Carol Moore

Academic Skills Specialist

Clark Center, Office 1241

Hours:   8:00am-4:30pm, Monday - Friday or by appointment

Office Phone:   (402) 354-7214

Carol.moore@methodistcollege.edu

 

Counseling Services

Molly Atherton, Counselor

College students sometimes find that life throws a few curve balls.   Whether it's a shaky relationship, anxiety in class, or trying to live more independently, it can help to talk to someone who is trained to focus on you.   Nebraska Methodist College offers free, confidential counseling to all currently enrolled students.   These services are to assist students in making adjustments in their academic and personal life.   Licensed counselors, Molly Atherton and Melissa Hoffman, are trained in a variety of issues.   No issue is too small.

FAQ's 

What would I need a counselor for?
Common counseling issues include test anxiety, relationships/codependency, stress management, time management, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, grief and loss issues, adjusting to college life, parenting/family issues, and career/vocational issues.   The counselors will offer referrals when necessary.

 

How do I schedule an appointment?
Students can call or email the counselors to set up an appointment.   Referrals can be made by faculty, staff, parents or concerned friends.   All information is kept in the strictest confidence in accordance with the law.

 

Where is the counseling office?
The counseling office is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.).   Evening appointments are available upon request.   The counselors offices are located on the first floor of the Clark Center in the Student Developmental Services Suite.   In case of an emergency, please call 911 or proceed to the hospital emergency room.

 

Molly Atherton

Counselor

Office Phone:   (402) 354-7213

molly.atherton@methodistcollege.edu

 

Student Activities & Leadership Development

Erika Pritchard, Coordinator of Leadership Development

Student Organizations

NMC has eleven recognized student organizations. These organizations are an excellent way to learn about current issues in your profession and the community, meet new people, improve your personal and professional skills, network with local and national professionals and develop leadership skills. During the first week of classes, there will be an Involvement Fair on campus where you can learn more about each organization and decide if you want to participate with this group.

Emerging Leaders Certificate Program

Emerging Leaders is an interactive learning experience intended to introduce students to leadership and new opportunities at Nebraska Methodist College. The program's focus is to develop successful student leaders who have the desire to become involved in campus and community life. To earn the certificate, students are required to attend a series of guest lectures and participate in leadership development activities. The leadership series schedule is emailed to students at the start of each fall semester. For more information about the program please contact Erika Pritchard at erika.pritchard@methodistcollege.edu . 

 

Service Learning

Josah Powers, Advisement and Outreach Coordinator

 

Nebraska Methodist College holistically educates students by encouraging integrated teaching strategies.   Community based learning is a well-researched teaching strategy that incorporates community service into academic coursework.   You will very likely participate in community based learning throughout your education at NMC.   Community based learning allows students to provide services that enhance understanding of course concepts and meet course objectives while simultaneously meeting community-identified needs.

FAQ's

How will participating in community based learning really help me?

• Provides an opportunity to apply the theory from class to a real-life situation
• Provides experiences valued by employers
• Clarifies personal and career goals
• Fosters the habit of regular and disciplined reflection
• Encourages skills of critical thinking and analysis, listening, creative conflict and public dialogue - all components of your education
• Demands an active approach to learning
• Engages the complexities of the social world
• Fosters leadership skills

 

Where will I go for community based learning experiences?

Faculty members have collaborative experiences established throughout the metropolitan Omaha area.   One benefit of community based learning is that students become more familiar with their community and the contributions of various parts of the city. 

What other opportunities are available for community based learning?

Students who are required to take a non-clinical elective throughout the course of their education have the opportunity to participate in a service immersion trip experience instead of taking one of the non-clinical elective courses.   Such trips have included work at the hospital on Rosebud reservation, Habitat for Humanity builds, hurricane relief trips, and other immersions focused around a health related topics.   While there is a fee to attend these trips, students successfully fundraise the majority of the cost of the trip. This is a unique opportunity to travel the world, engage in meaningful service and work on a team. For additional information please check The Center for Health Partnerships website , or contact the College's Outreach Coordinator, Josah Powers at josah.powers@methodistcollege.edu .

 

Honoring Events

NMC celebrates exceptional students making an exceptional difference. Student Awards Night is held in early April to recognize those students who achieve academic excellence, contribute their leadership skills, and provide service to the NMC and wider communities. Graduations are held three times per year; May, August and December.   Graduates look forward to a "Graduate Breakfast" held in their honor by College faculty and staff.   The commencement ceremony celebrates the graduates' accomplishments with a short statement written by each graduate that is read as they cross the stage.

Deadlines

Watch for Application for Graduation deadlines on the NMC website.   Student Awards Night invitations will be sent out to student in March and will include an RSVP form.

FAQ's

Why would I get invited to Student Awards Night?

Students are invited if they hold an officers' role in a student organization, have received a scholarship, made the Dean's List, or achieved other recognition while at NMC.

 

Portfolio Project

Dr. Ginny Curley, Coordinator of Core Curriculum/Integrated Learning 

All students in undergraduate degree programs participate in the NMC Portfolio Project.  The NMC Portfolio is focused on student reflection as well as demonstrating your competency in specific areas. We want this to be a showcase for your "a-ha" moments.   It is a chance for you to focus on what has been the most significant in your education, be it work, personal, or academic.

FAQ's

I have heard of portfolios before, but what does it mean at NMC?

Our portfolio is a way for you to document your mastery of the three components of the Educated Citizen. The three areas are the Reflective Individual, the Effective Communicator, and the Change Agent. In specific courses you will demonstrate your ability in the goals and objectives of the Educated Citizen. You will place this material in your portfolio as a record of your accomplishment.   You are responsible for maintaining your portfolio throughout your time at NMC. 

 

How long have students been keeping portfolios at NMC?

Students have been keeping portfolios as a graduation requirement since 1998.

 

What do I "do" with the portfolio?

Many things.  You can design résumés, send portions of the portfolio to a prospective employer or graduate school, share parts with family and friends and many other things.

 

Can I add my own things to the portfolio?

Absolutely.  We want this to be a student-driven process that allows you to add anything of meaning to you so you have a record of significant experiences during your time at NMC.

 

What if I still have questions about this?

Transfer students will be introduced to the portfolio in your first semester of coursework. ACE students will compile modified portfolios in the final semester of coursework.  If you still have questions, you can contact Ginny Curley, Coordinator of Core Curriculum/Integrated Learning at ginny.curley@methodistcollege.edu .

 

Ginny Curley, PhD

Coordinator of Core Curriculum/Integrated Learning

Office Phone:   (402) 354-7220

ginny.curley@methodistcollege.edu

 

Staying "In the Know"

One reason you probably chose NMC is because of the positive environment and knowing you will not be a number.   We offer an exceptional education and services that support student success.   We also want you to be an active participant in the community.   That can mean anything from attending special lectures and workshops to providing input at a Student Government meeting.   It is all about staying "In the Know."

The NMC website and NMC Facebook page provides information on upcoming events and deadlines.   Every student will be given a College email address which is the primary mode of communication on campus.

FAQ's

Will the College mail things to my home address?

Students living on-campus will have mailboxes and receive your address during check-in.   Generally, any school related information will be sent via your methodistcollege.edu email account, which will be provided to you before classes begin.

 

Campus Safety

NMC enjoys a safe environment.   Regardless of where you are, however, you should always take common sense steps toward assuring your safety.   We encourage students to take normal precautions when parking and with their personal belongings. Security officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.   At the Josie Harper Campus and at Josie's Village, you will find blue emergency lights with phones in all parking lots.   The phones ring directly to Methodist Hospital Security dispatch. These are to be used in case of an emergency only.

Deadlines

NMC provides a campus safety report each October that details safety incidents on campus.   You can find our report on the website. 

If you are ever a victim in a situation that violates campus policy or city laws, please report it immediately to Campus Security at 354-7006. Students living on-campus should report safety concerns to their Resident Advisors. 

FAQ's

What if my car battery dies?
Security is available to provide a jump-start for your car.   Call 354-7006 for assistance.

 

Student Judicial Process

Dr. Melissa Hoffman, Dean of Students

Resolution Process for Academic and Non-Academic Student Concerns

The purpose of the resolution process is to provide a process for an impartial review and to ensure that the rights of all undergraduate and graduate students are properly recognized and protected.   Such review will be accomplished in a collegial, non-judicial atmosphere rather than an adversarial one, and shall allow the parties involved to participate. All parties will be expected to act in a professional and civil manner.

Nebraska Methodist College is required to share with its accreditor information about written complaints received from students.   However, the information shared relates to the nature of the complaint and does not include the identity of the student(s) who submitted the complaint.   Therefore, the identities of students who submit written complaints remain anonymous to the accreditor.

The Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for the administration of the Student Code of Conduct and the Resolution Process.   Changes to the resolution processes due to unforeseen obstacles (e.g. unavailability of an involved party, legitimate need for waiver of time constraints, etc.) must be approved by both the appropriate Academic Dean and the Dean of Students.   Academic and nonacademic decisions made by any officer of the College (the President or a Vice President) are final and are not subject to the resolution processes.

 

Resolution Process:

The student must initiate step one of the resolution process no later than one month from the occurrence of the action being appealed.

 

Step 1:

The student will discuss the concern with the involved faculty or staff member to find a solution.   If a resolution is not reached, the student will initiate step two.   In the attempt to resolve the matter with the involved faculty or staff member, the student may consult the Program Director or Dean of Students.

 

Step 2:

Failing to resolve the concern at step one, within five working days of the meeting outlined in step one, the student shall submit a notification letter to the appropriate Academic Dean for academic issues and to the Dean of Students for nonacademic issues:

• the statement of facts as the student perceives them, citing specific instances where, in the student's opinion, policies and procedures were violated;
• the remedy sought by the student; and
• the student's statement or actions, if any, during or after the consultations under step one.

 

The notification letter will be presented to the Dean's Council within three working days, comprised of the Dean of Students and the Academic Deans, in order to determine if a formal appeal is warranted.   A formal appeal is warranted if it is determined that the involved party has acted arbitrarily, capriciously or applied unequal application of written policies or procedures.     Examples of situations that do not warrant a formal appeal include situations that are applied equally and fairly to all students, such as course policies, teaching and/or learning styles, differing personalities, and physical or psychological environment.   Note: Sexual harassment/misconduct complaints are handled under a separate process.

 

If a formal appeal is warranted, a meeting/mediation with the student, the Dean of Students, the involved faculty, and the appropriate Academic Dean or designee will be scheduled by the Dean of Students to take place no later than ten working days after the submission of the notification letter.   The Academic Dean or designee will communicate a decision to the student within three working days of the meeting.   If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of step two of the resolution process, the student has the option of initiating step three.

 

If it is determined that a formal hearing is not warranted, the student's only remaining option is to file a formal complaint with the appropriate Vice President.   After the filing of this complaint, no further judicial action is available.

 

Step 3:

Within five working days of the communication from the Academic Dean or designee, the student will inform the Dean of Students if he or she intends to pursue step three of the resolution process. The student shall provide as part of the appeal complete copies of all materials associated with steps one and two.   If the student decides to pursue step three, a meeting with the Dean of Students will initially be scheduled so the Dean of Students can advise the student on the application process to initiate a Judicial Review Board meeting.      

 

• The application must be submitted by the student to the Dean of Students within five working days of obtaining the application.
• The Dean of Students will determine the appropriateness and involvement of witnesses.   Witnesses may be submitted for consideration up to three working days before the hearing.   Judicial Review Board members will know the names of both parties' witnesses prior to the hearing.
• The Dean of Students will finalize the date for the Judicial Review Board meeting within five working days of receipt of the student's application.

 

The decision of Judicial Review Board will be communicated in writing to the student and other appropriate individuals within five working days of the Judicial Review Board meeting.   The decision of the Judicial Review Board is final and not subject to further appeal.

 

Josie's Village

Students can enjoy the convenience of campus living at Josie's Village, located at 588 North 88^th Plaza. There are 32 one-bedroom units and 34 two-bedroom units within five buildings on the southwest half of the Josie Harper Campus.

All units are apartment style with private bedrooms and are fully furnished.   The dining rooms are equipped with a dining room table and chairs.   The living room includes a couch, lounge chairs, a coffee table and an end table.   Each bedroom contains a twin size bed, a dresser, night stand, desk and chair.   Each of the buildings within Josie's Village has secured access, laundry facilities and wireless internet access.

Being a resident of Josie's Village will facilitate your growth and development.   It will assist you in the recognition of your self-responsibility and accountability in a community and an awareness and appreciation for the world around you.   Living on-campus will also provide you with an exciting source of new relationships, learning opportunities, and memories that will last a lifetime.

For additional information about student housing at Nebraska Methodist College, please contact Melissa Hoffman at (402) 354-7212 or melissa.hoffman@methodistcollege.edu

Deadlines

Students are assigned housing on a first-come, first-reserved basis.   Housing fees are added to the student's NMC account and must be paid by those deadlines.

FAQ's

What does it cost to live on-campus?

There are 10-month and 12-month contracts available.   The 10-month contract is available only to students graduating in May or to freshman students.   The rate includes utilities and wireless internet service.   Students are responsible for cable and phone service.   Financial aid does not cover the charges for summer housing unless the student is given an award letter specific for summer enrollment.

 

 

 

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