Adams State University undergraduate students must now enroll in 15 credit hours per semester to be considered full-time, effective for the fall 2015 semester, according to Dr. Frank Novotny, vice president for Academic Affairs.
Financial aid is awarded based on enrollment status. Students enrolling in fewer than 15 credits will not be eligible for their full award, but may qualify for half-time or three/quarter-time awards.
Most scholarships require full-time enrollment, including athletic scholarships, private scholarships administered by the Adams State University Foundation, as well as the Experience Colorado Scholarship, Promising Scholar Award, Academic Achievement Award, Valedictorian Scholarship, Merit Scholarship, Milestone Scholarship, Grizzly Partner Scholarship, and SLV Promise. The deadline to apply for scholarships for the 2015-16 academic year is March 1. It is also recommended students submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 1.
Students are urged to work with their academic advisors to assure full-time enrollment. Advising Weeks are planned for March 9-20. Students who will be seniors next fall (those who have completed at least 90 credits) will have priority for fall registration, March 30-31. Registration for underclassmen and graduate students begins April 1.
Previously, 12 credit hours constituted full-time enrollment. Novotny explained the change was made to improve degree completion rates. Students must average 15 credits per semester in order to graduate within four years. In addition, research has shown that students with higher credit loads do better academically.
The full-time tuition rate window applies to enrollment in 12 to 20 credits a semester (most courses earn 3 credit hours). Thus, full-time enrollment saves students both time and money, and speeds progress toward a degree, Novotny added.
For more information:
- Financial aid questions:
Call the One-Stop, 719-587-7306
or toll free: 1-866-344-1687. - Academic questions:
Call student’s advisor or
Academic Affairs: 719-587-7622.
