Mar 19, 2024  
2013-2014 Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Expenses and Financial Aid



Financial Information

Tuition and Fees*

(*All costs subject to change)

In-state students

$1080 Per semester tuition for full-time students (12 - 19 hours)
$100  Per credit hour additional fee for students enrolled in 20 or more hours
$100 Per credit hour for part-time students (11 hours or less)
$50 Registration fee (non-refundable)
$110 Late registration fee (non-refundable)
$20 Per credit hour for distance learning classes (plus regular tuition)

Out-of-state students (and out of country)

$2,380 Per semester tuition for full-time students (12 -19 hours)
$200    Per credit hour additional fee for students enrolled in 20 or more hours
$200    Per credit hour for part-time students (11 hours or less)
$50      Registration fee (non-refundable)
$110    Late registration fee (non-refundable)
$20      Per credit hour for distance learning classes (plus regular tuition)
$515    International insurance for foreign students 
$125    Out-of-country service fee per semester for foreign students

Housing (Raymond and Utica Campuses)

$50      Housing room reservation fee (non-refundable). Prepay prior to each semester (See Housing Handbook for housing eligibility requirements) 
$1,000-1,500 Housing fee per semester for residence halls 
 

Meals

$950 Meal Plan (19 meals per week-Raymond and Utica Campuses)
$190 Commuter meal ticket (optional-see below)

Summer Tuition and Fees

$50 Registration Fee
$100 Per semester hour for in-state students
$200 Per semester hour for out-of-state students
$20 Per semester hour for distance learning classes (plus regular tuition)
$295 Per each 4 week term meals
$300 Per each 4 week term housing fee for residence halls

Other charges

$30 Lab fee
$25 Parking decal per semester/term
$75 Financial Orientation Lab Fee

Credit Card/Online Payment

Hinds Community College will accept Hinds debit card, American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa for the payment of student tuition and fees. Students may pay tuition and fees online at my.hindscc.edu. Deferred fee payment is available for fall and spring and summer semester/term. For more information call the business office at the location you plan to attend:

Rankin Campus, Administration Building 601.936.5551
Raymond Campus, Administration Building 601.857.3205
Jackson Campus-
  Nursing Allied/Health Center, Anderson Hall 601.376.4805
Academic/Technical Center, Alexander Building 601.987.8166
Utica Campus, Administration Building-AA 601.885.7028
Vicksburg Campus, Banks Building 601.629.6806

Payment of Registration Expenses Required 10 Days Before First Day of Traditional Classes:

The payment of charges for tuition, fees, room, and board is part of the registration process. All fees are due 10 days prior to the first day of traditional classes. Thus, Hinds requires each registered student to have completed one of the following steps:

  1. Paid fees in full
  2. Entered into a payment plan for the current outstanding account balance on my.hindscc.edu. For log-in instructions, visit www.hindscc.edu/online.
  3. Have completed all financial aid forms and have financial aid award amount that can pay ALL outstanding fees.

FAILURE TO COMPLETE ONE OF THESE STEPS WILL RESULT IN DELETION OF YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE!!! You will then have to re-register for your classes which may result in inconvenient times, sections, or locations.

Student Deregistration Deadline Occurs during the Second Week of Traditional Classes:

All students who register 9 days prior to the first day of traditional classes or during late registration must also make arrangements for payment of tuition, housing, and meals to complete the registration process. Thus, Hinds requires each registered student to have completed one of the following steps by the end of the second week of classes:

  1. Paid fees in full
  2. Entered into a payment plan for the current outstanding account balance on my.hindscc.edu.  For log-in instructions, visit www.hindscc.edu/online.  
  3. Have completed all financial aid forms and have financial aid award amount that can pay ALL outstanding fees.

FAILURE TO COMPLETE ONE OF THESE STEPS WILL RESULT IN DELETION OF YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE!!! IN ADDITION, YOUR ACCOUNT MAY BE TURNED OVER TO A THIRD PARTY COLLECTION AGENT.

Web Payment at my.hindscc.edu on the College website at www.hindscc.edu:

My. Hinds allows students to use the latest technology to complete business transactions with the College at anytime. Students may check their account balances or pay tuition and various fees by using a credit or debit card. Parents must obtain the student’s login ID and password from their student to access this feature.

Method of Payment:

Payment of fees may be made on-line using Hinds Debit Card, American Express, Discover,Visa or MasterCard on My.Hinds. At each campus you may visit the business office which accepts credit cards, money orders, travelers checks, paper checks (subject to approval by Telecheck), and cash.

Payment Plan:

Hinds offers a tuition and fees payment plan which helps in budgeting college costs but requires financial planning by students and their families. Full time students and part-time students with more than 3 hours will qualify to enroll in the monthly payment plan which will include the cost for tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Students are required to pay all previous term balances to complete the registration process. Students who elect to participate in the payment plan must go to my.hindscc.edu on the College website at www.hindscc.edu to enroll and complete the necessary documents.

Once the agreement is completed the student will be charged immediately a $25 set up fee (per semester non-refundable service fee) along with the down-payment amount.  Payments thereafter are processed on the 5th of the month and continue until balance is paid in full.  Failure to make timely payments according to your agreement will result in the student’s restriction from future class registration, possibly having the account assigned to a collection agency, and non-release of transcripts.

Clearance of Obligations:

All financial or other obligations to the College must be cleared prior to the end of each semester or term. An outstanding balance for a prior semester or term must be paid before the student will be allowed to register for subsequent semesters or terms. Transcripts will not be issued if financial obligations have not been satisfied. Failure to meet financial obligations to the College could subject the student to additional late payment charges, as well as collection costs.

Other Expenses that may be incurred:

In addition to registration expenses, expenses may be incurred by students during the semester. The following are examples of charges that may be payable when incurred.

$40 Yearbook $50-100 Parking Ticket
$50 per Semester Wellness/Fitness $20 Replacement Key
$10 Replacement Campus ID Badge $30 Returned Check Fee
$50 Behavior Fine (minimum) $300 Bus Transportation (Utica only)
$21 Replacement Hinds Debit Card

$190 Commuter Meal Ticket-5 day,1 meal/day
(30 meals-tickets are not refundable/replaceable)

$25 Deferred Payment Plan Set-up Fee
$30 Late Payment Fee    

Withholding of Funds:

If there is an outstanding account balance, and the College has in its possession any funds payable to the student, the College reserves the right to withhold funds necessary to pay the outstanding balance and cover any collection costs incurred. Once accounts are paid, any remaining balance will be refunded to the student.

Student Loans:

Student loans are disbursed in four (4) portions each semester or term. All student loans are disbursed electronically. Loan disbursement information is not given over the telephone; inquiry must be made in person. 

Student Refunds:

Each registered Hinds student will receive a Hinds Debit Card. After all charges are paid, the balance of a student’s refund is credited to their Hinds Debit Card in quarterly payments during each semester.  The Hinds Debit Card will be mailed to the student, using the address on file with the College, approximately 3 or 4 weeks into the semester. To receive any refunds from the College, a student must activate his or her Hinds Debit Card. During card activation, the student will choose how to receive his or her refund money. Students have the following options:

  1. Once the College releases the funds, they can be directly deposited to the student’s Hinds Debit Card Account (1 day or less)
    The OneAccount from Higher One is a fully functioning FDIC insured FREE CHECKING account that allows students quick and easy access to their refunds. The OneAccount has no minimum balance, no monthly fees, and free Internet banking features. With the OneAccount, students can use their Hinds Debit Card to make purchases anywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted. Students will receive an e-mail when their refund has been directly deposited to their OneAccount. Students may view detail activity of their OneAccount by accessing their OneAccount statement online at www.HindsDebitCard.com.
  2. Once the College releases the funds, they can be directly deposited (ACH) to a third party bank account of the student’s choice (2 - 3 business days)
    If students choose to have their refund electronically deposited to an already existing bank account, the transfer may take 2-3 business days from the day the College releases the funds. Students will receive an e-mail once their refund has been processed. In order to have a refund deposited to their bank account, students must activate their Hinds Debit Card making the ACH to a third party bank choice at www.HindsDebitCard.com.

Regardless of how students choose to receive their refunds, they must use their Hinds Debit Card to make their refund delivery choice online at www.HindsDebitCard.com.

Withdrawals and Refunds:

Complete withdrawal:

Prior to Classes Starting

Students officially withdrawing prior to the start of a term will not be held liable for fees (other than nonrefundable fees). Students who have paid tuition can use My.Hinds to remove themselves from all classes.  For log-in instructions, visit www.hindscc.edu/online.

After Classes Have Started

Students must complete an official withdrawal form in the appropriate counseling office. In addition, the student must be current on their payment plan or pay any fees owed within 14 days of billing. Withdrawal from classes may result in the loss of financial aid previously applied. Students receiving Federal Title IV funds (Pell Grants, FSEOG, and William D. Ford Loans) that withdraw from school will earn only a percentage of their award based on the last day of attendance through 60% of the semester. If the amount disbursed to the student is greater than the amount the student earned, the student may owe money back to Hinds. The liability for fees will not be excused for withdrawals effective after the start of the semester.

Refunds:

Students having made prior payment will be refunded the amount paid less their liability (the amount owed) after the withdrawal. Students suspended for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for refunds or reductions in liability. Refunds will be applied to any outstanding obligations and to any scholarship, grant, or loan received for the semester.  The refund policy is as follows:

Tuition and Fees:

  • 100% refund if complete withdrawal is initiated during the first week of Traditional/MSVCC courses.*
  • 50% refund if complete withdrawal is initiated during the second week of Traditional/MSVCC courses.*

*If a student is taking a combination of Traditional and MSVCC classes, the full refund is given during the first week of Traditional classes, with a 50% refund given during the second week of Traditional classes. 

 Housing Fees:

  • 75% refund before the sixth calendar day after Traditional classes begin
  • 50% refund before the eleventh calendar day after Traditional classes begin

Meal Plans:

  • Students withdrawing from residence halls during the semester may be refunded all full weeks remaining on the meal ticket period upon properly checking out of the residence halls.
Students who are Placed in Active Military Status:

Any student who has enrolled at Hinds Community College under the governance of the Board of Trustees, who is a member of the Mississippi National Guard, or one or more units of the Mississippi State Guard, or who is a member of any of the reserve components of the armed forces of the United States, and who has been placed in active duty status by orders of the President of the United States, or who has been drafted into any component of the armed forces of the United States, may be allowed to withdraw as a student of the college, with a full tuition refund, out of state fees (if applicable), student fees and any special fees, with room and board fees prorated with the approval of the president. 

Any student who withdraws from the college under this policy will not receive any grades. The student record will show evidence of the withdrawal with documentation on file. 

Any student who has completed at least 3/4 of the semester and is in good standing with the college, and who needs only to take the final examination to complete the semester, has the option to leave the college pursuant to this policy, without his class standing affected, and without refund of any of the above fees or tuition.  However, within ninety (90) days after release from active duty, the student must make arrangements to take the final examination.  The score on the final exam plus the unfinished semester’s work will constitute the student’s final grade. 

In-State and Out-of-State Status:

See section on Residency Requirements in this catalog.  In-state or out-of-state status concerns or questions should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Records.

Change in Regulations or Expenses:

All financial regulations, fees, or charges are subject to change as conditions warrant.

Financial Aid

General Requirements

Financial assistance is provided to students who have met admission requirements of the college and is to be used for educational purposes. For the student to be eligible to continue receiving Federal financial aid, he/she must file a yearly Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In order to receive financial aid from any Federal Financial Aid Program or Mississippi Aid Program, the student must be in good standing and must make satisfactory progress in his/her course of study according to Hinds Community College Policy for Satisfactory Academic Progress for Recipients of Federally Funded Financial Aid and Veterans Benefits. A student on Financial Aid suspension or student loan default or who owes Federal overpayment is not eligible for Federal or State financial aid.

Funds for financial aid come from Federal Government Programs, Hinds Community College, the State of Mississippi, individuals, and local civic organizations. The amount of money available for each award year depends upon the amount of money made available for the institution from these sources.

Federal Financial Aid Only Available to High School Graduates and GED Graduates

Due to the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012, students who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) and/or did not complete secondary school in a homeschool setting are no longer eligible for Title IV funds by passing an “ability to benefit” test.  A Certificate of Completion or Occupational Diploma are not equivalent to a standard high school diploma. 

Those students who were enrolled in an eligible program of study prior to July 1, 2012 may continue to be considered Title IV eligible under the previously existing ability to benefit guidance.  Students that are still in high school and take concurrent enrollment classes are not eligible for financial aid. 

How to Apply

To be considered for any type of financial aid listed below, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov The Office of Financial Aid will electronically receive the results of the FAFSA approximately three to five days after the student files, provided Hinds’ Title IV school code, 002407, is submitted on the FAFSA. The student will be notified by mail if any additional documents are required. Financial Aid will be awarded to each student based on the individual’s need. Each student is considered for all types of aid and awarded accordingly. Early filing of the FAFSA will insure sufficient time to study the needs of each student. In order to receive priority consideration, the results from the FAFSA should be received by the Financial Aid Office prior to April 1. Additional applications will continue to be accepted after this date; however this is a priority deadline for programs which may have limited funding.

Return of Title IV Funds

Special rules apply when students withdraw after receiving Title IV financial aid for the term from any of the following programs:

  • Federal Pell Grant (PELL)
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • William D. Ford Direct Loan Program (SUB & UNSUB)
  • Federal PLUS Loan (borrowed on the student’s behalf)

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 define Withdrawal as failure to complete the period of attendance on which federal aid eligibility was based and Unofficial Withdrawals as those students who simply stop attending class. Therefore, this policy affects not only those individuals who complete the formal withdrawal notification process, but also those students who simply stop attending classes. In either case, when a recipient of Title IV funds ceases attendance during a term, the college must calculate how much was earned by the student.

These rules are federally mandated and the amount of aid a student has earned for the enrollment period is based on the length of time the student remained enrolled for that period. Therefore, the percentage of the enrollment period completed is also the percentage of aid the student has earned. If a student withdraws on or before the 60% point of the enrollment period, the percentage of aid earned is equal to the percentage of time completed and excess funds must be returned to Title IV within 45 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60% point of the enrollment period has earned 100% of the grant aid for that period. Hinds Community College will return all unearned amount of Title IV Funds to the Department of Education. A student must be enrolled in at least 6 hours in order to receive a loan disbursement. The amount of returned funds will be charged back to the student’s college account in the business office. Funds will be returned to the applicable Title IV aid programs in the following order:

  1. Federal Unsubsidized Loan
  2. Federal Subsidized Loan
  3. PLUS Loan
  4. Federal Pell Grant
  5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
  6. Other Title IV Aid

All withdrawals (official and unofficial) are determined by the institution by a weekly report that identifies all Title IV recipients that have received a grade of F or W. The return to Title IV calculation will be completed using the first day we became aware the student has ceased attendance. After this calculation has been completed, the student might be entitled to a post-withdrawal disbursement which must be sent to the student within 45 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew. This type of disbursement is received after the student has withdrawn from school but has earned a greater percentage of aid than has been advanced to them.

Federal Programs

TYPE:

FEDERAL PELL GRANT
DESCRIPTION: $565 to $5,645 per year. Non-repayable if student continues enrollment beyond 60% of the enrollment period. For eligible applicants.
ELIGIBILITY: Undergraduates only without a Bachelor’s degree.
REQUIRED FORMS: FAFSA results and other documents as required.
DEADLINE: Priority - April 1.
   
TYPE: FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG)
DESCRIPTION: At least $200 per year. Non-repayable.
ELIGIBILITY: Undergraduates only with demonstrated need and based on availability of funds.
REQUIRED FORMS: FAFSA results.
DEADLINE: Priority - April 1.
   
TYPE: FEDERAL COLLEGE WORK-STUDY (FCWS)/COMMUNITY SERVICE
DESCRIPTION: Average 12 hours per week at minimum wage.
ELIGIBILITY: Undergraduates with demonstrated need and based on availability of funds.
REQUIRED FORMS: FAFSA results and Hinds Community College Scholarship Application and Work-study Application.
DEADLINE: Priority - April 1.
   
TYPE: WILLIAM D. FORD DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
DESCRIPTION: Amounts vary according to student’s eligibility. Variable interest rate. Repayment begins 6 months after ceasing to be at least a half-time student (minimum of 6 semester hours).
ELIGIBILITY: Undergraduates with demonstrated need.
REQUIRED FORMS: FAFSA results, Federal Stafford Loan Application, Promissory note, and Entrance Counseling.
DEADLINE: Contact Financial Aid Office
   
TYPE: PARENT LOAN FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (PLUS)
DESCRIPTION: Maximum varies per year. Parents of Hinds Community College students. Variable interest rate can apply.
ELIGIBILITY: Based on the cost of attendance and amount of financial aid awarded.
REQUIRED FORMS: FAFSA results and PLUS Application.

 State Programs

TYPE: MISSISSIPPI TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANT (MTAG)
DESCRIPTION: Up to $500 per year.
ELIGIBILITY: Undergraduates only. Mississippi resident for (1) year prior to enrollment in college.
 

High school graduate. Initial applicant: 15 ACT, 2.5 high school GPA, 2.5 college cumulative GPA for renewal. Must not be eligible for full Pell Grant. Must seek AA or AAS degree or Career or Technical Certificate.

REQUIRED FORMS: MTAG/MESG Applications
  Call: 601.432.6997 or visit web site at www.riseupms.com
DEADLINE: Before September 15.
   
TYPE: MISSISSIPPI EMINENT SCHOLARS GRANT (MESG)
DESCRIPTION: To cover tuition and mandatory fees.
ELIGIBILITY: Freshmen only. High school graduate and Mississippi resident for one year prior to enrollment in college. Semifinalist or finalist for National Merit or National Achievement Scholarship programs and 3.5 high school GPA; or ACT score of 29 and 3.5 high school GPA. Recipients must maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
REQUIRED FORMS: MTAG/MESG Applications, Office of State and Financial Aid
  Call: 601.432.6997 or visit web site at www.riseupms.com
DEADLINE: Before September 15.
   
TYPE: HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE WORK-STUDY PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION: Average 12 to 20 hours per week at minimum wage.
ELIGIBILITY: Undergraduates with demonstrated need based on the availability of funds.
REQUIRED FORMS: FAFSA results, Hinds Community College Scholarship Application, and Work-study Application.
DEADLINE: Priority - April 1.

* Must remain in a minimum of 12 semester hours to retain aid from State Programs.

Policy on Satisfactory Scholastic Progress for Recipients of Federally Funded Financial Aid and Veterans Benefits

Hinds Community College is required by federal regulations to establish minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to determine a student’s eligibility for the following Title IV Federal Financial Aid programs:

  • Federal Pell Grant (PELL)
  • William D. Ford Direct Loan Program (SUB & UNSUB)
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • Parent Plus Loan (PLUS)
  • Federal College Work-Study (FWS)
  • Veterans’ Benefits (VA)

To receive and maintain federal financial assistance, a student must make satisfactory progress toward the competition of an eligible academic, technical, or career program of study. The following policies are in compliance with federal guidelines for Satisfactory Academic Progress:

To Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, a student must meet the following conditions:

  1. A student must pass 2/3 of cumulative semester hours attempted . This includes withdrawn and repeated class hours.  
  2. A student must also maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) based on total hours attempted as outlined in the chart below:
Cumulative Semester Hours Attempted (including W’s and repeated courses) 1-18 19-36 37-93
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average 1.75 1.85 2.0
 
3.  A student receiving financial aid or veterans’ benefits is expected to complete his/her program of study within a time frame not to exceed 150% of the published length of that program.  Based on a standard 62 semester hour AA or AAS degree program of study, 93 semester hours is the maximum number of hours for the 150% rule.   
 
  1. Status Review and Notification:
    At the end of each semester including summer, the Office of Financial Aid will notify in writing a student who fails to meet the above conditions that they are on financial aid warning status.  A student placed on financial aid warning will be able to receive financial aid. The written notice will serve as notice to a student that failure to meet the above conditions during the warning semesters will result in an unsatisfactory financial aid status.  A student placed on financial aid unsatisfactory progress (suspension) will be unable to receive financial aid. A student may re-establish his/her eligibility to receive financial aid by attending school, paying his/her own fees without Federal Financial Aid and meeting conditions 1 and 2 above.
 
  1. Withdrawals, Repeated, Remedial, Non-Credit, and Incomplete Courses:
  • “W’s” will be counted in evaluating the number of semester hours attempted for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive financial aid, but “W’s” will not be counted in evaluating the number of semester hours attempted for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive Veteran’s benefits. “W’s” will not be used in calculating a student’s grade point average (GPA).
  • A student will be allowed to repeat a course according to the policies stated in the College Catalog; however, all repeated courses will be included in total hours attempted for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive financial aid/veterans’ benefits.
  • Semester hours for remedial/developmental courses will be recorded as hours attempted, but non-credit courses will not be counted in hours attempted.
  • An incomplete (I) grade will have the same effect as a failing (F) grade when calculating quality points and hours attempted.
 
  1. Clock Hour Programs: Satisfactory academic progress is measured at the end of each payment period to determine if a student is eligible for a subsequent Title IV payment.  Clock hour programs must adhere to the same 2/3 cumulative completion rate as the credit hour programs and are subject to the 150% time frame in that a 1500 hour program generally takes 14 months to complete so Hinds Community College may allow 21 months for completion.
 
  1. Changing Majors: A student who has changed majors or has completed one program and begun another, may contact the Financial Aid office and the academic progress can be reset to include only those credits and grades that count toward the requirements of the new major.
 
  1. Time Frame:
    Students attempting 150% (or more) of the hours in a program are no longer eligible for financial aid in that program. 
 
  1. Transfer Students:
    A student transferring to Hinds Community College from another college shall be assumed to have maintained satisfactory academic progress at his/her previous college. Hours transferred from previously attended colleges, and accepted towards the student’s program,  will be posted to the student’s transcript by the Office of Admissions and Records by the end of the student’s first full-time semester at Hinds. Credit hours transferred from a previous college will be counted toward the attempted and completed hours.
 
  1. Unsatisfactory Status Appeals Process:
    In extenuating circumstances such as personal illness or illness/death of an immediate family or legal guardian, a student may appeal an unsatisfactory financial aid/veterans’ status by filing a written Letter of Appeal Form through the District Dean of Student’s Office. An appeal must contain the following information: 

  • A written plan for success listing required courses to take.  This information may be found through My.Hindscc.edu, at http://www.hindscc.edu/Admissions/get_enrolled/programs_of_study/transfer/default.aspx, program listings in this catalog, a transfer or articulation guide, or a Hinds counselor.
  • A written explanation stating the reason the student failed to have satisfactory scholastic progress in any semesters in which the student earned D’s, F’s, I’s or withdrawals.
  • Documentation for any extenuating circumstances listed in the appeal. (letter from medical doctor or legal document)
  • An explanation of what has changed in the student’s circumstances that will allow them to succeed. 
Each appeal will be considered on its own merit.  The Financial Aid/Veteran’s Appeals Committee chaired by the District Dean of Students will review the appeal and respond to the student within 30 working days.  Appeals are limited to one per student except in extreme extenuating circumstances.  Appeals will be granted for one semester only and the student will be reviewed for satisfactory academic progress before being granted financial aid for additional semesters. 

  

Veterans Benefits

The Office of Veterans Benefits is available to assist all eligible veterans and dependents in making application for benefits. Academic, technical, and career courses are open (unless otherwise specified in program description) to students in either of the above categories. Every effort is made to facilitate admission into the student’s choice of programs.

Applications for the Montgomery G.I. Bill may be initiated online at gibill.va.gov.  For additional information call 601.857.3226 or 1-800-HINDS CC.

Admission

Students who plan to receive veterans benefits must satisfy the college’s admission requirements as outlined in the Admission Requirements section of this catalog before enrollment certifications can be sent to the Veterans Affairs Regional Processing Center in Muskogee, OK.  In addition, all transcripts from schools previously attended must be furnished in order to comply with the Regulations of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Registration

Students receiving veterans benefits must at all times have a definite program of study and be enrolled in courses leading to completion of the designated program at Hinds Community College. Only these courses can be represented on an enrollment certification and calculated towards the student’s Rate of Pursuit.

All veterans benefits recipients are required to see a college counselor to plan their course of study prior to the beginning of each enrollment period.

Each student must file an Application for Veterans’ Benefits at Hinds Community College for EACH enrollment period. Applications for Veteran’s Benefits at Hinds Community College can be obtained at the Veterans’ Benefit Office on the Raymond Campus, at any Academic counselor’s office or on the Hinds Community College Veterans’ Benefits website.

In any case where a student is taking courses outside of his/her published program, it is the responsibility of the student to present the required documentation to have that course accredited to their Rate of Pursuit. Any of these documents will be considered acceptable documentation:

A copy of the approved course substitution form
An Official Letter signed by the Department Head for the specific program, approving the course towards student’s declared Program of Study
An Official Letter signed by an Academic Counselor approving the course towards a student’s declared Program of Study

Credit for Service Training

Students who served in the Armed Forces are encouraged to have an Official Military transcript sent to the Office of Admissions and Records. Educational work done by veterans while in active service is evaluated and credit given when possible. The recommendation of the American Council on Education in its handbook, Guide To The Evaluation Of Educational Experiences In the Armed Services, is used as a guide for the evaluation of all military credit.

Probation and Suspension

Students receiving veteran’s benefits are expected to maintain the same standards of satisfactory progress as all other students receiving financial aid. See Policy on Satisfactory Scholastic Progress for Recipients of Federally Funded Financial Aid and Veterans Benefits in this section of the catalog.

Exceptions from the Policy on Satisfactory Scholastic Progress for Recipients of Federally Funded Financial Aid and Veterans Benefits are as follows:

“W”s will not be used in calculating the number of semester hours attempted for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive veterans benefits.

Veterans benefits recipients may attempt additional hours beyond the 93 semester hours allowed in the policy without completing a degree, as long as they are maintaining satisfactory scholastic progress.

Veterans benefits recipients may pursue the allotted number of degrees as outlined by the Veterans Affairs.

NOTE: Policies stated for veterans comply with regulations 14253, 14277, 14278, Department of Veterans Affairs.

Changing Enrollment Status

Students receiving veterans benefits must notify the Office of Veteran’s Benefits whenever there is a change in their enrollment (ie dropped, withdrawn, canceled, added courses). Students who fail to comply with this regulation will be liable for repayment of any resulting over payments. (See policy below concerning overpayments.)

Tuition and Fee Payments under Post 9/11 GI Bill

Students receiving benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill will have the appropriated tuition and fee payment sent to Hinds Community College by the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs.  The Office of Veterans’ Benefits will submit the tuition and fees being charged no earlier the last day to drop/add a course for each semester.  Students will not be penalized or deregistered for delayed payment by the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs.

Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs Overpayment Policies

Student Actions That Result in Overpayments

  1. Withdrawing from a course or school.
  2. Receiving a grade which does not count toward your graduation requirements.
  3. Failure to have an incomplete grade changed to a grade which counts toward your graduation requirements.

VA Actions Once an Overpayment is Created

  1. Add interest charges and collection fees to your debt.
  2. Withhold future benefits and apply them to your debt.
  3. Turn your debt over to a private collection agency.
  4. File suit in federal court to collect your debt.
  5. Withhold approval of your VA home loan guarantee.
  6. Collect the debt from your federal income tax refund.

Explanation of Mitigating Circumstances

The law requires that the VA must collect all benefits paid to a beneficiary for a course for which the grade assigned is not used in computing the requirements for graduation including a course from which the beneficiary withdraws, unless there are mitigating circumstances.

This means if you drop a course, unless you can show the VA that there are mitigating circumstances, you must return all the money paid to you for pursuit of that course from the start of the term, not merely from the date you dropped the course.

Examples of acceptable mitigating circumstances are prolonged illness, severe illness or death in your immediate family and unscheduled changes in your employment or work schedule.

Examples of unacceptable mitigating circumstances include withdrawal to avoid a failing grade, dislike of instructor and too many courses attempted.

NOTE: Student is required to submit evidence to support reasons before he/she can be accepted by the VA.
 

Scholarships

Hinds Community College Scholarships

ACT SCHOLARSHIPS (ACT Scholarships are awarded through the Financial Aid Office.)
All locations Eligibility:
1.  Be admitted to the college as an in-state student. 
2.  Have a high school diploma or GED. 
3.  Submit an official ACT composite score  of 21 or above before the first day of class. (No additional application is required to apply for this scholarship.  ACT Scholarship recipients are identified as official ACT scores are received by the College.)
4.  Be first time entering freshmen (Hinds must be the first college you attend after receiving your high school diploma or GED. Students are still eligible for an ACT scholarship if they attend summer school prior to enrolling at at Hinds CC as a full time student, or participate in a dual enrollment/dual credit class before receiving a high school diploma or GED.)   Note:  Students may not receive both the ACT and the GED Scholarship.  Award categories are as follows:
   
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP
$3,000 scholarships awarded for ACT scores of 29 and above.
   
DEANS’ SCHOLARSHIP
$1,500 scholarships awarded for ACT scores of 25-28.
   
FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP
$1,000 scholarships awarded for ACT scores of 21-24.
   
   
   
GED
All locations
The GED Scholarship is for first-time college students who are Mississippi residents and are at least 18 years old. The GED Scholarship is awarded to GED recipients who score 577 or higher on the GED test. The recipient must enroll in 15 semester hours of credit and remain enrolled in 15 hours through midterm of the 16-week term. The scholarship is valued at $1,000 and can be renewed for a total of four semesters if the student maintains a 2.5 grade point average. A student may not receive both the ACT Scholarship  and GED Scholarship. The GED Scholarship will not be awarded after the first scheduled full day of classes. Students must submit an application for the GED Scholarship to the Office of Admissions with their Application for Admission.
The GED First Class Free Award allows a new, first-time college student with a GED, to take one three-hour class at any of the six Hinds locations, free of charge. Students must submit an application for the GED First Class Free Award to the Office of Admissions.  This GED Award will not be made after the first scheduled full day of classes.  The GED First Class Free Award may be made in the Summer, Fall, or Spring terms and is not renewable.  Students receiving the GED Scholarship are not eligible for the free class award. 
   
HONORS PROGRAM
All locations
Applicants must be enrolled in 4 or more semester hours, 4 of which must be in honors studies.  Award is contingent upon Honors Program Application and interview with the Honors Institute Dean. Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
   
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Applicants must be enrolled in 12 or more semester hours, 1- 3 of which must be in leadership studies. Award is contingent upon Leadership Program Application,  interview with the Honors Institute Dean, and successful completion of the class. Scholarship recipients must maintain full-time student status and a 3.0 grade point average.
   
BASEBALL
Raymond Campus
Amount of award varies with qualifications. Student must meet eligibility rules of the National and Mississippi Junior College Athletic Association. Selections are made by the coach based on scouting observations and/or performance at annual tryouts. Contact the Athletic Department on the Raymond Campus; call 601.857.3325 for information. Deadline - Varies.
   
BASKETBALL
Utica Campus
(Men & Women)
Amount of award varies with qualifications. Student must meet eligibility rules of the National and Mississippi Junior College Athletic Association. Selections are made by the coach based on scouting observations and/or performance at annual tryouts. Contact the Athletic Department on the Utica Campus; call 601.885.6062 or 601.354.2327 for information. Deadline - Varies.
   
FOOTBALL
Raymond Campus
Amount of award varies with qualifications. Student must meet eligibility rules of the National and Mississippi Junior College Athletic Association. Selections are made by the coach based on scouting observations and/or performance at annual tryouts. Contact the Athletic Department on the Raymond Campus. Call 601.857.3325 for information. Deadline - Varies.
   
GOLF
Raymond Campus
Amount of award varies with qualifications. Student must meet eligibility rules of the National and Mississippi Junior College Athletic Association. Selections are made by the coach based on scouting observations and/or performance at annual tryouts. Contact the Athletic Department on the Raymond Campus; call 601.857.3325 for information. Deadline - Varies.
   
SOCCER
Raymond Campus
(Men & Women)
Amount of award varies with qualifications. Student must meet eligibility rules of the National and Mississippi Junior College Athletic Association. Selections are made by the coach based on scouting observations and/or performance at annual tryouts. Contact the Athletic Department on the Raymond Campus; call 601.857.3325 for information. Deadline - Varies.
   
SOFTBALL
Raymond Campus
Amount of award varies with qualifications. Student must meet eligibility rules of the National and Mississippi Junior College Athletic Association. Selections are made by the coach based on scouting observations and/or performance at annual tryouts. Contact the Athletic Department on the Raymond Campus; call 601.857.3325 for information. Deadline - Varies.
   
TENNIS
Raymond Campus
(Men & Women)
Amount of award varies with qualifications. Student must meet eligibility rules of the National and Mississippi Junior College Athletic Association. Selections are made by the coach based on scouting observations and/or performance at annual tryouts. Contact the Athletic Department on the Raymond Campus; call 601.857.3325 for information. Deadline - Varies.
   
TRACK/CROSS COUNTRY
Raymond Campus
Amount of award varies with qualifications. Student must meet eligibility rules of the National and Mississippi Junior College Athletic Association. Selections are made by the coach based on scouting observations and/or performance at annual tryouts. Contact the Athletic Department on the Raymond Campus; call 601.857.3325 for information. Deadline - Varies.
   
CHEERLEADERS
Raymond Campus
Tuition scholarships awarded to those selected to cheer. Contact the Athletic Department on the Raymond Campus, 601.857.3325.
   
HI-STEPPERS
Raymond Campus
Scholarships awarded to those selected during the annual tryouts. Contact the Hi-Stepper Director, 601.857.3346.
   
RESIDENT ASSISTANTS
Raymond Campus
Utica Campus
In fall and spring tuition, room and board scholarships awarded to student leaders selected to serve, lead by example and exhibit model behavior to help students become successful. Contact the Coordinator of Residence Life, 601.857.3222 or 601.885.7177.
   
MUSIC
Raymond Campus
Tuition scholarships. Must be a full-time student majoring in music; selection is based on auditions. Required forms - Music Application available through the Music Department, 601.857.3271. Deadline - August 1.
   
BAND
Raymond Campus
One-half tuition scholarship for 1st and 2nd semester band participants, full tuition scholarships for 3rd and 4th semester band participants. Extra service scholarships are available including stage band. Must be a participant in the band. Required forms- Band Application. Call 601.857.3273 for information. Deadline - Varies.

Hinds Community College Foundation Scholarships

The Hinds Community College Foundation makes over 500 scholarship awards each year. Foundation Scholarships are awarded for fall and spring semesters only. Scholarship awards are based on classroom excellence, involvement in extracurricular activities, financial need, desire for achievement, and letters of recommendation. Criteria vary per scholarship. 

Unless otherwise indicated, scholarships are awarded to full-time students who enroll in a minumum of 15 credit hours. Minimum grade point average varies but no scholarship is awarded with less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Students wishing to be considered for scholarships on the basis of financial need, should have the results of their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) sent to Hinds prior to the March 1 deadline.  

Students should not apply for a particular Foundation Scholarship. Completed Foundation scholarship applications that are submitted by the deadline will be considered for any Foundation scholarships that are applicable to that particular student.  Deadline to apply and submit requirements is March 1.  Awards are generally made in April or May. Scholarship recipients are selected by the District Scholarship Committee, which is appointed annually by the President of the College.  Students selected for a Foundation Scholarship will receive a scholarship award packet which includes an award letter, acceptance form and the specific scholarship criteria. 

In order to be considered for a Foundation Scholarship, the following items must be submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services on the Raymond Campus no later than March 1:

  1. HCC Application for Foundation Scholarships which includes a summary of why you feel you should be considered for this scholarship, list of achievements and statement of financial need, if applicable.  Apply online at www.hindscc.edu/financialaid and clicking on Scholarships.
  2. Three letters of recommendation from individuals representing school, church, community, civic, work, etc.  It is the student’s responsibility to make sure their recommendations have been submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services by March 1.   A standard recommendation form may be used and can be printed from the Hinds website. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure their recommendations have been submitted to the Enrollment Services Office by March 1.
  3. A copy of high school and/or other appropriate transcripts (transcript may be unofficial but should include current cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above).  Transcripts submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records are not available to the Foundation.
  4. ACT scores (or GED scores, if applicable).

Please note:  Scholarship applicants must have an application for admission on file in the Office of Admissions and Records. Incomplete application packets will not be considered for awards.