ADMISSIONS
ATHLETICS
BOOKSTORE
FINANCIAL AID
LIBRARY
PARKING
RESIDENCE HALLS
SCHEDULING CLASSES
STATISTICAL
STUDENT BILL
TRANSCRIPTS
TUTORING
Q: How do I apply to NIACC?
A: Application are available from the NIACC Admissions Office, or you can
apply on-line at
http://www.niacc.edu/admission/apply.html.
Q: How much does it cost to apply?
A: There is no application fee.
Q: How much does it cost to go to NIACC?
A: Tuition is very affordable at NIACC. Please refer to the
tuition and fees for in-state and
out-of-state students for the most current cost.
Q: Do I have to take the ACT?
A: NIACC does not require the ACT exam. If you choose not to take them, you
are required to take the Compass Assessment, which is administered through
the Admissions office. Call for an appointment, 1-888 GO NIACC, Ext. 4245.
Q: How do I apply for housing?
A: Applications are available through the Housing Office and through the
Admissions Office.
Q: When will I receive the Housing Application/Contract?
A: It will be sent out with your NIACC acceptance letter.
Q: Is there an application fee for the residence halls?
A: Applicants must submit a $25.00 non-refundable application fee and $50.00
damage deposit with the contract. The application and fee should be sent to
NIACC Student Housing, 1001 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401.
Q: Do I have to live on campus?
A: It is not required to live on campus, however, it is STRONGLY encouraged.
Q: Can I pick my own roommate?
A: You can request a specific roommate on the housing application. While we
try to accommodate most requests, it is not guaranteed.
Q: What if I don't get along with my roommate?
A: Original assignments are kept in place for the first 2 weeks of the
semester to allow roommates the opportunity to adapt to each other. After
that, any room changes must be arranged between you and the Director of
Housing.
Q: Are some floors more quiet than others?
A: There is one male 24-hour Quiet floor and one female 24-hour Quiet floor.
On Quiet floors noise is expected to be limited to your room.
Q: How much does it cost to live on campus?
A: Housing costs vary depending if you live in an apartment, double
occupancy dorm room or single room. Please refer to the
living on campus page
for the most current costs.
Q: Can I bring a microwave and refrigerator?
A: Yes, but there are certain limitations and only one of each is allowed
per room. Microwaves up to .9 cubic feet. Refrigerators with a maximum
capacity of 4.5 cubic feet, 115 volt 60 cycle AC, 230 watts, 2 amp (when
running).
Q: How can I get into the apartments on campus?
A: Returning residents with a positive first-year housing experience and
strong grades are given the first opportunity to live in the apartments. If
beds are still available after that it is available to first-year residents.
Q: Can I have my own room?
A: We have a limited number of single rooms. Single rooms are assigned based
on availability with preference given to returning residents first. There is
an additional $350 charge per semester for a single room. If you are
interested in a single room, note this on the housing application.
Q: Where do I eat and how much are the meals?
A: The Dorm Eatery is located on the south end of the residence halls. The
cost for your meals is included in the Room and Board Rate. Please refer to
the living on campus page
for the most current costs.
Q: What if I have class and can’t get to the dining hall
before the meal time ends?
A: If you can’t eat during the regular serving hours because of a class
conflict, arrangements may be made with the food service manager to eat
early or to reserve a late plate.
Q: When do I find out who my roommate is?
A: Roommate assignments are made approximately one month before the school
year starts.
Q: What is the drinking policy in the residence halls?
A: The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the housing
facilities is forbidden. Violations could lead to eviction from the
residence halls.
Q: What is the smoking policy in the residence halls?
A: The use of tobacco products are prohibited in student housing.
Q: What time do the dorms lock?
A: Monday through Friday the outside and wing doors are locked from 4p.m.
until 9 a.m. On the weekends, the outside and wing doors are locked at all
times.
Q: How do I apply for Financial Aid?
A: By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The
FAFSA can be mailed directly to the processing center or submitted over the
internet. This application is the starting point for all types of financial
aid. Scholarships require separate application procedures depending on the
type of scholarship. Remember, you must apply for financial aid each
academic year.
Q: What is a FAFSA form?
A: FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is a
free application that is used to apply for federal and state assistance for
post-secondary education.
Q: Where do I get the FAFSA application?
A: The FAFSA is available from the Financial Aid Office or the Admissions
office at NIACC, from your high school guidance office, or at
www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Q: What is the Financial Aid code for NIACC?
A: NIACC's code is 001877.
Q: How long will this whole process take?
A: After you submit your FAFSA, you will receive your Student aid report
(SAR) in about 4-6 weeks. You will then receive a request for information
from NIACC's Financial Aid Office. If we need to ask you for additional
documentation, or need to make corrections for you, the process may be
delayed. Our goal is to get an official award notification letter to you in
a timely manner.
Q: What do I need to do after I receive my Student Aid
Report?
A: If everything is accurate, keep the SAR for future reference. If you need
to make corrections, correct the items on the SAR, sign the signature block
and submit to the processing center. You can also send your corrections to
NIACC and we will submit them for you.
Q: What is the deadline for applying for financial aid?
A: It is good to get your FAFSA application in as soon after January 1st as
possible. NIACC’s priority deadline for campus based aid is March 1st.
Q: "My parents make too much money; I know I won’t qualify
for financial aid."
A: You are not required to apply for financial aid; however you may want to
apply for student loans through the government. This is also done by using
the FAFSA form. Borrowing money from the government has some advantages
like, lower interest rates and deferred payment until you are finished with
school. So even if you aren’t eligible for grants, you may be eligible for
loans.
Q: Why do I have to put my parents' information on the form
when they're not helping me with school?
A: The Federal government has established the criteria that determine
whether a student must report parental information. The answers to the
questions 48-55 on the 2007-2008 FAFSA (Step Three) determine whether a
student must provide parental information. If you answer "no" to all of the
questions, you must provide parent information regardless of whether they
"support" you or whether you live with them. If you answer "yes" to any of
the questions, you do NOT have to provide parent information.
Q: What if I did not put NIACC's code on my FAFSA form?
A: To add NIACC to your FAFSA, you can: correct your SAR adding NIACC to
your list of schools with our code (001877), or you can call NIACC and give
us permission to add NIACC for you. We will need to have your Data Release
Number (DRN) from your SAR in order to do this.
Q: What if I don't receive enough financial aid to pay my
whole bill?
A: If you have a remaining balance at NIACC after all of your financial aid
has been applied, you can enroll in an interest free automatic payment plan.
For more information please refer to this page: <link to ecashier>
Q: Does NIACC have scholarships that I can apply for?
A: Scholarships are available from the NIACC Foundation. The deadline for
these scholarships is March 1st, the year prior to your start date. There
are a variety of scholarships that have different deadlines as well as
dollar amounts. Access these scholarships by looking at our Financial
Assistance Guide at
http://www.niacc.edu/foundation/guide2.html
or contact the Foundation or Admissions office for additional information on
these scholarships.
Q: Do I have to be full-time to receive financial aid?
A: You must be at least half-time (6 semester hours) to receive loans.
Half-time enrollment is not a requirement to receive grants or work study.
Q: If I just want a student loan, do I have to fill out the
FAFSA?
A: Yes, you must complete the FAFSA if you are interested in the student
loan programs. The FAFSA is used for both grant and loan eligibility.
Q: Will there be grant money available if I apply late?
A: Pell grants and student loans will be available as long as you meet
eligibility criteria. State-funded financial aid has a filing deadline of
July 1. To be considered for campus-based financial aid you must meet the
March 1 filing deadline. This means that the processing center must have
received your FAFSA application by the filing deadline date. If you have any
questions about filing deadlines, contact the Financial Aid office.
Q: Does financial aid cover the cost of my books?
A: Financial aid can be used to purchase your books, however, you must
realize that the funds will not be available to you until after the semester
has begun. You will need to have resources available to purchase your books
at the start of each semester.
Q: When will I get my financial aid?
A: Your financial aid will be disbursed to you after you have received an
official award notification letter. On the award letter, it will let you
know when the funds will be applied to your account. The remaining funds
will be released to you by the NIACC Business Office according to their
timeline usually within 14 days of crediting your account.
Q: Where can I find more information on financial aid at
NIACC?
A: You can receive more information by visiting the Financial Aid office on
campus in the Pierce Administration Building, or by visiting online at
http://www.niacc.edu/finaid.
Q: When do I get to pick my classes?
A: A: Registration information will be mailed in May to students who have
indicated a Fall start term on their application for admission; and students
indicating a Spring (January) start will receive the information in
December. This information is sent out in the order that applications are
received. Selecting a date for your registration can be made on-line, by
phone, or mail. Summer students need to check our website for registration
information and instructions:
www.niacc.edu/summer
Q: What is a semester hour?
A: Semester hours are the amount of time you will spend in class a week.
Most classes are three semester hours a piece, so you will attend that class
three hours a week. There are some exceptions, such as, labs and foreign
languages. A semester is 16 weeks long.
Q: What is orientation? And do I have to attend?
A: Orientation is a REQUIRED one day event for all new NIACC students. It is
important to attend because you will get necessary information for your
upcoming classes. You can purchase your textbooks, tour the campus, enjoy
free entertainment, lunch, and prizes.
Q: What if I need to change my schedule before the semester
starts?
A: To make a schedule change before the start of the semester you need to go
to the Counseling office (Administration Building, room 104) and complete a
"Schedule Change Request" card. Work with you academic counselor to make
appropriate changes.
Q: What if I need to change my schedule after classes begin?
A: Once classes have begun, you need to go to the Counseling office for a
"Schedule Change Request" card. A NIACC counselor will help you change your
schedule.
Q: How many classes do I have to take each semester?
A: You can take as many classes as you would like. If you need to be a
full-time student, you will need to take at least 12 semester hours
(approximately 4 classes). To graduate from NIACC in two years, you will
want to average 15 semester hours each semester. You must be full-time to
live on campus and to play intercollegiate athletics.
Q: What if I change my major?
A: Work with your academic counselor on changing your major. They will
assist you with career counseling as well as help you determine what courses
are appropriate for your major.
Q: What do I do if I decide not to attend NIACC after I have
already registered for classes?
A: If you choose to completely withdraw from NIACC, you will need to notify
the Records office IN WRITING. If you fail to notify NIACC in writing you
will be held liable for tuition and fee charges and it may result in a
semester worth of failed courses.
Q: How do I know who my academic counselor is?
A: Your academic counselor will be assigned to you according to your
academic area of interest when you register.
Q: Can I register for my classes over the Internet?
A: At this time, NIACC does not provide online registration. (except for
Online courses).
Q: How do I know if all of my classes will transfer?
A: Your academic counselor will work with you if you intend on transferring
to make sure you are taking transfer level courses. There are some courses
that DO NOT transfer and your academic counselor will notify you of these
courses. Typically, you will need to receive a passing grade of "C" or
better in order for courses to transfer.
Q: How many students attend NIACC?
A: Approximately 3,200+ students enrolled at NIACC last year.
Q: What is the average age of NIACC students?
A: The average age is 23-24 years old.
Q: How big are the classes?
A: The average class size is between 25-35 students. There are a few
exceptions but only a couple courses exceed 50.
Q: How many students live on campus?
A: Approximately 340 students live in the Resident Hall and 44 students live
in the Student Apartments. Housing is available for up to 400 students.
Q: What is the male to female ratio?
A: Total student population is about equal between males and females.
Q: Can freshmen have cars on campus?
A: Yes, we do not limit the number of cars on campus. Parking is free and it
is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All students living in
campus housing are issued a parking decal.
Q: What if I don’t have a car?
A: Cars are not a necessity; however, it would be very difficult to work in
town without your own transportation. Mason City has public transportation
to and from the College. The NIACC route is available at 10 minutes after
the hour from 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Q: What if I lock my keys in my car?
A: NIACC Security can usually try to help you (they assume no responsibility
while trying to help you into your car). Some cars are difficult to open so
it would be wise to bring a spare set of keys with you when you come.
Q: What if my car won’t start?
A: Security can provide jumper cables and a jump start, if needed.
Q: How do I have NIACC send my transcripts to another
college?
A: Requests to have your transcripts sent need to be done in writing with
your signature and social security number. You need to either stop at the
Records office in the Administration Building or fax the necessary
information to (641) 422-4150. You can print out the required form online
at
http://www.niacc.edu/supser/transcript.html.
Q: How much does it cost to have my transcripts sent?
A: There is no charge to have your transcripts sent, unless you are
requesting more than five at one time.
Q: What sports do you have for women, and who are the
coaches?
A: Volleyball
Basketball
Softball
Golf
Cross Country
Track & Field
See the Athletic
Web site for addition information about each
sport
Q: What sports do you have for men, and who are the coaches?
A: Football
Basketball
Baseball
Soccer
Golf
Cross Country
Track & Field
Wrestling
See the Athletic
Web site for addition information about each
sport
Q: How do I find out what athletic scholarships are
available?
A: Speak with the coach of the sport you are interested in playing.
Q: Can I walk on to an athletic team?
A: Each team has different guidelines for walk-ons. Contact the coach to
find out what you need to do to tryout for the team.
Q: How do I contact the coaches?
A: The coaches' email addresses and phone numbers are available at
http://www.niacc.edu/athletics/contact.html. In
addition, online interest forms are available on several of the sports' home
pages.
Q: What division are you?
A: We are governed by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
The divisions are similar to NCAA guidelines pertaining to athletic aid.
Division I
Division II
Q: What if I just want to play sports for fun?
A: Intramurals are available for students throughout the school year. Watch
for signs around campus announcing when to sign up for the different
intramural sports. The intramural office is located in the Activity
Center-Room 111C. There is also a
Ski and Snowboard
club.
Q: Can I use the fitness area if I am not involved in
athletics?
A: The fitness area is open to all NIACC students. The hours are posted in
the fitness area.
Q: Where can I find more information on your athletics
programs?
A: You can contact Dan Mason, NIACC's Athletic Director, at
masondan@niacc.edu
or by phone at 641-422-4281. You can also visit Trojan Athletics online at
http://www.niacc.edu/athletics.
Q: Is tutoring available?
A: Yes, tutoring is available in the Student Learning Center which is
located in Beem Center. This is a great place to study because there are
professional and peer tutors available as needed. More information can be
found online at
http://www.niacc.edu/learningsupport/slc.html.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: There is no cost for tutoring or using the Student Learning Center.
Q: Is the NIACC Library open at night and on the weekends?
A: Regular Library hours are:
Monday - Thursday
7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
These hours will vary during semester breaks and summer.
Q: Can anyone use the NIACC Library?
A: The Library is open to the students, faculty and staff of NIACC, its
partner institutions, and residents of the North Iowa Area. Through the Iowa
Open Access program, anyone with a library card from a participating library
may use that card to check out materials from the NIACC Library.
Q: How do I check out books from the Library?
A: A NIACC ID or Borrower Card is necessary to check out materials.
Non-student users should stop at the Circulation Desk to have their card
from a participating library activated before checking out materials for the
first time.
Q: Where can I get more information on the NIACC Library?
A: You can stop in Beem Center during open hours, or visit online at
http://www.niacc.edu/library.
Q: When do I have to pay my bill?
A: Payment arrangements are made through the Business office. If you have a
question about your bill or need to make arrangements to pay your bill,
contact them at (641) 422-4214 or 1-888-GO NIACC, ext. 4214.
Q: Can I make payments on my bill?
A: NIACC offers two different payment options.
1. One payment plan per semester - payment is due in full prior to the start
of classes. You can pay by cash, check or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or
Discover). You can pay in full on-line with a credit card.
2. An installment payment plan offered through Nelnet Business Solutions.
Sign up at the NIACC web site (www.niacc.edu) and choose e-Cashier link at
the bottom of the page. Brochures are available in the Business Office and
Admissions Offices outlining this payment plan.
Q: Where do I pay my bill?
A: The Business office located in the Administration Building room 102. You
may mail payments to:
NIACC Business Office
500 College Drive
Mason City, IA 50401
You can also make payments online.
Q: When do I buy my books?
A: The College
Bookstore (in the Activity Center) is usually
fully stocked for the Fall semester by August 1. We encourage you to
purchase your books at Orientation. Summer bookstore hours are from 9 a.m.
to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday. Regular Bookstore hours are Monday -
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Expanded evening hours are available the first few
days of the semester.
Q: How much will my books cost me?
A: Approximately $400 each semester. This will vary depending on the courses
you are taking and if used books are available.
Q: What else can I buy at the Bookstore?
A: Greeting cards, school supplies, NIACC apparel and gifts.
Q: What do I do with my books at the end of the semester?
A: At the end of the semester, you may be able to sell your books back to
the Bookstore. Keep in mind that you won’t get back what you originally
paid.
Q: What if I can't get to the bookstore during the open
hours before classes begin?
A: Books (and other items as well) can be ordered online at
http://www.niaccbooks.com.