FINANCIAL AID

Financial Aid Bookstore Purchasing Policy

VCCS Policy:

The State Board approved the proposed VCCS Bookstore Policy 07/17/2015 located in the VCCS Policy Manual in Section 4.3.5. Below is the approved policy which will be effective with the Fall 2015 term.

Approved Policy:

Students using financial aid in the College Bookstore may purchase only required books and supplies that correlate with registered courses for the term. Items not approved for purchase with financial aid include but are not limited to apparel, food, cell phones, gift items, and gift/prepaid cards. Colleges have the discretion to establish policies and procedures pertaining to the purchase of course related electronics (e.g., laptops, tablets, cameras, and scientific calculators), uniforms, and tools. Policies and procedures pertaining to course related electronics, uniforms, and tools must address the types and frequency of items students may purchase. During the book purchase period, books and supplies purchased using financial aid cannot be returned to the College Bookstore for cash. Amounts for returned items must be credited back to the aid items that paid for the books and supplies on the student’s account.

NRCC Financial Aid Bookstore Policy

Students may use excess financial aid in the College Bookstore to purchase only required books and supplies for registered courses deemed eligible for financial aid for the term. A course would be deemed ineligible for financial aid if any of the four following circumstances exist:

• The course does not apply to the student’s academic program;
• The course has already been repeated once after having been successfully completed; Successful completion is defined as any grade other than an F, U, R, or W;
• The course is developmental and the student has already attempted 30 or more developmental credits; and/or
• The course is a basic skills class (BSK) that is below the postsecondary level.

Supplies can include: (Students must have funding available)

• Required tools sold by the bookstore. Tools required for a course should be stated on the course syllabus.
• Supplies up to $100 (notebooks, pencils, book bags, etc.)
• Clothing/Uniforms required by your program of study.

Electronic items that can be purchased with available funding include:

• One tablet and keyboard (plus warranty) up to $850; or
• One laptop (plus warranty) up to $850

Note: Only one of the above electronic items can be purchased every two (2) years.

• Headphones under $50
• One Graphing Calculator every two (2) years

Any other electronic item is considered not course related and may not be purchased with financial aid. Other Items not approved for purchase with financial aid include but are not limited to apparel, food, cell phones, gift items, and gift/prepaid cards.

During the book purchase period, books and supplies purchased using financial aid cannot be returned to the College Bookstore for cash. Amounts for returned items must be credited back to the aid that paid for the books and supplies on the student’s account.

At the end of each charge period, a detailed list of students who purchased electronic items will be provided to the Financial Aid Office by the bookstore.

Non-Discrimination Statement:
This College promotes and maintains educational opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), veteran status, or other non-merit factors.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the college’s non-discrimination policies: Dr. Mark C. Rowh, Vice President for Workforce Development and External Relations and Equal Opportunity Officer, 217 Edwards Hall, 540-674-3600, ext. 4241. Inquiries concerning Title IX (sexual harassment, sexual assault/domestic violence/dating violence, and stalking) may be directed to Dr. Deborah Kennedy, Dean of Student Services, 268 Rooker Hall, 540-674-3690. or, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Mr. John Bowler, Academic Advisor for the Center of Disability Services, 115 Christiansburg site, 540-674-3600, ext. 4418. Inquiries concerning ADA and Section 504 may be directed to Ms. Lucy Howlett, Coordinator of the Center for Disability Services, Advising Center, 275 Rooker Hall, V/TTY 540-674-3619.