Challenges posed this year by the revision in the FAFSA program have prevented many current and incoming college students from having financial information earlier so they can make decisions on their choice for higher education.
For other new students, additional factors might have come into play that have delayed or put on hold their process for determining which institution will suit their needs. They might now be ready to go to college this fall but know the clock is ticking closer to the start of the fall semester.
Tusculum University understands the situation many students might be facing and is prepared to help them navigate this process in time to be enrolled and in a residence hall when classes begin Monday, Aug. 26. Introducing Operation 11th Hour, an initiative to help new students apply to Tusculum, receive an admission decision and have their financial aid package awarded as quickly as possible.
Decisions on admission might happen the same day, and financial aid decisions will flow rapidly after the federal government provides answers to the FAFSA, an acronym for Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
“This has been an unusual year with the update to the FAFSA and difficulties the federal government had with its rollout,” said Paul Carney, Tusculum’s vice president of enrollment management and financial aid. “If this scenario or another circumstance has affected prospective students, Tusculum can still help them make college a reality this fall through Operation 11th Hour. We are prepared to work swiftly to provide the answers students need so they can begin their studies and have a terrific academic, social and spiritual experience in a caring Christian environment.”
Carney said the key steps for prospective students are to apply for admission to Tusculum at https://site.tusculum.edu/apply-visit/apply/ and complete the FAFSA form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
Operation 11th Hour will kick in with immediate processing of the application by the Office of Admission. As soon as Tusculum’s Office of Financial Aid receives award details from the federal government, it will immediately process the final package the university can provide to a prospective student.
Upon an acceptance to the university, the calculation of aid and a deposit from the prospective student, the Office of Advising will promptly work with the new Pioneer and the Registrar’s Office on selection of courses. As soon as the prospective student applies for housing and is registered for courses, the Office of Student Affairs will be ready to assign a residence hall room.
At each stage of the process, the Office of Admission will be available at [email protected] and 423-636-7312. Prospective students and their families will also be able to contact the Business Office at [email protected] or 423-636-7300, extension 5061.
“Enrolling in college is the best decision people can make to increase their opportunities for higher-paying jobs,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “Tusculum is the right choice because of its affordability combined with an active and experiential education that prepares students to be career-ready professionals. We are excited to provide access to college and, even more importantly, access to graduation. Operation 11th Hour will put students in a position to receive an exceptional education from professors who will know their students, mentor them and work one-on-one with them.”
Tusculum offers 60 academic programs, including majors, minors and certificates, in liberal arts and pre-professional programs. The university also assists students with a host of support services, particularly for those who would be the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. In addition, Tusculum provides a wide array of scholarships that help make college dreams a reality.
To apply, please visit https://site.tusculum.edu/apply-visit/apply/. More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.
