Although the heat of summer is in full force, LBW Community College is already gearing up for fall semester and urges incoming students to take note of several July dates as they prepare to become college students.

“Fall semester registration starts July 15 and continues until 5 p.m. on Aug. 21 when tuition and fees are due. Classes begin Aug. 22,” said Renée LeMaire, public information officer and director of marketing. “There are several steps incoming students need to take in July to ensure everything is ready by the time classes begin.”

The first step is to complete the LBWCC application packet, including official transcripts from high school or GED and all previous colleges, she said. Applications are available online at www.lbwcc.edu, or in Student Services on any campus.

The next step is completing the online U.S. Department of Education’s free application for federal student aid (FAFSA), an annual requirement for all federally-funded financial aid including Pell Grant, work study, and federal loans.

Be sure to include LBW’s code of 008988 when completing the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov so the college receives the application. Students should then contact the financial aid office at the campus they plan to attend and request that it be processed, she added.

“Due to required processing time, it is essential to apply for financial aid as early as possible so that everything is completed on time,” said LeMaire. “A target date is July 15, which would be ideal and allow enough time to make sure all required documentation is processed. You can still apply after then, but it may require a longer time to process everything.”

LBW students have another financial option, which is to spread tuition costs over time through a partnership with NelNet Business Solutions (NBS), she said.

“The earlier you enroll with NBS, the longer the payment period. Those who are interested in this option can apply online beginning July 15 There is a link on LBW’s website to access the application.”

Incoming students are also required to take placement assessments unless they have documentation of scoring 20 or higher on all portions of the ACT.  Dates for placement assessments at LBWCC in Andalusia are July 8, 22, and Aug. 12 at 9 a.m., and July 28 at 5:30 p.m. In Opp, dates are July 7, 21, and Aug. 11 at 1 p.m., and July 28 at 5:30 p.m.  At LBWCC in Greenville, dates are July 6, 20, and Aug. 10 at 1 p.m., and July 28 at 5:30 p.m.  Luverne assessment dates are July 8, 29, and Aug. 12, all at 9 a.m.

“July is also the month for freshmen orientation. They should go ahead and register to attend orientation on the appropriate campus by contacting Heather Owen, director of recruitment, at 334-881-2320 or email at howen@lbwcc.edu. Orientation dates are July 18 in Greenville, July 19 in Andalusia, and July 20 in Opp,” said LeMaire.

“LBW offers great value for education dollars, whether seeking a two-year degree in academic transfer programs or technical training for future or current jobs,” said LeMaire.

Students who plan to attend a four-year university are urged to compare costs of tuition and fees. With announcements of additional tuition increases at several four-year institutions for the 2016-2017 academic year, LBW becomes an even better financial choice.

“Those planning to attend a four-year university would save about half the cost by attending LBWCC for the first two years. They would gain an associate degree that will help them with job placement and earning potential, then transfer to the university they choose. Our faculty is required to have the same level of credentials as those at universities and students have more opportunity for interaction at LBW because of smaller class sizes.”

In addition, LBW offers several technical programs of study on various campuses, many of which are in high-demand, high-wage fields, she added.

“Through the years, LBW has had numerous students to participate in SkillsUSA competition and bring home medals, many of them gold, at state and national levels. This is a testament to the quality education and training they receive from our technical faculty, who offer a lot of hands-on experience to better prepare students for the workforce.”

In addition to college-level courses, LBWCC also offers free adult education and GED preparation for individuals without a high school diploma.

For more information about LBWCC and the various programs of study, visit the website at www.lbwcc.edu or call (334) 222-6591.