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Jessica Tice
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Deadline approaching for PROMISE Scholarship applications
Charleston, W.Va. – High school seniors in the class of 2015 planning to apply for West Virginia’s PROMISE Scholarship program have until March 1 to complete the required forms, the state’s Higher Education Policy Commission office reminded students and families today. Through PROMISE, qualifying high school graduates receive annual awards of up to $4,750 to cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at eligible West Virginia higher education institutions. “Since the PROMISE program started, more than $400 million has been provided to more than 35,000 West Virginia students from all 55 counties to attend a public or independent college…
Continue ReadingTwo College Goal Sunday financial aid workshops rescheduled for this weekend
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Students and families in the Beckley and Lewisburg areas can get free help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms this Sunday, February 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. Financial aid counselors from Concord University and New River Community and Technical College will be on hand at the Erma Byrd Center in Beckley and New River Community and Technical College’s campus in Lewisburg to answer questions and work with families one-on-one. The workshops, which were originally scheduled for last weekend but postponed due to snow, are part of the statewide…
Continue ReadingCollege Goal Sunday workshops in Beckley and Lewisburg rescheduled for February 22
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Due to poor road conditions in the area, the College Goal Sunday financial aid workshops planned for today at the Erma Byrd Center in Beckley and at New River Community and Technical College in Lewisburg have been rescheduled for Sunday, February 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. College Goal Sunday is a free event to help students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid application forms. Workshops are staffed by financial aid experts and are held at multiple locations across the state. All other West Virginia workshops will be open today from 1 to 4…
Continue ReadingCollege Goal Sunday event offers free assistance in applying for college financial aid
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia students can get free help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms during West Virginia’s sixth annual College Goal Sunday event. College Goal Sunday financial aid workshops will be held February 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 24 locations across the state. “Completing the FAFSA is critical for anyone considering going to college,” Brian Weingart, Senior Director of Financial Aid at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, said. “Students must submit this form in order to be considered for a variety of financial aid programs including…
Continue ReadingState’s higher education community to unite for Higher Education Day at the Capitol
Charleston, W.Va. – Representatives of higher education institutions from across the state will join forces on Tuesday, January 27, for Higher Education Day at the Legislature, an annual event held to recognize West Virginia’s colleges and universities and highlight the far-reaching postsecondary opportunities available across the state. Participating institutions include West Virginia’s public four-year and two-year colleges and universities, along with independent four-year institutions. Each campus will distribute information and have representatives on hand to answer questions. The event is hosted by Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission; James Skidmore, Chancellor of the Community…
Continue ReadingW.Va. higher education office provides financial aid assistance to students and families
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – With key state financial aid deadlines approaching, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) is offering students and their families free assistance with application forms. Students seeking individual assistance can call the Commission’s financial aid hotline at 888-825-5707 to ask questions or set up an appointment with a financial aid counselor. “The FAFSA is the first and most important step for students,” said Dr. Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “We encourage anyone thinking about going to college to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after the beginning of the year – and to fully explore…
Continue ReadingHigher Education Policy Commission confirms appointment of Gary G. White as interim president of Marshall University
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In an emergency meeting this morning, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) unanimously approved the appointment of Gary G. White as interim president of Marshall University. The Marshall University Board of Governors selected White in an emergency meeting yesterday to lead the institution as the search for a permanent president moves forward. “Gary White is exceptionally qualified to lead Marshall University during this unprecedented time,” said Dr. Bruce Berry, the Commission’s chair. “West Virginia’s higher education system has benefitted immensely from his service, and we look forward to working with him in this critical role…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia’s higher education community mourns loss of Marshall University President Stephen J. Kopp
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and Dr. Bruce Berry, the Commission’s Chair, released the following statements regarding the passing of Dr. Stephen J. Kopp, President of Marshall University: “President Kopp was thoroughly devoted to Marshall University, and especially to its students. Under his thoughtful leadership, Marshall has thrived as a place for students to learn, to grow, and to give back to our state and the people around them. Our higher education community is diminished by President Kopp’s passing. We send abiding prayers to his wife, Jane, and their children…
Continue ReadingNearly $500,000 grant set to expand opportunities for adult learners across West Virginia
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program is positioned to expand online learning opportunities for adults in West Virginia seeking to complete a Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) degree. Through the $499,991 grant, which was awarded to the West Virginia Network (WVNET), students will be able to participate in live video classes from the convenience of their laptop or tablet using a web conferencing system. “We have placed an increased emphasis in West Virginia on helping adult learners complete postsecondary education,” said Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia joins collaboration of states working to make distance education easier for students
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission today announced that West Virginia has become one of the first states approved as a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), a nationwide collaborative working to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by campuses in other states. West Virginia’s participation becomes effective on December 1, 2014. “Making distance education courses more readily accepted across state lines will help more students progress toward their degrees,” said Dr. Paul L. Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “Our institutions are doing a great job at growing and leveraging online…
Continue ReadingChancellor Hill applauds Senator Rockefeller’s abiding commitment to higher education
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Following an announcement today by U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller of the creation of the John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics at West Virginia University, Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, released the following statement: “Through decades of public service to West Virginia, Senator Rockefeller has fought for – and achieved – stronger educational opportunities for West Virginians. From visionary policy-making that paved the way for historic investments in scientific research and STEM education, to robust efforts aimed at keeping college attainable and affordable through federal student loans and…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia’s higher education community arms students with career-ready technology skills
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Representatives of West Virginia’s higher education community today announced a new collaboration with Microsoft Corp. aimed at giving students high-tech skills that are essential for success in today’s economy. Through the Microsoft IT Academy, students at each public four- and two-year higher education institution in the state now will have access to technology education and software that will boost their readiness for in-demand careers. “Our students’ expertise must be ever growing and evolving, especially in technology. The Microsoft IT Academy can help them sharpen their technology skills in ways that the careers of today and tomorrow demand,”…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission launches ’15 to Finish’ initiative
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Representatives of West Virginia’s public four-year colleges and universities gathered today in Charleston to launch the Higher Education Policy Commission’s statewide 15 to Finish* campaign, an initiative designed to encourage students to take 15 credit hours each semester and promote timely degree completion. “Enrolling in and completing at least 15 credits per semester is essential to completing a degree on time – within four years for a four-year degree,” said Dr. Paul L. Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “And the payoffs for taking this full course load extend beyond timely degree completion. Research has shown that taking 15…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia awarded $21 million “GEAR UP” college-readiness grant
For immediate release: Monday, September 22, 2014 Contact: Jessica Kennedy, Assistant Director of Communications Division of Student Affairs West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (304) 558-0655 (office) (304) 532-0911 (cell) jkennedy@hepc.wvnet.edu NEWS RELEASE West Virginia awarded $21 million “GEAR UP” college-readiness grant CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Students in ten West Virginia counties will have extra help preparing for college and career training programs, thanks to a $21 million grant awarded to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission). The U.S. Department of Education announced today that the Commission will receive a “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs” (GEAR…
Continue ReadingGovernor Tomblin declares statewide “College Application and Exploration Week”
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has designated October 20 – 24 as “College Application and Exploration Week” in an effort to help students prepare for college. Schools across the state will participate by hosting a variety of hands-on activities including college application workshops, panel discussions with current college students and college scavenger hunts and trivia contests. During the week, students of all ages — from kindergarteners to adult learners — will learn about the importance of pursuing higher education and the different types of college options available including certificate programs, two-year degree programs and four-year degree programs. Students who…
Continue ReadingStatewide “College Day Tour” schedule announced
College planning events to be held September 9 through October 29 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Representatives from West Virginia’s colleges and universities will hit the road next month as part of West Virginia’s annual “College Day Tour.” During the tour, college admissions and planning counselors, along with military service representatives, will set up displays and host informational workshops in every region of the state. The West Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (WVACRAO) organizes the event and works to ensure that West Virginia’s high school students have an opportunity to get college planning information close to home. Additionally, representatives…
Continue ReadingStudents join forces to help others earn a college diploma
MORGANTOWN, W.VA. – Nearly 40 students completed the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) Youth Summit held this week in Morgantown. The Youth Summit was part of West Virginia’s annual Student Success Summit, an event that brought together education administrators, teachers, students, military leaders and community group members to focus on collaborating to promote lifelong success for the State’s students. Tenth and 11th graders from Berkeley Springs, Elkins, John Marshall, Philip Barbour and Point Pleasant high schools participated in the Youth Summit, which offered a variety of workshops to develop their leadership skills. The Youth Summit focused on helping students…
Continue ReadingStudent Success Summit to focus on supporting students at every level
MORGANTOWN, W.VA. – More than 300 education administrators, teachers, students, military leaders and community group members will join forces next week to find ways to help students prepare for lifelong success. Education representatives ranging from pre-school teachers to college presidents to the students they serve will convene during the fourth annual Student Success Summit (Summit) to be held Wednesday, July 30 and Thursday, July 31 at the Waterfront Hotel and Conference Center in Morgantown. The two-day event provides a unique opportunity for participants to work together to create a more seamless, life-long education system. “Collaborative initiatives such as the Student…
Continue ReadingState higher education system announces Matt Turner to serve as new senior administrator
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council) today announced that Matt Turner will be the agencies’ new Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration, beginning August 1, 2014. In this role, Turner will support the Commission and Council, while serving students, faculty and staff at each of West Virginia’s four- and two-year public higher education institutions. This position is responsible for carrying out policy directives for both systems, which includes facilitating intergovernmental relations and overseeing state-level student financial aid programs, the West Virginia Network (WVNET) and…
Continue ReadingSummers County High School to celebrate college bound students during ‘College Decision Day’
HINTON, W.Va. – Summers County High School (SCHS) will recognize seniors who plan to enroll in some form of education or training beyond high school during the school’s first “College Decision Day” event to be held May 19. “College Decision Day is inspired by sports events, such as the NCAA national signing day and the NFL draft,” Kari Vicars, vice principal at SCHS said. “We want to make sure we showcase the academic excellence of our students with the same enthusiasm and pride as we devote to sports.” College Decision Day is coordinated through West Virginia’s “Gaining Early Awareness and…
Continue ReadingGovernor Tomblin announces West Virginia’s four-year campuses, community technical colleges to help ease student credit transfer process
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council) have adopted a joint resolution, which paves the way for a more seamless process for students transferring credits from one public higher education institution to another. According to data from the Commission and Council, the percentage of undergraduate transfers from West Virginia community and technical colleges to four-year institutions has increased by 39.5 percent throughout the last five years. Gov. Tomblin, in his State of the State Address earlier this year,…
Continue ReadingGlenville State College gains national recognition, receives internationalization technology award
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) today applauded Glenville State College for being one of only three schools nationwide selected by The American Council on Education (ACE) and the State University of New York Collaborative Online International Learning (SUNY COIL) Center for the inaugural internationalization online learning award. The winning institutions, which also included Xavier University (OH) and Fayetteville State (NC), were recently honored at SUNY’s 6th annual Collaborative Online International Learning Conference in New York City. “This promising news aligns well with the Commission’s goal to promote and support the internationalization efforts of our…
Continue ReadingState urges students to file the FAFSA now to be considered for state-level college financial aid programs
West Virginia Higher Education Grant application deadline is April 15 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and Community and Technical College System of West Virginia today urged students to file the 2014-15 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15 in order to be considered for state-level grants to help pay for college and career and technical programs. The FAFSA is available at www.fafsa.gov. Completing the FAFSA allows students to be considered for many types of state and federal financial aid, including the West Virginia Higher Education Grant program and the West Virginia Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student…
Continue Reading‘GEAR UP’ students recognized during sixth annual Governor’s Honors Symposium
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission recognized the academic achievements of more than 200 GEAR UP students at the sixth annual Governor’s Honors Symposium, held April 5 at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences. GEAR UP, which stands for “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs,” is a college preparation initiative providing services to students in ten West Virginia counties. The Symposium highlighted the accomplishments of the program’s 12th-grade students, many of whom have participated in GEAR UP since the seventh grade. During the Symposium, a representative from Governor Earl Ray Tomblin’s office…
Continue ReadingHigher education community embarks upon five-year master plan
Charleston, W.Va. – More than 150 people from across each of West Virginia’s public four-year colleges and universities have converged in Charleston today for a two-day conference hosted by the Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and focused on the state’s new five-year master plan for higher education, Leading the Way: Access. Success. Impact. Representatives of areas ranging from academic affairs, recruitment and admissions, to career services, retention and community outreach are strategizing about ways to meet the plan’s bold aspirations – with the ultimate goal of solidifying higher education as a means to success for West Virginians and an economic…
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