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The Board of Governor's Fee Waiver Application (BOGW) is an essential tool for qualifying students at Modesto Junior College seeking to alleviate their enrollment fees. This application is specifically designed for California residents, eligible AB 540 students, and those who qualify under Assembly Bill 1899, which includes victims of trafficking or domestic violence. By completing the BOGW application, students can gain access to various financial resources aimed at covering enrollment costs. Applicants will need to provide personal information such as their name, address, and date of birth, along with details on their residency status and household income. The application also assesses dependency status, marital status, and current financial assistance, which are crucial in determining eligibility for a fee waiver. Students will find questions related to their current living situation and financial support, ensuring that the process is thorough yet straightforward. Understanding the eligibility criteria and compiling accurate information can significantly ease the burden of educational expenses.

Bogf Application Example

Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver Application (BOGW)

2014/2015

Summer 2014, Fall 2014 & Spring 2015

MJC Student Financial Services Office

West Campus: Yosemite Hall 147

2201 Blue Gum Ave

Telephone (209) 575-7700

Fax (209) 575-7719

This is an application to have your ENROLLMENT FEES WAIVED.

If you need money to help with books, supplies, food, rent, transportation and other costs, please complete a FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) or the California Dream Application (for eligible AB 540 students) immediately. The FAFSA is available at www.fafsa.gov and the Dream Application is available at http://www.csac.ca.gov/dream_act.asp. Contact the Student Financial Services Office for more information.

IMPLEMENTATION OF Assembly Bill 1899: Victims of Trafficking, Domestic Violence and other Serious Crimes

AB 1899, chaptered in September of 2012, provides for a non-resident enrollment fee exemption for “Victims of trafficking, domestic violence and other serious crimes”. In addition, the legislation allows these students to apply for and, if eligible, receive financial aid from programs administered by public

postsecondary institutions or the state of California. Finally, the legislation provides that enrollment fees shall be waived for these students who apply for and are eligible to receive a Board of Governor’s enrollment fee waiver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

 

MJC Student ID (or Soc Sec #)

 

Last

 

First

Middle Initial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mailing Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street

 

 

 

 

 

City

 

Zip Code

Date of Birth:

 

/

/

Home Phone: (

)

 

Cell Phone: (

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CALIFORNIA RESIDENCY

This FEE WAIVER application is for California residents, eligible AB 540 students, and eligible AB 1899 students, as determined by the MJC Enrollment Service’s Office. Fee waiver eligibility cannot be determined until your status has been verified.

Has the Enrollment Service’s Office determined that you are a California resident?Yes No If no, has the Enrollment Service’s Office determined that you are eligible for a non-resident tuition exemption as an AB 540 student?

Yes No

If no, has the Enrollment Service's Office determined that you are eligible for a non-resident tuition exemption granted as a result of your immigration status under Section 1101(a)(15)(T)(i) or (ii), or Section1101 (a)(15)(U)(i) or (ii), of Title 8 of the United States Code?

Yes

No

 

 

CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL

 

Are you currently enrolled in high school? Yes No

 

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CALIFORNIA DOMESTIC PARTNER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ACT

The California Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act extends rights, benefits, responsibilities and obligations to individuals in domestic partnerships registered with the California Secretary of State under Section 297 of the Family Code. If you are in a Registered Domestic Partnership (RDP), you will be treated as an Independent married student to determine eligibility for this Enrollment Fee Waiver and will need to provide income and household information for your domestic partner.

If you are a dependent student and your parent is in a Registered Domestic Partnership, you will be treated the same as a student with married parents and income and household information will be required for the parent’s domestic partner.

Note: These provisions apply to state student financial aid ONLY, and not to federal student financial aid.

Are you or your parent in a Registered Domestic Partnership with the California Secretary of State under Section 297 of the Family Code? (Answer “Yes” if you or your parent are separated from a Registered Domestic Partner but have NOT FILED a Notice of Termination of

Domestic Partnership with the California Secretary of State’s Office.)

Yes

No

If you answered “Yes” to the question above, treat the Registered Domestic Partner as a spouse. You are required to include your domestic partner’s income and household information or your parent’s domestic partner’s income and household

information in Questions 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

STUDENT MARITAL STATUS

Single Married Divorced Separated Widowed Registered Domestic Partnership

skip to question 13)
question 13)

DEPENDENCY STATUS

The questions below will determine whether you are considered a Dependent student or Independent student for fee waiver eligibility and whether parental information is needed. If you answer “Yes” to ANY of the questions 1-10 below, you will be considered an

INDEPENDENT student. If you answer “No” to all questions, you will be considered a Dependent student thereby reporting parental information and should continue with Question 11.

1.

Were you born before January 1, 1991? (If “yes”, skip to question 13)

Yes

No

2.

As of today, are you married or in a Registered Domestic Partnership (RDP)? (Answer "Yes" if you are separated but not divorced

 

or have not filed a termination notice to dissolve partnership. (If “yes”, skip to question 13)

Yes

No

3. Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or currently serving on active duty for purposes other than training? (If “yes”, skip to Yes No

4.Do you have children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015, or other dependents who live with you (other than your children or spouse/RDP) who receive more than half of their support from you,

now and through June 30, 2015? (If “yes”, skip to question 13)Yes No

5. At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care, or were you a dependent or

ward of the court? (If “yes”, skip to question 13)

Yes

No

6.Are you or were you an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence? (If “yes”, skip to question 13) Yes No

7.Are you or were you in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence? (If “yes”, skip to question 13) Yes No

8.At any time on or after July 1, 2013, did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an

unaccompanied youth who was homeless? (If “yes”, skip to question 13)

Yes

No

9.At any time on or after July 1, 2013, did the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless? (If “yes”,

Yes No

10.At any time on or after July 1, 2013, did the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless? (If

“yes”, skip to question 13)

Yes

No

If you answered "Yes" to any of the questions 1 - 10, you are considered an INDEPENDENT student for enrollment fee waiver purposes and must provide income and household information about yourself (and your spouse or RDP if applicable). Skip to Question #13.

If you answered "No" to all questions 1 - 10, complete the following questions:

11.

If your parent(s) or his/her RDP filed or will file a 2013 U.S. Income Tax Return, were you, or will you be claimed on their tax return

 

as an exemption by either or both of your parents?

Will Not FileYes

No

12.

Do you live with one or both of your parent(s) and/or his/her RDP?

Yes

No

If you answered "No" to questions 1 - 10 and "Yes" to either question 11 or 12, you must provide income and household information about your PARENT(S)/RDP. Please answer questions for a DEPENDENT student in the sections that follow.

If you answered "No" or "Parent(s) will not file" to question 11, and "No" to question 12, you are a dependent student for all student aid except this enrollment fee waiver. You may answer questions as an INDEPENDENT student on the rest of this

application, but please try to get your PARENT information and file a FAFSA so you may be considered for other student aid. You cannot get other student aid without your parent(s’) information.

 

METHOD A ENROLLMENT FEE WAIVER

 

 

 

 

13.

Are you (the student ONLY) currently receiving monthly cash assistance for yourself or any dependents from:

 

 

 

 

TANF/CalWORKs?

Yes

No

 

 

 

SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Program)?

Yes

No

 

 

 

General Assistance?

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.

If you are a dependent student, are your parent(s)/RDP receiving monthly cash assistance from TANF/CalWORKs or SSI/SSP

 

 

 

as a primary source of income?

Yes

No

 

If you answered "Yes" to question 13 or 14 you are eligible for an ENROLLMENT FEE WAIVER. YOU MUST bring this BOGW application into the Student Financial Services Office and fill out an “Agency Consent for Release of Information” form so we

can verify your current benefits. Continue to Method B below.

METHOD B ENROLLMENT FEE WAIVER

15.DEPENDENT STUDENT: How many persons are in your parent(s)/RDP household? (Include yourself, your parent(s)/RDP, and anyone who lives with your parent(s)/RDP and receives more than 50% of their support from your parents/RDP, now and through June 30, 2015.) _________

16.INDEPENDENT STUDENT: How many persons are in your household? (Include yourself, your spouse/RDP, and anyone who lives with you and receives more than 50% of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2015.) ___________

17.2013 Income Information

 

 

 

DEPENDENT STUDENT:

INDEPENDENT STUDENT:

 

 

 

 

PARENT(S)/ RDP

STUDENT (& SPOUSE'S/

 

DO NOT ESTIMATE

 

INCOME ONLY

 

RDP) INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a. Adjusted Gross Income (If 2013 U.S. Income Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return was filed, enter the amount from Form 1040,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

line 37; 1040A, line 21; 1040EZ, line 4).

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

b. All other income (Include ALL money received in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 that is not included in line (a) above (such as

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

wages, disability, child support, military living

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

allowance, Workman’s Compensation, untaxed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pensions).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t include: TANF/Welfare, Social Security/SSI,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combat pay, earned income credit or additional child

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

tax credit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL Income for 2013 (Sum of a + b)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

SPECIAL CLASSIFICATIONS ENROLLMENT FEE WAIVERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.

Do you have certification from the CA Department of Veterans Affairs that you are eligible for a dependent's fee waiver?

 

 

 

Submit certification.

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.

Do you have certification from the National Guard Adjutant General that you are eligible for a dependent's fee waiver?

 

 

 

 

Submit certification.

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.

Are you eligible as a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor or as a child of a recipient?

 

 

 

 

 

Submit documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.

Are you eligible as a dependent of a victim of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack?

 

 

 

 

 

Submit documentation from the CA Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board.

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

22.

Are you eligible as a dependent of a deceased law enforcement/fire suppression personnel killed in the line of duty?

 

 

 

 

Submit documentation from the public agency employer of record.

Yes

No

 

If you answered "Yes" to any of the questions from 18-22, you are eligible for an ENROLLMENT FEE WAIVER and perhaps other fee waivers or adjustments. Sign the Certification below. Submit this application and documentation to the Student Financial Services Office. Contact the Student Financial Services Office if you have questions.

CERTIFICATION FOR ALL APPLICANTS: READ THIS STATEMENT AND SIGN BELOW

I hereby swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that all information on this form is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. If

asked by an authorized official, I agree to provide proof of this information, which may include a copy of my and my spouse/registered domestic partner and/or my parent's/registered domestic partner’s 2013 U.S. Income Tax Return(s). I also

realize that any false statement or failure to give proof when asked may be cause for the denial, reduction, withdrawal, and/or repayment of my waiver. I authorize release of information regarding this application between the college, the college district, and the Chancellor's Office of the California Community Colleges.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I understand the following information:

Federal and state financial aid programs are available to help with college costs (including enrollment fees, books & supplies, transportation and room and board expenses). By completing the FAFSA or the California Dream Application, additional financial assistance may be available in the form of Cal Grants, Pell and other grants, work study and other aid.

I may apply for and receive financial assistance if I am enrolled, either full time or part time, in an eligible program of study (certificate, associate degree or transfer).

Financial aid program information and application assistance is available in the college financial aid office.

Incomplete applications will be returned to the student which will delay processing.

TO EXPEDITE PROCESSING: Submit IN-PERSON to the Student Financial Services Office, West Campus Yosemite Hall 147

Other Options: FAX: 209-575-7719 MAIL: Modesto Junior College, Student Financial Services Office, 435 College Ave, Modesto CA 95350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Applicant’s Signature

Date

 

Parent Signature (Dependent Students Only)

Date

CALIFORNIA INFORMATION PRIVACY ACT

State and federal laws protect an individual’s right to privacy regarding information pertaining to oneself. The California Information Practices Act of

1977 requires the following information be provided to financial aid applicants who are asked to supply information about themselves. The principal purpose for requesting information on this form is to determine your eligibility for financial aid. The Chancellor’s Office policy and the policy of the

community college to which you are applying for aid authorize maintenance of this information. Failure to provide such information will delay and may even prevent your receipt of financial assistance. This form’s information may be transmitted to other state agencies and the federal government if

required by law. Individuals have the right of access to records established from information furnished on this form as it pertains to them.

The officials responsible for maintaining the information contained on this form are the financial aid administrators at the institutions to which you are applying for financial aid. The SSN may be used to verify your identity under record keeping systems established prior to January 1, 1975. If your

college requires you to provide an SSN and you have questions, you should ask the financial aid officer at your college for further information. The Chancellor’s Office and the California community colleges, in compliance with federal and state laws, do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion,

color, national origin, gender, age, disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, domestic partnership or any other legally protected basis. Inquiries regarding these policies may be directed to the financial aid office of the college to which you are applying.

Office Use Only

Missing Information:

 

S/P Taxes S/P Signature S/P Household Size

Other________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOGW A

BOGW B

 

Not Eligible

Special Classifications

 

 

 

 

Student

Independent

 

N/E

RDP: Student Parent

 

 

 

 

Parent

Dependent

 

Notified by: Mail In Person

Veteran

 

 

 

 

Document Rec’d ________

 

 

 

BOGW C Already on Line

Other__________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certified & Entered By:

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Enrollment Fee Waiver This application allows eligible students to waive the enrollment fees necessary for attending the California community college system.
Eligibility Criteria Eligibility applies to California residents, eligible AB 540 students, and students recognized under Assembly Bill 1899, which addresses victims of trafficking and serious crimes.
Application Methods Students can apply for the fee waiver through two methods: Method A is for those receiving cash assistance, while Method B applies to other dependent or independent students.
Contact Information The Student Financial Services Office can be reached at (209) 575-7700, located in Yosemite Hall 147, 2201 Blue Gum Ave, Modesto, CA.

Guidelines on Utilizing Bogf Application

Completing the BOGW Application form requires providing accurate personal and financial information. Follow these steps carefully to ensure all required information is filled out correctly.

  1. Start by adding your full name, including last, first, and middle initial.
  2. Enter your MJC Student ID number or Social Security number.
  3. Fill in your mailing address, making sure to include street, city, and zip code.
  4. Provide your date of birth in the specified format.
  5. Input your home phone number and cell phone number.
  6. Answer whether or not the Enrollment Service’s Office has determined that you are a California resident.
  7. If you answered "No," indicate if you are eligible as an AB 540 student or due to immigration status.
  8. Indicate if you are currently enrolled in high school.
  9. Answer whether you or your parent is in a Registered Domestic Partnership.
  10. Choose your current marital status from the available options.
  11. Answer the dependency status questions (1-10) to classify yourself as dependent or independent.
  12. If classified as independent, skip to Question 13. If dependent, continue with questions 11 and 12 regarding parental information.
  13. For the Method A Enrollment Fee Waiver, respond to questions regarding cash assistance from various programs.
  14. For Method B Enrollment Fee Waiver, provide the number of persons in your household or your parent’s household.
  15. Fill out the income information section for either dependent or independent students.
  16. Answer questions 18-22 regarding special classifications and certifications.
  17. Read the certification statement thoroughly and sign it, including the date.
  18. If you are a dependent student, have your parent sign as well, including the date.
  19. Submit the application in person, via fax, or by mail to the Student Financial Services Office.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the purpose of the BOGW Application form?

The Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver Application (BOGW) is designed for students attending Modesto Junior College who seek to have their enrollment fees waived. This form is particularly important for California residents, eligible AB 540 students, and students affected by certain legislation, such as AB 1899, which provides exemptions for victims of trafficking or domestic violence. To further assist with educational expenses such as books and supplies, applicants are also encouraged to complete the FAFSA or the California Dream Application.

Who can apply for the BOGW fee waiver?

Eligibility for the BOGW fee waiver includes California residents, eligible AB 540 students, and students qualifying under Assembly Bill 1899. The Modesto Junior College Enrollment Services Office determines eligibility based on residency status and other criteria related to the individual’s circumstances. Individuals currently receiving monthly cash assistance from specific programs are also eligible for this fee waiver.

What information do I need to provide on the BOGW application?

When completing the BOGW application, you will need to provide personal information such as your name, mailing address, student ID, and date of birth. Additionally, financial information is required, including details about your income or income from your parents or registered domestic partner if applicable. Depending on your living situation and status, you may have to answer questions regarding cash assistance, household size, and any certifications related to special classifications.

How do I submit the BOGW application?

To expedite the processing of your BOGW application, you should submit it in person at the Student Financial Services Office located in Yosemite Hall 147 on the West Campus. Alternatively, you can fax the completed form to (209) 575-7719 or mail it to Modesto Junior College, Student Financial Services Office, 435 College Ave, Modesto, CA 95350. Ensure that you also bring any necessary documentation to substantiate your claims.

What happens if I do not provide all required information?

It is crucial to provide complete information on the BOGW application. If any information is missing, the application will be returned for completion. This can result in delays in processing and potentially affect your enrollment status. To avoid such issues, double-check your application before submission and consider reaching out to the Student Financial Services Office if you have questions.

Common mistakes

Completing the Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver Application (BOGW) can be straightforward, but some common mistakes can cause delays or denials. Awareness of these pitfalls can help ensure a smooth application process.

One major mistake is failing to provide accurate personal information. When entering details like your name, date of birth, or student ID, all entries must be correct and match the records maintained by the school. Any discrepancies could lead to complications that ultimately hinder your eligibility.

Another frequent error involves California residency status. Applicants often overlook the question regarding residency eligibility. This can lead to confusion about whether they qualify for the fee waiver. It’s essential to properly engage with the questions, especially around being a California resident or an AB 540 student.

Additionally, many individuals neglect to fill in their household size information correctly. This detail is crucial as it affects the financial assessment. An inaccurate or incomplete household size can misrepresent financial need and potentially impact waiver eligibility.

In some cases, applicants do not properly disclose their financial information, particularly if they are a dependent student. Providing incorrect or incomplete income information can jeopardize the entire application. It’s always best to report all financial resources accurately and completely.

Some students skip the part about their marital status or domestic partnerships. Failing to answer these questions can lead to misunderstandings about dependency status, which is pivotal for financial aid eligibility. Clarifying one’s status helps in correctly assessing the financial situation.

Another oversight relates to reading and understanding the certification statement. Many applicants might rush to sign without ensuring they fully grasp the implications of their statement. This step emphasizes the importance of verifying that all provided information is complete and truthful.

Inadequate documentation submission or the lack of necessary supporting documents is also a recurring mistake. Applicants should carefully review all requirements and ensure that they include any required paperwork, as missing documents can result in application rejection.

Not submitting the application in person is an avoidable mistake. Though faxing and mailing options are available, delivering the application in person often provides applicants with immediate feedback and can expedite processing.

Lastly, neglecting to keep a copy of your completed application can lead to complications later. A retained copy can serve as a reference if communication is needed with the financial services office. Keeping thorough records ensures you have the documentation ready if questions arise.

Being proactive and attentive while completing the BOGW application can significantly enhance the chances of success. Avoiding these common mistakes will smooth the path toward securing a fee waiver and enable focus on educational goals.

Documents used along the form

The Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver Application (BOGW) often requires additional documents to ensure efficient processing and verification of your eligibility for the fee waiver. Below, you'll find a list of commonly associated forms that may be necessary alongside the BOGW Application. It's important to prepare these documents to support your application accurately.

  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): This federal application allows students to apply for financial aid, including grants and loans. Completing the FAFSA is essential to determine your eligibility for various aid programs that can help cover tuition and other expenses.
  • California Dream Act Application: Designed for students who are undocumented or have DACA status, this application grants eligibility for state financial aid. If you qualify under AB 540, it’s crucial to submit this alongside the BOGW Application.
  • Agency Consent for Release of Information: This form authorizes the Student Financial Services Office to access your benefits from government assistance programs. If you are receiving benefits like TANF or SSI, this document helps verify your eligibility for the enrollment fee waiver.
  • Income Tax Returns: Depending on your dependency status, you might need to provide your or your parent’s tax returns. This is used to assess your financial situation and establish eligibility for the fee waiver.
  • Certification for Special Classifications: If you are applying under specific categories such as military service or victims of certain crimes, this certification provides the necessary documentation for your fee waiver eligibility.

Gathering these documents in advance can help streamline the application process and minimize potential delays. Proper preparation allows you to focus on your education without the stress of financial burdens.

Similar forms

  • FAFSA Application: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is used to apply for federal, state, and college financial aid. Like the BOGW application, it assesses financial need and determines eligibility for fee waivers.
  • California Dream Application: This application is specifically for undocumented students seeking state financial aid. Similar to BOGW, it verifies residency and financial need for fee waivers.
  • Tuition Waiver Form: Institutions often have specific forms that allow students to apply for tuition waivers based on various criteria, much like BOGW does for enrollment fees.
  • Veteran’s Fee Waiver Application: This application allows veterans to request fee waivers for education costs. It gathers similar information regarding residency and financial status as the BOGW application.
  • Cal Grant Application: Cal Grant is a financial aid program that requires information on income and residency, paralleling the information requested on the BOGW form.
  • Dependency Status Verification Form: This form assesses whether a student is dependent or independent for financial aid purposes, similar to the dependency questions on the BOGW application.
  • Financial Aid Appeal Form: Students may submit this form to appeal financial aid decisions. It shares the need for financial documentation and personal circumstances, akin to the BOGW application.
  • Scholarship Application: Many scholarship applications require details about financial need and residency, like the BOGW application for enrollment fee waivers.
  • Income Verification Form: This form is needed to verify income for financial aid packages. It often requires similar documentation as the BOGW to confirm eligibility.
  • Dependent Care Grant Application: This application is for students seeking assistance for childcare costs, requiring financial and personal information much like the BOGW form.

Dos and Don'ts

Things You Should Do:

  • Make sure to provide accurate personal information, including your name, address, and contact details.
  • Verify your residency status before submitting the application.
  • Gather all necessary financial documents, such as tax returns, to support your application.
  • Read through the entire application form carefully to avoid missing important sections.
  • Submit your application in person at the Student Financial Services Office for quicker processing.
  • Contact the Student Financial Services Office if you have any questions or need assistance.

Things You Shouldn't Do:

  • Do not leave any mandatory fields blank on the form.
  • Avoid submitting estimates; provide accurate income figures from your tax documents.
  • Do not rush your application; take your time to ensure everything is filled out correctly.
  • Do not ignore notifications from the Student Financial Services Office regarding missing documents.
  • Do not assume your eligibility; verify your status and requirements for the fee waiver.
  • Don’t forget to sign and date the application; a missing signature could delay processing.

Misconceptions

1. BOGW Application is Only for Financial Aid: Some people think the BOGW application is solely for financial aid. In reality, it's specifically for waiving enrollment fees. If you need additional financial assistance for things like books or living expenses, you should also fill out the FAFSA or California Dream Application.

2. All Students Can Qualify: Many believe any student can get approved for the waiver. However, eligibility is limited to California residents, eligible AB 540 students, and those qualifying under Assembly Bill 1899. Your residency status must be confirmed first.

3. The Application is Complicated: A common misconception is that the application is too complex. While there are several questions, each relates directly to eligibility requirements. Answering them is often simpler than it seems.

4. You Don’t Need Documentation: Some applicants think that they can submit their application without any supporting documents. In many cases, especially for special classifications, documentation is required to prove eligibility.

5. It’s Only for Low-Income Students: Some individuals assume the BOGW application is exclusively for students with low income. While income is a factor, the waiver is available to various students based on residency status and specific conditions, not just financial need.

6. The Application Can Be Submitted After Classes Start: Many mistakenly believe they can submit their application after the semester begins without consequences. To ensure you avoid late fees or other penalties, it’s best to submit your application before classes start, preferably in person.

Key takeaways

1. Understand Eligibility Requirements: Before filling out the Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver (BOGW) Application, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. This applies to California residents, certain AB 540 students, and qualifying victims of serious crimes as defined by Assembly Bill 1899.

2. Complete the FAFSA or Dream Application: If you need additional financial assistance for books, supplies, or living expenses, promptly submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Application. This step is critical, as it can provide access to more aid.

3. Be Accurate and Thorough: Utilize precise information while completing the application. Be particularly careful with your income details and household size, as this can impact waiver eligibility. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may delay processing.

4. Submit the Application In-Person: To speed up processing, it is recommended to submit the completed BOGW application directly to the Student Financial Services Office. While faxing or mailing are options, they may prolong the approval timeframe.