Tribal college waives its fees

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is among the 30 colleges and seven universities of Minnesota State waiving application fees in October for all or part of College Knowledge Month, an annual statewide effort to encourage students to apply to college. The college is also offering virtual information sessions for interested students and parents to connect with college staff to learn more about the college.

“We always encourage and recommend that students apply early for college admission and start the next steps of their futures,” said Josh Cleveland, admissions officer at the college. “It’s easy to complete the application, and students are glad to start the process early and be accepted to college. The free application period during October is a bonus.”

FDLTCC chose to waive application fees for the entire month of October. Most Minnesota State colleges and universities are waiving application fees Oct. 26-31. Application fees for qualified low-income students are always waived at all Minnesota State system colleges and universities. If prompted for a promotional code, applicants should use CKM2020.

The application for admission is followed by applying for financial aid, then working with an adviser to pick classes. The free application period during October is available to students planning to start classes the Spring 2021 or Fall 2021 semesters at FDLTCC.

“We have been offering free application for admission during the October College Knowledge Month for several years,” said Susan Bumann, FDLTCC admissions representative. “We see students completing the application process sooner rather than later, which is a win-win situation for everyone.”

Online action

FDLTCC’s schedule of virtual College Knowledge Month and Minnesota State Week activities include several online sessions. The Zoom login link for all virtual sessions is https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/92930627274, and no password is needed.

The first information session, “Your First Steps,” featuring admissions and financial aid staff, is 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26.

“You are Not Alone: Student Support” featuring Disability Services, TRIO, housing, and financial aid staff is offered 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, there is an online virtual open house from 10:30-11:30 a.m. featuring staff and instructors from various academic programs, including Law Enforcement, Nursing, Human Services, Environmental Science, American Indian Studies, Geographic Information Systems, Electric Utility Technology, Elementary Education, Child Development, Weekend College, and First Year Experience.

The sessions conclude Oct. 29 with “Enter the Speed Zone,” featuring Thunder athletics coaches and housing staff, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Admissions staff are also participating in two more online events, the Northeast Minnesota Workforce Center virtual job and college fair (10 a.m.-1p.m.Tuesday through Thursday), and the Tribal Colleges and Universities virtual college fair (12-1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday).