Welcome to Finances Matter!

Welcome to Finances Matter! Welcome DayAugust 9, 2013 Presented by:Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships (SFAS) Student Accounts & Cashiers (SAC) What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships (SFAS) Gilmour Hall, Room 120 (905) 525-9140 ext. 24319 Online at http://sfas.mcmaster.ca What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

FIPPA: Freedom of Informationand Protection of Privacy Act Respecting your privacy and your personal information is a priority for us. McMaster University’s management of personal information is governed and bound by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) What does this mean to ME? • You will be asked for student id when picking up documentation or requesting information • You will need your social insurance card, government photo id and student id to attend a counseling session or request any OSAP information • A third party is not privileged to any student’s personal information. Consent to release OSAP information to a parent, spouse or friend can be arranged by the student via the OSAP application • Third parties are welcome to attend counseling at the student’s request. The student will be called in for the counselling session to get consent prior to the group session • Students should look up and share information with their parents using MUGSI, the OSAP website and SOLAR. What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships We are more than the OSAP office! Visit us for: • Federal & Provincial Student Aid Programs (e.g. OSAP, OTG) • Entrance, In-course & External Scholarship Programs • University Bursary Programs • Work Programs • Confidential Counselling • Budgeting Strategies & Tips GET TO KNOW US… WE’RE HERE TO HELP !

The OSAP ProcessTHE APPLICATION • APPLY: Submit a completed 2013-2014 OSAP application online at https://osap.gov.on.ca • SIGNATURE PAGES: Submit signature pages and supporting documentation to the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships • MSFAA: Take your Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) to a designated Canada Post outlet. Don’t forget your ID and banking information • PAYMENT AGREEMENT: Confirm your payment agreement and become fully registered • OSAP STATUS: Check your OSAP status regularly at https://osap.gov.on.ca • APP CHANGES: Make any necessary changes to your OSAP application (course load, income etc.)

The OSAP ProcessYOUR FUNDING • CHECK EMAIL: At the beginning of each term, check your OSAP email account for notification that McMaster has confirmed your enrolment and when to expect an installment of OSAP funding • BANK ACCOUNT: Check your personal bank account for the deposit(s) of funding from the provincial and/or federal government for the fall term • PAYMENT: Make a payment to McMaster University by Sept 15 • INCOME UPDATE: Complete the Income Update online in November • BANK ACCOUNT: In January, check your personal bank account for the deposit(s) of funding from the provincial and/or federal government for the winter term • PAYMENT: Pay the remaining balance on the McMaster student account before January 15

30% OFF ONTARIO TUITION GRANT Beginning in fall 2013, for two terms, the grant pays: • $1,730 a year for students in a degree program at a college or university You are eligible if: • you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a protected person; and, • you are an Ontario resident; and, • you are a full-time student at a public college or university in Ontario; and, • you are in a first-entry program (a program you applied to and entered directly from high school); and, • it’s been less than four years since you left high school ; and, • your parents’ gross income is $160,000 or less. • APPLY BY THE DEADLINE – MARCH 1, 2014 & Supporting documentation by MARCH 31, 2014 You’re automatically considered if you have a fully complete 2013-2014 OSAP application. Students who are not applying for OSAP can apply for the Ontario Tuition Grant (OTG) ONLY at http://www.ontario.ca/30off. Find out more information about OTG at http://www.ontario.ca/30off. What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

As You Begin University … TIP #1: When It’s Not Enough! Funding too low? If you don’t think you have enough money and did not receive the maximum OSAP assessment, drop in to see a Financial Aid Counsellor to review your OSAP application and investigate if there are appeals available to you. TIP #2: Programs for Students with Permanent Disabilities Contact Student Accessibility Services or a Student Loans Officer in SFAS for details on programs available to students with permanent disabilities.

As You Begin University … TIP #3 REPORT OSAP CHANGES • You must report any changes in status to SFAS in order to maintain your eligibility for loans, bursaries, scholarships and work programs • Report changes using McMaster’s OSAP Change Request form, found under Facts & Forms on the SFAS website For example,Change in Personal IncomeParental EarningsMarital StatusAddress ChangeDrop/add coursesProgram changesWithdrawal from schooletc.

As You Begin University … Tip #4: We Want to See You! • Don’t be shy! Get to know us … Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to help you with your financial questions and issues. Carol Ricki Isabella Nancy

Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships Did You Know …? • Your award can be seen on MUGSI under “Financial Aid & Scholarships”. Once paid to your student account, it is available as a payment option on your Payment Agreement. You can return to your PA and apply your scholarship towards your tuition and fees by choosing your McMaster Scholarship as a funding option and clicking “CONFIRM”. • In order to retain your award, you must remain registered as a full-time student (minimum 24 units). • A transcript notation of your achievement will be available in February. What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

If you have any questions about your entrance award or should you require written notice about your award, please contact awards@mcmaster.ca. Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships …

The Mystery Behind Bursaries … Mystery #1: What is a Bursary? A bursary is funding for students who demonstrate FINANCIAL NEED; it is not a loan and does not require repayment. Mystery #2: Where Do Bursaries Come From? Bursary funding is made possible through institutional funding and generous donors to McMaster. If you receive a donor bursary, PLEASE write a thank you note to the donor and we will deliver it for you; they love to hear from the students they support.

The Mystery Behind Bursaries … Mystery #3: How Do I Qualify and Where Do I Apply? • To be considered, you must have applied to a Federal or Provincial Student Aid Program such as OSAP or otherwise demonstrate significant financial need. Applications are available on-line through MUGSI; please check our website for application dates and deadlines at http://sfas.mcmaster.ca. You may receive only one McMaster bursary per academic year.

Provide a way to supplement your income while you are studying – 10 hours per week on campus Allow for flexible scheduling in order to make your academics your first priority Are located where you are - on campus Present you with the opportunity to build a relationship with your University Offer you the ability to develop work-related skills and habits possibly in your area of study Look great on your resume Work Programs and YOU … Work Programs …

An application is just a click away. Apply on-line through MUGSI starting August 1st for fall/winter work-study and March 1st for summer work In order to qualify for fall/winter work-study, you must have applied to a federal or provincial student aid program such as OSAP or otherwise demonstrate significant financial need Jobs are posted regularly on-line at https://www.oscarplus.mcmaster.ca Opportunities include (but are not limited to): Research Assistant Daycare Assistant Library Support Website Assistant Administrative Assistant Media Library Clerk Personal Trainer/Fitness Leader Grounds Keeper Work Programs and YOU …

Be A Budget Builder! • Budgeting is about understanding how much you earn; how much you spend (on what!); and the difference between your income and expenses. • Use our interactive budget worksheet “BUDGET BUILDER” or play our on-line budgeting game “BUDGET BONANZA” to see if you are a financial survivor! • Avoid Financial Stress! Use your budget as a spending plan and take control of your finances. What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Preparing A Budget • Know and understand the resources you have and the expenses you will have to pay • Plan ahead! Sit down with your parents and develop a REALISTIC budget BEFORE school starts • Stick to your budget carefully so that you can make it through the year; don’t forget about the December holidays and February Reading Week! • Keep track of bills and pay ALL bills on time! • If expenses are greater than resources, you must figure out how you are going make up the difference (ie. work more or spend less). This may mean revisiting your budget plan and making adjustments. • Avoid purchasing on credit What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

The Cost of Paying With CREDIT

Cost Saving Tips • Comparison shop to get the best deal for your dollar (e.g. shop around for the best cell phone plan) • Clip coupons • Take advantage of student discounts • Make your daily coffee or tea at home • Carry a reusable water container and drink tap water • Find clubs and engage in activities that are fun without cost (e.g. organize a walk/run/hiking group and simply enjoy the outdoors)

Student Accounts & Cashiers (SAC) Gilmour Hall, Room 209 Phone:(905) 525-9140 ext. 24478 Fax: 905-527-3615Email: student.accounts@mcmaster.ca Website: http://www.mcmaster.ca/bms/student What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Parents are your best asset Parents can help you make decisions Important: Open discussions early Plan ahead financially Talk about each other’s expectations Complete all processes early Still time to negotiate details Your student account is your responsibility – you are in the lead! Student Accounts & Cashiers What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Student Accounts & Cashiers After selecting courses on SOLAR and completing the Payment Agreement Costs:Tuition & Supplementary Fees $7,500 Residence $5,500 Meal Plan $3,000 Books (estimate) $ 900 Supplies (estimate) $ 400 Entertainment ($75/month) $ 600 TOTAL: $ 17,900 STUDENT # 1 = HEALTHY PLAN STUDENT # 2 = POOR PLAN OSAP (applied early) – September 60% $6,000 OSAP is supposed to cover all of it - December 40% $4,000 My folks are going to pay for it. I have no money. Entrance Scholarship $ 750 I’ll find a job during the school year RESP (form submitted) $2,000 I’ll figure it out later. I have a right to an education Parent Contribution $3,000 Summer job (banked) $1,000 Nothing is really accounted for Unaccounted $ 550 Leads to stress and anxiety during study period Plan: Working weekends during Fall/Winter Sample amounts

Student Accounts & Cashiers PAYMENT AGREEMENT • Online registration tool used ONLY during the registration period • Promissory Note • Calculates your fees based on status, program / course selection, Residence, Meal Plan, Scholarships & Funding Options • Mandatory = click = to complete your registration • Confirmation activates other automated processes like: • becoming a fully registered student • receiving your confirmation package and validation sticker, • accessing your online timetable • Payment Schedule & Message Section - outline important actions, deadline dates • Revisionscan be made as necessary up to September 1 CONFIRM What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Student Accounts & Cashiers STUDENT ACCOUNT STATEMENT As soon as you have a student ID#, a student “account” is created for you. Log on through MUGSI. We recommend reviewing monthly to keep your account in good standing. What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

STUDENT ACCOUNT STATEMENT ACCESS: through MUGSI (My MUGSI ► Continue ► Accounts & Cashiers ► Account Statement) Activate your MacID and Password. FREQUENCY: The more frequent you review, the easier it will be to stay in good financial shape. We strongly recommend monthly . It’s important to remember, if you are not checking in frequently, nobody is. WILL I GET A “BILL” IN THE MAIL? No. Your account is available 24/7 through MUGSI. Only you have access by logging on. WHAT TO CHECK FOR: All payments have been received. All charges are as you expected. Charges added since your last review. Any balance owing. If you see something that doesn’t look right, following up with questions at the time is much easier than trying to fix it 8 months later. Student Accounts & Cashiers What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Student Accounts & Cashiers FIPPA (Freedom of Information Privacy Protection Act) Parents: this means that only your child has access to all personal information including the student Account Statement. We are happy to provide you with general process information, but to get personal information, you must access through your child. Students: this means that parents will be asking you for details and balance information. Since we cannot provide them with specific details, help them help you. What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Student Accounts & Cashiers MAKING PAYMENTS: Make all payments ONLINE! – Don’t stand in line! Online/Telephone Banking Log on to your bank’s website/call centre Add McMaster University as a “Bill” to pay Enter your 7-digit student ID # as the requested “account” number Payments may take up to 5 business days to show in your Account Statement. INTERAC Online From your Payment Agreement / Account Statement, click Participating banks for this service are: NOTE: The new VISADebit client cards will not work with this service Paying from a bank account? PAY NOW McMaster’s preferred Methods of Payment are listed above. Students who pay by any other method, or through any other 3rd party, do so at their own risk. McMaster will not be held responsible for any subsequent loss to the student. What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

MAKING PAYMENTS: Make all payments ONLINE! – Don’t stand in line! Western Union From your Payment Agreement / Account Statement, click Pay in the currency of your choice 72 hour guaranteed exchange rate 1-3 days once payment is initiated International Wire Transfer Please review “Payment Methods” on our website for appropriate form Wires should be arranged 2-5 weeks prior to payment deadline date Student Accounts & Cashiers Paying from an bank account? McMaster’s preferred Methods of Payment are listed above. Students who pay by any other method, or through any other 3rd party, do so at their own risk. McMaster will not be held responsible for any subsequent loss to the student. What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Flex Plan Overview A $35 Per-term Flex Plan fee - charged as long as there is an unpaid balance All plans are subject to monthly interest charges on balances not paid in full by the end of September. FLEX Plan - OSAP. Designed for students using OSAP 60% of total fees are due in your student account no later than September 15th Balance of fees are due no later than January 30th FLEX Plan – 1 Term. Designed for students registered in Term 1 only or who want to minimize their interest and per-term Flex Plan fees. 50% of total fees are due no later than September 1st Balance can be paid anytime between Sept 2nd and December 15th FLEX Plan – 2 Term. Designed for students who prefer to spread their payments into the second academic term. 25% of total fees are due no later than September 1st Balance can be made anytime between September 2nd and March 15th For ALL FLEX PLANS, paying more than the required amount by September and not waiting until the end of the term to pay off the balance will minimize your interest charges and administration fees. What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Student Accounts & Cashiers COST SAVING TIPS • Consult “Important Dates and Deadlines”on our website. Missing deadlines (i.e. Payment Agreement, Payments) usually result in late charges. • Understand how interest charges work. • Pay by September 1: Minimize interest charges - pay more at the beginning of the year instead of carrying a bigger balance. • Review your Account Statement regularlybecause charges can go on your account any time of the year. • Cancellation Schedule:Reviewbefore you decide to drop or cancel a course. Dropping has no financial penalty and cancelling does, but both may have OSAP implications. • Watch the bookstore purchases.While charging textbooks (at Campus Store) to your student account can be a huge convenience, be careful of the temptation to purchase non-essential items. • Opt-out of Health and Dental coverage if you are currently under your parent’s plan. Opt-out dates are Sept 1-30. No exceptions! Go to MSU website. What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Student Accounts & Cashiers AVOIDUNNECESSARY STRESSES Enable your McMaster email, this is how we communicate with you. Check your Account Statement regularly Confirm your Payment Agreement early to benefit from other automated processes MUGSI is the gateway to all student info. Activate your MacID and password and refer to it regularly for relevant information Having an unpaid balance past the payment deadline dates results in being BLOCKED from accessing grades, receiving transcripts, future registrations or benefitting from future credit at Mac. What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Student Accounts & Cashiers Parents… you are probably wondering what you can do to help? 1. Register to receive our Student Affairs newsletter. http://studentaffairs.mcmaster.ca/parents/ 2. Become familiar with our website / dates http://www.mcmaster.ca/bms/student 3. Most departments’ websites include a special Parent’s Page because we recognize what a valuable role you play. What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Worth Reading…. Student Accounts & Cashiers • Finding free money - Scholarships online • What things really cost / value of money • Budgeting and looking for deals Keeping costs at a minimum while making your way through university…2013

Thank you for listening so intently. We wish you every success through your years at McMaster! Questions & Answers… What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Contact Us Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships Gilmour Hall, Room 120 (905) 525-9140 ext. 24319 e-mail: awards@mcmaster.ca | osap@mcmaster.ca web:http://sfas.mcmaster.ca Student Accounts & Cashiers Gilmour Hall, Room 209 (905) 525-9140 ext. 24478email: student.accounts@mcmaster.ca web: http://www.mcmaster.ca/bms/student Still have questions?Look for ‘Ask McMaster’ on our websites What do I need to do between today and September to prepare for University?

Welcome to Finances Matter!