Know Before You Go

Financial Aid

• Complete the FAFSA for the upcoming academic year.
• Ensure all requirements are met.
• Confirm that your financial aid package is awarded before you leave.

 
✅ Complete the FAFSA – Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming academic year to ensure you receive financial aid on time.
✅ Check Your Financial Aid Status – Log into Banner Rams Online to confirm your financial aid award and see if there are any outstanding requirements.
✅ Submit Any Outstanding Documents – Make sure all verification and other required documents are completed and submitted to avoid delays.
✅ Accept or Decline Awards – Accept your terms and conditions. Accept any offered financial aid (loans).
✅ Review Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Status – Ensure you meet SAP requirements to maintain eligibility for financial aid. If you're at risk of losing aid, you should plan for alternative payments.

• Check Degree Progress
• Register for classes
• Review the Academic Calendar for important dates

✅ Check Degree Progress: Review your degree audit in RAMPath to ensure you are on track for graduation and meeting all requirements. Contact your Advisor and Department Chair for specific questions.
✅ Pre-register for classes: Make sure you’ve completed your registration for the upcoming semester before you leave campus. This will save you time and prevent last-minute scheduling issues when you return.
✅ Submit Ticket Request: Ensure that you submit ticket requests for those courses that have a prerequisite or corequisite requirement via the Registrar Electronic Portal. Be aware that Academic Advisor and Department Chair approval is required.

• Course Registration Add - Summer I Term
• Course Registration Add – Summer II Term 
• Course Registration Add - Fall Term

✅ Update Personal Information: Make sure your contact details (email, phone number, mailing address, and or name) are up to date in the system, so important communications aren't missed.

• Change of Address/Telephone Request

✅ Update residency status: You may contact the North Carolina Residency Determination Service(RDS) for specific questions. Email updaterds@wssu.edu with your RCN and Banner ID number after it is updated.
✅ Verify Transfer Credits: If transferring credits, confirm that all necessary transcripts and documents have been submitted and processed. If you plan to attend courses during the summer, you are required to submit an Application to Take Courses at Another Institution Request.
✅ Complete the VA Certification Request: If you’re using Military Education benefits, be sure to submit your VA Certification Request form. This ensures your benefits will be processed on time and there are no delays in payment.

• Contact our ASC or Faculty Advisor
• Register for the upcoming semester.
• Receive your Registration Pin. 

✅ Meet with advisor/ASC to retake the pre-requisite or major course if you did not pass with a C or higher this semester. 
✅ Register for at least 15 credit hours for next semester.
✅ Complete the "Take Course at Another Institution" electronic form, if you plan on taking a course at another institution to have it transfer back to WSSU. 
✅ Academic catalog of the different programs. You can also see which courses are pre-requisites or major courses in your Rampath. 

• Make sure that you are update on installments.
• Holds placed for Balances over $300 will prevent pre-registration

✅ Holds placed for Balances over $300. This will prevent pre-registration.
✅ Students must be up to date with their installments for their hold to be removed.
✅ Fall bills will be available in July. Spring bills will be available in November. Summer bills will be available in April.   
✅ Validation is required upon return of each semester.
✅ If you are on SAP, you must enroll in a payment plan. No exceptions.
✅ Send all outside scholarship funds to The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
✅ If you are a VA student, be sure to certify your paperwork with the VA office (Registrar) before the beginning of the term. 

There are multiple steps to checking out of your room at the end of the semester. Make sure to fulfill all these requirements. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines.

• Students must complete a housing application prior to their departure to go home.
• 24 Hours After Last Exam – Standard move-out deadline for continuing students

✅ When you check out of your room, it should be cleaned thoroughly, and ALL personal belongings should be out of your room. This will help prepare for the next resident a lot quicker! Hall staff will be checking the condition of your room and will assess charges for any cleaning needed and/or damage to the space.
✅ Keys must be turned into staff members during a check out appointment or via an express checkout envelope to avoid improper check out and lost key charges to your student account. Leaving your key with a roommate or friend is not proper procedure and/or will result in you being charged for an improper check out and/or a lock change.
✅ Option 1- Schedule an appointment with your RA. 
At your appointment time, your RA will meet you at your room to assess the condition of your room, noting any cleanliness issues and/or damage. At this time, you will be able to dispute or correct any concerns to avoid being fined. Once the paperwork is completed, you will turn in your room key, sign the room condition report, and have a great summer!
✅ Option 2- An Express Checkout. 
Once you have moved everything out of your assigned room, obtain an Express Checkout Envelope from your front desk, and complete it thoroughly by listing your assignment and signing your name on the outside of the envelope. You must seal your room key inside the Express Checkout Envelope. After you place this sealed envelope in the Express Checkout Box, located near the front desk, or give the envelope to a staff member at the desk, you are free to have a great summer! The RA will conduct an inspection of your room, noting any cleanliness issues and damage. **By conducting an express checkout, you waive the right to appeal any damages and/or charges assessed to me individually and/or shared with my roommate(s)/suitemate(s)/community member(s).

Before you go, please take a moment to review the return book checklist to avoid any unnecessary fees.

✅ Know Where to Return – Books rented from Winston-Salem State University Bookstore (Barnes & Noble) should be returned to the appropriate location.
✅ Check Your Return Deadlines – Be sure to return your rented textbooks on time to avoid late fees or replacement charges.
✅ Inspect Your Books – Ensure your books are in good condition to meet return requirements.
✅ Keep Your Receipt/Confirmation – If returning in person or by mail, hold onto confirmation of return for your records.
✅ For specific return dates and policies, check your WSSU email or contact the bookstore directly.