Record-setting class moves in
Saint Leo University welcomed its largest class of incoming students for the 2019-2020 school year.
Despite the sticky, hot, rainy weather, students and their parents moved their belongings into their residence halls. Faculty, staff, alumni and students helped pull items out of vehicles and haul them into the students’ rooms.
New Student Orientation included a “Welcome to the Pride” event to cheer on more than 1,000 members of the Class of 2023.
More than 800 new freshmen and 180 transfer students moved into the Saint Leo campus in Pasco County.
This represented a 45% increase over last year’s new student enrollment.
New students received Saint Leo lapel pins to symbolize their membership in the scholarly community.
Belle of the Ball
The Belle of the Ball Project again will provide free homecoming dresses and accessories to in-need high school girls on Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at its boutique at 1210 Holt Ave., in Clearwater.
The event also will take place on Sept. 21, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12, during the same hours.
Dresses will be available to all in-need high school girls for their high school prom, homecoming or military ball.
No referral letter is necessary. No appointment is needed.
A $1 to $5 donation is requested, but not required.
Donations of dresses and accessories also can be made at the site. Large size dresses (size 18 to 26) are the biggest need.
For information, visit BelleOfTheBallProject.com.
Early release days begin
This school year, Pasco County Schools will implement a monthly, two-hour early release time to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and school priorities.
Early release days will take place on the second Wednesday of each month, with the exception of January and May.
The first early release day is coming up on Sept. 11.
Additional scheduled days are Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 11, Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 11 and April 8.
Fee adjustments
Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted student-related fees at a Sept. 17 board meeting, at 6 p.m., at the Spring Hill campus, 450 Beverly Court.
The fee adjustment proposal was reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by the PHSC President’s Administrative Leadership Team, a committee of college administrators.
Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.
Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.
For details regarding the proposed fees adjustments, justification for the fees, and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu.
Student loan tip
If you are having trouble repaying federal student loans, you may be able to apply for a deferment, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).
A deferment allows you to postpone paying loans, if you meet certain guidelines.
You may qualify for a deferment if you are:
- enrolled in college at least half time
- in a rehabilitation training program
- unemployed or can’t find a full-time job
- having economic hardship
- on active duty service in the military
However, according to KHEAA, if you have defaulted on your federal loans, you may not be able to get a deferment.
If you qualify for a deferment, you must submit an application, but continue to make your monthly payments until such time as you are told your loans are in deferment.
The public, nonprofit agency KHEAA provides information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents.
The organization also helps colleges manage their student loan default rates and verify information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
To learn more about services, visit KHEAA.com.
