Please be advised that on August 26, 2024, Financial Aid will deliver to Follett’s Bookstore a listing of students who are eligible to charge books against their expected financial aid for the Fall 2024 semester. Additional listings will be sent periodically through September 30, 2024. Students on the Bookstore Credit Listing may charge textbooks and supplies beginning August 26, 2023. Students must complete the Title IV authorization on financial aid Self-service banner to charge at the bookstore. Please note, the last day to charge books for the Fall 2024 semester is Friday, September 30, 2024.
How do I know if I’m on the Bookstore Credit List?
If you have received an RCC Financial Aid Award email notice and your estimated financial aid for the Fall semester is greater than your Fall tuition and fees, then you are eligible to use your excess financial aid, up to $500, at the campus bookstore. The Bookstore Credit Listing is updated routinely. Financial Aid will send an email to your RCC email notifying you that you are eligible to charge. If you have any questions, you may call Financial Aid at 845-574-4282.
What financial aid is considered to determine if I have an excess that I can use at the bookstore?
All federal, state and institutionally awarded Fall 2024 financial aid funds (e.g. Pell, SEOG, Direct Student Loans, TAP, APTS, Excelsior, and RCC Foundation Scholarships) are used to determine your bookstore credit amount.
How does the charging process work?
Please review the campus bookstore website which outlines their current methods of operation. You will need to know your Banner ID number to make bookstore purchases against your projected financial aid. You can find your Banner ID on your Student Profile page in Self Service. Follett’s stores the maximum amount you can charge in their computer system so you can return multiple times and use your full credit amount – – up to your limit – – indicated on the Bookstore Credit Listing. In early October, all your bookstore charges will apply to your student account.
What items can I charge at the Bookstore?
The ability to charge against your financial aid is like an advance disbursement of your federal financial aid. Therefore, it must be used for educationally-related expenses. You can charge required textbooks, supplies and other educationally-related items that you need for your program of study. If you are interested in charging an electronic device, like a laptop or tablet, you must see Financial Aid for authorization to do so.
What if my required textbooks are more than the $500 maximum?
You will need to contact Financial Aid at [email protected]. If your Fall financial aid will cover additional charges, Financial Aid will notify the Bookstore of your new credit limit. The maximum bookstore credit advance is $1,000. Please be prepared to provide Financial Aid with the costs of the additionally required textbooks and/or supplies.
Does my bookstore credit get updated if I change enrollment (i.e., drop or add classes)?
No, your eligibility to charge books is based upon a snapshot of your enrollment status and projected financial aid as of the date you are added to Bookstore Credit List. If you drop or add classes after that date, your financial aid eligibility may increase or decrease. Once your initial credit limit is transmitted to the Bookstore, it is not updated for changes in your enrollment status or financial aid awards. Any charges made at the Bookstore are your responsibility even if you become ineligible for all or part of your financial aid awards.
What if I don’t want to charge books, or if I use less than the amount of the Bookstore Credit Listing?
If you do not charge or use less than the credit limit on the Bookstore Credit Listing, you will be eligible for the financial aid excess after all awards have been approved and paid to your student account. The approval and payment process typically occurs at or after mid-term of the semester. Student Accounts issues refunds and they are provided within 14 days of the date the aid was posted to your student account.
Where is Follett’s Bookstore on the RCC campus?
Follett’s Bookstore is in the bottom floor of the Library, Building 4 on the campus map. Use the rear entrance of the Library (by the parking lots adjacent to the Veterans Cemetery). Please review the campus bookstore website which outlines their current methods of operation.