Holiday Hours and Spring Semester Financial Aid

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Holiday Hours and Deadlines for Fall Semester Aid
Regular Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm and 1pm – 4pm (Closed Fridays)

Holiday Hours:
The Financial Aid Office will be closed December 16 and December 17, resuming normal office hours on Wednesday, December 18.  The office will also be closed from December 24 through January 1, resuming normal office hours on Thursday, January 2.
Fall Semester Aid:

Students intending to borrow from the campus’ emergency loan may do so only until December 20.  Spring semester emergency loans will not be available until January.  Please see http://students.berkeley.edu/finaid/graduates/types_loans.htm for details.


Spring Semester Financial Aid Payments and Refunds
Financial aid payments for spring semester 2014 will be sent to the Campus Accounts Receivable System (CARS) in early January, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements, which include being enrolled in at least 6 units, not having any registration blocks, and hot having an unresolved over-award in your aid package.

Your first CARS bill for the spring semester will be visible in BearFacts in mid December, 2013.  Please note that this December CARS statement will not show your financial aid payments, including loan disbursements for the spring semester.

Beginning in early January, financial aid payments (including any loans) will be applied to your CARS account.  If your aid payments exceed your charges, remaining funds will be issued as refunds beginning Thursday, January 16, 2014.  If your aid is delayed because you do not meet the eligibility requirements, you can expect your refund 7-10 days after you establish your eligibility.

Awards from Other Departments:

For questions about fellowships, departmental awards, fee waivers, and fee remissions, please contact your department or the fellowships office.  The Financial Aid Office does not have information about these award disbursements.

 

 

Viewing Your Award and Payment Status
You can always check your most current CARS balance by viewing your Quick Statement in BearFacts.  Remember that your e-Bill is a monthly snapshot and will not reflect recent payment activity, but your Quick Statement is updated daily and will show recent payments and any current CARS balance due.

You can also view your financial aid payments by logging on to MyFinAid and visiting the “Award Payment Status” link in the left column.  Be sure to also check “messages” on MyFinAid— we may need a certain document or additional information from you in order to pay your aid.  We recommend that you check MyFinAid regularly throughout the semester for updates.
Electronic Funds Transfer for Spring

If you have not already signed up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to receive your spring refund through direct deposit, sign up online by January 2.  Otherwise, paper refund checks will be available for pick-up at Cal Student Center, 120 Sproul Hall.  Periodically check your email account or your BearFacts CARS Refund Summary to find out when your refund becomes available. BearFacts will also show whether your EFT is active.

Upcoming Outside Scholarship Opportunities

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SWITZER FOUNDATION ENVIRONMENTAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The Switzer Environmental Fellowship Program supports graduate students whose studies are directed toward improving environmental quality and who demonstrate the potential for leadership in their field.

Applicants are evaluated based on their commitment to environmental problem-solving and their potential for creating positive environmental impact.

The Fellowship provides a one-year $15,000 cash award for graduate study as well as networking and leadership support to awardees.

 

Upcoming Outside Scholarship Opportunities

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THE DOC COHEN FRANCHISING SCHOLARSHIP

The International Franchise Association Educational Foundation is pleased to announce the Doc Cohen Franchising Scholarship.

This program will support the award of a scholarship each year in the amount of $4,500 which includes a $500 travel stipend to the recipient to attend the IFA Annual Convention.

Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited college or university, with a major or primary focus in one or more of these areas of study – business, finance, marketing, food service, hospitality, franchising, or entrepreneurship.

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WALLY DAVIS MEMORIAL LEGAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND/HISPANIC EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND (HEEF)

HEEF is interested in students who demonstrate a commitment to serving their communities with a social conscience.

Priority is given to applicants from California’s Orange County who are of Latino origin and demonstrate involvement in the Latino community and school. The Wally Davis Memorial Legal Scholarship is awarded annually to law students.

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HARVEY FELLOWS PROGRAM

The program seeks to encourage Christian graduate students to integrate their faith and vocation and pursue leadership positions in strategic fields where Christians tend to be underrepresented.

  • Deadline: 2013/11/01
  • Awards: $12,000 renewable stipend
  • Contact:
  • Phone:
  • Email:
  • Website: http://www.msfdn.org/harveyfellows/overview/
  • Address: Harvey Fellows Program; Mustard Seed Foundation; 7115 Leesburg Pike, Suite 304; Falls Church, VA 22043
  • Last updated: 2013/09/04
  • Keywords: entering 1l 2l harvey christian

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JOHN M. LANGSTON BAR ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

The John M. Langston Bar Association is the largest African-American bar association in Los Angeles. Langston’s mission is to provide a source of networks, support, and mentorship for African-American attorneys.

Each year, Langston sponsors various workshops to address the needs of African-American attorneys and provides scholarships to qualified law students and bar grants for law school graduates. Applications will be available in October.

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FRANCHISE LAW DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The IFA Educational Foundation and DLA Piper US LLP have teamed up to sponsor the Franchise Law Diversity Scholarship Award. The goal of this program is to recognize and support academic avhievement among diverse law students.

Additionally, the program seeks to encourage diverse law students to enroll in courses that are oriented towards franchising.

To be eligible for the scholarship award, students must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school. Applicants must have 2L or 3L status during the period of the scholarship, and they must be enrolled in at least one course oriented towards franchise law

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BRADLEY ARANT BOULT CUMMINGS DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

The Bradley Arant Boult Cummings (BABC) Diversity Scholarship is awarded annually to one second-year law student.

In connection with receiving the scholarship, the recipient will be required to clerk in one of BABC’s seven offices for the summer after the scholarship is awarded.

  • Deadline: 2012/09/30
  • Awards: $10,000 (one)
  • Contact: Amy Hood
  • Phone:
  • Email: ahood@babc.com
  • Website: http://www.babc.com/diversity_scholarship/
  • Address: One Federal Place; 1819 Fifth Ave. North; Birmingham, AL 35203-2119
  • Last updated: 2013/09/04
  • Keywords: african asian female hispanic latino lgbt lesbian gay bisexual transgender native 2l diversity bradley arant

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PAUL AND DAISY SOROS FELLOWSHIPS FOR NEW AMERICANS

These fellowships are awarded for up to two years of graduate study in the United States. A New American is an individual who holds a green card or has been naturalized as a U.S. citizen or is the child of two parents who are both naturalized citizens.

To be eligible a student must not be older than 31 as of November 1, 2010. A successful candidate will give evidence of at least two of the following three attributes:

1) creativity, originality and initiative demonstrated in any area of his/her life; 2) a commitment to and capacity for accomplishment, demonstrated through activity that has required drive and sustained effort; and

3) a commitment to the values expressed in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

  • Deadline: 2013/11/08
  • Awards: Maintenance grant of $25,000 (paid in 2 installments) and Tuition Grant (Thirty)
  • Contact:
  • Phone: (212) 547-6926
  • Email: pdsoros_fellows@sorosny.org
  • Website: http://www.pdsoros.org/
  • Address: Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans; 400 W. 59th Street; New York, NY 10019
  • Last updated: 2013/09/04
  • Keywords: international immigrant entering 1l 2l paul daisy soros new americans

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Budget Appeal Forms Now Available for 2013-14

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Budget Appeal Forms, including an addendum for state bar exam fees, are now available on our Forms page and should be submitted to the Berkeley Law Financial Aid Office.

Boalt students whose financial aid budgets do not reflect their actual costs may submit a budget appeal to increase costs for additional loan eligibility.

Please allow at least two weeks for processing.  If the appeal requires review by the Graduate Appeals Committee, processing time will be longer.

EXPLANATIONS AND TIPS FOR YOUR APPEAL

Transportation: If you drive and you are requesting an additional transportation allowance, you must explain the necessity for using private rather than public transportation.

Housing: Your name must be on the lease/rental agreement and on all utility bills. If the housing documentation indicates occupancy by more than one person, the total housing cost will be divided by the number indicated.

Medical: If you are requesting additional aid to pay medical expenses incurred prior to the
beginning of the current academic year, you must provide a current statement indicating the amount still outstanding.

Computer Purchase: The computer must be purchased during the enrollment period for which you are requesting the budget adjustment. You may only request a budget adjustment for a computer purchase once every three academic years.

Inadequately documented expenses will not be considered.

The following expenses are not allowable for funding with need-based financial aid:

  • Credit card payments
  • Job interview expenses
  • Bar review expenses
  • Educational loan repayment
  • Purchase/maintenance of a motor vehicles
  • Additional allowance for food
  • Discretionary (optional) medical or dental procedures

Requests for add-ons which exceed the maximum allowance will be referred to the Graduate Appeals Committee.

Appeals are scanned into our imaging system. In order to avoid readability problems we request that you use black ink only; do not use finepoint pen, or highlighter.  Submit all documentation on white 8 ½” x 11″ paper.

Questions?  Send us an email at financial-aid@law.berkeley.edu.

Best of luck!

Upcoming Outside Scholarship Opportunities

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HON. PATRICIA HERRON AND HON. ELLEN JAMES SCHOLARSHIP

The Women’s Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association awards scholarships annually to local students who have completed at least one year of law school.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial and community support to local law students (male and female) who are in good standing and have demonstrated active community involvement, including involvement in or commitment to women’s issues.

Upcoming Outside Scholarship Opportunities

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SONOMA COUNTY WOMEN-IN-LAW HONORABLE GAYLE GUYNUP SCHOLARSHIP

The annual scholarship is offered by the Sonoma County Women in Law and administered by the Community Foundation of Sonoma County to assist a law student in completing his or her education. The scholarship committee will consider the following attributes:

Sonoma County residence, academic achievement, financial need, second or third-year law student status, and demonstrated interest in promoting equal opportunity and justice for all women.

 

MARIN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION LEGAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

The Marin County Bar Association offers scholarships to Northern California law students who either graduated from a Marin High School or have lived in Marin County for the past three years.

Academic achievement, financial need, community service, career goals and special circumstances will be considered.

Upcoming Outside Scholarship Opportunities

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SIDLEY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION SCHOLARSHIP

Sidley Austin LLP will grant a $15,000 Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship to a limited number of deserving second year law students who join Sidley’s summer program.

Successful applicant must demonstrate an ability to contribute meaningfully to diversity of the law school, the firm, and the legal profession.

Applicant must also be a second year law student who demonstrates academic achievement and leadership qualities. Preference is given to students at schools where Sidley conducts on-campus interviews (OCI) or participates in resume collections.

Interested applicants should submit an application, resume, official transcript, legal writing sample, personal statement, and, optionally, letter of recommendation to Jenny Connelly at scholarship@sidley.com or the mailing address provided below.

Important Dates for Spring 2013 and Holiday Hours

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Spring Semester Financial Aid Payment and Refund Dates

Beginning in early January, financial aid payments (including any loans) will be transferred to your CARS account.  If your aid payments exceed your charges, remaining funds will be issued as refunds beginning Wednesday, January 16, 2013.  If your aid is delayed because you do not meet the eligibility requirements, you can expect your refund 7-10 days after you establish your eligibility.

Due to the timing of spring refunds, it is important that you plan accordingly to ensure you have enough money to cover your expenses.  If you need to borrow an Emergency Loan, please make note of the following information.

Emergency Loans – Dates of Availability

  • December 13, 2012 is the last day to apply for an Emergency Loan for Fall 2012
  • January 15, 2013 is the first day to apply for an Emergency Loan for Spring 2013

Emergency Loan applications can be submitted in person only from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM, Monday through Thursday. The office is closed on Fridays except during the first few weeks of the fall and spring semesters.  Your check will be ready the same day you apply. You must pick up your check in person by 1:00 PM, or the check will be cancelled.

Financial Aid Application Process for 2013-14

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2013-14 will be available on January 1, 2013 at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  You must submit your application by the March 2 priority deadline in order to be considered for scholarships or a need-based grant (see our grant application requirements).

Holiday Hours

The Financial Aid Office will be closed from Monday, December 24 through January 1, 2013, with normal office hours resuming on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.

Upcoming outside scholarship opportunities

By kottoboni | Posted on

U.S. Court of Federal Claims Bar Association Carole Bailey Scholarship

The U.S. Court of Federal Claims Bar Association is offering a scholarship of up to $5,000.00 to at least one law student with a demonstrated commitment to public service.  The scholarship is in honor of the Court’s recently-retired Chief Deputy Clerk of Administrative Services, Carole Bailey.  Carole’s commitment to public service was unwavering throughout her legal and professional career, and in furtherance of the their mission as a 501(c)(3) organization, the Bar Association seeks to aid law students in achieving their own accomplishments in pursuit of public service.

Details about the scholarship, including eligibility requirements and application guidelines, can be found on the Bar Association’s website at http://www.cfcbar.org/carole-bailey-scholarship.  The deadline for applications is October 31, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.

 

Donald W. Banner Diversity Scholarship

The Donald W. Banner Diversity Scholarship is part of Banner & Wicoff, Ltd.’s continuing commitment to fostering the development of intellectual property lawyers from diverse backgrounds.  The scholarship is open to all law students pursuing a career in intellectual property law.  The applicant must be a member of a historically under-represented group (including race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability) and must have exemplary writing and oral communication skills.

Applications are available on the Banner & Witcoff website, and must be submitted by January 7, 2013.

Budget Appeal Forms are now available for 2012-13

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Students whose financial aid budgets do not reflect their actual costs may submit a budget appeal to increase costs for additional loan eligibility.

Budget Appeal Forms are available on our Forms page and should be submitted to the Berkeley Law Financial Aid Office.
Please allow 2 weeks for processing.  If the appeal requires review by the Graduate Appeals Committee, processing time will be longer.

EXPLANATIONS AND TIPS FOR YOUR APPEAL

Transportation: If you drive and you are requesting an additional transportation allowance, you must explain the necessity for using private rather than public transportation.

Housing: Your name must be on the lease/rental agreement and on all utility bills. If the housing documentation indicates occupancy by more than one person, the total housing cost will be divided by the number indicated.

Medical: If you are requesting additional aid to pay medical expenses incurred prior to the
beginning of the current academic year, you must provide a current statement indicating the amount still outstanding.

Computer Purchase: The computer must be purchased during the enrollment period for which you are requesting the budget adjustment. You may only request a budget adjustment for a computer purchase once every three academic years.

Inadequately documented expenses will not be considered.

The following expenses are not allowable for funding with need-based financial aid:
Credit card payments -Job interview expenses -Bar review expenses
Educational loan repayment- Purchase/maintenance of a car -Additional allowance for food
Discretionary (optional) medical or dental procedures

Requests for add-ons which exceed the maximum allowance will be referred to the Graduate Appeals Committee.

Appeals are scanned into our imaging system. In order to avoid readability problems we request that you use black ink only; do not use finepoint pen, or highlighter.  Submit all documentation on white 8 ½” x 11″ paper.

Email:  financial-aid@law.berkeley.edu – Phone:  510-642-1563 – Fax:  510-666-3577