The Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid is preparing a variety of informational meetings and opportunities for current students to learn about available scholarships and financial aid opportunities. January marks the 15th annual Financial Aid Awareness Month at UD.

'We're just here to help the students,' said Helen Hart, a member of the Financial Aid Outreach Committee and administrative assistant. 'We want to let them know that we are available to help.'

A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) workshop, 'Show Me the Money,' is planned for Feb. 17. Students will have a chance to receive guidance on completing the forms and will be able to electronically submit their application.

Committee member Lisa Perdomo noted that the FAFSA deadline catches some students off-guard.

'It is better to fill the forms out early,' she said. 'There is a better chance of getting more financial aid awards the earlier the FAFSA is submitted.'

The priority deadline for UD is May 1, but students are encouraged to file their application by March 15. However, funds are limited and are distributed on a 'first come, first served' basis, according to Perdomo. The Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid sends out a postcard in February to remind students of the upcoming FAFSA deadline.

Kathy Harmon, associate director of scholarships, is also offering an informational meeting Jan. 11 that will assist students in making solid scholarship applications. This is available to all undergraduate, graduate and law students.

While UD offers scholarships to upper-class students, some are not aware of all the opportunities.

'The scholarships we have are all awarded, but many students don't take the time to read the e-mails the office sends out,' Perdomo said.

These scholarships include the UD Mother's Club scholarship, the Q.U.E.S.T. Award, the Jim Strain Memorial scholarship and the Robert Sherman Memorial scholarship.

There are also national scholarships available to upper-class students. Perdomo said that fastweb.com is a great Web site for finding all types of scholarships. Scholarships such as the John Gyles Education Fund, the James Madison Memorial Fellowship and the George Eagle Memorial scholarship are available to a variety of students.

In the future, the committee also hopes to offer a workshop to students and student organizations that focuses on balancing checkbooks and budgeting as well as other areas of financial literacy.

Later in January, tables will be set up in the cafeterias to advertise upcoming Financial Aid Awareness Month events. Representatives will be available in KU Feb. 7 and 15 with financial aid and scholarship information.

Being aware of financial aid opportunities is not simply a month-long event, however. Counselors are available to help in Albert Emanuel Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, ready to assist students.