NMC adopts changes in tuition payment of students

The Northern Marianas College said payment of students’ tuition and fees are subject to change by the Board of Regents.

Based on the institution’s catalog, NMC said tuition and fees are payable at the time of registration unless the college’s finance office approves a deferred payment contract, or a student is receiving financial assistance.

It added that students will not be admitted to classes or laboratories until their tuition and fees have been paid.

In a statement to Saipan Tribune, NMC said if a student is ineligible for financial aid or other scholarships, it generally requires at least a 50-percent payment at the beginning of the semester and the balance is payable on a three months’ promissory note, with the final payment due before the end of the semester.

In addition, the NMC finance office will consider other alternatives if proper and sufficient documentation is provided to adequately support the granting of an extension of credit.

“The NMC Finance Office makes every effort to work with students to carefully evaluate any requests for a deferred payment plan while being responsible in minimizing the financial burden to the students, most especially, if they indicate that they do not have the sufficient or alternate resources to meet their financial obligations with the college,” said Roger Madriaga, NMC chief financial and administrative officer.

In addition, Madriaga said NMC is also responsible in carefully evaluating such request as to minimize the number of uncollectible debts to the college to ensure financial responsibility.

According to the college, full payment is due upon registration for students with an F-1 Student Visa based on the college’s International Student Admission requirements.

To meet the needs of its students, NMC had adjusted its Fall 2011 schedule by shortening the semester period.

Fall 2011 semester started on Aug. 22 and traditionally ends in December. The new schedule is from Aug. 22 to Nov. 26—two days before the expiration of the CNMI Department of Labor-issued umbrella permit on Nov. 28, 2011. The final examination for the semester is slated on Nov. 21, 22, 23, and 26.

This decision was reached as a result of the concerns raised by a number of international students who have yet been issued F-1 visa to continue their education on island.

“Due to changes made to the Fall 2011 term affecting students with umbrella permits, the college provided a one week extension for such students to make full payment on tuition and fees due for the Fall 2011 term only,” said dean of student services Leo Pangelinan.