Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May, which this year is May 18, 2013. Created in 1949 and first observed in 1950, this holiday was established to recognize and honor all five military branches: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.

At The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division, we recognize the service and commitment of our military students every day by helping them to get started on the next phase of their career. We have staff members dedicated to working with military and veterans students, and we are proud to be listed as a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs (http://www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/), an honor reserved to only 15% of schools nationwide. 

Below are three of the ways we recognize our military and veteran students.

1. Offering Transfer of Credit for Your Military Experience

We want to recognize your extensive military training and experience, whether you are a veteran or a current member of the military. Once you submit the paperwork, we’ll review your experience and training to determine your eligibility for credit toward your academic program. This transfer of credit could help you to cut expenses and graduate in less time.

For information on how to submit your military experience and training for university credit, please visit http://www.aionline.edu/military/.

2. Providing Military Aid & Benefits

Complete information on our military aid and benefit programs can be found on our Miltary Aid page, and you can speak with a Military Admissions Representative by calling 1-877-300-3656. Before you do, here’s a quick overview.

For Military Personnel & Spouses: We are pleased to offer a special military scholarship of 10% to eligible Active Duty, Active Guard and Reserve, as well as Spouses of Active Duty and Active Reserve military personnel.

For Veterans: Our military scholarship of 10% is extended to eligible veterans, and we participate in the Post 9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program. Furthermore, veterans using the educational benefits provided under the Montgomery GI Bill will find that a significant portion of their tuition expenses will be covered or reimbursed.

3. Waiving Fees

The Online Lab Fee, Enrollment Fee and the Application Fee are waived for Active Duty and Active Guard and Reserve, as well as for Spouses of active duty military personnel. The application fee is waived for all veterans and spouses who qualify for the Veteran Scholarship.

Read more at http://www.aionline.edu/tuition/military-aid/. Or, get information on the following programs:

• Ch 30 Montgomery GI Bill 
• Ch 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill 
• Yellow Ribbon Program 

We know that everyone's financial situation is unique, which is why each of our students works with a dedicated Student Finance Counselor to determine a financial plan that works for them. As part of financial planning, our Student Finance Counselors stress responsible borrowing. But, what exactly does that mean?

Responsible borrowing entails detailed planning and analysis of your finances and your financing options to decide what is right for you. If you choose to take out loans, responsible borrowing means only doing so after looking at alternative options and only borrowing what is necessary. While students sometimes limit their search to federal sources, federal financial aid often means loans and doesn't necessarily cover all of your expenses.

Below are some of the alternative options that we recommend you consider before you turn solely to federal loans.

1. Make Cash Payments

Establishing a monthly tuition payment plan can greatly reduce the cost of your education. Your contribution doesn’t need to be large, but every bit you pay now is something you won’t have to pay later or pay interest on down the road.

2. Get Military Financial Aid if You Qualify

If you or a family member has served in the military, you may be eligible for military financial aid, including our school’s military scholarship. We also participate in the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon program. Don’t miss out! Visit http://www.aionline.edu/tuition/military-aid/, or call 1-877-300-3656 to speak with a Military Admissions Representative for more information on these programs.

3. Ask about Employer Partnerships

We partner with a number of companies to offer employees incentives for continuing their education—from corporate rates to the waiving of select fees. See our list of partners here. If your employer isn’t listed, you may still qualify for financial assistance through your company.

There are two common types of employer assistance programs. Employer reimbursement programs require you to pay tuition up front. You then provide documentation to your employer stating how much you paid and showing that your coursework is relevant to your career. Your employer pays you back for your tuition and expenses. Employer sponsorship programs, conversely, involve your employer paying the school directly for approved coursework. If you aren't sure what educational benefits your employer offers, ask your manager or your human resource representative.

4. Search for Scholarships and Grants

Many organizations (including local, national, private and non-profit groups) offer scholarship opportunities or grants to students who meet specific criteria. Many people think scholarships are reserved only for students with superior grades or athletic ability. However, this is not necessarily the case.

For example, many scholarships exist for students pursuing specific careers. Plus scholarship criteria can sometimes be quite idiosyncratic. For example, scholarships exist for left-handed students or students whose last names start with Z! So make a list of everything unique about you and start searching.

Learn More about Financial Planning

If you want to go to school (or you’re already here), don't limit yourself to relying only on federal loans when there are other ways to make school affordable and reduce your future debt.

Request more information today, or talk with your Student Finance Counselor to discuss your financial plan.

It's Teacher Appreciation Week!

From May 6 through May 10, 2013, log on to Connections and visit the Student Community department page. In the forum labeled Teacher Appreciation Week 2013, upload your video or written response to the following question:

Albert Einstein once said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” 

Name an instructor at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division that has helped you discover your passion and explain what that has meant to you. Has it changed the way you think about your future or career path? Please be specific in your examples.

One entry per person will be accepted. You may enter online through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division Connections site via the Campus Common. Entries must be inserted into the Student Community department forum labeled Teacher Appreciation Week 2013.

An entry consists of one short essay of at least 150 words but less than 500 words or a video essay no longer than three minutes. Video essays must be less than 100MB and be saved as the following file formats: mov, avi, mpg, mpeg, wmv, mp4, flv.

One entry will be chosen as a winner by a panel of judges. Both the student and the nominated faculty member will each receive a $20 Amazon.com gift code! Plus, we may feature selection from your essays next week on the blog (with your permission, of course). We look forward to hearing from you!

If you are having trouble finding the forum, please contact your Academic Counselor or Technical Support.

Learn more about the faculty at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division.

Watch the 2012 Teacher Appreciation Week video featuring 2012 student entries!

The wait is over--
Campus Common Mobile 2.0 is here!

Log in today to the Campus Common (mycampus.aionline.edu) from your smartphone or tablet to access the new and easy-to-use site!

Now, you can view your gradescampus or class announcements and upcoming assignments; read and respond to discussion questions; and call or email key contacts with one click.

If you’ve already been using the mobile site at m.aionline.edu, you can continue to use this URL to access the redesigned and more robust Campus Common Mobile 2.0. (If you prefer to view the full site, you’ll have that option as well.) The mobile site is a convenient way to access the Campus Common when you are out and about, but you’ll still need your computer for attending class. The mobile site is not designed to be your primary tool for going to school.

Helpful Resources

For more information about the Campus Common Mobile 2.0, watch this video or download this Student Mobile Guide. Please also feel free to contact your Academic Counselor with questions!

Along with cash payments, employer partnerships, military aid and scholarships, federal aid is one of the many options students may consider when establishing a financial plan for school. To qualify for federal aid in the form of loans, grants and scholarships, students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Step 1: Get Your PIN

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN). In the case of a forgotten or compromised number, request a replacement. It’s important to remember this number for future filing purposes. (Find out what to do if you forgot your PIN.)

Step 2: Gather Relevant Documents

To fill out the FAFSA, you should have certain information on hand. FAFSA will ask about the following:

• Your identity (including your social security number)
• Your savings and earnings
• Your family
• Your educational plans and status
• Your tax return numbers
• Our Federal School Code (007470)

If you are a dependent, the above information will also be needed for your parents. (Check your dependency status here.)

Step 3: Complete Your FAFSA

You’ll need to complete the FAFSA every year you are in school. For the 2013-14 school year, you can apply at www.fafsa.ed.gov until June 30, 2014. (Don't miss the deadline!) The site offers a fast and easy way of entering your tax return information by using the secure IRS Data Retrieval Tool that imports information from the IRS database into your application. The website also offers live, online help and instant access to estimates of how much federal aid you may receive. For additional assistance, contact your Student Finance Counselor.

Step 4: Discuss Your Financial Plan

After you complete your FAFSA, we typically receive your information within a few weeks. Once we review your information and determine your eligibility for aid, you will be informed of the grants, scholarships and loans for which you qualify. Your Student Finance Counselor will work closely with you to establish your financial plan, taking into account your federal aid as well as any other means you are using to finance your education.

For More Information

• http://www.aionline.edu/tuition/questions/ 
• http://www.aionline.edu/consumer-information/fin-aid-facts/default.aspx 
• http://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa 
• http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/