Starting college comes with many exciting opportunities, but also financial considerations, especially when it comes to course materials. Northern Arizona University (NAU) understands this and offers the Course Materials Assistance Program (CMAP) to help eligible first-time undergraduate students manage these costs. CMAP provides a $200 credit at the NAU Bookstore to assist with obtaining required materials for classes. This initiative ensures that financial constraints don’t hinder academic success.
What is the Course Materials Assistance Program (CMAP)?
The Course Materials Assistance Program, or CMAP, at Northern Arizona University is designed to provide financial aid specifically for course materials. It’s not a course itself, nor is it a general care aid program unrelated to academics. Instead, CMAP is a targeted program aimed at easing the financial burden of purchasing textbooks and other necessary learning resources for eligible, first-time undergraduate students. Think of CMAP as a helping hand, offering a $200 credit to be used exclusively at the NAU Bookstore, making education more accessible and affordable. This program recognizes that the cost of books can be a significant barrier for some students, and proactively addresses this challenge.
Who is Eligible for CMAP?
Eligibility for the Course Materials Assistance Program is based on several criteria to ensure that the aid reaches students with the greatest financial need. To be considered for CMAP, you must meet the following requirements:
- First-Time, Degree-Seeking Undergraduate Student: The program is specifically for students who are beginning their undergraduate degree journey at NAU.
- Good Academic Standing: You need to be in good academic standing with the university.
- Full-Time Enrollment: Enrollment as a full-time student, taking at least 12 credit hours, is mandatory.
- Enrolled and Attending NAU: This includes students at the Mountain campus, online, or state-wide NAU locations.
- Pell Grant Eligibility: Applicants must be eligible for a Pell Grant with a Student Aid Index (SAI) between $0-$7,390. This demonstrates significant financial need as determined by federal guidelines.
- Financial Need: You must meet the federal definition of financially needy under Title IV regulations and be eligible to receive financial aid.
- FAFSA on File: A current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be on file with NAU’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
- Complete Financial Aid Requirements: Check your NAU LOUIE To Do List and promptly submit any requested financial aid documents, such as verification documents. Crucially, ensure you have completed the “Consent to Release Data” checklist item in LOUIE. This consent is essential for NAU to access your FAFSA information and determine your eligibility for CMAP.
Meeting these eligibility criteria is the first step towards accessing this valuable assistance.
What Kind of Course Materials Can CMAP Help With?
The $200 credit provided by CMAP is specifically for required course materials available at the NAU Bookstore. This includes:
- New Textbooks: You can use the credit towards the purchase of new textbooks.
- Used Textbooks: Choosing used textbooks is a great way to maximize your CMAP credit, as they are typically more affordable.
- Rental Materials: CMAP also covers rental course materials from the NAU Bookstore. Renting can be a very cost-effective option, and CMAP encourages this.
It’s important to note that CMAP funds are exclusively for the NAU Bookstore, both online and in-person. Purchases from other sources, such as online marketplaces or off-campus bookstores, are not covered by this program. The aim is to support students directly through the university’s official bookstore resources.
How to Access and Use CMAP if Approved
If your application for CMAP is approved, here are the steps to redeem your bookstore credit and get your course materials:
- Set up an NAU Bookstore Rental Account: Even if you plan to purchase books, setting up a rental account is a necessary step to participate in CMAP. You can do this online at the NAU Bookstore website (bkstr.com). This involves creating an account and agreeing to the rental terms.
- In-Person Pickup (Mountain Campus): Students attending classes at the Mountain Campus in Flagstaff must pick up their books in person at the NAU Bookstore. Credit will be available starting on the first day of the term.
- Select Your Materials: Browse the NAU Bookstore, either online or in-store, and select your required course materials. You can choose materials up to the value of $200 covered by CMAP.
- Checkout and NAU ID: When you checkout at the bookstore, inform the cashier that you are a CMAP participant and be prepared to present your NAU ID for verification. The $200 credit will be applied to your purchase.
- Additional Costs: If your course materials exceed the $200 credit, you will have the option to pay the remaining balance out-of-pocket. You can choose to purchase additional materials beyond the CMAP limit or decline them.
- Rental Returns: If you rent materials, remember that all rented materials must be returned to the bookstore by the due date specified in your rental agreement to avoid charges.
- Mailing Option: For students who cannot pick up books in person, mailing is available. However, a $6.99 mailing fee will be deducted from your $200 CMAP credit to cover outbound shipping costs.
- Credit Expiration: Any CMAP bookstore credit that is not used within two weeks after the first day of the term will be revoked, and the funds will be returned to the CMAP program. It’s important to use your credit promptly.
- Non-Transferable Credit: CMAP credit is non-transferable, cannot be redeemed for cash, and is solely for the course materials of the approved CMAP participant. Unused funds are returned to the program, so you only have access to the allocated $200.
Key Things to Remember About CMAP
- First-Come, First-Served: Acceptance into CMAP is on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited funding. Apply as soon as the application opens.
- Application Timing: Be ready to apply right when the application window opens. Set reminders and access the application on a laptop with a reliable Wi-Fi connection. Using a cell phone for application can sometimes lead to delays.
- Page Refresh: Refresh the application page right at 9 am (or the specified time) to ensure you can access the application immediately.
- Ineligibility Message: If you are ineligible for CMAP, you may see a continuous error message preventing you from accessing the application.
- Application Closure: Once CMAP reaches its capacity, applications will no longer be accepted. There are no exceptions to this, so early application is crucial.
- Immediate Contact for Issues: If you encounter any problems with your application, contact the CMAP program administrators immediately for assistance.
- Post-Closure Resources: If you contact CMAP after the application closes, they can provide you with information about other potential resources for financial aid.
Conclusion
The Course Materials Assistance Program at NAU is a valuable resource designed to support first-time undergraduate students with the costs of course materials. It’s a program, not a course or a generic aid, specifically focused on textbooks and learning resources. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and how to use the CMAP credit, eligible students can significantly reduce their financial burden and focus on their academic goals. If you believe you meet the eligibility requirements, be sure to apply promptly when the application opens to take advantage of this helpful program and ensure you have the materials you need to succeed in your courses.
