Steps to Join
For first-time, continuing, and transfer students with a maximum of 15 credit hours by the start of the Fall semester.
All Ascend students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and accept any federal and state grant aid awarded (Pell, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), WV Invests). Students not in receipt of financial aid but otherwise eligible may join Ascend but may not receive a tuition waiver. Check wvup.edu/financial-aid for more information.
Step 2:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and all available scholarships including WV Invests.
Step 5:
Accept all federal and state financial aid.
Step 6:
Attend all Ascend required activities (ex. Orientation, Information Sessions, Career Services programs, Tutoring, Advising).
Workforce, Computer Information and Technical Sciences
Ascend Eligibility
Ascend is offered to WVU Parkersburg’s first-time freshman, continuing, and transfer with a maximum of 15 credits.
You may be eligible for Ascend if you answer YES to the following questions:
Have you applied and been accepted to WVU Parkersburg?
Do you agree to enter into a full-time associate degree program in an Ascend-approved major?
Have you completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), WV Invests, and other available scholarships?
If you are a continuing or transfer student, do you have no more than 15 college credits and a minimum GPA of 2.0?
So, what’s the catch?
There is no catch! In exchange for ALL these resources, you will need to:
Enroll full-time each semester and maintain good academic standing
Enroll immediately and continuously in any developmental supports
Meet regularly with your advisor, career and employment specialist, and tutors, and attend any required enrichment activities
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for all state grants each year to remain eligible.
Ascend Benefits
As an Ascend student, you will receive:
Textbook assistance to reduce or eliminate the cost of books
A monthly Kroger gift card to help pay for your groceries and gas
A tuition gap waiver (for students eligible for the Pell Grant) covering remaining tuition and mandatory fees left after applying your financial aid award
A devoted advisor that will guide you from registering for your first class to crossing the stage at graduation
Special registration options to help get you the classes that best fit your schedule
Opportunities to take classes, workshops and events with fellow Ascend students
Enhanced academic and career assistance from the Riverhawk Tutoring Center, Career Services and other campus support areas.