Students participated in a forum to learn how to file for free financial aid and other types of loans and grants on Thursday.

The Arizona Students’ Association and the Associated Students of the University of Arizona partnered to host two forums providing students with financial aid information. Students were taught about the amount of aid available to them, who qualifies for aid and how to apply for it.

“”Many (students) who are here on a merit scholarship think that (is) all they qualify for, or they think their family’s income isn’t low enough,”” said Nicole Pasteur, an ASA director. “”But you can qualify for multiple forms of financial aid.””

The forum took place in the Manuel T. Pacheco Integrated Learning Center room 125 from 5 – 6 p.m. and then again from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. About 15 people were present during the first forum and only a  handful showed up for the later meeting.

Pasteur said they decided to host the forum less than a week ago, and, without having time to advertise, they did not not expecting many students to attend.

ASUA President Chris Nagata was present at both meetings and said, despite a dismal turnout, the forum was useful.

“”Given our time constraints we were successful,”” he said.

Nagata also said it is important to provide useful information and give students “”the best crack at all the financial aid that is available.””

Karen Lopez, a family studies freshman, said she heard about the forum from an e-mail sent by the Arizona Assurance Scholar program and, although this is her second year filing for financial aid, she needs more help.

“”The last time a secretary from my high school helped me and basically filled it out for me,”” Lopez said.

ASA and ASUA felt pressured to host this forum because the first deadline for filing for FASFA is March 1. They plan to host a similar forum March 25 to further discuss applying for grants and student loans.

“”A lot of times students just aren’t aware of how much aid is out there,”” Pasteur said.