Financial Aid

Southern California University of Health Sciences assists students and their families as fully as possible to afford their education. Financial aid is money awarded to supplement what a student’s family can provide. All students admitted to a degree or certificate program may apply for financial aid. All student financial aid (institutional and federal aid) is administered by and coordinated through the Financial Aid Office, located in OneStop Enrollment Services, Building B. For assistance, contact the Financial Aid Office at (562) 947-8755 ext. 766 or visit www.SCU.edu/financial-aid/.

Federal Financial Aid

U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens (see https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/glossary) are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year they seek financial aid (direct loan, federal work-study, and/or grants). The information provided is used to create an analysis of each student’s financial ability to contribute toward his or her educational costs. Students may complete the FAFSA application at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The SCU FAFSA code is 001229. The Financial Aid Office may require forms in addition the FAFSA. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance in determining the appropriate financial aid forms.

While there is no deadline to apply for financial aid, and students are allowed to apply throughout the academic year, resources are limited and are awarded on a first come, first served basis. Students are encouraged to apply and complete their financial aid documents as soon as possible. Prior to beginning or continuing a program, the financial aid option must complete and approved.

Prior to beginning enrollment at SCU, and each academic year following, students receive an award letter from the Financial Aid Office. This notice discloses the student’s expense budget for the upcoming academic year and a financial aid offer to assist in covering expenses. At the time of the award letter a student has the opportunity to accept, reject, or modify the offered financial aid option. Incoming first-time students are required to actively accept their financial aid award letter with the Financial Aid Office.

The total amount of financial aid for the academic year is divided among the trimesters for which the student is enrolled, as reflected in the financial aid award letter.

Federal Financial Aid Eligibility

To be eligible for federal aid the student must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
• Be accepted for admission to the University as a degree or certificate seeking student.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be enrolled in good standing with at least half-time enrollment status.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress (described below).
• Male students must be registered for the draft with Selective Service if the student is 18 years old, born after December 31, 1959, and is not a current member of the active armed service. Males who are 26 and older are not required to register with the Selective Service.
• Not be in default on any Title IV loan or owe a repayment on any Title IV grant or loan.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• A student who has a drug conviction felony record may not be eligible to receive federal student aid.

Non-citizens and or international students (not eligible for federal financial aid) may qualify for private, University and or merit based aid.

Eligibility for need based financial aid is the difference between the Cost of Attendance (minimum costs include tuition, fees, books and supplies) and the Expected Family Contribution (what the federal government says a family can contribute). Subtract the Expected Family Contribution from the Cost of Attendance to determine the Financial Need (COA-EFC=FN), or the financial aid eligibility for need-based financial aid.

Cost of Attendance is the average cost for a student to attend SCU for the academic year. The Cost of Attendance includes allowances for tuition, fees, transportation, books, supplies, and room and board. However, only the cost of tuition and fees must be paid directly to the University. The total financial aid awarded cannot exceed the total Cost of Attendance. The Expected Family Contribution is calculated from the income and assets information a student and his or her family have provided on the FAFSA. The expected Family Contribution is the dollar amount the Federal government has determined that a student and his or her family are expected to contribute toward educational costs for the academic year.

The Financial Aid Office will determine financial aid eligibility and award the student federal and institutional aid. Once a student’s financial aid for the academic year is determined, the Office of Financial Aid will send the student a financial aid award letter along with other important information and instructions. All awards offered are assumed accepted by the aid recipient, unless written notification is provided to the Financial Aid Office.

Financial aid awards are based on the assumption of full time enrollment and program type. Full time enrollment for graduate students is 9 units or more, undergraduates is 12 units or more. Less than full time enrollment differs by program and may result in a proration of financial aid awarding as required by federal and institutional policy.

SCU awards institutional financial assistance on the basis of financial need and merit and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, disability, or prior military service.

Federal Financial Aid Application Process

New Applicants

Prospective students should complete the steps to apply for financial aid before he or she is officially admitted to SCU, however, financial aid will not be awarded until the student is officially admitted.

Renewal

All continuing students must reapply for financial aid annually. Renewable financial aid is conditionally based on a student’s ability to maintain academic standards and financial aid eligibility. For continuing students, the act of not modifying the financial aid option is interpreted as acceptance on the student’s part of the aid option offered. Financial aid award letters are emailed to students. Students must notify the Financial Aid Office in writing to make a change to their financial aid option.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To apply for federal financial aid, complete the steps below.

Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by using “FAFSA on the Web” at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the document used to evaluate a student’s ability to contribute to his/her cost of attending college. When you enter the school code of 001229 a copy of the results will be forwarded to SCU.

Step 2: Complete the online loan entrance counseling (required for first time borrowers). This process informs the student of aid terms, rights and responsibilities and repayment information. Borrowing a student loan is a serious financial obligation, and the entrance counseling will provide you with the important information you need to know to be able to make an informed decision about student loan borrowing. Students may visit the following website https://studentloans.gov to complete this process online.

Step 3: Complete and sign the electronic Master Promissory Note. The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s). Unless your school does not allow more than one loan to be made under the same MPN, you can borrow additional Direct Loans on a single MPN for up to 10 years. Students are able to sign their MPN electronically on the web at http://www.studentloans.gov.

FAFSA Results

After the federal processor has processed a student’s FAFSA, the student will receive a Student Aid report (SAR). This summarizes the information on the student’s FAFSA and indicates the families’ Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the amount the family is expected to contribute towards the student’s educational expenses for the academic year. The Financial Aid Office will receive the FAFSA results as long as the student has listed SCU on the FAFSA or SAR and the student has been officially admitted into a degree or certificate program at SCU. The SCU school code is 001229.

Submit All Documents Requested to SCU’s Financial Aid Office

Financial aid cannot be awarded until a student’s financial aid file is complete. During the financial aid process the student may be asked to submit additional paperwork in order to process financial aid. Failure to turn in all requested documents to the Financial Aid Office by the deadline specified in the request may result in the loss of financial aid for which the student may otherwise have been eligible.

A student may be selected for “verification.” This means the student has been selected by the federal government to provide specific documents verifying income information, family size, or other supporting documents.

When this occurs, the student will be notified on the Student Aid Report (SAR), and the Financial Aid Office will send the student a written request or email notification to submit a completed verification worksheet a tax transcript copy or tax transcript from the IRS, W-2’s, and other necessary documents. Additional documentation (such as Selective Service or citizenship documents) may be requested to complete a student’s file. The student’s file is not complete until all required documents, are properly filled out, and have been received by the Financial Aid Office. Financial aid cannot be awarded until a student’s financial aid file is complete.

Types of Financial Assistance

Four types of aid are available to SCU students: direct loans, work-study employment, scholarships, and grants.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans

Direct Loans, from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, are low-interest loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education. Eligible students borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education. For more detailed information about federal student loans, visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans.

Direct Subsidized Loans

Direct Subsidized Loans are for undergraduate students with financial need. The University will review the results of the FAFSA and determine the amount a student can borrow. The amount may not exceed financial need or annual or aggregate loan limits. Interest is paid by the U.S. Department of Education while the student is enrolled in school at least half-time. Interest rates vary depending on when the loan is awarded.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students. The student is not required to demonstrate financial need to receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Like subsidized loans, the University will determine the amount a student can borrow. Interest accrues (accumulates) on an unsubsidized loan from the time it is first paid out. The student can pay the interest while in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, or can allow it to accrue and be capitalized (that is, added to the principal amount of the loan). If a student chooses not to pay the interest as it accrues, this will increase the total amount to be repaid because the student will be charged interest on a higher principal amount.

Direct PLUS Loan for Parents of Undergraduate Students

Parents of dependent students may apply for a Direct Parent PLUS loan to help pay for their child’s education expenses not covered by other student financial aid. Applicants must not have adverse credit history to be eligible for a PLUS loan. If the applicant has adverse credit history, they have the option to appeal the credit decision or use an endorser. A student whose parent(s) is unable to secure a Direct Parent PLUS Loan may be eligible for additional unsubsidized loan.

Direct Graduate (Grad) PLUS Loan

Graduate and professional students may apply for a Direct Grad PLUS Loan to help cover educational expenses not covered by other student financial aid. Graduate/professional student applicants must not have adverse credit history. Applicants with adverse credit histories have the option to appeal the credit decision or use an endorser.

The following chart shows the annual and aggregate limits for subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

Graduate and professional students enrolled in certain health profession programs, such as Doctor of Chiropractic, are eligible for additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan amounts each academic year beyond those shown above as well as a higher aggregate limit on Direct Unsubsidized Loans. These annual loan limits are currently set at $33,000 but are subject to change based on legislative changes.

Federal Direct Loan recipients must sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) to promise to repay loan(s), with any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. Loan entrance counseling explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s) as your right and responsibilities as a student loan borrower. Both the MPN and loan entrance counseling can be found and completed at http://www.studentloans.gov.

Federal loan award funds are credited to the student’s SCU account.

Work-Study

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally and institutionally-funded program that provides part-time jobs for enrolled undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing students to earn money to help pay education expenses.

Students who wish to apply for the FWS program must be eligible for federal financial aid and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and not be on academic probation. Jobs are typically awarded to those students with greatest financial need, on a first-come-first-served basis.

The University cannot guarantee a job for every student, although the Financial Aid Office makes an effort to place every student desiring work into a position. Employment renewal is not guaranteed. Employment may not exceed 20 hours per week during periods when school is in session or 40 hours per week during breaks. FWS employees are required to turn in the appropriate tax documents and payroll documentation to the Human Resources department prior to beginning work. FWS employees are also responsible for completing and turning in timesheets.

FWS employees are compensated for their work with regular paychecks twice per month. Wages are hourly and range from $12.00 per hour to a maximum of $20.00 per hour according to the student’s qualifications and duties performed.

All on-campus student employment is coordinated by the University’s Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office maintains a list of current Federal Work-Study job openings and applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information regarding the FWS program.

International Work-Study

International students who are ineligible for Federal Work-Study may apply for International Work-Study. International Work-Study is an institutionally-funded program that provides part-time jobs for enrolled undergraduate and graduate international students. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information regarding the International Work-Study program.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students who demonstrate academic merit and/or financial need and are a good option to subsidize the cost of education without having to incur long-term debt. Scholarships are gifted aid that do not need to be paid back.

SCU Scholarship Awards

Awards are also made available from the contributions of outside associations and organizations. Special awards are periodically established by outstanding graduates of SCU. Most of these scholarships offer $250 to $500 awards. Eligibility requirements vary. SCU scholarship awards are credited to the student’s SCU account. To review scholarship details, criteria, and to apply for scholarship awards, visit the Financial Aid website: http://www.SCU.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/

Some of the scholarship awards available include:

Scholarships for New Students

Alumni Referral Scholarship
The Institute of Science Program Transition Scholarship
Relocation Assistance Scholarship
Legacy Scholarship
The Bridge Scholarship
SCU Financial Assistance Award for Canadian Students
SCU Scholarship for AOM Students at Entrance
Dr. Gertrude Dunsworth Scholarship
Dr. James W. Fitches Scholarship
Dr. Lester McCoy Scholarship
Dr. Charles L. Cooke Scholarship

Scholarships for Continuing Students

The Betty and Dr. Herman H. Mindlin Scholarship
Dr. Shui-Sheng Wu Scholarship
Ryan Perkis Memorial Scholarship
Dr. David E. Jackson Memorial Scholarship
SCU Humanitarian Scholarship
SCU Leadership Scholarship
The Dana Goodrich- Deane Memorial Scholarship
Dr. E. Maylon and Lois Drake Scholarship
Joyce King-Stoops & Emery Stoops Scholarship
Presidential Scholarship
Dr. Rachel La Croix Scholarship
Dr. Mathew Alexander Snider Scholarship

External Scholarship Awards

There are many appropriate external (as in, not awarded by SCU) scholarships available to students. Scholarship search engines online such as www.fastweb.com and www.studentscholarships.org may be used to find external scholarships. Recipients of external scholarship awards should inform the Financial Aid Office, as they may help reduce or replace existing loan amounts.

Grants

Grants are based on need and are not repaid. When awarding policies permit, the financial aid award includes a grant.

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based direct grants to low-income undergraduate students. Grant amounts are awarded through participating institutions and are dependent on the student’s expected family contribution (EFC), the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution), the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time); and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less. Eligibility for the Pell Grant is determined by the federal government; students who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are automatically considered for the Pell Grant.

Students may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time. The student will ultimately be responsible for the any balance resulting from duplicate enrollment.

Federal Pell Grants are based on exceptional need; they are awarded to undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and who have not earned a bachelor degree. The maximum Pell Grant for the 2019-20 award year is $6,195 for students enrolled full time; awards are reduced for students enrolled less than full time.

Pell Grant awards are applied toward tuition and fees on the student’s SCU account. Any remaining grant funding is paid directly to the student.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To be eligible for Federal Student Aid funds, students must make satisfactory academic progress or SAP. The Department of Education considers a satisfactory academic progress policy to be reasonable if it meets both a qualitative (grade-based) and quantitative (time-based) criteria. SCU’s SAP policy evaluates a student’s academic progress at the end of each term at minimum. SAP standards are applied to all students within categories, e.g., full-time, undergraduate, and graduate students, academic program, etc. However, these standards are applied equally to all Title IV financial aid programs. To continue to be eligible to receive federal student aid funding, SCU students must meet SAP as described below. Additionally, students who do not meet SAP are not eligible to receive state or University financial aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards

Qualitative SAP Standards - Grades/GPA

Students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. Grades of “Passing” or “Satisfactory”, and credit/hours earned for lecture and/or performance, constitute successful completion. Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better are considered to be in Good Academic Standing.

Students who fail to maintain the minimum GPA will be given a probation status for one academic term, during which they can continue to receive financial aid. This probation status term is referred to as a Financial Aid Probation Period. At the end of the probation term, if the cumulative GPA requirements are not met, the student will be suspended from receiving their financial aid until they bring their cumulative GPA back up to a 2.0 or better.

GPAs are reviewed at the end of each academic term (Fall, Spring, and Summer).

Pace Requirement/ Maximum Time Frame

Quantitative SAP Standards - Pace/Maximum Timeframe

To maintain quantitative (pace) SAP standards, students must show successful progress through their academic program to ensure that they will graduate within the maximum timeframe of their published program length. Pace is reviewed at the end of each term and students must successfully complete at least 67% of the units attempted in each term (not including transfer credits). Units attempted includes, repeat courses, incompletes, withdrawals, and, non-passing grades.

The formula to determine pace is as follows: completed term units (including transfer credits) divided by the number of attempted term units (completed units and all units with a non-passing grade on the student’s academic record).

Students who fail to maintain the required SAP pace standards will placed on a probation status for one academic term. This probation status term is referred to as a Financial Aid Probation Period. Students who fail to complete their program within 150% of the published program length may continue in their programs, however, they are suspended from receiving future Title IV financial aid. A student may also become ineligible to continue receiving financial aid if it becomes mathematically impossible for him/her to complete their program within 150% of the specific published length of the program.

Financial Aid Suspension for Failure to Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

At the end of each term, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be re-evaluated. The Financial Aid Office notifies students who do not meet SAP, in writing. Students who fail to meet SAP after their Financial Probation Period, will be disqualified (suspended) from receiving future financial aid at SCU. Students who are academically dismissed are also not eligible to receive financial aid at SCU.

Financial Aid Suspension for Failure to Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

At the end of each term, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be re-evaluated. The Financial Aid Office notifies students who do not meet SAP, in writing. Students who fail to meet SAP after their Financial Probation Period, will be disqualified (suspended) from receiving future financial aid at SCU. Students who are academically dismissed are also not eligible to receive financial aid at SCU.

Appeals

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Process

Any student whose aid has been suspended due to failure of maintaining SAP, may request an appeal of the determination. Appeals may be considered on the basis of extenuating circumstances. Some examples of extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to, injury, extended illness, death of an immediate family member, or other one-time unusual circumstances. All appeal requests must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office no later than Week 1 of the term following the suspension notification.

Steps to Submitting a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Request

The student must submit an SCU Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form. The appeal form is available online at MySCU or by requesting it through the Financial Aid Office. In the SAP Appeal Form, a student must include a detailed explanation as to why he/she failed to make satisfactory progress. The student must also provide a detailed explanation of what has changed in his/her situation that will allow him/her to make satisfactory progress at the next evaluation period. The student must also submit supporting documentation supporting the extenuating circumstances such as letters from doctors, therapists, police reports, etc. A student must meet with the Academic Services Office (ASO) to develop an Academic Plan and a copy of this plan must also be submitted with the SAP appeal request.

All SAP appeal documents must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office located at the OneStop Enrollment Services Office, Building B. Faxed documents cannot be accepted.

Students who have their Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal request approved, will be allowed to have their financial aid reinstated for one term. During the reinstatement term, the student will be placed on a Financial Aid Probation status. The student’s academic plan, will be monitored closely and students will remain on probation status for the length of their Academic Plan, provided they meet the conditions of their academic plan each term. All SAP appeal decisions are final.

If it is determined that at any time during the probation period, a student cannot successfully fulfill the probation requirements, he/she will be suspended from receiving financial aid. If the student is suspended from receiving federal aid, he/she may choose to apply for a private alternative loan.

During SAP disqualification a student is using private alternative loans or other non federal aid is able to progress in their program of study. When a student has successfully completed a term of enrollment that meets or exceeds SAP the student could re apply to use federal aid.

Below are the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards listed by individual academic program.

Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DC)
224.5 total units required to complete the program. Published program length - 10 Terms

• Qualitative - Must have a cumulative GPA minimum of 2.0 at end of each term
• Quantitative - Successfully pass 67% of credits/hours attempted each term
  • Example: 24 term units attempted, 67% of 25 units = must complete 16.75 units successfully at end of that term
• Maximum time frame - 150% of published program length of 10 terms
  • 150% X 10 terms = 15 terms for maximum time frame

Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM)
153 total units required to complete the program. Published program length - 9 Terms

• Qualitative - Must have a cumulative GPA minimum of 2.0 at end of each term
• Quantitative - Successfully pass 67% of credits/hours attempted each term
  • Example: 18 term units attempted, 67% of 18 units = must complete 12 units successfully at end of that term
• Maximum time frame - 150% of published program length of 9 terms
  • 150% X 9 terms = 14 terms for maximum time frame

Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
211 total units required to complete the program. Published program length - 10 Terms

• Qualitative - Must have a cumulative GPA minimum of 2.0 at end of each term
• Quantitative - Successfully pass 67% of credits/hours attempted each term
  • Example: 20 term units attempted, 67% of 20 units = must complete 13 units successfully at end of that term
• Maximum time frame - 150% of published program length of 10 terms
  • 150% X 10 terms = 15 terms for maximum time frame

Master of Physicians Assistant (PA)
161.5 total units required to complete the program. Published program length - 7 Terms

• Qualitative - Must have a cumulative GPA minimum of 2.0 at end of each term
• Quantitative - Successfully pass 67% of credits/hours attempted each term
  • Example: 24 term units attempted, 67% of 24 units = must complete 16 units successfully at end of that term
• Maximum time frame - 150% of published program length of 7 terms
  • 150% X 7 terms = 11 terms for maximum time frame

Bachelor Degree in Biological Sciences
128 total units required to complete the program. Published program length - 6 Terms

• Qualitative - Must have a cumulative GPA minimum of 2.0 at end of each term
• Quantitative - Successfully pass 67% of credits/hours attempted each term
  • Example: 15 term units attempted, 67% of 15 units = must complete 10 units successfully at end of that term
• Maximum time frame - 150% of published program length of 10 terms
  • 150% X 6 terms = 9 terms for maximum time frame

Ayurveda Wellness Certificate Program
720 Clock Hours required to complete the program. Published program length - 50 Weeks

• Qualitative - Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 after attempting 360 clock hours
• Quantitative - Successfully complete 482 attempted clock hours (67%), within 25 weeks (half the program length)
• Maximum timeframe - 150% of published program length of 50 weeks
  • 150% X 50 weeks = 75 weeks for maximum time frame

Ayurveda Practitioner Certificate Program
900 Clock Hours required to complete the program. Published program length - 50 Weeks

• Qualitative - Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 after attempting 450 clock hours
• Quantitative - Successfully complete 603 attempted clock hours (67%), within 25 weeks (half the program length)
• Maximum timeframe - 150% of published program length of 50 weeks
  • o 150% X 50 weeks = 75 weeks for maximum time frame

Massage Therapy Certificate Program
500 Clock Hours required to complete the program. Published program length 24 Weeks

• Qualitative - Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 after attempting 250 clock hours
• Quantitative - Successfully complete 335 attempted clock hours (67%) hours, within 12 weeks (half the program length)
• Maximum timeframe - 150% of published program length of 24 weeks
  • 150% X 24 weeks = 36 weeks for maximum time frame

Massage Therapy Certificate Program
625 Clock Hours required to complete the program. Published program length 50 Weeks

• Qualitative - Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 after attempting 312.5 clock hours
• Quantitative - Successfully complete 418.75 attempted clock hours (67%) hours, within 25 weeks (half the program length)
• Maximum timeframe - 150% of published program length of 75 weeks 150% X 50 weeks = 75 weeks for maximum time frame

Terms and Conditions

Students must agree to several conditions for the privilege of receiving financial aid dollars. Conversely, those providing and those administering these funds also have obligations to student recipients. These are noted below:

Rights

Students have the right to fully understand terms and conditions of all programs for which they are applying.

Appeals

Students have the right to request a re-evaluation or appeal of any decision that they may consider improper or unfair. Appeals of institutionally administered funds and policies are reviewed and acted upon by the Student Grievance Committee made up of faculty, students and staff

Confidentiality

Students and their families have the right to have information about their financial circumstances kept confidential. The University adheres to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). As part of the FERPA, students must sign an authorization form to allow access to their information to third parties other than those providing and administering aid programs (including parents and spouses). The student has the right to change or update the authorization form upon request.

Right of Access to Education Records

With a few exceptions, provided by law, SCU students may see their educational records upon request. Access will be granted as soon as possible and no later than 45 days after the request. Students further have the right, under established procedures, to challenge the factual accuracy of the records and to enter their viewpoints into the record. Students may waive the right of access to recommendations and evaluations in the cases of applications for employment and nominations for awards.

Work Terms

Students have the right to be treated fairly in work situations.

Understanding Responsibilities Associated with Aid

Changes

Students are responsible for notifying the University and the Federal Direct Loan Program of any changes in name, address, phone number, and marital, and/or financial status within 30 days of the change. Recipients of student loans must complete a deferment to prevent repayment on loans previously received. Loan deferment forms may be completed by the Registrar or a Financial Aid Officer

Enrollment

If a student fails to enroll all financial aid funds are canceled. In no instance can aid money be made available prior to registration for a term or in a term for which the student is not enrolled. Aid is awarded to students based on the assumption that the student will attend classes on a full-time basis. Enrolling in less than full time will result in a proration of aid awards.

Fiscal Responsibility

The student has the responsibility to use funds received from financial aid sources in the manner specified by the awarding agency. In the event the student receives federal funding, the student agrees to use this money for educationally related expenses, which include costs for tuition, fees, books supplies, transportation, housing and food costs and incidental expenses.

If a student reports incorrect information on a financial aid application, the student will have to repay any portion of aid that should not have been received. In cases where it has been determined that incorrect information was deliberately reported, the student will also be referred to the student judicial process for disciplinary action as well as to the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education. Falsification of financial aid information could lead to disciplinary action at the institutional level and falsification of financial aid information could lead to fines, imprisonment, or both at the federal level.

Finance and Debt Management

Utilizing the philosophy that sound financial plans provide a cornerstone to future life accomplishments, financial aid counselors are available to assist students on all aspects of personal finance, budgeting and debt management. Students are encouraged to minimize their costs while in attendance at SCU in order to reduce their debt upon graduation.