Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance

Student Athlete Handbook	Summer School Aid	NCAA Special Assistance Fund	SABRE Centre Book Policy
UCF Office of Financial Assistance	Athletic Grant-in-Aid Checks	Non-Athletic Financial Aid
Athletic Grants-in-Aid	Points to Remember	Athletic Grants-in-Aid Renewals/ Grievance Procedures

Brought to you by: Academic Services for Student Athletes

For forms of the Athletic Compliance Office please visit http://www.ucfathletics.com/section_front.asp?arttypeid=529

For a printable version of this site click here

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Athletic Grants-in-Aid
According to NCAA regulations, athletic grants-in-aid are limited to bona fide educational expenses including tuition, fees, room, board, and required course related books. Each Athletic Grants-in-Aid shall not exceed one academic year. Each varsity sport is allocated a certain amount of funds in each of these areas that are within the guidelines of the NCAA and the University of Central Florida. The allocation of each award is determined by the athletics department and the head coach of each varsity sport.

In compliance with NCAA regulations, the Office of Student Financial Aid must notify a student-athlete as to the renewal, reduction, or cancellation status of his/her award on or before July 1, proceeding the academic year. This gives the student notice if he or she feels justified in applying for an appeal of the canceled or reduced grant-in-aid.

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Summer School Aid
During the Spring semester, the athletic department will review all requests from students who want or need to attend summer school. The athletic department then determines which student athletes will receive summer school aid. The selection criteria of who will qualify for summer school aid are listed below:

1. Student-athletes who need classes to remain eligible for the following year;
2. Student-athletes who will graduate in August of the year; and
3. Student-athletes who will graduate in December of that year.

If there is funding left in the athletic budget after the above three priorities are met, other student-athletes will be considered for summer school aid. However, when possible, you should always try to register for 15 hours each semester during the regular school year to safeguard against the need to take summer school.

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SABRE Centre Book Policy

        1. Provision of all books for student-athletes who are receiving books as a part of their athletically-related scholarship must be ordered through coordination with the team academic-athletic advisor.

        2. Only books that are required and listed as such on the course syllabus may be provided.

        3. Provision of course equipment such as lab tools and calculators must be approved by the Director of the SABRE Centre.

        4. Replacement of books that are lost is the responsibility of the student-athlete.

        5. Books that are stolen will not be replaced unless a copy of a corresponding police report is presented with the claim of book theft.

        6. All books must be returned to the SABRE Centre within five days of the last day of final exams for that term.

        7. Student-athletes who do not return books within the five day post-final exam deadline will be charged 50% of each books' value at the time of sale at the beginning of the semester.

        8. Failure to return books will result in a hold being placed in the student's academic and financial aid account. The student will be prohibited from registration, acquiring an official transcript, receiving any form of financial assistance and will be charged for the cost of the books at a prorated cost.

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Athletic Grant-in-Aid Checks

Financial Aid Refund Check
Student-athletes who are allocated an off campus and/or board award will be issued a check two times during the semester. Half of the check will be issued the first week of school and the subsequent check will be of equal amount and issued at the end of September in the Fall and February in the Spring.

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Points to Remember
1. Recipient of grant-in-aid checks and awards can be delayed for the following reasons:

a. Failure to pay back an institutional loan.
b. Parking Ticket Holds
c. Any form of registration/health center hold.

2. All student athletes are required to fill out the FAFSA (www.FAFSA.ed.gov) form. Both the university and the government will make a decision on the student’s eligibility for grants based on the information provided in this form. Such grants include the Federal Pell Grant, university academic awards, and other scholarships and loans. The Pell Grant is awarded based on a student athlete’s financial background. If eligible, the maximum Pell Grant award for a full athletic grant-in-aid recipient is $4,050 for 2003-2004.

3. During the academic year all student-athletes who have jobs must stop by the Athletics Compliance Office and fill out student employment paper work.

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NCAA Special Assistance Fund
The NCAA Special Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to students who cannot meet their financial needs. These needs may include clothing, supplies, and emergency travel for death or illness, dental and/or vision problems, etc.. Each request is approved by the Office of Student Financial Aid based on eligibility for the Pell Grant. Because of that, it is extremely important that all student-athletes complete the FAFSA application as early as possible during the academic year.

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Non-Athletic Financial Aid
The Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program
The Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program is a long term loan that is secured through participating lenders such as banks and credit unions. To be eligible for a Stafford Loan students must be enrolled at least half time, make satisfactory academic, and demonstrate financial need based on results of the FAFSA. All students must file a FAFSA form.

On a subsidized Stafford Loan the interest rate is variable, but will not exceed 8.25%. While the student is in school and including a six month grace period the government will pay the interest. After the six month grace period the student will begin making payments on the loan as well as the interest.

If a student is not eligible for a subsidized loan, the student may apply for an unsubsidized Stafford Loan. The interest on this loan begins to accrue immediately and must be paid or added to the principal while the student is in school or during the six month grace period.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS)
The Federal Parent Loan is a credit based, not need based, loan program. This is for parents of dependent children. Parents may borrow up to the dependent student’s educational cost. The federal government does not subsidize the interest. Repayment of FPLUS begins the date the loan is disbursed.

Short-Term Loan Programs
Short-term loans are available through the Office of Student Financial Assistance. These loans have a maximum value of $600 and are for books, supplies, or unexpected emergencies. The loan is typically disbursed within three to four days of the completed application. You must have anticipated financial aid in order to receive a short-term loan.

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Athletic Grants-in-Aid Renewals/ Grievance Procedures
NCAA rules allow for the reduction or cancellation of financial aid if a student-athlete becomes ineligible for athletics participation.
In addition, the coaching staff is allowed to use their discretion in these decisions. Coaches must document all reasons for a change in a grant and discussions with the student-athlete should be on-going as to the possibility of a reduction or cancellation or aid.

Policy on Student Financial Aid Appeals
The UCF Athletics Compliance Office has determined that a student-athlete who wishes to appeal any decisions related to his or her financial aid shall submit a written request that includes:

Procedures Governing Non-renewal or Reduction of Athletic Grant-in-Aid must be adhered to when a student athlete is appealing to a change in financial aid status. Students who would like to appeal a decision made about their Grant-in-Aid should:
a. Contact the Director of Student Financial Assistance in writing to inform UCF that you are appealing the Department of Athletics decision to reduce or cancel your athletic scholarship.
b . The Director of Student Financial Assistance must receive this letter requesting a hearing/appeal within 10 business days of being notified of your reduction or cancellation of athletic aid.
c . Upon contacting the Director of Student Financial Assistance, the procedures governing the hearing/appeal will be reviewed and your options and obligations surrounding the hearing/appeal will be explained. The UCF Scholarship Committee will review your appeal and render the decision regarding the Athletic Department's recommendation to reduce or not renew your athletic scholarship award.