Fees, Tuition, Financial Aid, Employment, and Scholarships
    1996-97 ESTIMATED STUDENT BUDGET
    These nine-month student budgets are used to make initial financial aid awards, but can be adjusted later in the year if tuition figures or your living situation changes. Please keep the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) updated on any changes that occur during the school year.
    D E P E N D E N T I N D E P E N D E N T (d)
    Commuter(a) Resident Off-Campus Commuter(a) Resident Off-Campus
    Tuition(b) $1504 $1504 $1504 $1504 $1504 $1504
    Books & Supplies 584 584 584 584 584 584
    Room & Board 1784 4134 4134 1784 4634 4634
    Transportation 1080 598 1080 1080 598 1080
    Medical 340 340 340 340 340 340
    Personal(c) 1086 1086 1086 1086 1218 1218
    TOTAL $6378 $8246 $8728 $6378 $8878 $9360
    (a) Commuter means commuting from home of parents, stepparents, legal guardians, or relatives to attend school.
    (b) Minimum full-time enrollment for fall and spring semesters for undergraduate students is 12 hours per semester; for graduate students, 9 hours per semester.
    • Tuition amount above is based on 13 hours per semester (an average course load) at the estimated in-state undergraduate fee assessment rate of $57.84/hour. When paying out-of-state tuition, use $5752 as your total tuition figure.
    • If you are an in-state graduate, use $1976 as your total tuition figure, based on 10 hours per semester (an average course load). When paying out-of-state graduate tuition, use $6531 as the total.
    (c) This category includes personal hygiene items, clothing, recreation, and entertainment.
    (d) For a student with dependents, the financial aid office may increase the cost of attendance by an amount equal to estimated actual expenses for dependent care (documentation will be required).
    TUITION AND FEES
    General Information
    The following schedule of tuition fees and other special fees shall apply to all regularly enrolled students at The University of West Florida. Required fees are established by the Florida Board of Regents and the Florida Legislature and are generally updated each fall semester. The University will make every possible effort to advertise any changes in fees when and if they occur. Completion of registration includes payment of fees.

    Residency for Tuition Purposes
    To qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes, the student (dependent or independent) must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or a legal alien granted indefinite stay by U.S. Immigration. Students who do not meet this basic criteria cannot be classified as a resident for tuition purposes. Questions regarding residency status upon initial application to UWF should be directed to the Office of Admissions. Questions regarding a change in residency status after enrollment should be directed to the Office of the Registrar (see Registration, this Catalog).

    Tuition and Registration Fees
    Assessment of Fees
    The following schedule of fees lists the approved per credit hour fees in effect at the time of publication of this catalog, and is generally updated each fall semester. Fees actually charged will be in accordance with the fee schedule approved by the Florida Legislature and adopted by the Florida Board of Regents.

    Tuition and fee rates for
    FALL SEMESTER 1996
    are as follows:
    Undergraduate Course Graduate Course/Thesis/ Dissertation
    1000-4999 5000-8999
    Pensacola Campus Courses
    Florida Students $ 60.64 $116.20
    Non-Florida Students 235.48 386.94
    Courses at Other Locations
    Florida Students 58.84 114.40
    Non-Florida Students 233.68 385.14

    Special Fees, Fines and Penalties
    Increased Matriculation Fees for Course Work in Excess of Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
    By act of the 1996 Florida Legislature, each university in the State University System is required to develop a plan for implementing an increased matriculation fee for students who take credit hours in excess of those required to complete the baccalaureate degree.

    These plans must include designation of the University's credit hour maximum after which students will be charged the increased matriculation fee, and the rate of the excess credit hour fee. As of the date of preparation of copy for this Catalog, the University of West Florida plan was pending approval. Matriculated students will be notified of the approved plan by copy of amendments to the Catalog.

    Application Fees: $20.00. Degree-seeking students are required to pay the nonrefundable application fee. Students applying under the non degree-seeking student category are not required to pay the application fee until degree status is requested by the student.

    New Freshman/Sophomore Orientation Fee: $35.00. This fee includes the $10 Nautilus Card payment, and is assessed when new freshmen/sophomore students register to attend the Fall Orientation/Registration Program. A $15.00 fee, including payment for the Nautilus Card, is assessed for Spring and Summer Orientation/Registration.

    Late Registration Fee: $50.00. A late registration fee is assessed when a student does not begin registration during the designated registration periods (see academic calendar and registration sections of the Course Planning Guide and the Catalog).

    Late Payment Fee: $50.00. A late payment fee is assessed to students who do not pay full tuition by the designated deadlines (see academic calendar).

    Nautilus Card: $10.00. The Nautilus Card is the official University photo I.D. card for students, faculty, and staff; and serves as the library card, a debit card, meal card, and copy card. It is required for access to recreation facilities and the student health center, for tickets to University events, and for financial aid delivery. A one-time fee is assessed, and all students attending classes on the Pensacola campus are required to obtain the Nautilus Card. Picture identification is required.

    Nautilus Card Duplicate: $10.00. Cost for preparation of a replacement card will be assessed.

    Standard Tests Fee: At cost. A fee is assessed for test materials and related factoring used in standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Exam.

    Reinstatement Fee: $100.00. A late registration/payment fee is assessed to students whose registrations were canceled due to nonpayment of fees and who have been approved for reinstatement.

    Laboratory Fees: $13.00 per course/per semester. Scientific lab fees may be assessed to offset the cost of scientific lab materials.

    Returned Check Service Charge: $20.00 or five percent of the face amount of the check, which ever is greater. A returned check charge is assessed to students who have a check returned by a bank to UWF.

    Transcript Fee: $5.00. This fee is assessed for each official transcript issued.

    Diploma Replacement Fee: $5.00. This is a replacement fee for preparation of a new diploma.

    Student Health Fee: $1.80 per semester hour. A health fee is assessed for each semester hour of registration for courses offered on the Pensacola campus (fee is included in the tuition assessment, and may increase in the fall semester).

    Students enrolled in courses offered at locations other than the Pensacola campus may utilize the university health service by paying the per credit hour health fee for all courses in which they are enrolled.

    Upon request to the University Fee Appeals Committee, the health fee will be refunded to students interning or co-oping outside Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

    Definitions

    1. Registration is defined as consisting of three major components:
      1. Application - Students provide information requested by the University for purposes of establishing and administering academic and financial relationships that exist between the University and its students;
      2. Initiation of Registration - Students provide course and schedule information needed to assess fees and tuition.
      3. Completion of Registration - Students must pay all assessed registration and tuition fees and satisfy all due/delinquent amounts payable to the University.

    PAYMENT OF FEES
    Methods of Payment

    1. Fees may be paid by any of the following methods:
      1. Walk-in payments at the University Cashier's Office.
      2. Dropbox depositories located in Building 20 East to the left of the main entrance to the Controller's Office, Building 22, and at the Fort Walton Beach Campus Administrative Building, #1.
      3. By mail. All mail-in payments must be postmarked not later than midnight of the last day to pay fees. Mail-in fee payments postmarked after midnight will result in a late payment fee being assessed to the student.
    2. Students paying fees by mail or by dropbox depository methods must include their student number on all checks and include all fee payment documents (original copies of fee waiver forms, fee deferment forms, tuition aid forms, etc.) to insure proper and timely credit for payment.
    3. Students are expected to meet all financial obligations as they become due. UWF reserves the right to cancel the registration of students who fail to promptly meet their financial obligations to the University. The University cannot allow a student to pay delinquent account balances applicable to a prior term from financial aid awards applicable to the current academic term. All delinquent balances must be paid in full prior to the distribution of current term financial aid. It is each student's responsibility to keep informed of all registration and fee payment dates, deadlines, and other requirements by referring to the academic calendar of events in the Catalog, the semester Course Planning Guide, and announcements printed in the Voyager or disseminated through other media from time to time. If necessary, students should inform their parents or other interested parties of the deadline dates and the necessity for meeting them.
    4. The student shall be held liable for all fees assessed for courses remaining on the student's registration at the close of the drop/add period for which a partial payment of fees has occurred or an authorized fee deferment status has been granted. Under such circumstances, the student's registration will not be canceled. An administrative hold shall be placed on the student's record until the course fees and the late fees are paid in full.
    5. Fees for courses remaining on the student's schedule at the close of the drop/add period must be paid not later than the close of business on the last day to pay fees. Authorized deferment status may be granted under certain conditions. Authorized deferment status must be granted and processed by the University Cashier during the regular fee payment period. Failure to pay all fees or receive authorized deferred payment status by the close of the drop/add period will result in cancellation of the student's registration.

    Fee Payment: Term E Courses
    Fees for special courses (courses not offered in terms A, B, or C) are due by the close of the second class meeting date. Fees paid by mail must be postmarked by midnight on the day following the second class meeting date.

    Financial Aid Delivery
    Financial aid, including loans, is not automatically applied to outstanding charges owed by the student. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Office of Student Accounts, Building 20 East, regarding disposition of all financial aid. All financial aid, including loans and scholarships, is disbursed by the student accounts section of the Cashier's Office at the Pensacola campus. All students must come to the Student Accounts Office during the week of fee payment-drop/add to receive all forms of financial aid (except Federal Work-Study). Registration and student housing fees must be paid at the time financial aid is received by the student.

    All students placed in a deferred fee payment status must confirm the deferred status with the Student Accounts Office located in Building 20 East during the drop/add-fee payment period. Failure to do so may result in the assessment of the late payment fee.

    The Nautilus Card must be presented at the time of financial aid delivery.

    Tuition Loan Program
    Eligible students may pay registration/tuition fees in two equal installments. One-half of the total registration/tuition fees are payable by the close of the drop/add period with the remaining half payable midterm. A promissory note must be executed to pay fees on the installment plan, and must be submitted to the Cashier's Office during the fee payment period. Contact the Student Accounts section of the Cashier's Office for detailed information. Students must have a favorable credit rating with the University to be eligible for the Tuition Loan Program.

    Contracts/Fees Paid by Another Agency
    Students who are registering for courses which will be partially or fully paid by their sponsoring agency must bring their contract or authorization form and partial payment, if applicable, to the Cashier's Office during the registration period. Students must confirm the fees-pending status with the Cashier's Office during the designated fee payment period.

    If the authorization is to be mailed to the Cashier's Office by the agency, it must be postmarked by 12 midnight on the last day to pay fees and the student must confirm third party billing status with the Cashier's Office during the drop/add-fee payment period. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the assessment of the late payment fee.

    Florida Prepaid College Program
    The Florida Prepaid Program was created by the state of Florida to guarantee payment of tuition and may include optional dormitory contract guarantees. The plan excludes local fees (i.e., health, athletics, student activity, laboratory, and books) which are to be paid by the student using one of the options described under Methods of Fee Payment and by the deadlines stated in the academic calendar. The student is to present the card, issued to them by the Florida Prepaid College Program, to the Cashier's Office in Building 20 East. The fees (BOR approved 96/97 fees), excluding books not covered by the Prepaid College Program, total approximately $12.70 per hour plus lab fees. Students using the Florida Prepaid College Program are responsible for paying local fees by the last day of fee payment. A $50 late fee will be assessed if fees are paid after this date, and an additional $50 late registration fee may be assessed.

    Delinquent Balances
    Students who have a delinquent balance at the University (loan, library fine, breakage charges, etc.) shall have their registration, diplomas, grades, and their transcript requests held until satisfactory settlement has been made. All holds resulting from financial obligation must be cleared prior to registration. Current semester financial aid awards may not be used to pay deficient balances from previous semesters.

    Scientific Laboratory Fees

    1. Scientific lab fees may be assessed to offset the cost of scientific lab materials or items which are utilized in the course of the student's scientific laboratory activities. Such fees cannot be used to offset the cost of equipment, equipment repairs, and maintenance.
    2. Revenues from scientific lab fees must supplement rather than replace current resources in departments offering scientific lab courses.
    3. The President shall determine the need for establishing a scientific lab fee, based on:
      1. specific costs funded from the fee;
      2. estimated revenue from each fee;
      3. nature of the course as a scientific lab course; and
      4. total annual estimated revenues generated from all scientific lab fees.
    4. The decision to establish or increase scientific lab fees must be made no later than January of each year for implementation in the following fall semester. The fees must be publicized in the University's Course Planning Guide. The maximum allowable fee is $15 per course. The scientific lab fee at UWF is set at $13 per course per semester for each qualifying course.
    5. Annual University revenues estimated from scientific lab fees at the time of the decision to add or change said fees may not exceed one-half of one percent of the University's estimated annual revenues from matriculation fees. Revenues collected shall be administered in the Auxiliary Trust Fund.
    6. For refund information, see Refund of Fees.

    Tuition Waivers
    Dual Enrolled/Early Admitted Students
    High school students enrolled in a dual enrollment or early admission program pursuant to Florida Statutes articulated acceleration, shall be exempt from the payment of registration, matriculation, and laboratory fees.

    Florida National Guard
    Certain members of the active Florida National Guard shall be exempt from the payment of one-half of the cost of tuition and fees. Students with this waiver may not register until the last day of registration.

    Foster Care Students
    Any student for whom the state is paying a foster care board payment and for whom the permanency planning goal is long-term foster care or independent living shall be exempt from the payment of all undergraduate fees, including fees associated with enrollment in college preparatory instruction or completion of college-level communication and computation skills testing programs. Before a fee exemption can be given, the student shall have applied for and been denied State financial aid which would have provided, at a minimum, payment of all undergraduate fees.

    Senior Citizens - Florida Residents
    Students who are 60 years or older and who meet Florida residency requirements may enroll on a space-available basis without payment of the application and registration fees; course work taken under the senior citizen waiver is noncredit. Registration packets may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Registrar. Registration and waiver forms should be completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the end of late registration (see current academic calendar). These special registrations will be processed on the last day of registration and during the late registration period. Senior citizens are required to purchase a Nautilus Card and parking decal.

    Special Risk Dependent
    Any dependent child of a special risk member as defined in Florida Statutes (who received salary payments for work performed as a peace officer) shall be entitled to a full waiver of undergraduate fees if the special risk member was killed in the line of duty. This waiver shall apply until the child's 25th birthday. To qualify for this waiver, the child shall be required to meet admission requirements.

    State Employee Six-Hour Free Course Benefit
    All State employees, including University employees, must be admitted to the University and must submit an approved State employee waiver form along with the original and yellow copies of the registration schedule to the Office of the Registrar by the end of the late registration period. If forms are received after the fee payment deadline, a late fee will be assessed. The waiver form and all signatures must be original. Courses to be waived on the registration schedule must be authorized on the waiver form. Employees using the six-hour free course benefit may register for courses for which the fees are to be waived on the last day of fee payment and during the late registration and drop/add period. The State employee waiver form must be presented to the University by the specified deadline.

    Out of State Waivers Limited funds are available to assist students with their out-of-state tuition. For information, undergraduate students should contact the Office of Admissions; graduate students should contact the academic department housing their graduate program.

    Late Registration/Payment Fees
    Provided documentation is received by the institution to indicate extenuating circumstances justifying a waiver, the University Fee Appeals Committee may waive the late registration/late payment fee when the committee determines:

    1. that the University is primarily responsible for delinquency of a student's account, or
    2. that extenuating circumstances exist beyond the control of the student.

    Deferred Payment Status/Financial Arrangements
    Deferred payment status for tuition and registration fees may be granted upon application by the student on the following grounds:

    Veterans Deferments

    1. Deferral eligibility is guaranteed to students receiving veterans educational assistance benefits from federal or state assistance programs, where such aid is delayed in being transmitted to the student through circumstances beyond the control of the student.
    2. Veterans and other eligible students receiving benefits under Chapters 30, 32, 35, and 1606, U.S.C., shall be entitled to one deferment each academic year. An additional deferment shall be granted each time there is a delay in the receipt of benefits.
    3. Each veteran granted deferment shall sign a promissory note for the amount of registration and tuition fees due. The promissory note must be presented to the University Cashier during the regular fee payment period. Failure to present the promissory note by the deadline will result in the student being assessed the $50.00 late payment fee. If the student does not present an authorized deferment to the Cashier, including the $50.00 late fee, by the close of the fourth week of classes, the student's registration shall be canceled. Petition for reinstatement would require that the student present an authorized VA deferment promissory note along with a $100.00 late registration/late payment fee in lieu of full payment of tuition and registration fees. (See the procedure outlined in Reinstatement.)
    4. If an eligible veteran's educational benefits are delayed beyond the deferral period, the deferment may be extended provided an extension is requested by the student and is granted in writing by the Office of Veterans' Affairs prior to the date of the original deferment. Additional extensions may be similarly granted until such time that the veteran begins receiving educational benefits. Failure of the veteran to pay the amount of the authorized deferment by the due date or extended date, whichever is later, will result in the student being assessed the $50.00 late registration/late payment fee.

    Third Party Billings
    Deferment is permitted provided formal contractual arrangements have been made with the University for payments by an approved third party. The University Controller is charged with the responsibility for negotiating such third party contracts.

    Delay in Financial Aid Delivery
    Deferral of tuition may be permitted for those students receiving financial aid from federal, state, or University assistance programs when delivery of the aid is delayed through circumstances beyond the control of the student. Failure to make timely application for such aid shall be insufficient reason to receive such deferral. Eligibility shall be based upon a recommendation by the Director of Financial Aid to the University Controller for each student for each academic term for which receipt of aid is delayed.

    Refund of Fees

    1. The late registration/late payment fee is nonrefundable unless waived by the University Fee Appeals Committee.
    2. Full refunds shall be made to the student when a course is canceled by the University or when a student is denied admission to a University course.
    3. Refunds to first time enrolled UWF students are prorated over the first 60% of the academic term. An administrative fee of 5% or $100, whichever is greater, is deducted from the refund for tuition, housing, and other charges.
    4. Requests for refunds and other appeal actions to be considered by the University Fee Appeals Committee must be submitted within six months after the end of the semester to which the refund or appeal action is applicable. Requests made after that deadline will not be considered.
    5. During the Drop/Add Period
      The per-credit-hour fee shall be fully refunded for each semester hour or course(s) dropped during the drop/add period.
    6. After Close of the Drop/Add Period
      1. A refund of 25 percent of the total fees paid shall be made if withdrawal from all courses is completed prior to the end of the fourth week of classes. Withdrawals are processed in the Office of the Registrar.
      2. In the following instances, the per-credit-hour fee shall be refunded:
        1. involuntary call to active military duty;
        2. death of the student, or death in the immediate family (parent, spouse, child, sibling);
        3. complete withdrawal of the student from all courses due to illness of the student, and confirmed in writing by a physician, stating that completion of the term is precluded;
        4. exceptional circumstances upon approval of the University Fee Appeals Committee.
    7. If it is necessary for the student to withdraw from a course(s) and a course add transaction is approved on an exceptional basis, the fee for the added credit hours may be offset by the credit hours in those courses from which the student withdrew and was eligible for refund if approved by the Fee Appeals Committee. The credit hour fees administered under this policy may extend up to the amount of the fee already assessed or paid by the student.

    Cancellation of Registration
    The University shall cancel the registration of a student whose fees are not paid or who has not received authorized deferred payment status as of the close of the drop/add period. Students whose registrations are so canceled may apply for reinstatement but must do so no later than the end of the tenth week of classes.

    Appeal of Late Fee Assessments
    Student appeals of late payment fees are referred to the University Fee Appeals Committee for disposition. The University Fee Appeals Committee reports to the Vice President for Administrative Affairs who has final authority over all appeals for late payment fees. Students should contact the Cashier's office.

    Reinstatement

    1. Reinstatement during the first ten weeks or proportionate period of time for shorter terms requires the following:
      1. payment of all registration fees for the identical classes for which registration was previously canceled and the $100 late registration/late payment fee;
      2. payment of all delinquent liabilities.
    2. Reinstatement after the deadline shall require approval of the University Fee Appeals Committee, payment of all delinquent liabilities, the course fees, and the late registration/late payment fee. In addition, the student must submit a written request to the Committee outlining the reason for the request for reinstatement, including an explanation of why fees were not paid prior to the close of the drop/add fee payment period.

    FINANCIAL AID
    The financial aid program is intended to permit attendance by students who cannot afford to pay the expenses themselves. A comprehensive program of scholarships, grants, part-time employment, and loans is available through federal, state, and University funds. All awards are dependent upon availability of funds and demonstration of financial need, unless otherwise noted.

    An undergraduate/graduate degree-seeking student who has been given temporary non-degree student status by the Admissions Office is eligible for institutional short term loan assistance only. Students must be degree-seeking in order to receive all other forms of financial assistance.

    A student applying for financial aid must follow the procedure outlined below:

    1. Submit "UWF Request for Financial Aid Consideration" form. The form is available from the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), The University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, Florida 32514.
    2. Forward a "UWF Financial Aid Transcript" request form to all previous colleges or universities attended, whether or not any financial aid was received.
    3. Complete the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)" which is available at junior and community colleges, universities, and high schools. When the need analysis form is completed, mail it to the address shown on the FAFSA form. The results of the analysis will be sent to the institution(s) designated by the student.
    4. To apply for the Pell Grant, complete the appropriate sections on the FAFSA form. The analysis for Pell Grant eligibility, called a Student Aid Report (SAR), will be sent directly to The University of West Florida electronically when the student enters "003955" in Section H (Questions 90-101) on the FAFSA form.
    5. Submit an application for admission to UWF; no offer of financial aid will be made until the applicant has been accepted for admission to UWF.

    All completed eligible applications for college or campus-based Federal financial assistance will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Campus-based Federal financial assistance includes Federal Work-Study (FWS), Federal Perkins loan, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (see program explanations below).

    Campus-based federal financial aid for graduate students is limited to FWS program, Perkins loan, and UWF graduate grant. Application for other forms of assistance (tuition waivers, need-based scholarships, and fellowships) must be made through the OSFA on a uniform scholarship application document.

    Most financial aid programs specify that an applicant register as a full-time student (at least 12 semester hours for undergraduate; at least 9 semester hours for graduate), maintain satisfactory academic progress, and show evidence of financial need. Because campus-based funds are limited, only eligible students pursuing the first undergraduate or first graduate degree will be offered these funds.

    Receipt of a financial aid award does not automatically renew an application for financial aid in subsequent years. A student must reapply for financial aid each academic year.

    Graduate Assistantships
    A limited number of graduate assistantships, which include a partial waiver of matriculation fees, are available for matriculated graduate students. Graduate assistantships require a work commitment on the part of the student, usually in the department in which the student is majoring.

    Applications for graduate assistantships may be secured from the OSFA or the academic department in which the graduate student is majoring.

    Graduate Fellowships
    A limited number of graduate fellowships are available for incoming graduate students. Fellowships function as scholarships and do not require a work commitment on the part of the student. To be eligible for a graduate fellowship, a student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.

    Applications for graduate fellowships may be secured from the OSFA or the academic department in which the graduate student is majoring.

    Grants
    Federal Pell Grant Program
    This federally-sponsored aid program provides basic financial assistance to those who demonstrate financial need. All undergraduate applicants for financial assistance are required to apply for a Pell Grant. Graduate students are not eligible.

    Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (SEOG)
    These grants are intended for students with financial need. Repayment is not required. The grants are made only to undergraduate students, in amounts ranging from $200 - $1,750 per year (three semesters).

    Florida Student Assistance Grant Program (FSAG)
    The 1995-96 Academic Year deadline for receipt of the application is May 15, 1995 The FSAG is awarded to undergraduate Florida residents who demonstrate financial need. Since there is no separate Florida Student Assistance Grant application form, eligible students should complete the appropriate section on the financial aid form ("Free Application for Federal Student Aid") and submit the form before the deadline. If you have been awarded an associate of arts or baccalaureate degree, you must have taken the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) in order to be eligible for the FSAG.

    Educational Enhancement Grants
    Limited funds are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need but have been determined ineligible for Pell Grant. These grants are also used to supplement SEOG funds. Repayment is not required. Grants range in value from $200 $1,750 per year (three semesters).

    UWF Graduate Grants
    Limited funds are available to graduate students who demonstrate financial need. Repayment is not required. Grants range in value from $200 - $2,000 per year (three semesters).

    Loans
    Students completing the Free Application (FAFSA) apply for all aid programs for which they may be eligible, including the Federal Direct Parent Loan Program. The OSFA will provide the documents for securing Federal Direct Loans.

    Federal Direct Student Loans
    This loan is a program through which a student can receive a loan from the Federal Government. A variable interest, capped at 8.25 percent, is paid by the government to the lender while the student is enrolled and for the six-month grace period after the student graduates or ceases at least half time attendance. Loan repayment begins at the termination of the grace period. All borrowers are required to complete a "Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)" form. Undergraduate students at the 1st year level can borrow $2,625; at level 2, $3,500; other undergraduates, $5,500/year, to an aggregate maximum of $23,000. Graduate students can borrow $8,500/year, to an aggregate maximum of $65,000 (undergraduate and graduate borrowing combined). Application must be made through OSFA.

    Non-subsidized Federal Direct Student Loans
    Independent students, graduate students, and students whose parents are unable to borrow under PLUS (see next heading) will be allowed to borrow additional amounts beyond the Federal Direct Student Loan annual limits listed in the previous heading. The additional annual limits are $4,000 for the first and second year students; $5,000 for all other undergraduates; and $10,000 for graduate students.

    Federal Direct Parent Loans (PLUS)
    These loans are annual variable interest loans, capped at nine percent, for parents of any dependent undergraduate student, regardless of income. Parents may borrow annually up to the cost of attendance minus any financial aid. There is no maximum aggregate PLUS loan limit. Parent borrowers' repayment period begins on the day the loan is disbursed, with the first repayment due 60 days after disbursement, for up to ten years.

    Federal Perkins Loan Program
    Funds are available to undergraduate or graduate students who demonstrate financial need. Total loans for overall undergraduate work cannot be more than $15,000. Graduate or professional students may borrow up to $30,000 for undergraduate and graduate studies combined. Loans bear a five percent interest rate, with no interest being charged until repayment of the principal is due to begin--that is, nine months after the student is no longer at least a half time student. Repayment may be deferred for an additional three years during service in the armed forces, Peace Corps, or VISTA; or for any time a student who has dropped out returns to at least half time study. Though there are cancellation provisions for those who enter certain fields of teaching and for military service, these loans must be paid back to UWF or its designated billing agency.

    Institutional Short-Term Loan Program (STL)
    These loans are available to ease a temporary cash-flow problem. They carry a modest service charge and must be repaid during the same semester in which they are received. Limited to a maximum of $400, STLs are not awarded as part of the regular financial aid process.

    Scholarships
    The University offers a wide variety of scholarships and grants. To apply for undergraduate merit-only awards, prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions. In order to apply for need/merit scholarships and graduate awards, students should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance for an application packet.

    The UWF Foundation provides scholarships that are made possible by private contributions. Selection criteria and awarding sources vary. However, the University's centralized scholarship processing provides for automatic distribution of all applications to all applicable awarding sources.

    MERIT ONLY SCHOLARSHIPS
    The University of West Florida recognizes and rewards academic achievement by awarding scholarships on a competitive basis to students who display high academic achievement in Florida high school or at one of the Florida public community colleges through the associate of arts degree. To enhance the richness of the educational experience at UWF, applicants representing diverse cultures and backgrounds will receive special consideration.

    John C. Pace, Jr., Scholars
    A four year $16,000 ($4,000 per academic year) scholarship for full time entering freshmen. Recipients will be expected to reside on campus. An educational enhancement experience during one of the summers while classified as a UWF upper division student is required. Selection criteria will include high school academic record, test scores, leadership activities, and high school and community involvement. Priority will be given to applicants from high schools in West Florida. A scholarship application is required and can be obtained from the Office of Admissions. The application deadline is March 1.

    John C. Pace, Jr., Honors Scholarships
    A $1,000 scholarship per academic year for full-time entering freshmen, renewable for three additional years if a specific cumulative GPA is maintained ($4,000 four year total). The selection criteria will be the high school academic record and test scores. All newly admitted freshmen are automatically considered, no scholarship application is required. It is recommended that students apply for admission by February 1, in order to ensure full consideration.

    John C. Pace, Jr., Honors Scholarships for Black Freshmen
    A $1,000 scholarship per academic year for full-time entering black freshmen, renewable for three additional years if a specific cumulative GPA is maintained ($4,000 four year total). The selection criteria will be the high school academic record and test scores. All newly admitted black freshmen are automatically considered, no scholarship application is required. It is recommended that students apply for admission by February 1, in order to ensure full consideration.

    Presidential Scholarships
    A $1,000 scholarship per academic year for full-time entering freshmen, renewable for three additional years if a specific cumulative GPA is maintained ($4,000 four year total). The selection criteria will be the high school academic record and test scores. All newly admitted freshmen are automatically considered, no scholarship application is required. It is recommended that students apply for admission by February 1, in order to ensure full consideration.

    John C. Pace, Jr., Transfer Scholarships
    A $1,000 scholarship per academic year for full-time entering transfers with an associate of arts degree from a Florida public community college. The scholarship is renewable for an additional year if a specific cumulative GPA is maintained ($2,000 two year total). The selection criteria will be the cumulative college GPA with priority given to community colleges in West Florida. All newly admitted transfers with an associate of arts degree will be considered, no scholarship application is required It is recommended that students apply for admission by March 1, in order to ensure full consideration.

    University Scholarships
    A $1,000 scholarship per academic year for full-time entering transfers with an associate of arts degree from a Florida public community college. The scholarship is renewable for an additional year if a specific cumulative GPA is maintained ($2,000 two year total). The selection criteria will be the cumulative college GPA. All newly admitted transfers with an associate of arts degree will be considered, no scholarship application is required. It is recommended that students apply for admission by March 1, in order to ensure full consideration.

    John C. Pace, Jr., Achievement Scholarships for Continuing UWF Students
    Meritorious full-time undergraduate degree-seeking students in good standing who are not currently recipients of UWF scholarships are eligible for a scholarship award of up to $1,000 annually. Contact the dean's office of the appropriate college for more information.

    Graduate Scholarships
    Each college has scholarships for full-time graduate students. Varying amounts are available within each college. Contact the dean's office of the appropriate college for more information.

    Student Employment
    Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP)
    The Federal Work-Study Program is for undergraduate or graduate students who would be unable to continue their studies unless they earned part of their educational expenses. The job holder works on campus an average of 15 hours/week at $4.75/hour while school is in session. Contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA).

    On-Campus Student Employment (OPS)
    Some University departments and offices employ students under the OPS program. The OSFA administers a student employment service, which acts as a clearinghouse by advertising on bulletin boards across campus all OPS student positions available. Interested students should contact directly the hiring office or department.

    Off-Campus Part-Time Employment
    Off-campus employers often contact OSFA to assist in filling part-time positions. These positions are advertised on bulletin boards across campus. Interested students should contact the employers directly for interviews.

    UWF Home Page
    Adrienne Turner
    Enrollment Services
    September 20, 1996