ABOUT MY AID
Understanding my aid
Student Rights
- You have the right to expect your financial aid eligibility will be determined in an equitable manner consistent with federal regulations and institution policies.
- If you are eligible for aid, you have the right to be considered for those programs for which you qualify, as long as money is available.
- You have the right to receive complete information about how your financial aid eligibility was determined.
- You have the right to obtain full information about financial aid programs and pertinent regulations, policies and procedures.
- You have the right to receive information about your debt burden as a result of receiving loans.
- You have the right to receive information about monthly and total repayment options available as well as debt management strategies.
- You have the right to expect that your financial records, your parents’ financial records and your award information are kept confidential in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).
- You have the right to expect notification of your financial aid offer and any adjustments to it.
Student Responsibilities
When you accept your financial aid award, you agree to fulfill your obligations as a financial aid recipient.
- It is your responsibility to report additional resources (such as other financial assistance) and any changes to those resources to WOU’s Financial Aid Office. If the receipt of additional resources results in an over award (financial aid and resources exceed your need or the cost of attendance), you may be required to pay back a portion of your financial aid received and financial aid for subsequent terms may be reduced.
- You are responsible for supplying complete and accurate information used to determine your eligibility for aid.
- You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). See the policy for undergraduate students and graduate students for full details.
- You must be formally admitted to WOU and be admitted and enrolled in a degree or certificate program, or be taking required preparatory coursework for admittance into a degree or certificate program.
- You must notify the Financial Aid Office if you are enrolled in a WOU program that is not on campus.
- You must not have borrowed in excess of any Title IV loan limit.
- If you withdraw from school, you must notify the Financial Aid Office in writing. You may be expected to repay a portion of the financial aid disbursed to you after paying tuition and fees (refer to the withdrawal information available from the Financial Aid Office).
- You are responsible for reporting any change in your status.
- When you have signed a promissory note for a loan, you are responsible for informing your loan servicer of changes in your name, address, Social Security Number and graduation date. You must inform your loan servicer if you transfer to another school, withdraw from school or drop below half time in any term.
- If you are borrowing from the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program for the first time at WOU, you must complete a loan counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov.
- If you are awarded Federal Work-Study, it is your responsibility to find and apply for a work-study job. If you accept a Federal Work-Study position, you are expected to perform the work in a satisfactory manner.
- You must sign a Statement of Educational Purpose (included on the FAFSA) declaring that any aid funds received will be used for expenses related to attendance at Western Oregon University and that you owe no refund nor are you in default of any aid received for attendance at any institution.
For additional information, financial assistance or consumer information, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 503-838-8475 or toll-free at 877-877-1593.
Understanding my aid
Contact
Financial Aid Office
toll free 1-877-877-1593 | or e-mail: finaid@wou.edu | Location: Welcome Center 140
