You are in the official 1997-98 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Financial Aid
Joyal Administration, Room 296
General Information: (559) 294-2200
(559) 278-2182
JOSEPH W. HEUSTON, Director
Financial aid is any resource available to students to offset the costs
associated with attending California State University, Fresno. Aside from
student and family resources, there are four basic programs of financial
aid: grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships. About 95 percent of these
programs are administered by the Financial Aid Office.
The majority are funded by the federal and state governments and are need-
based. Eligibility for financial aid from need-based programs is determined
through a formula mandated by Congress. Several programs administered by
the Financial Aid Office are not need-based. There are also additional administrative
units on campus that offer financial aid.
Need-Based Financial Aid Programs
For the following need-based aid programs, you are required to submit
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is
available in high school and college financial aid offices in December and
should be filed in January or February for the next academic year. Renewals,
i.e., students who had a valid Student Aid Report on file for the previous
academic year, will receive Renewal Applications directly from the Central
Processor. If you have not received your Renewal Application by January
15, complete a FAFSA.
The official priority filing date is March 2 for the next academic
year.
* Federal Pell Grant
Federal Perkins Loan
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
* Federal Stafford Student Loan
Federal Work-Study Nursing Student Loan
Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant
** California Graduate Equity
Fellowship Program for Underrepresented Students
California State Educational Opportunity Grant (EOP)
California State University Grant
Cal Grants A and B
State Graduate Fellowship
Workshops on completing the FAFSA are offered by the financial aid staff
in January and February. For details, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Details about these programs are listed under Program
Specifications.
Non-Need-Based Financial Aid Programs
The Financial Aid Office also administers non-need-based aid programs. These programs are available to students and families regardless of income and assets. Applications for these programs are available in Rooms 219 and 296, Joyal Administration Building. The non-need-based programs include:
- California State University, Fresno Institutional Scholarships. Applications are available November 1. All candidates must submit their applications before February 1 for the next academic year.
- Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)/Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. No set deadline. However, applicants who submit their application after May 30 cannot be assured of receiving funds before the beginning of the fall semester.
Additional information about these programs can be found here.
Additional Financial Aid Sources
Alan Pattee Scholarships. Children of deceased public law enforcement
or fire suppression employees, who were California residents and who were
killed in the course of law enforcement or fire suppression duties, are
not charged fees or tuition of any kind at any California State University
campus, according to the Alan Pattee Scholarship Act, California Education
Code, Section 68121. Students qualify ing for these benefits are known as
Alan Pattee scholars. For further information, contact the Registrar's Office,
which determines eligibility.
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarships. Air Force
Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarships. Air Force ROTC three-year,
four-year, and graduate degree scholarships are available in many technical
and nontechnical majors to cover the costs of fees and tuition, books, lab
fees, and a monthly stipend of $150. In addition, all juniors and seniors,
regardless of academic major, who have at least a 2.35 semester GPA and
will graduate before turning age 25, qualify for up to $1,000 in scholarships
each semester plus a monthly stipend of $150. Applications should be submitted
to the Department of Aerospace Studies. For additional information, see
Aerospace Studies.
Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. The U.S. Army offers two-, three-,
and four-year scholarships at different monetary levels up to $20,000 annually
to qualified students in a variety of academic disciplines. Scholarships
cover tuition, mandatory fees, $450 annually for books, and a monthly tax-free
subsistence allowance of $150. All students formally enrolled in the ROTC
program receive an annual allowance of $1,500 and can earn as much as $19,800
during their college careers. For additional information, see Department
of Military Science.
Graduate Assistantships. A number of graduate assistantships and
teaching assistantships are available to students who are enrolled in a
master 's degree program. For additional information, see the Division
of Graduate Studies.
Division of Graduate Studies Student Research Awards and Travel Grants.
For additional information, see the Division of
Graduate Studies.
Non-Resident Tuition Waivers. A select number of non-resident tuition
waivers are available for outstanding graduate students who demonstrate
the potential to make significant academic and professional contributions
in their disciplines and the graduate program. Recipients are expected to
work with the K-12 system in giving lectures/presentations. For additional
information, contact the department.
Resident Advisers. University Courtyard employs up to 16 students
to work as resident advisors (RAs) and five students to work as community
service officers (CSOs) in the residence halls. RAs act as effective role
models, develop a cohesive community of students, organize and conduct programs,
and serve as resource people to students living on-campus. CSOs patrol the
grounds and provide escort service. Applications (for students with one
year of on-campus living experience) are available from the University Housing
Office at the beginning of the spring semester.
University Association and Foundation Loan Funds. The university
operates an Emergency Loan Fund to assist students who need up to a maximum
of $600 for educationally related emergency expenses only. These loans have
to be repaid within 90 days or before the end of the semester, as designated
by Student Loan Collection Services. Loans are granted on the basis of the
students' need and ability to repay. The funds for these programs have been
provided by gifts to the university. Applications for loans are processed
through Student Loan Collection Services, Joyal Administration Building,
Room 156.
Waivers of Nonresident Fees. Upon written waiver by the dean of student
affairs or the director of admissions and records, children or spouses of
California State University full-time employees, who are not yet legal residents
of California, may be exempted from the nonresident fee. Also, with verification
by the dean of the School of Education and Human Development, certificated
California school district employees who are not yet legal residents of
California may be exempted from the nonresident fee, if they are provisionally
credentialed and working toward regular credentials, completing postponed
requirements, or completing the fifth year required under the Teacher Preparation
and Licensing Law of 1970 (Ryan Act).
Program Specifications
Satisfactory academic progress requirements. To conform with the
regulations that govern state and federal student financial aid programs,
the university is required to define and enforce standards of satisfactory
academic progress for all financial aid applicants.
All funds administered by the Financial Aid Office are subject to these
standards.
The intent of these standards is to encourage student aid recipients to
make steady progress toward the completion of all degree or credential requirements
within a reasonable period of time.
The following descriptions are offered for your guidance:
- Students funded on the basis of a full-time budget must enroll and complete a minimum of 12 units each semester. For graduate students, the requirement is 8 units of courses in the 200 series.
- Students funded on the basis of a three-quarter budget must enroll in and complete a minimum of 9 units each semester. Graduate students in this category are obligated for a minimum of 6 units from courses in the 200 series.
- Students funded on the basis of a half-time budget must enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 units each semester. Half-time status for graduate students is 4 units of courses in the 200 series.
- All recipients of financial aid must notify the Financial Aid Office prior to dropping below the units identified as units funded on your award notification. Aid recipients who fail to comply with these requirements may be subject to cancellation of their financial aid award and/or repayment of any aid received.
The regulations also address the issue of time-to-degree. Undergraduate
students are expected to complete their degrees within the time-frame of
12 full-time semesters or 186 units (whichever occurs first). Postbaccalaureate
students are allowed 45 units or six full-time semesters. Graduate students
enrolled in programs requiring 60 units will be granted an exception upon
request.
All units count toward your maximum allowance. Enroll in units that count
toward your degree.
All financial aid recipients are reviewed for satisfactory academic progress
at the end of each semester. The following criteria are used for determination
of satisfactory progress: (1) A, B, C, D, and CR are acceptable indicators
of satisfactory academic progress; (2) F, I, W, U, NC, SP, RD, AU or units
through Open University (Extension) are not acceptable and continued receipt
of financial aid is in jeopardy.
A more detailed explanation of satisfactory academic progress requirements
at California State University, Fresno is available in the Financial Aid
Office, Joyal Administration Building, Room 296.
Federal Perkins Loan. Authorized by the Higher Education Act, this
program provides a limited amount of low-interest loans to students who
demonstrate an exceptional financial need. Currently students may borrow
$15,000 during the course of their undergraduate degree. Graduate students
may borrow up to $30,000 (including any amount borrowed as an undergraduate).
New borrowers begin repayment nine months after they graduate, leave school,
or cease attending at least half-time. (Students who received funding under
the National Direct Student Loan Program have a six-month grace period.)
A repayment period of up to 10 years has been established by the federal
government. The Higher Education Act also authorized certain conditions
under which part or all of the loan may be canceled. Details are available
in the Student Loan Collection Office, Joyal Administration Building, Room
156.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). FSEOG
is a grant program and, thus, does not require repayment. Awards are restricted
to those undergraduates who demonstrate the greatest need and who are also
Federal Pell Grant recipients. Funding for the program is limited to the
allocation received from the federal government.
Federal Work-Study (FWS). FWS is a federally funded, campus-based
employment program. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible
to participate. At California State University, Fresno, students receiving
FWS awards are placed in jobs on campus and with selected off-campus agencies.
FWS recipients may work up to 20 hours per week on a job.
Nursing Student Loans. Under this program, a student who can show
that a loan is needed to enter or continue in the nursing program may borrow
up to $2,500 an academic year for the first two years; $4,000 for the final
two academic years, up to a $13,000 maximum. No interest is charged while
the borrower pursues at least a half- time course of study, or for a period
of nine months after leaving school. Interest then starts at 5 percent simple
interest and the loan is repaid at not less than $15 per month. Interest
and payments are deferred for a period of time while the borrower is a member
of the uniformed service or is a volunteer under the Peace Corps Act.
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Grants. If you are at least one-fourth
American Indian, Eskimo or Aleut, as recognized by a tribal group served
by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, you may apply for a BIA grant. The amount
is based on financial need and availability of funds from your area agency.
You must first submit an application for financial aid and supportive documents.
Obtain an application from your area agency or the Financial Aid Office,
then see the BIA adviser in the Financial Aid Office to complete the BIA
application. Deadlines may vary, but in most cases, BIA applications need
to be in the agency office prior to June 1.
California Graduate Equity Fellowship Program for Underrepresented Students.
For additional information, see the Division of
Graduate Studies.
California State Educational Opportunity Grant Program (State EOP).
Educational Opportunity Program Grants are provided by the state of California
for students admitted to one of the 21 campuses of The California State
University under the Educational Opportunity Program. Eligibility for this
grant is determined by criteria similar to that which governs federal financial
aid programs. Admission to the university through the EOP does not automatically
mean that the student is awarded a State EOP Grant. Grants provide aid to
undergraduate students who, for lack of such assistance, would be unable
to enter or remain in an institution of higher education. Funds are limited
and range from $200 to $1,000 for the academic year.
California State University Grant. This is a need-based program for
California residents, providing financial support to students. Eligibility
for this grant is determined by criteria similar but not limited to that
which governs federal financial aid programs.
Federal Pell Grant. The Federal Pell Grant Program is a program of
student financial aid authorized by Title IV, Part A, of the Education
Amendments of 1972. This program provides grants for all eligible undergraduate
students to assist them in meeting educational costs. Program regulations
change from year to year.
Cal Grants A and B. The California Student Aid Commission offers
Cal Grants A and B to undergraduate students on the basis of demonstrated
need and specific program requirements. To apply, complete the FAFSA, checking
the appropriate box. The deadline for new applicants is March 2 for the
next academic year. Renewal applicants may continue to apply after March
2. Recipients who complete a baccalaureate degree and who are accepted and
enrolled in a teaching credential program at an institution approved by
the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing will be eligible to apply
for renewal of their Cal Grant award for an additional year of grant eligibility,
provided financial need continues to exist. All students who are planning
to enroll in an approved credential program and wish to continue receiving
Cal Grant benefits will be required to submit a supplemental request. Forms
are available in the Financial Aid Office.
Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Scholarship. The Law Enforcement
Personnel Dependents Scholarship will pay for books and supplies and living
expenses up to $1,500 per year for needy dependent children of law enforcement
officers who have been killed or totally disabled in the line of duty. Applicants
should write to the California Student Aid Commission for a
special application.
State Graduate Fellowship. The Student Aid Commission also administers
the State Graduate Fellowship Program for tuition assistance for master's
and doctoral students. To apply, complete the FAFSA, checking the appropriate
box. The deadline for new applicants is March 2. You must also complete
and mail the Student Aid Commission GPA Verification Form to the Commission
by March 2 if you are a new fellowship applicant. Renewal applicants may
continue to apply after March 2. Forms are available in the Financial Aid
Office.
Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan. The Federal Stafford Program
enables students with financial need to secure loans for the payment of
educational expenses. Available to undergraduates and graduates, the Federal
Stafford Loan is a federally subsidized (and insured) program, offered in
conjunction with the California Student Aid Commission, through banks and
lending institutions (banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations,
etc.). Undergraduates who qualify may borrow up to $2,625 per year as freshmen,
$3,500 for second-year students, $5,500 per year as juniors, seniors, or
credential students, up to a $23,000 maximum. Graduate students who qualify
may borrow up to $8,500 per year to a $65,500 maximum (includes indebtedness
incurred as an undergraduate). Simple interest, at the rate of 7 to 9 percent
per annum, is charged on loans for students who have previous outstanding
loans at 7 to 9 percent per annum, and all new borrowers are charged a variable
rate, capped at 9 percent. Repayment begins six to nine months after students
graduate, leave school, or cease attending at least half-time. (Since interest
rates, repayment periods, etc. change frequently, students are advised to
contact the Financial Aid Office for more precise information and an application.)
The federal government pays the interest until the student borrower enters
the loan repayment period.
Non-Need-Based Financial Aid Programs.
The following non-need-based programs are administered by our Financial
Aid Office.
California State University, Fresno Institutional Scholarships. Each
year about 900 students are awarded Institutional Scholarships totaling
more than $800,000. The majority of the scholarships, ranging from $100
to $2,000, are awarded on the basis of merit to both undergraduate and graduate
students. Although requirements for specific scholarships vary, most scholarships
require academic achievement or potential, plus a demonstration of the students'
commitment to their school, community, or society. Financial need may be
a factor but is seldom the exclusive factor. Applications must be submitted
by February 1 for the next academic year. The California State University,
Fresno Scholarship Application is available in the Joyal Administration
Building, Rooms 219 and 296.
Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). The PLUS
Program was initiated to provide assistance to parents who do not demonstrate
financial need as determined by the government formula. Parents may borrow
up to the cost of attendance minus other aid for each dependent child enrolled
at least half-time. Applications and information are available at the Financial
Aid Office.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. The program is open to students
who may not meet need-based requirements of the Federal Stafford Loan or
who may qualify for only a partial Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan. Terms
and conditions are similar to the subsidized Stafford, except that the borrower
is responsible for interest which accrues during the in-school period.
CSU Forgivable Loan/Doctoral Incentive Program. The largest program
of its kind in the nation, the CSU Forgivable Loan/Doctoral Incentive Program
is designed to increase the diversity of the pool of qualified faculty candidates
for the California State University. Although all academic fields are given
consideration, high priority is given to areas such as mathematics, computer
science, engineering, and the physical/life sciences. The program provides
up to a maximum of $30,000 to be distributed over a one-to five-year period.
Upon completion of the program, the loan principal and interest will be
forgiven at the rate of 20 percent per year for each full-time teaching
appointment (10 percent per year for halftime) at any of the 22 CSU campuses.
Information and applications are available in the Division of Human Resources,
Joyal Administration Building, Room 262.
California Predoctoral Program for Undergraduate and Graduate Students.
For additional information, see the Division of
Graduate Studies.
Institutional and Financial Assistance
The following information concerning student financial assistance may be obtained from Joseph W. Heuston, director of financial aid, Joyal Administration Building, Room 296, (559) 278-2182:
- student financial assistance programs available to students who enroll at California State University, Fresno
- the methods by which such assistance is distributed among recipients who enroll at California State University, Fresno
- the means, including forms, by which application for student financial assistance is made and requirements for accurately preparing such application
- the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance, and
- the standards the student must maintain to be considered to be making satisfactory progress for the purpose of establishing and maintaining eligibility for financial assistance.
The following information concerning the cost of attending California State University, Fresno is available from Joseph W. Heuston, director of financial aid, Joyal Administration Building, Room 296, (559) 278-2182:
- fees and tuition (where applicable)
- estimated costs of books and supplies
- estimates of typical student room and board costs or typical commuting costs, and
- any additional costs of the program in which the student is enrolled or expresses a specific interest.
The following information concerning the refund policy of California State University, Fresno is available from Robert P. Vega, director of accounting services, Joyal Administration Building, Room 152, (559) 278-2764:
- the refund policy for the return of unearned tuition and fees or other refundable portions of costs and
- policies regarding any refund due to the federal Title IV student assistance programs as required by the regulations.
Information concerning the undergraduate academic programs of California State University, Fresno may be obtained from J. Leonard Salazar, associate vice president for academic affairs/dean of undergraduate studies, Thomas Administration Building, Room 114, (559) 278-4775 and may include:
- the current degree programs and other educational and training programs
- the instructional, laboratory, and other physical plant facilities that relate to the academic program
- the faculty and other instructional personnel
- data regarding student retention at California State University, Fresno and, if available, the number and percentage of students completing the program in which the student is enrolled or has expressed interest, and
- the names of associations, agencies, or governmental bodies that accredit, approve, or license the institution and its programs, and the procedures under which any current or prospective student may obtain or review upon request a copy of the documents describing the institution's accreditation, approval, or licensing.
Information concerning the graduate degree programs of California
State University, Fresno may be obtained from the Office of Graduate
Studies, Thomas Administration Building, Room 132, (559) 278-2448.
Information regarding special facilities and services available to handicapped
students may be obtained from Robert Lundal, coordinator of disabled
student services, Main Cafeteria West, Room 125, (559) 278-2811.
The following information concerning the public safety policies of California
State University, Fresno is available from Willie Shell, director of
public safety/police chief, Public Safety Building, (559) 278-2243:
- policies, procedures, and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus
- information concerning the annual campus security report, and
- information concerning the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.
