TITLE IV HANDBOOK2013

MIDWIVES COLLEGE OF UTAH1174 EAST GRAYSTONE WAY STE 2

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84106            1-866-680-2756                  1-801-649-5230      

FAX: 1-866-207-2024FINANCIALAID@MIDWIFERY.EDU

Financial Aid Counseling

Midwives College of Utah’s (MCU) Financial Aid Director is available to counsel students on financial aid options. Students will receive an email from the Financial Aid Director regarding office hours, contact information and appointment availability at the beginning of each semester. This information is also available on our website.

Midwives College of Utah is authorized to offer Federal Student Aid to degree seeking students. The programs available include:

FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1070a et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Part 690.

FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1087a et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Part 685.

FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1087aa et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Part 674.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1070b et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Part 676.

ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS GRANT AND NATIONAL SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS ACCESS TO RETAIN TALENT GRANT PROGRAMS, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1070a-1 et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Part 691.

IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN SERVICE GRANT, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1070d et seq.

Students interested in financial aid are encouraged to check out Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid online at http://studentaid.ed.gov/guide.

Federal Student Aid Eligibility

Federal student aid is available to enrolled degree seeking students only. Audited courses and non-credit courses are ineligible for student aid. All Federal Student Aid recipients must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.

How to Apply

To apply for Federal Student Aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This may be done online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you have questions about the FAFSA, please contact the Financial Aid Director. Each FAFSA covers the federal award year, which runs July 1 through June 30. You must apply for aid annually. Continuing students should submit a renewal FAFSA.

Eligibility for aid is based on the information provided on the FAFSA and will vary by program. All eligibility is determined by Department of Education formulas. Students do not have to be admitted to Midwives College of Utah before submitting the FAFSA. Financial Aid awards will only be made to students accepted into an eligible program.

FAFSAs must be submitted and completed by May 1st each year. FAFSAs still under verification are not considered complete. If your FAFSA is not received by May 1st, you may experience a delay in your financial aid disbursements.

When completing the FAFSA, you will need to enter Midwives College of Utah’s Federal School Code. You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) after completing your FAFSA. This will contain your Expected Family

Contribution (EFC), which will determine your aid package. FASAs may be selected for verification by the Department of Education or by Midwives College of Utah. If your application is selected for verification, you will be notified by the Financial Aid Director. You will be required to submit additional documentation, including tax forms, before your award can be processed. Your application is not considered complete, and aid will not be disbursed, until after the verification is complete.

Once a student aid package is created, an award letter will be provided to the student. The student must then confirm acceptance of the award by signing and returning the award letter to the Financial Aid Director. If the award is not confirmed, the student will not receive aid. You may choose to accept all or only part of an award.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for completing information on the forms honestly and accurately by the deadlines. Please respond to the financial aid office’s requests promptly. Midwives College of Utah must be notified of any change in address, name, marital status, financial situation, or other changes in status. Any additional assistance from outside sources (scholarships, loans, other educational benefits) must be reported to the financial aid staff. Students are responsible for reapplying for aid each award year.

Students, who intend to receive federal student loans, must complete Entrance Counseling and sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studentloans.gov.

If receiving financial aid, students must maintain the minimum enrollment status or the award will be decreased or eliminated. You are responsible for maintaining your course schedule to meet your requirements.

School’s Role

As outlined By The Department of Education:

Document Student Eligibility

Encourage student awareness; entrance/exit counseling https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action

Originate/Award loans

Manage MPN process https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action

Draw down Direct Loan funds via G5 “Pushed Cash” option also available

Disburse funds to students

Update NSLDS enrollment status

Transmit loan origination, disbursement, and adjustment data to COD

Reconcile with ED on a regular basis and complete annual close-out

Determine staffing roles and responsibilities

Determine MPN processing options

Determine software options

MCU’s Title IV Parameters

The academic calendar for this program is non-term. This determination is made based on several characteristics listed on page 3-5 of Volume 3, Chapter 1 of the Federal Student aid handbook.

The school’s academic year for purposes of Title IV will be 24 credit hours and 30 weeks**This is the minimum time frame and maximum credits allowed within this time frame under the non-term definition. Most students will complete 24 credits in 60 weeks.

Undergraduate students will be scheduled to take at least twelve credit hours. Twelve credit hours are considered full time for Title IV purposes. A student’s initial award will be disbursed at the start of this 12 credit term. The student will receive a second disbursement of their initial award upon the completion of the initial twelve credit hours and in a minimum of 15 weeks. Graduate Students using Title IV funds must complete 9 credits within a 45 week academic year.

School officials will be responsible for monitoring the completion of the credit hours and confirming the completion of those scheduled hours with the Weber representative prior to making a second disbursement of this student’s program.

When a student enrolls for a term that requires a clinic, the student’s financial aid award will be based on the total number of credit hours scheduled including the course work and the credit for the clinical credit. The student will be eligible for a second disbursement as soon as the total number of credit hours including the clinical credit hours has been completed.

MCU Title IV Processing Policy

The following requirements are effective starting 9/15/2013 for all Title IV Federal Student Aid recipients:

1. The tuition for students receiving Title IV funds will be calculated at the current tuition rate. 2. Students receiving federal student aid must enroll in at least 6 credits per semester.3. Students must open their courses for the semester within 3 weeks of the start date of each semester.4. Only clinical credits opened at the start of the semester and completed within a reasonable time frame

will count toward your minimum credits required for federal student aid funding.5. The total number of semesters on your major map cannot change at this point. If you need to add a credit

for this semester please contact Cindy in the Registrar Department.6. Financial aid is awarded under the assumption that you will attend school for the entire period for which

the aid was awarded. When you withdraw after receiving financial aid, you may no longer be eligible for the full amount of aid you originally received. If you withdraw after beginning to attend, the amount of financial aid you earned must be determined. Federal law specifies how MCU must determine the amount of Title IV financial aid you have earned, and how much must be repaid. If you received less aid than the amount you earned, you may be able to receive those additional funds. If you received more aid than you earned the unearned funds must be returned.

If you submitted your FAFSA for 2013-2014 and are eligible for an award, you will be processed. If you expect to take out loans, please direct all questions concerning your requirements for federal funding to the Financial Aid Department.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students who fail to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will not be eligible for aid. Student midwives enrolled in MCU must maintain high academic, personal and professional standards. In the event that their GPA falls below 2.5 steps will be taken to help the student improve GPA.

Financial Aid Warning

If a student’s grade point average has fallen below 2.5 for one semester, the registrar will contact the student and the student’s preceptor(s) and make them aware of the situation and a plan of action will be put into place. A log is kept in the student file. A Financial Aid Warning will be issued to the student. The student may continue to receive assistance under the Title IV, HEA programs for one payment period despite determination that the student is not making SAP. Financial Aid Warning Status may be assigned without an appeal or other action by the student.

Financial Aid Probation

If a student’s grade point average stays below 2.5 for two semesters in a row, the student will be put on Financial Aid Probation. If a student does not pass a course while on Financial Aid Probation, the Academic Dean may dismiss the student from the program. This student will also lose his/her eligibility to receive financial aid.

The department may choose to require the student to fulfill specific terms and conditions such as taking a reduced course load or enrolling in specific courses. At the end of one payment period on Financial Aid Probation, the student must meet the schools SAP standards or meet the requirements of the academic plan developed by the department to qualify for further Title IV, HEA program funds.

If a student’s grade point average stays below 2.5 for three semesters in a row, the Registrar and Academic Dean will meet with the student and determine if the student is an appropriate midwife candidate.

The student may write an appeal to be put back into Financial Aid Probation for one more semester, or the student will be asked to withdraw from program and will lose financial aid eligibility.

Financial Aid Probation Appeals Process

If a student is placed on Financial Aid Probation, the student can appeal to reestablish his/her eligibility to receive assistance under the Title IV, HEA Programs. The student must state in writing why he/she hasn't met the academic standards required, and what has changed in the student's situation that will allow him/her to demonstrate SAP at the next evaluation. The student must also meet with the Student Life and Leadership Department to create an academic plan that will ensure that he/she will meet SAP for the next evaluation. If the student fails to meet SAP again, he/she will lose his/her eligibility for Title IV funding. Students requesting an appeal to the policy are encouraged to submit documentation to support their request. The Department will take one of two actions: approve the appeal and recommend the student for an Academic Plan, or deny the appeal.

Leave of Absence

In the event that a financial aid recipient needs to take a Leave of Absence, the student and school must comply with the following:

1. You must submit in writing a formal request to the Academic Dean including the reason for your request;

2. the student must have a reasonable expectation that he/she will return from the Leave of Absence;3. the Academic Dean can only approve the student’s request in accordance with the school policy;

4. MCU may not assess the student any additional institutional charges, the student’s need may not increase, and therefore, the student is not eligible for any additional Federal Student Aid;

5. the LOA together with any additional leaves of absence must not exceed a total of 180 days n any 12-month period; and

6. MCU must explain to the student, prior to granting the LOA, the effects that the student’s failure to return from an LOA, may have on the student’s loan repayment terms, including the expiration of the student grace period.

Treatment of Title IV Aid When a Student Withdraws

The law specifies how Midwives College of Utah must determine the amount of Title IV program assistance that a student earns if the student withdraws from school, either voluntary or involuntary. The withdrawal date that is used in determining a student's refund or repayment will be defined as the actual date that the student begins the withdrawal process, or the student's last day of academically related activity, should the student leave the school without notification.

The U.S. Department of Education requires Midwives College of Utah to use the Return of Title IV Funds Policy for students who withdraw from school and who are receiving Federal Title IV student financial aid. Title IV funds refer to federal financial aid programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended). The Title IV programs that are covered by this law are: Federal Pell Grants, Iraq Afghanistan Service Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grants, National SMART Grants, Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs), and Federal Perkins Loans.

When a student withdraws during a payment period, the amount of Title IV program assistance that a student has earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If a student received (or MCU or parent received on student's behalf) less assistance than the amount that the student earned, the student may be able to receive those additional funds. If the student received more assistance than earned, the school and/or student must return the excess funds.

The Department of Education expects a student to “earn” the financial aid they receive. Students who receive federal aid in the form of a Federal Pell Grant, or Federal Stafford Student Loan(s) are expected to earn those funds by attending school and completing the time in the term for which they are paid.

The amount of assistance that a student has earned is determined on a pro rata basis. For example, if a student was scheduled to complete 30% of the student's payment period at the time the student withdrew, the student earns 30% of the assistance that the student was originally scheduled to receive. Once a student has completed more than 60% of the payment period, the student earns all the assistance that the student was scheduled to receive for that period. The percentage of the period completed is calculated as follows:

Number of calendar days completed in the periodTotal number of calendar days in the period

The completion date of the payment period must be projected based on the student’s progress as of the withdrawal date. In general, to calculate the number of days in the period, the following example applies.Example:Determine the percentage of credits earned:Number of credits completed (4)Number of credits in payment period (15) = Percentage of credits earned (.267)Determine the number of days in the period:Number of days attended (43)Percentage of credits earned (.267) = Number of days in the period (161)

If a student did not receive all of the funds that the student earned, the student may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. If the post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, the school must get the student's permission before it can disburse them. A student may choose to decline some or all of the loan funds so that the student does not incur additional debt. The school may automatically use all or a portion of a student's post-withdrawal disbursement (including loan funds, if the student accepts them) for tuition, fees and books/supplies. For all other school charges, the school needs the student's permission to use the post-withdrawal disbursement. If the student does not give permission, the student will be offered the funds. However, it may be in the student's best interest to allow the school to keep the funds to reduce the student's debt at the school.

There are some Title IV funds that a student is scheduled to receive that cannot be disbursed to the student once the student withdraws because of other eligibility requirements. For example, if the student is a first-time, first-year undergraduate student and the student has not completed the first 30 days of the student’s program before the student withdraws, the student will not receive any Direct Loan funds that the student would have received had the student remained enrolled past the 30th day.

If the student receives (or the school or parent receives on the student’s behalf) excess Title IV program funds that must be returned, the school must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of:

1. The student’s institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of the student’s funds, or2. The entire amount of excess funds.

The school must return this amount even if it didn’t keep this amount of the student’s Title IV program funds. If the school is not required to return all of the excess funds, the student must return the remaining amount. Any loan funds that the student must return, the student (or the student’s parent for a PLUS Loan) repay in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. That is, the student makes scheduled payments to the holder of the loan over a period of time.

Any amount of unearned grant funds that a student must return is called an overpayment. The amount of a grant overpayment that a student must repay is half of the grant funds a student received or was scheduled to receive. A student does not have to repay a grant overpayment if the original amount of the overpayment is $50 or less. A student must make arrangements with the school or the Department of Education to return the unearned grant funds.

The requirements for Title IV program funds when a student withdraws are separate from any refund policy that the school may have. Therefore, the student may still owe funds to the school to cover unpaid institutional charges. The school may also charge the student for any Title IV program funds that the school was required to return. A copy of the school’s refund policy is contained in the School Catalog.

Students who do not begin or stop attendance in a course may be subject to this policy, if not actively attending at least one other course. Students in this situation are required to confirm their written intent to attend the course scheduled later in the term. If a student provides written confirmation of the intent to attend but fails to attend, the student will be withdrawn as of the date of the last attendance. Students may change the date of their intent to return only when received by the College prior to the original return date.

Alcohol & Substance Abuse

MCU prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and/or alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities.

Standards of Conduct

Any MCU student who unlawfully possesses, uses or distributes illicit drugs and/or alcohol will be immediately expelled and referred for prosecution.

Any MCU employee who unlawfully possesses, uses or distributes illicit drugs and/or alcohol will be immediately terminated from employment and referred for prosecution.

Disqualification for FSA Funds

A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for FSA funds if the conviction was for an offense that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV aid. Length of ineligibility varies based upon whether the conviction was for a first or subsequent offense. If eligibility is lost, you will be notified as to the steps you can take to reestablish eligibility.

For more information, please refer to the latest edition of Federal Student Aid Handbook.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Penalties Under Utah Law

State penalties for violations of drug and alcohol abuse vary. For information see Utah State Courts Criminal Penalties at: http://www.utcourts.gov/howto/criminallaw/penalties.asp

Penalties Under Federal Law

The following are Federal penalties and sanctions for Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Additional penalties are imposed for trafficking.

• 21 U.S.C. 844(a). First conviction:

Up to one year imprisonment and fined at least $1,000 but not more than $100,000, or both.

After one prior drug conviction: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed two years and fined at least $2,500 but not more than $250,000, or both.

After two or more prior drug convictions: At least 90 days in prison, not to exceed three years and fined at least $5,000 but not more than $250,000, or both.

• Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine: Mandatory at least five years in prison, not to exceed 20 years and fined up to $250,000, or both, if:

1st conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds five grams.2nd crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds three grams.3rd or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds one gram.

• 21 U.S.C. 853(a)(2) and 881(a)(7). Forfeiture of personal real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if that offense is punishable by more than one year imprisonment. (See special sentencing provisions re: crack.)

• 21 U.S.C. 881(c)(4). Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance.

• 21 U.S.C. 844a. Civil fine of up to $10,000 (pending adoption of final regulations).

• 21 U.S.C. 853a. Denial of Federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, up to one year for first offense, up to five years for second and subsequent

offenses.

• 18 U.S.C. 922(g). Ineligible to receive or purchase a firearm.

• Miscellaneous. Revocation of certain Federal licenses and benefits, e.g., pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual Federal agencies.

What is a standard drink?

• One 12-ounce bottle of beer* or wine cooler • One 5-ounce glass of wine • 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits *Different beers have different alcohol content. Malt liquor has a

higher alcohol content than most beverages.

Are you drinking at risk?

• Men - more than 4 drinks a day or more than 14 drinks a week • Women - more than 3 drinks a day or more than 7 drinks a week (NIAA 2003)

Recognizing the signs of an alcohol problem

• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking? • Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? • Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking? • Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (as an "eye opener") to steady your nerves or get

rid of a hangover? If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, your drinking may be problematic and you should contact a local professional.

Drug Use and Abuse

The recreational use of drugs (legal and illegal) can result in negative consequences, from decreased productivity, to legal trouble, to physical addiction or death. We strive to provide information and resources for MCU students to be best informed about the choices they make. Knowing that you're checking a reputable source ensures you are making the most informed choices. Here are some well-researched resources:

• NIDA: Science Based Facts on Drugs

• MedlinePlus: Search OTC and Prescription Drugs

• Erowid: Non-Biased Psychoactive Drug Information

Additional Resources:

http://www.dol.gov/workingpartners/

This web page is intended to meet the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug- Free School and Communities Amendment of 1989. It is published for information purposes only. Any changes to the referenced policies, rules and regulations, and laws will apply on the effective date of those changes, both to present and prospective members of the faculty and staff.

Finding help at MCU

Sister Circles

Your Academic Coach is always there to help you find help.

Off-campus Resources:

• Bear River Health Department

The Bear River Health Department's Substance Abuse Division is dedicated to providing quality, affordable treatment programs for people struggling with drug and alcohol-related problems.

• Alcoholics Anonymous

Non-Discrimination Policies

Midwives College of Utah does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, nor creed. We are committed to providing the best education to all of our students. Furthermore, a reasonable accommodation will be provided to students with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.

United States of America

If you are a male, over the age of 18, you must register for Selective Service in order to receive Federal Student Aid. Please register here: http://www.sss.gov/default.htm

Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day) is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed on September 17, the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787. If September 17 does not fall on a weekday, it is then observed on the nearest weekday to it.