+

++++++

+++

++++

++++

+++++

+++++

+++++

+++++

++++++

+++++++

+++++++

+++++++

+++++++

++++++++

++++++++

++++++++

+++++++++

+++++++++

+++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++

+++

++++

++++

+++++

+++++

+++++

+++++

++++++

+++++++

+++++++

+++++++

+++++++

++++++++

++++++++

++++++++

+++++++++

+++++++++

+++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

+++++++++++

++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

+++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

++++++++++

+++++++++

+++++++++

+++++++++

+++++++++

+++++++++

+++++++

+++++++

++++++

++++++

++++++

+++++

++++

++++

+++++++

2009-10 Financial Aid Application GuideFall 2009, Spring 2010, & Summer 2010

GatorAid

2 Gator Aid Application Guide

Office for StudentFinancial AffairsThe Office for Student Financial Affairs(SFA) is the financial aid office at theUniversity of Florida (UF). SFA providesfinancial aid advising and information aboutfinancial aid programs and the applicationprocess to students, prospective students,and their parents. Visit our lobby in S-107Criser Hall if you need assistance with anypart of the financial aid process. Office hoursare 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday throughFriday.

SFA also has satellite offices at the Colleges ofDentistry, Law, and Medicine, and at the HPNPBldg. for the Colleges of Public Health &Health Professions; Nursing; Pharmacy; &Veterinary Medicine. Students attending thesecolleges should contact the satellite offices.See “Addresses & Phone Numbers” on page12 of this guide.

EligibilityFor most financial aid programs at UF, youmust:1. Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent

resident alien.2. Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at

least half-time in a degree program. Forcomplete information on enrollment, goto:www.sfa.ufl.edu/receiving/enroll.html.

3. Make satisfactory academic progresstoward a degree. See UF's Financial AidAcademic Progress Requirements in theGator Aid Handbook and the SFA Web site:www.sfa.ufl.edu/receiving/academicprogress.html.

4. Register with the Selective ServiceAdministration, if required to do so.

5. Not be in default on a federal orinstitutional loan or owe a repayment ona previous financial aid award receivedat UF or other institution.

How To Apply 4-5

How Need is Determined/Other Aid & Summer Aid 6

Are You A . . . 7

Common Mistakes 8

Verification/Student Rights 9

Stay Connected at UF 10–11

Important Dates/Addresses & Phone Numbers 12

INFORMATIONinside2009-10 GATOR AID

Tuition/Fees* $4,100 $4,100 $4,100 $7,960Books and Supplies 990 990 990 990Computer Costs 1,040 1,040 1,040 1,040Housing 4,860 5,530 _____ 5,530Food 2,640 2,640 1,530 2,640Transportation 540 540 540 540Clothing Maintenance 650 650 650 650Personal/Health Insur. 1,630 1,630 1,630 1,630

Total Budget $16,450 $17,120 $10,480 $20,980

* Tuition/fee figures are projected estimates for 2009-10 for incoming freshmen and graduate studentsentering UF for the first time. Tuition/fees for continuing students may be lower. Out-of-stateundergraduates should add $19,370 to projected tuition/fees. Out-of-state graduate students shouldadd $16,640 to projected tuition/fees. Undergraduate tuition/fees listed are based on an average of 30credit hours of 0-4999 level courses. Graduate tuition/fees are based on 24 credit hours of 5000-9999level courses. Rates per credit hour and block fees include the student health fee.

All projected figures are subject to change.

UndergradOn

Campus

UndergradOff

Campus

UndergradLiving

at Home

GradOff

Campus

2009-10 University of Florida Estimated Costs of Attendance

for a Two-Semester Academic Year

2009-10TUITION/FEES

The final approved

tuition/fees for

2009-10 are not

available at the

time of printing. For

tuition and fee

information, go to

the University

Financial Services

student page at:

www.fa.ufl.edu/ufs.

University Financial

Services is located

in S-108 Criser Hall.

Grants are awards for students with thegreatest financial need; they do not have tobe repaid.

• Federal Pell Grants. The Federal PellGrant program is the largest federally fundedundergraduate grant program. Awards arebased on students’ enrollment status and theirexpected family contribution, as determinedby information they supply on the FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).Awards for students enrolled full-time rangefrom $400 to $4,731 per academic year.

• Federal Supplemental EducationalOpportunity Grant (FSEOG). FSEOG is afederally funded program awarded by SFA toundergraduates who demonstrate exceptionalfinancial need. Awards at UF generally rangefrom $100 to $2,000 per academic year.

• Federal Academic CompetitivenessGrant (ACG). ACG is a federally-fundedprogram awarded by SFA to undergraduateswho are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens,qualify for Pell Grant, and complete a rigoroushigh school program after January 1, 2005.Awards range from $200 to $1,350 peracademic year. Go to:www.studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/AcademicGrants.jsp.

• National Science & Mathematics Accessto Retain Talent (SMART) Grant. SMART is afederally funded grant program awarded bySFA to undergraduates in qualifying majorswho are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens,qualify for Pell Grant, and meet academicrequirements. Awards range up to $4,000 peracademic year. Go to:www.studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/SmartGrants.jsp.

• Teacher Education Assistance forCollege and Higher Education (TEACH)Grant. The TEACH Grant was created byfederal legislation to help students planningcareers as highly qualified full-time teachersin high-need subject areas in schoolsserving low-income students. Recipientscan receive up to $4,000 per year. Studentsmust sign a service agreement and complywith all teaching requirements in order toavoid repayment of this grant. For moreinformation, go to:www.studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/TEACH.jsp.

• Florida Student Assistance Grant(FSAG). FSAG is a need-based, state grantprogram for undergraduates attendingeligible Florida institutions. Recipients mustmeet Florida residency requirements for

student aid and be enrolledin eligible academic degreeprograms. Awards range from $200 to$1,856 per academic year.

• I. Douglas Turner Grant. The TurnerGrant is a UF-funded program awarded bySFA to undergraduates who demonstrateexceptional need. Awards generally rangefrom $100 to $6,500 per academic year.

• UF Graduate Grant. UF Graduate Grantsare UF-funded grants awarded by SFA tograduate students who demonstrateexceptional financial need. Awards rangefrom $100 to $2,000 per academic year.

Scholarships are awards, based on academicmerit or special criteria, that do not have tobe repaid. Financial need may also beconsidered. Students do not have to workor perform service to receive scholarships.

• Florida Bright Futures Scholarships. Thisprogram, awarded by the State of Florida,provides three awards: the Florida AcademicScholars Award, the Florida MedallionScholars Award, and the Florida Gold SealScholars Award. Each award hasdifferentacademic criteria for eligibility and provides adifferent award amount. The top-rankedscholar from each high school district alsoreceives the Florida Top Scholar’s Award,providing up to $1,500. Go to: www.sfa.ufl.edu/programs/brightfutures.html.

• Institutional Scholarships. A number ofprivately funded scholarships are availablethrough UF. These scholarships are awardedby SFA based on guidelines provided by thedonors, financial need, and merit. To receivefunds, students must enroll full-time.Scholarships generally range from $200 to$2,500 per academic year. Go to:www.sfa.ufl.edu/programs/sfascholarships.html.

Part-time student jobs through the followingprograms require an overall 2.0 grade pointaverage. Students usually work 10-20 hoursa week and earn at least minimum wage.

Student jobs fall into three categories:

• Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federallyfunded, need-based work program. Go to:www.jobs.ufl.edu.• Other Personnel Services (OPS) is aninstitutionally/state-funded program that isnot need-based. Go to: www.jobs.ufl.edu.

• Off-Campus jobs are through privateemployers. Go to: www.sfa.ufl.edu/job.html.

Most long-term student loans have lowinterest rates and offer deferred repayment. • Federal Direct Loan Program. Federal

Direct Loans include the Federal DirectStafford, Federal Direct UnsubsidizedStafford, Federal Direct PLUS, andFederal Direct Graduate PLUS programs.Subsidized Stafford Loans are need-based, federally subsidized loans with afixed interest rate of 5.6% forundergraduate students and 6.8% forgraduate students. Repayment is deferreduntil students graduate, withdraw, or enrollless than half-time. Interest is paid by thefederal government until six months afterstudents graduate, withdraw, or dropbelow half-time enrollment. An originationfee is charged at disbursement. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are notbased on need. “Unsubsidized” means theinterest is not deferred while in school.However, repayment may be deferred untilafter students graduate, withdraw, or enrollless than half-time. Unsubsidized loanshave a 6.8% fixed interest rate. Anorigination fee is charged at disbursement. Federal Direct PLUS Loans allow parentsof dependent undergraduates, as well asgraduate/professional students, to borrowup to the cost of education minus otherfinancial aid. There are no aggregate loanlimits. The program has a fixed interest rateof 7.9%. An origination fee is charged atdisbursement. Unless deferred, repaymentbegins 60 days after the loan is fullydisbursed. For complete information on Direct Loans,go to: www.ed.gov/DirectLoan/faq.html.

• Federal Perkins Loans. Perkins Loansare awarded by SFA to students with thegreatest financial need. Interest of 5%begins to accrue when the loan becomesdue after a nine-month grace period.

• University of Florida Long-Term Loans.SFA awards UF and/or private donor, need-based loans, such as the Student Aid forEducation Loan, the Cora B. Pilling Loan,the John G. and Fannie F. Ruge MemorialLoan, the Hart R. Stringfellow Loan, theMeril S. Beers Loan, and the Arthur L.Wallace Loan. Awards vary from $500 to$3,500 annually. Interest rates range from4% to 9%. These loans require co-signers.

2009-10 3

Financial Aid ProgramsGrants . . .

Employment . . .

Scholarships . . .

Financial aid is any grant, scholarship, part-time employment, or loan offeredfor the express purpose of helping students pay education-related expenses.This aid comes from various sources: the university, federal, state, or privateagencies. SFA offers one or more of the various types of aid as a “financialaid package” to students who apply on time and are found to be eligible.

Student Loans . . .

UF Federal School Code

1. 2.

4 Gator Aid Application Guide

HOW TO APPLY

3.

4.

001535

Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or after January 1, 2009. Apply each year–financial aid is not renewed automatically.

APPLY Online at: www.fafsa.ed.gov

• Go to FAFSA on the Web at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

• Request a federal PIN (see “Your Federal PIN,” page 5).

• Follow the instructions on the site. Be sure you read “BeforeBeginning a FAFSA.”

• Read “Common Mistakes on the FAFSA” on page 8 of thisApplication Guide.

• List “University of Florida” and the UF Federal School Code(001535) as a school choice in Step Six of the FAFSA.

• Sign your FAFSA. Students can sign the FAFSAelectronically using their federal PIN (see “Your FederalPIN,” page 5). Parents of dependent students can also sign electronically but must either request their own PINor print, sign, and mail the signature page to the processor.

• After applying, you can check the status of your applicationand/or make corrections online at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

OR, File a Paper FAFSA

To Get a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

• Request one from the Federal Student Aid Information Center at

1 (800) 433-3243; OR

• Download and print one from the Federal Student Aid Web site at:www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov.

Then:

• List “University of Florida” and the UF Federal School Code(001535) as a school choice in Step Six of the FAFSA.

• Read “Common Mistakes on the FAFSA” on page 8 of thisApplication Guide.

RENEW Your Application • YOU MUST REAPPLY FOR AID EACH YEAR. The FAFSA on the

Web has part of your information from the previous year alreadyfilled in to make the process easier. Go to: www.fafsa.ed.gov andselect “Filling out a FAFSA.”

You will receive a Federal Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor after you submit your FAFSA.

The SAR indicates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), whichis used to determine your eligibility for financial aid. It also listsinformation you recorded on your FAFSA, so you can check yourinformation for accuracy.

• If you provide your e-mail address on your FAFSA, you will get anonline SAR as soon as 24 hours after your FAFSA is processed. Ifno corrections are needed, keep the SAR with your financial aidrecords.

• If you want to be considered for aid at UF and UF is not listed inthe SAR’s “College Release Section,” you must call the federalprocessor at 1 (800) 433-3243. Or you can use your Federal PINto make a correction at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

• If your e-mail or mailing address changes, update it with thefederal processor to make sure you get your SAR, electronicPIN, Renewal Reminder, and other correspondence. You canmake these updates at www.fafsa.ed.gov or on your SAR.

Follow up on your application. It maybe selected for Verification/QualityAssurance.

• You are responsible for following up on your aid application.

• Check the status of your aid application and award on ISIS at:www.isis.ufl.edu (see page 10 of this guide).

• Do not wait until school begins to submit required documents. Askquestions if you are unsure about any part of the applicationprocess.

• If your application is selected for Verification or QualityAssurance, you will be required to provide verifyingdocumentation before aid can be disbursed to you (see“Verification/Quality Assurance,” page 9). Respond promptly torequests for information or documentation. Most forms for thisprocess are available to print from your “financial aid status”page on ISIS, or on SFA’s Web site (see page 10 of this guide).

You will receive a Notification ofFinancial Aid Award from us.

• When UF receives your application information from the federalprocessor and you have been admitted to UF, SFA will awardyou an aid package based on your eligibility.

• You will receive a Notification of Financial Aid Award by e-mailstating the terms and conditions of aid programs awarded toyou. Read it carefully, and follow any instructions that pertainto you.

Your Federal & State PINS

“Financial Aid Application Help

Sessions” are held each spring in

January and February. Students can

get individual help completing the

FAFSA online. All sessions are

open—no appointment is required.

In January, watch our Web site, the

Independent Florida Alligator, UF’s

Gator Times e-mail, or Student News

on my.UFL for times and locations.

2009-10 5

Change in Family CircumstancePetitions

Enter your CORRECT

Social Security No.on your FAFSA to get financial aid on time!

Estimating TaxesIf you haven’t filed your 2008 federal income tax forms when it is

time to apply for aid, report “estimated” 2008 income information onyour FAFSA. You must correct your FAFSA if the estimate differsfrom your actual income. Be sure to keep a copy of your tax

return and your W2s.

Your PINs are “Personal IdentificationNumbers” that function as electronicsignatures and IDs. You will haveseparate PINs for federal and state aid programs, so be sure to use the correctPIN. You will use your PINs year afteryear. Keep them in a safe place.

Your Federal PINYour federal PIN allows you access topersonal information in U.S. Departmentof Education (USDOE) systems whenapplying for federal student aid.

Use your Federal PIN to:(1) access FAFSA on the Web,(2) sign your FAFSA electronically or

obtain a copy of your FAFSAinformation,

(3) complete your federal student loan(Federal Direct and/or Perkins Loans)electronic Master Promissory Notes,

(4) make online FAFSA corrections, and(5) review your grant and loan history

on the National Student Loan DataSystem.

Request a Federal PIN, request areplacement PIN, or update your PINmailing address at the USDOE's PIN siteat: www.pin.ed.gov.

Your State of Florida PINIf you receive a Florida Bright Futuresaward from the State of Florida, you willalso receive a System ID and PersonalIdentification Number (PIN) withinstructions on how to access your BrightFutures record on the Web. Use these to: (1) view your State of Florida award,(2) update your information, (3) update your college choice, (4) view the amount disbursed each

semester, (5) monitor your hours remaining for the

year and for the scholarship, and (6) view a list of correspondence sent to

you by the Florida Bright FuturesProgram.

For questions on Florida programs, call: 1 (888) 827-2004. For information, go to:https://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org.

2009-10Application Help Sessions

Apply Weeks Ear lyto mee t the

March 15“ON-T IME”Dead l ine

• Submit your FAFSA to the federalprocessor as soon as possible AFTERJanuary 1.

• We must receive the results of yourFAFSA with a valid “Estimated FamilyContribution” from the federal needanalysis processor by March 15 for you tobe considered “on-time.”

• Apply several weeks before this date to besure the federal processor has time to sendus your results before the deadline. Financialaid is awarded first-come, first-served. Lateapplicants are considered for aid that remainswhen their application file is complete.

• Apply for financial aid at the same time, oreven before, you apply for admission.

If you/your family have extenuatingfinancial circumstances including theexamples below, check with yourfinancial aid adviser to see if this mightaffect your financial aid application. (1) Divorce of parents, or you from your

spouse.(2) Death of a major wage earner.(3) Loss of employment of a major wage

earner.(4) Loss of other income or benefits (such

as child support), by you, yourparents, or spouse.

Students petitioning financial aid awardsare strongly encouraged to do so fromMarch 1 through June 1.

Other Sources of Aid

The following are additional sources of aid other than SFA.Students who receive funds through these sources while alsoapplying for aid through SFA must notify us upon receipt of thisassistance.

• UF Admissions Office. The Admissions Office awardsacademic achievement scholarships, primarily to incomingfreshmen and transfers.

• Florida Prepaid College Plan. The Florida Prepaid CollegePlan allows parents, grandparents, and others to lock in thecost of college today. For more info, see our Web site, or thePrepaid Web site, at: www.floridaprepaidcollege.com.

• Individual UF Colleges. Aid available through individualcolleges within the university is listed in the Gator AidHandbook and on our Web site, at: www.sfa.ufl.edu.

• The State of Florida. The Florida Department of EducationOffice of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) sponsors manyprograms, such as the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, theFlorida Student Assistance Grant, the José Martí ScholarshipChallenge Grant, and the Rosewood Family Scholarship. Formore information, go to the OSFA Web site, at:www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org.

• Outside Scholarships/Loans. SFA includes a chapter on outside aid in our Gator AidHandbook and offers free scholarship searches and anelectronic scholarship bulletin board through our home page:www.sfa.ufl.edu/programs/otheraid.html.

Summer Attendance Requirement

An academic year at UF includes fall, spring, and summersemesters. Freshmen and sophomores entering the StateUniversity System must complete at least nine credit hours duringa summer session to graduate. For exemptions, go to:www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/policies/regulationgraduation.html.

SFA supports this requirement and will award summer money if:

(1) funds are available for summer awards after fall/springsemester needs have been met, OR

(2) a student chooses to use aid originally awarded for fall orspring term during the summer.

To apply forSummer2009financial aid:Use a 2008-09 FAFSA.

To apply forSummer2010financial aid:Use a 2009-10 FAFSA.

The financial information you and your familyprovide on your Free Application for FederalStudent Aid (FAFSA) is analyzed by the federalneed analysis processor using “FederalMethodology,” a standard formula establishedby the U.S. Congress. It is used by the federalprocessor to calculate expected familycontribution (EFC)—how much individualstudents and their families are expected to paytoward their educational expenses.

After analyzing your financial information, thefederal processor sends the results to theuniversity, indicating how much you and yourfamily should be able to pay toward youreducation. If the cost of attendance at UF isgreater than what the processor indicates youand your family should be able to pay, thenthe university considers you to have financialneed.

Cost of Attendance– Family Contribution

= Financial Need

Cost of Attendance includes tuition/fees,books and supplies, housing, food,transportation, clothing maintenance, andpersonal items/health insurance (see “2009-10Estimated Costs of Attendance” on page 2).

Expected Family Contribution consists ofexpected parental contribution and/orstudent contribution, depending upon thestudent’s classification as “dependent” or“independent.” Federal Methodology is usedby the federal processor to determine theamount of each applicant’s expected familycontribution. It takes into account the family’sincome and assets, employment costs, livingexpenses, taxes, family size, and the numberof family members in college.

Dependent vs.Independent The U.S. government has established criteriafor classifying financial aid applicants asdependent or independent.• If you are able to check “YES” to any item in

Step Three on the 2009-10 FAFSA, you areconsidered independent for financial aidpurposes. If classified independent, yourneed is evaluated on your own and, ifapplicable, your spouse's income andassets.

• If you are classified dependent, your ownassets and income are considered as wellas your parents' assets and income whenyour financial need is determined.

HOW YOUR NEED IS DETERMINED

6 Gator Aid Application Guide

OTHER AID & SUMMER AID

2009-10 7

ARE YOU A . . .Graduate Student?In addition to the Graduate Grant, graduate students may applyfor Federal Direct Stafford Loans, Federal Direct UnsubsidizedStafford Loans, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, and mostwork programs described in this Application Guide. Graduatestudents pursuing master's or doctoral degrees can also applyfor fellowships, assistantships, and other awards offered throughindividual colleges and the Graduate School. For these awards,students should apply through the dean's office of their collegeor department and check on their application deadlines.

Students applying for loans or work through SFA shouldunderstand that fellowships, fee waivers, and healthinsurance benefits must be included in aid packages.Students who accept an assistantship, fellowship or traineeshipmust receive Graduate School approval before accepting otheremployment.

You are responsible for notifying SFA of all assistance youreceive from any source. Receiving fellowships or feewaivers affects eligibility for aid through SFA.

Contact the Graduate School for more information aboutgraduate aid. The Office of Research, Technology, and GraduateEducation in 256 Grinter Hall maintains a comprehensive list ofprivate and outside scholarships and fellowships.

PostbaccalaureateStudent?Postbaccalaureate students must submit aFinancial Aid Academic Progress Petitionto SFA to have their postbaccalaureatestatus evaluated before their eligibility forfinancial aid can be determined. Financialaid eligibility is directly related to astudent’s degree-seeking status. Petitionsmay be downloaded from our Web site:www.sfa.ufl.edu/pub/forms.html.

Transfer student?Generally, financial aid cannot be transferred from one institution to another. In mostcases, you must reapply for aid. If you plan to transfer to UF:

1. Contact both SFA and the financial aid office at the institution you currently attendfor transfer policies.

2. When you receive your Federal Student Aid Report (SAR) from the processor, besure the University of Florida (Federal School Code 001535) is listed as a “School toReceive Results” of your FAFSA.

3. If you are receiving a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship or other aid program from theState of Florida, contact the Florida Department of Education in Tallahassee. Informthem that your school of record is UF.

4. If you are receiving a Federal Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan atyour current school, you must cancel that loan, reapply at SFA, and contact allyour previous lenders to update your enrollment status and new address.

Study AbroadStudent?Awards from federal aid programs are availableto students who participate in university-approved study abroad programs. Thereasonable costs of a Study Abroad program,rather than the university’s cost of attendance,can be used to determine students’ financialaid awards. Check with Student FinancialAffairs (SFA) in S-107 Criser Hall aboutprocedures to receive aid, includingscholarships.

Veteran?Veterans who are enrolled students canwork up to twenty-five hours per weektax-free through VA Work-Study.Veterans also are entitled to TutorialAssistance benefits, through whichthey are reimbursed for tutorialexpenses. Questions on VA benefitsshould be addressed to the VACoordinator in the UF Registrar'sOffice in Criser Hall.

Transient Student?UF degree-seeking students who do not enrollfor any UF courses and elect to attendanother school in the Florida State UniversitySystem for one term may be eligible to receiveaid from UF. Financial aid awarded at UF maybe processed and paid by UF upon receipt ofconsortium agreements and enrollmentcertifications from the host institution.Students wishing to receive financial aid as atransient student MUST see a financial aidadviser PRIOR to the term of non-UFattendance to see if they are eligible.

Student with a Disability?Student Financial Affairs (SFA) in S-107 Criser Hall and the Dean ofStudents Office (DSO) Disability Resource Center in 001 Reid Hall worktogether to assist students with disabilities. Criser and Peabody Hallsare wheelchair accessible. Students who need special help to apply foraid may contact SFA at (352) 392-1272 (V/TDD). When applying for aidthrough SFA, students with disabilities may qualify for an increase intheir educational budgets to cover disability-related expenses. Forfinancial aid purposes, undergraduates must be registered for at least12 credit hours per semester to be considered full-time. DSO helpsdetermine disability-related expenses not offered or provided by otheragencies. The Disability Resource Center’s phone numbers are: (352) 392-8565 (V); fax (352) 392-8570. For a TDD number call the Florida Relay Service (Dial 711; or 1 (800)955-8770 for voice assistance).

International Student?Students in the U.S. on an F1, F2, J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, or aG-series visa are not eligible to receive federal aid administered by SFA.These students, however, may be eligible for private or college-awardedscholarships administered by agencies other than our office. The UFInternational Center (UFIC) may be able to provide information on otherprograms available to international students. Go to: www.ufic.ufl.edu.

8 Gator Aid Application Guide

COMPLETING THE FAFSA COMMON MISTAKES

MARITAL STATUSAlso see “Adjusted Gross Income/ Income Tax Paid” on this page.

You must report marital status as of thedate you file the FAFSA for all individualsabout whom you give information. If youare not married as of the date you sign theFAFSA, check "unmarried," even if you planto marry during the award year. Intendedspouses cannot be included in householdsize, and this item cannot be updated afterfiling the FAFSA. If your natural motherand father are divorced and theresponsible parent has remarried, whenindicating the responsible parent’s maritalstatus, mark the box that says"married/remarried" and includeincome/asset information for both parentand stepparent.

NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERSIN HOUSEHOLD

Include only the number of people thatyou/your parents now support and forwhom you/your parents will continue toprovide more than 50% support betweenJuly 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010 (includingyour unborn child, if that child will be bornbefore or during the award year). Alsoinclude your parents’ other dependentchildren who will be attendingpostsecondary schools in 2009-10. Alwaysinclude yourself (the student).

NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERSIN COLLEGE

Include only household members who willattend college between July 1, 2009,and June 30, 2010 at least six credithours per term or 12 clock hours perweek. Students must be working toward adegree or certificate leading to a recognizededucational credential at a college eligibleto participate in federal student aidprograms. Do not include parentsattending college.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIALINFORMATION

Questions 46 & 94 of the FAFSA shouldbe answered when either you or yourparents have received an educationcredit, paid child support, or reportedany of the following as income: FederalWork-Study, scholarships, fellowshipsand/or grants, Hope and LifetimeLearning tax credits, or AmeriCorpsawards. Combat pay included in theAdjusted Gross Income is also reportedin this section.

UNTAXED INCOME

•Payments to tax-deferred pension andsavings plans.

•Untaxed portions of IRA and Keoghpayments, 401(k) and 403(b) plans.

•Child support received for all children[total amount of child support you/yourparent(s) received from Jan. 1, 2008, toDec. 31, 2008].

•Tax exempt interest income.•Untaxed portions of pensions (excluding

"rollovers," which must be identified assuch on the IRS return).

•Military/clergy housing, food, livingallowances.

•Cash support or any money paid on yourbehalf (includes rent/mortgage, tuition,insurance paid by someone other thanthe parent, if dependent).

•VA non-education benefits.

ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME/INCOME TAX PAID INFORMATION

•Use a completed 2008 tax return, if at allpossible, when completing the financialaid application.

•If your tax filing is delayed, estimate yourinformation to meet the “on-time” UF aiddeadline. If you estimate, be sure toupdate your application after your taxesare filed. Keep a photocopy of your taxreturn. You may be asked to provide acopy.

•When reporting U.S. taxes paid, do NOTreport the amount of tax “withheld” anddo NOT include self-employment taxes.

•If your responsible parent is remarried(even if they were not married in 2008),you must include your stepparent’sincome and asset information.

•If you/your parents are married and filedseparate income tax returns, incomeinformation from both tax returns mustbe combined and reported.

•If you/your parents are divorced,separated, or widowed, DO NOT includeinformation about your or your parent'sspouse. For further assistance, call us at(352) 392-1275.

ASSET INFORMATION

When answering questions pertaining toparent/student assets, you must report thenet worth of those assets as of the dateyou complete the FAFSA. These itemscannot be updated after filing the originalform. Do not include financial aid youreceived.

DRUG CONVICTION AFFECTINGELIGIBILITY

Students must answer the questionabout drug-related offenses. Do notleave it blank.

A drug-related conviction does notnecessarily mean you are ineligible foraid. For more information about the UF’spolicy on alcohol and other drug use, aswell as the federal policy on drugconvictions and financial aid eligibility,see “UF Drug-Free Schools Policy” onpage 11 of this guide.

Attention:Parents of Dependent StudentsParent(s) of dependent students MUSTprovide:• Social Security Number(s).• date(s) of birth.• last name and first initial.Not supplying a parent’s name, date ofbirth, or Social Security Number will causea student’s FAFSA to be rejected.

Pay special attention to FAFSA items in this sectionIn the 2009-10 school year, we will focus our verification efforts on the following itemsthat tend to be incorrectly reported on aid applications. You/your parents may beasked to document such items.

Do NOT submit copies of tax returns to Student Financial Affairs (SFA), unless werequest them. When you receive your Federal Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federalprocessor, disregard any comment that indicates that you have been selected for verification.We will notify you if you are selected for verification by our office.

You have the right to:• be informed of correct

procedures to apply for aid, cost of attendance, aidavailable, how financial need is determined, criteria forawarding aid, how academicprogress is determined, andwhat you must do tocontinue receiving aid.

• be informed of the typeand amount of yourassistance, how much of your need has been met,and how and when you will be paid.

• appeal financial aid office decisions about yourapplication.

• view the contents in your financial aid file, inaccordance with the Family Educational Rights andPrivacy Act.

• know the conditions of any loan that you accept.

• know the job description and pay rate for any jobthat you hold or for which you may apply.

2009-10 9

What Happens if YOUare Selected?Each year, about 30 percent of students’ financial aid applicationsnationwide are chosen for “verification,” a process of confirmingdata supplied by the applicant and/or parents on aid applications.Through its verification process, UF resolves discrepancies onstudents’ aid applications. UF’s participation in the Federal Quality Assurance Programallows us to establish verification criteria for UF and determinewhich student files must be verified. Because of this, you shoulddisregard any statement on your Federal Student Aid Reportthat you are being verified.

If your application is selected for verification or qualityassurance, or if there are discrepancies on your aidapplication information, you will receive an e-mail from usalerting you to check your financial aid status on ISIS atwww.isis.ufl.edu to determine what documents to provide.

Aid funds cannot be disbursed to you until you havesubmitted all requested documents and the accuracy of yourinformation has been checked. Do not submit anydocuments unless we request that you do so. This processcan take four weeks or longer.

Do• turn in all documents requested by SFA

as soon as possible.

• be sure all documents are signed.

• be sure your name and UFID and/or SocialSecurity number are on all documents you submit.

• keep photocopies of all information you submit and record the date you send in the documents.

• keep photocopies of tax returns and W-2s.

• call the IRS at 1 (800) 829-1040 if you need copies of your IRS forms.

Do Not• submit incomplete or illegible documents;

if you do, they will be returned to you with a request for acceptable forms, causing a delay in processing your aid.

• submit photocopies of income tax forms with information covered up by another form.

• submit any documentation unless requested by SFA.

• forget to sign your forms.

VERIFICATION/QUALITY ASSURANCE

STUDENTS’ RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Your responsibilities are to:• complete applications correctly and on time.

• read and understand all materials sent to you from SFA andother financial aid agencies or provided on the SFA Web site;keep copies of all forms and materials that you send in.

• know and comply with the rules governing aid you receive.

• provide all documentation and information requested by SFA.

• comply with the provisions of any promissory note and allother agreements you sign.

• register for the number of hours required for your aiddisbursement. For financial aid enrollment requirements, go to: www.sfa.ufl.edu/receiving/enroll.html.

• maintain satisfactory academic progress. Go to:www.sfa.ufl.edu/receiving/academicprogress.html.

• notify SFA of all resources not listed on your award letter.

• use aid only for expenses related to attending UF.

• check your GatorLink e-mail account for financial aid info.

• keep your e-mail and mailing addresses up to date with UF, as well as the state aid and federal aid processors.

10 Gator Aid Application Guide

STAY CONNECTED @ U F

Check Financial AidStatus/Disbursement InfoYou are responsible for keeping track ofyour financial aid file, before and after youreceive your award notice. On ISIS under“Financial Aid” for 2009-10, choose from:1. Aid Status for deferments, missing

documents, verification, financial aidacademic progress, etc.

2. Awards & Disbursements to review youraward; accept, cancel, or reduce work and loan awards; report additional aid.

3. Additional Aid Reporting to report aidnot listed on your aid award; you can alsodo this under “Awards & Disbursements.”

Complete Loan RequirementsYou are responsible for understanding andaccepting the terms of your loan.Borrowing money for college is a seriousfinancial obligation. It's important toremember when you borrow money forschool, you are making a legal and ethicalagreement to repay the loan.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans, GraduatePlus Loans, and Perkins Loans will only bedisbursed following the completion of aspecific set of requirements. Check ISISregularly to determine which of theserequirements apply to you.

Using ISIS, you can:

• Accept your loan • Complete Entrance or Exit counseling

• Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Sign Up for Direct Deposit To have your financial aid deposited directlyinto your checking account, go to my.UFL:choose “Financial Services,” then “StudentDirect Deposit.” For more information,contact University Financial Services in S-108 Criser or at (352) 392-0737.

Check your GatorLink e-mail daily forimportant financial aid correspondence.SFA uses e-mail as the primary way tocommunicate with financial aidapplicants and recipients. SFA alsogenerates e-mails directly from students’financial aid files to inform them ofrequirements they still must complete toreceive aid, including loans. Financial aide-mails often provide a link directly to ISIS.

GatorLink AccountsSFA sends business e-mails directly toyour GatorLink e-mail address. Makesure your GatorLink address is up to dateand correctly configured to receive UFbusiness correspondence. To check yourGatorLink configurations, go to:www.gatorlink.ufl.edu.

Use ISIS:

Students can conduct most UFbusiness through my.UFL.edu,including ISIS access, updating yourmailing address, applying for on-campus student jobs, and accessingGator Tickets for athletic events. Youcan also read daily UF announcementsunder Student News.

To access my.UFL, sign in using yourGatorLink username and password.

Update Your Mailing Address to Receive UF BusinessCorrespondence:Sign in with your GatorLink ID andpassword, choose “My Account,” then“Update My Directory Profile.”

my.UFL: the UF Web PortalYour UFID & GatorLinkYour UFID (University of Florida ID Number),assigned to you by the university, is yourprimary identifier for all your UF recordsand transactions. It is printed on your Gator 1ID card. You can also find out your UFID onlineat: www.it.ufl.edu/ufid.

You will use your UFID to conduct UFbusiness. For instance, you will use it inconjunction with your GatorLink ID and passwordto access my.UFL and ISIS. To get a GatorLinkaccount, go to: www.gatorlink.ufl.edu.

Your UFID vs. Your Social Security Number(SSN). Please note that when you apply forfinancial aid you will also be asked for your SSN.Your SSN does not function as an ID at UF;however, it is required by the federal governmentto process your financial aid application.

www.isis.ufl.edu

• Photocopies of your federal income taxreturn and W-2s.

• Photocopies or printouts of yourcompleted FAFSA.

• Your Federal Student Aid Report.• Borrower copy of promissory notes.

• Your Federal PIN.• This Gator Aid Application Guide.• Your State of Florida PIN and paperwork.• Photocopies of forms or information used

to complete your aid application and allcorrespondence with aid agencies.

Start a Financial Aid File—Keep:

SFA e-mail Correspondence

SFA Resource CenterSFA’s Resource Center in S-107 Criser Hall provides students help with researchingand applying for financial aid, including scholarships and part-time jobs. Studentscan access resources such as ISIS, FAFSA on the Web (U.S. Department ofEducation’s site), and free scholarship searches. The SFA Resource Center is openfrom 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

UF Student Jobswww.sfa.ufl.edu/job.html

UF Admissions Officewww.admissions.ufl.edu

UF Office of the University Registrarwww.registrar.ufl.edu

UF University Financial Serviceswww.fa.ufl.edu/ufs

UF Graduate Schoolgradschool.ufl.edu

UF College of Medicinewww.med.ufl.edu\

UF College of Lawwww.law.ufl.edu

ECSI (UF’s Perkins Loan Servicer)www.ecsi.net

Federal Student Aidwww.studentaid.ed.gov

Direct Loan Servicing Centerwww.dl.ed.gov

State of Florida Aid Programswww.floridastudentfinancialaid.org

Florida Prepaid College Planwww.floridaprepaidcollege.com

2009-10 11

Other Helpful Web Sites

Get financial aid program and applicationinformation; download the most recent issueof NEWS: Financial Aid for Gators; request aGator Aid: Financial Aid Application Guide;take Financial Aid 101, an online tutorialdesigned to take you through the applicationprocess; apply for a student job; and accessfree scholarship search services, frequentlyasked questions, and more at:www.sfa.ufl.edu.

Financial Aid 101SFA’s financial aid primer for incomingstudents, or continuing students, answersquestions such as how to keep track of youraid file and how Florida Bright Futures and

Florida Prepaid affect each other. Go to:www.sfa.ufl.edu/101/101.html.

Scholarship Finder/CaféSFA has a Scholarship Finder on ourhome page and a new Scholarship Cybercafé under development. Our sitealso links to free scholarship searchservices that provide personalized lists ofstudent aid from national, state, public,and private sources. Go to:www.sfa.ufl.edu/101/scholarshipfinder.htm.

SFA Forms on the WebOur site has forms often needed to

complete the application process at:www.sfa.ufl.edu/pub/index.html.A few examples are Federal Direct PLUSApplications, petitions, and verificationforms (before printing verification forms,check your “Aid Status” page on ISIS orcheck with your financial aid adviser).

PublicationsNeed more detailed information? You candownload our current brochures, guides,handbooks, newsletters, and more at:www.sfa.ufl.edu/pub/publications.html.

On SFA’s Web Site

ConfidentialityThe University of Florida ensures the confidentiality ofstudent records in accordance with State UniversitySystem rules, state statutes, and the Family EducationRights and Privacy Act of 1974, known as the BuckleyAmendment. Your family financial information and thetype and amount of your aid are held in confidence, andinformation is released only with your written consent.http://www.epic.org/privacy/education/ferpa.html

UF Drug-Free Schools PolicyA summary of UF policies on the use of alcohol andother drugs is provided to you through the Division ofStudent Affairs Web site in response to the Drug-FreeSchools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.http://www.ufsa.ufl.edu:16080/students/dfs.shtmlStill have a question? Come to our office in S-107 Criser

Hall, or call us at (352) 392-1275. For questions oncompleting the FAFSA, call the federal processor at 1 (800) 433-3243/(319) 337-5665.

University of Florida

Office for Student Financial Affairs (SFA)S-107 Criser HallP. O. Box 114025Gainesville, FL 32611-4025(352) 392-1275(352) 392-1272 (V/TDD)www.sfa.ufl.edu

SFA Satellite OfficesCollege of DentistryDental TowerD3-#17A, Health Sciences Center(352) 273-5999

College of Law164 Holland Hall(352) 273-0620

College of MedicineM-128 Health Sciences Center(352) 273-7939

Colleges of Public Health and HealthProfessions; Nursing; Pharmacy; &Veterinary MedicineG208 Student Services CenterHPNP Bldg., 101 Newell Drive(352) 273-6202

MBA Financial Aid OfficeP-102-I Peabody Hall(352) 392-1275, ext. 3386

U.S. Department of Education

Federal Student Aid (FSA) Programs(Federal student financial aid info; request a FAFSA; help filling out FAFSAs; questions on your application status; duplicate SARs)1 (800) 433-32431 (800) 730-8913 (TDD)www.studentaid.ed.gov

Direct Loan Servicing Center Borrower Services1 (800) 848-0979www.dl.ed.gov

Florida Department ofEducation

Office of Student FinancialAssistance1940 N. Monroe Street, Suite 70Tallahassee, FL 32303-4759(State student aid programs)1 (888) 827-2004www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org

12 Gator Aid Application Guide

&ADDRESSES PHONE NUMBERS

Hearing or speech-impaired studentscan call SFA’s phone line for studentswith disabilities: (352) 392-1272 (V/TDD).

Students trying to contact a UFagency that does not list a TDDnumber can call the Florida RelayService.

Dial 711, or 1 (800) 955-8771 (TDD)

1 (800) 955-8770 (Voice)

SFA’s Web site atwww.sfa.ufl.edu is screen-readerfriendly.This document isavailable on request inother formats. CallSFA’s phone line fordisabilities.

Financial aid applications are reviewed withoutregard to race, creed, color, religion, age,

disability, sexual orientation, sex, marital status,national origin, political opinions or affiliations,

or veteran status.

The Gator Aid Application Guide ispublished annually by the Office for

Student Financial Affairs,Publications & Information Office,

S-102-A Criser Hall.

Director: Karen FooksAssociate Director: Ron Anderson

Editor: Harry MonkhorstDesign: Katie Levy, Jordana Fyne,

Danny Aguilar, Heather Read

The Office for Student Financial Affairs hastaken care to ensure the accuracy and

timeliness of information in this applicationguide. However, contents are subject to

change without notice because ofchanging federal and state legislation. Allfinancial aid awards are contingent upon

availability of funds and subject to revision.

2009-10IMPORTANT DATESJanuary 1, 2009Apply now for aid for 2009-10

March 15, 2009“On-Time” UF Financial Aid ApplicationDeadline for 2009-10 aid

Apply weeks early to meet this deadline.The Office for Student Financial Affairs (SFA)must receive the results of your FAFSA with acalculated “Estimated Family Contribution”from the federal processor by this date foryou to be considered “on-time.” Financial aidis awarded first-come, first-served. Lateapplicants are considered for aid that remainsafter “on-time” applicants have beenawarded.

June 30, 2010Deadline to submit a FAFSA to apply forany federal aid program for 2009-10

Office for Student Financial Affairs • S-107 Criser Hall P. O. Box 114025 • Gainesville, FL 32611-4025

A Division of Student Affairs DepartmentEducating Leaders for a Global Community