FINANCIAL AID PHILOSOPHY
Wittenberg University is committed to developing in harmony the intellectual, spiritual, social and physical qualities of its students. Financial aid funds along with all other resources of the University are used to support this fundamental commitment. Wittenberg invests its resources in students who have the potential to become a part of the creative minority of a civilization and make a positive contribution to society.
The University’s financial aid policies derive from its mission as a church related undergraduate liberal arts institution. In the allocation of financial aid the University gives preference to students who can contribute to and profit from this unique environment and who show promise of academic excellence. Past academic achievement may be rewarded without reference to a student’s financial resources.
Wittenberg also maintains a strong commitment to assist students with demonstrated need. Students of academic ability and motivation should not be deterred from sharing the Wittenberg experience solely on the basis of finances. At the same time the University assumes that students will pursue every avenue of support available to them and expects each family to share in the investment in education.
The student who accepts financial assistance also accepts certain responsibilities. The student must maintain the grade point average required by the terms of the scholarship or grant. The student must also act responsibly in the interests of the University community. Being placed on disciplinary probation for unacceptable behavior jeopardizes the portion of the student’s financial aid which is funded by Wittenberg.
Once an award is granted, the University accepts the responsibility to provide financial assistance throughout the student’s academic career at Wittenberg, if the student’s obligations are conscientiously fulfilled and financial need consistently exists.
FINANCIAL AID POLICIES
Selection of those applicants to whom aid will be offered, and the ratio of scholarship, grant, loan and work which make up the aid “package” shall be directed toward implementation of Wittenberg’s stated mission as set forth in the statement of philosophy governing student aid. Particular attention shall be given to enrollment of students with high scholastic aptitude, high motivation and good character. Attention also shall be given to the support of constituent relationships of the University, specifically, students who are Lutheran, who are related to alumni of the University, or who are residents of the Springfield-Clark County area. Emphasis on the liberal arts, a geographic and international diversity, a well-rounded campus community.and departmental balance, are additional factors to be considered in the awarding of financial aid.
With the exception of honorary scholarships, pastor-parent grants, and honor/special awards, all other forms of financial assistance shall be granted to student with demonstrated financial need in the context described in the paragraph above.
All need-based awards and some scholarships shall be awarded annually and renewed in similar amounts in succeeding years if the student meets the stated criteria and continues to show equivalent financial need. Applications and up-to-date financial statements must be filed each year. An annual review of the student’s circumstances, academic record and conduct in the community will determine the next year’s award offer, within the limits of available funds.
All forms of assistance from outside sources must be reported to the University.
Except in cases of honorary scholarships and honor/special awards, a portion of the University assistance to the student will normally be provided in the form of loan/work combination, the exact amount to be based on the level of need and related to the elements listed in the first paragraph of policy statements. Maximum effort will be made to incorporate student employment for all aid recipients, and to provide jobs which will serve a useful University function, meet an optimum portion of the student’s needs, and contribute toward the educational value of the student’s experience.
It shall also be an objective of University financial aid policy to allocate a portion of University aid funds for the support of international students.
Financial aid practices involving students participating in intercollegiate athletics will conform to the rules of the North Coast Athletic Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Ethical practices, conditions on restricted gifts, and all pertinent federal and state laws, regulations, rules and policies will be rigorously followed. The confidential nature of personal and family information will be protected.
All students will be provided a realistic statement of the total cost of attending the University.
The above policies will be implemented in any given year within the framework of available resources for student aid.
POLICY ON SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
In conformance with the context of Wittenberg’s “Financial Aid Philosophy” and “Policy Statement” adopted by the faculty and the Board of Directors in 1981, and the statement of the “Academic Standards Policy” published in the “Student Handbook” the following policy regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress shall be applied to eligibility for student financial aid.
To receive financial aid at the University, a traditional student must:
A complete Statement of Satisfactory Progress which meets federal and University requirements is available in the Financial Aid Office.
Eligibility for financial assistance from Wittenberg resources is limited to four academic years for traditional students. However, students can apply to receive 75-100% of Wittenberg aid for a fifth academic year by submitting a letter of appeal to the Director of Financial Aid.
Students may petition for special consideration due to extraordinary circumstances, such as verifiable illness or accident, by submitting a written detailed explanation to the Director of Financial Aid.
Grades and courses completed are reviewed at the end of each year. Some students with marginal records may have “conditional” tentative awards which are subject to review at the end of each semester.
Suspension from the University will result in automatic termination of all financial aid.
NOTIFICATION
The Financial Aid Office will notify, via e-mail, any student who has an adjustment in student aid. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO INFORM THE DEPARTMENT OF A CORRECT E-MAIL ADDRESS AT ALL TIMES.
REINSTATEMENT
After termination from aid, a student can be considered for financial aid only when the deficiency has been corrected.
APPEAL
A student may appeal the Financial Aid Probation/Suspension by writing to the Director of Financial Aid explaining why the Probation or Suspension should be changed.
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