By The Feds

Every year, there are things that students need to do in order to maintain their financial aid. There are also things that students should not do, that could significantly impact their financial aid. So for those students out there, who are unsure about what to do in order to continue receiving financial aid, here is a list of financial aid DO’s and DON’Ts!

DO…

1. File your FAFSA by March 1 of every year!!

Be sure to use ALL of the correct information and double-check the student’s social security number. It is important to get your FAFSA in on time! If you send it in late, it may affect the financial aid that you receive.

2. Stop before you drop!

Come to the Financial Aid Office to talk with a counselor BEFORE you drop any classes. Withdrawals can affect your financial aid and SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress).

3. Let the office know of any changes!

Changes such as the amount of credits you are taking, your permanent address, if you are living on or off campus, any extenuating circumstances, etc. Be sure to notify the office as soon as possible, as certain changes may affect your financial aid.

4. Ask questions!

The Financial Aid Office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you have any pressing questions about your financial aid please stop by! We are located in Maxcy Hall, Room 118B.

5. Make sure you make the minimum requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)!

In order to maintain good SAP, you must satisfy certain requirements: for a full time day student you must complete 24 credits per academic year, maintain a certain cumulative GPA based on credits attempted and earn at least 67 percent of the credits you have attempted.

6. Review your Bursar’s Account balance!

Be sure to take out any additional loans or set up payment plans to cover the balance of tuition well before the start of the school year.

7. Know the deadlines!

Be aware of what is happening and when with financial aid by reading our newspaper articles, table top flyers, posters in the dorms and academic buildings, listening to our radio ads, visiting our Facebook. Also, READ the e-mails we send to your UNH e-mail address!

DON’T…

1.Wait or you’ll be late!

Make sure you complete and submit all of the necessary documents on time so that you can receive the most aid possible. The sooner you get it in, the better!

2. Forget to apply for outside scholarships!

Applying for outside scholarships is extremely important and can help ease the stress of paying for college if you receive them. There are two binders and a bulletin board FULL of outside scholarships for you to look through, located in the lobby of the Financial Aid Office. Be sure to let the Financial Aid Office know of any scholarships you receive.

3.Forget to complete the Entrance Counseling or the Master Promissory Note!

It’s quick and easy to fill out these forms, so get it done! Just go to www.studentloans.gov to complete both of these forms. Be sure you hit the “submit” button all the way at the end of each form.

4. Ignore your outstanding balance!

Be sure to learn how to use Epay, UNH’s online payment system. Check it often to make sure that you do not have an outstanding balance.

5. Forget to check NetPartner often!

NetPartner allows you to view your financial aid status, view any missing documents, view document descriptions, sign your award letter, and more! Freshmen will receive an e-mail when they are entered into the system to use NetPartner. The NetPartner website is http://netpartner.newhaven.edu/NetPartnerStudent/Logon.aspx .

6. Forget about the Student Success Center and the Center for Learning Resources!

They can help you with classes so that you meet the minimum GPA to receive financial aid. They’re here to help you succeed, so use them!

7. Pay for the FAFSA or scholarships!

It does not cost anything to file the FAFSA through www.fafsa.ed.gov, and it should not cost anything to apply for an outside scholarship. So if the site you’re on asks you for a payment, it is NOT a legitimate website.

If you follow this list of Financial Aid Do’s and Don’ts, you should not have any problems with your financial aid. It is important to keep yourself updated with information regarding financial aid by checking your e-mails, listening to our ads on the radio, along with keeping an eye out for flyers posted around campus, articles in the Charger Bulletin and updates on our Facebook page (University of New Haven-Financial Aid Office).

If you have any questions, please “DO” stop by the Financial Aid Office located in Maxcy Hall, Room 118B!