Student Handbook

The following information is intended for all current and prospective students.

Note: Some of the documents are provided in Adobe Acrobat format. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print PDF files.

Student Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. An explanation of students’ rights under FERPA can be found in the University Catalog.

The University encourages all students who wish to be considered for Financial Assistance to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students eligible to participate in the Federal Student Assistance programs should be aware of the University’s and Federal Financial Aid policies, procedures, and other requirements for eligibility and participation.

Consumer Information from the U.S. Department of Education:

Many of the specific eligibility requirements to gain and retain Federal Aid eligibility is found in the publications provided by the U.S. Department of Education, and on their websites at:

www.studentLoans.gov
Funding Education Beyond High School 2009-2010.pdf
www.ed.gov
Funding Education Beyond High School 2010-2011.pdf
Como Costear Loa Estudios Postsecundarios 2009-2010.pdf

Additionally, the University makes many of these booklets, brochures, pamphlets, applications and other consumer information available at the Campus Financial Aid Offices.

Financial Aid Information – General:

The following information is provided to students to give them a general overview of the Student Financial Assistance available at Florida National University.

The University participates in the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV Federal Student Assistance Programs, the State of Florida Scholarship and Grant Programs. Programs include:

  • Pell Grants-Need Based Entitlement
  • Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant-Need Based
  • Federal Work-study-Need Based
  • Direct Loan – Need and Non-Need Based
  • Plus Loan
  • State Scholarships
  • State Grants-Need Based
  • Institutional Scholarships
  • Perkins Loan
  • Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

Students interested in any financial assistance at the University should complete the FAFSA each year, and provide the University with all requested supplemental documentation within four weeks upon request. Eligibility for Financial Assistance varies, based on the type of aid provided. The Federal and State Financial assistance eligibility requirements are regulated by these respective entities, with specifics found on their websites. The requirements and regulations for Federal Financial Aid can be found on the websites shown above. Eligibility requirements to participate in the State of Florida Scholarships can be found at http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org. The University distributes Financial Assistance to students based on a combination of factors, which include, student’s financial need, availability of funds, timing of the application, compliance with satisfactory progress standards, and enrollment status and other factors on an individual basis. See the Campus Financial Aid Office for additional requirements.

Students have the right to appeal the University’s decision to withhold Federal Funds. The student may secure an appeal by writing a letter to the Director of Financial Aid. Additionally the student must provide supporting documentation all decision will be send to the student in writing. See the Campus Financial Aid Office for additional details.

Financial Aid will be disbursed to students, at the beginning of each term. Thereafter, the University disburses on a weekly basis, except during periods on non-enrollment, and recess periods. See the Campus Financial Aid Office for additional details.

Students interested in applying for Federal Loans are required to complete a Master Promissory Note. The student will be required to attend a Loan Entrance Interview session prior to the Loan being processed. At the Loan Entrance Counseling, the student will be advised of the financial obligation they are making, and that the loan must be repaid, when, the interest rate, and other options they have regarding repayment, deferments, and consequences of defaulted loans. Students who discontinue enrollment, graduate, or drop below one-half time enrollment, status are required to attend a Loan Exit Conference. This conference is designed to assist the student in understanding the consequences of being out of a deferred status, and that repayment will ensue, unless the student return to a deferred status (enrolled at least one-half time in a eligible program). Both the Entrance and Exit Interview are documented in writing, and requires the student’s signature (when available).

Return of Title IV Funds.

Student Financial Assistance Programs requires the University to Return Federal Funds for students who fail to earn the full amount disbursed, due to early and complete withdrawal, or when students fail to attend classes for which they register. When either of these situations occurs, the University is required to perform calculations to determine the amount of funds earned by the student, and the amount to be returned to the Department of Education, or to the Lender. Once the calculations are made, the University returns a portion of the unearned funds it received on behalf of the student, and also returns the student’s portion as well. The order of Title IV Funds returned, calculated by the University is as follows:

  • Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans or Direct Loan
  • Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans or Direct Loan
  • Perkins Loans
  • Federal PLUS Loans
  • ACG
  • Federal Pell Grants
  • Federal SEOG

The University will notify the student when a Return is performed, and depending on the amount being returned, the student may be billed for any outstanding obligations created by the student for failing to earn Title IV Funds, for which Federal Funds were disbursed. Additional information regarding the Return of Title IV Funds process should be addressed with the Campus Financial Aid Office. The specific amounts calculated for return, under this procedure, should be addressed with the Bursar’s Office.

General Information about Florida National University:

General Information about the Institution is available on the University’s Website and College’s Catalog. Additionally, information about the University will be made available to students, upon request, or will be facilitated by the Office of the Dean on each campus. Institutional information available to students includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Accrediting bodies, agencies, and associations the University is affiliated – University Catalog
  • Information regarding special facilities available to disabled students – University Catalog
  • Cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, books, and other educational costs – Financial Aid Office.
  • Degree programs, training, and other educational related programs – Registrar, Academic Advisement offices, and Admission’s Office.
  • The availability of the GED program for admissions purposes – Office of Student Service.
  • Availability of instructional, labs, and other academically related facilities- Dean’s office
  • List of faculty and other instructional personnel – VP of Academic Dean office
  • Contact information for financial assistance, and for general information- Financial Aid Office
  • Student refund policy – Universities Catalog
  • Tuition and Fees and Cost of Attendance (pdf)
  • Requirements and procedures to officially withdraw from the University- Registrar office

For more details regarding the University, its mission, academic programs, and services, please visit the FNU website. Further, the Office of the Student Services, on each campus, can also assist you in obtaining the requested information.

Voter Registration Information

Florida National University encourages all students who are at least 18 years of age and US citizens to participate in the electoral process. You must be a registered voter in order to cast a ballot in General Elections. Voter registration forms are available in all campus in the Student Services Office and from the Florida Division of Elections http://election.dos.state.fl.us/.