What is the Registrar’s Office?
The Registrar’s Office is the keeper of a student’s academic record. The Registrar’s Office is responsible for student scheduling, processing grades, final graduation clearance, verification of enrollment and degrees, processing transcript requests, transfer credit evaluations, and administering academic policies.
How do I get my class schedule? Can I make changes? How do I make changes?
Your first semester schedule will be prepared by the Registrar’s Office. (If you will be attending the Clearfield campus, your first semester schedule will be prepared by the staff there.)
Changes can be made during the first week of classes, not before.
Changes are made using web registration. (See Student Information System below)
If you attend summer orientation, you may receive a copy of what appears to be your first semester schedule. Please note that the schedule you receive at that time is not your final schedule. The Registrar’s Office (or Clearfield Office) may continue to make changes until the start of the semester. Please do not call the Registrar’s Office (or Clearfield Office) about your schedule as personal requests for changes cannot be accommodated.
How do I schedule classes next semester?
You will meet with your academic advisor in late October or early November to discuss next semester’s schedule. You will register for classes using web registration.
Information about registration will be sent to your LHU email account
When does the semester begin? Where can I find the semester calendar?
Classes begin Monday, August 29.
The academic calendar is available on the web at http://www.lhup.edu/academic/acad_affairs/academic_calendars.htm.
Do I have to take any placement exams? How do I do that?
You are required to take a math placement exam. Instructions are available at http://www.lhup.edu/math/math_placement_required.htm if you want to begin to prepare. You will be receiving information about this in the mail; so please read it and carefully follow the steps.
I chose a major when I applied, but now I want to change it. How do I do that?
You may request to change your major until August 1 through the Office of Admissions by emailing admissions@lhup.edu.
After that date, you will need to wait until the semester begins to change your major. At that time you will need to complete a change of major form.
What is an academic advisor and how will I get one?
An academic advisor is a faculty member in your chosen major who will guide you through your academic career at LHU. He/she will assist in course selection, discuss career options, as well as provide help and guidance when you have questions.
An advisor will be automatically assigned to you. You can locate your academic advisor by accessing the Student Information System and choosing ‘Biographical’. Please note that some advisors may not be assigned until the first week of classes. If you do not have an advisor, you may contact the department chairperson of your major.
How do I know what books are required for my classes? Do I have to buy them from the University Bookstore? When should I buy my books?
Some faculty will post their required books on the web. You will be able to see this information when you view your class schedule on the Student Information System. If no book is listed, that does not mean there is no required book. The Bookstore will have book information. (Clearfield campus students may visit the Clearfield campus bookstore’s website, http://www.lhup.edu/clearfield/main/bookstore.html).
You are not required to purchase books from the University Bookstore. Some students purchase books online or at other locations.
While it is best to wait until after the first class meeting to obtain your books so that you are sure of getting the correct book, you may want to purchase them before the first class meeting. Just be sure of the vendor’s refund/return policy so that you are able to return if necessary.
I will be a commuter, how do I get a parking pass?
Information about campus parking is available at http://www.lhup.edu/parking/.
Clearfield campus students may refer to http://www.lhup.edu/clearfield/main/parking.html for information about campus parking.
How do I get my student ID card?
Student ID cards are available at the Parson’s Union Building, lower level, after August 18.
Clearfield campus students may refer to http://www.lhup.edu/clearfield/main/parking.html for information about ID cards
When will I receive my fall semester bill?
Your fall semester bill will be mailed from the University in mid to late-July.
Bills must be paid by the due date indicated on the billing statement.
The Registrar's Office is responsible for student scheduling and registration, processing grades, graduation clearance, verifying enrollment and degrees, maintaining the student's official academic record, processing transcript requests, transfer credit evaluations, and administering academic policies.
Many forms needed throughout your academic career can be found at the Registrar’s Office website.
Lock Haven University email account-
Each student is assigned an @lhup.edu email account. This account is to be used for university business. Many offices will only correspond with students using this email account. It is important that you set up your account and check it. You may receive information at this account prior to your starting at LHU which will not apply to you. However, closer to the time the semester begins, you should pay close attention to messages received at this account.
If you have not already received information about setting up your email account, it should be arriving in your mail within the next couple of weeks.
Student Information System (SIS)-
This provides online access to your information as a student. It includes academic information such as grades (midterm low grades and final grades), a degree audit (checklist of courses required for your major and what you have completed), class schedule, registration, transfer course evaluation (if applicable), biographical information, and financial aid information.
To access the SIS, go to www.lhup.edu/registrar/registration/index.html and click on "student log-in." You will need your student ID number and your password to access the SIS. You should change your initial password the first time your log on to ensure others do not have access to your information. If you have not already received information about accessing the SIS, it should be arriving via mail within the next few weeks.
How to verify enrollment for insurance, deferments, etc.
The Student Financial Services (SFS) Office strives to provide excellent service to students and families in following areas: financial aid; student and parent loans; VA education benefits; billing; refunds; and financial counseling. Our overall mission is to support the University’s goal of attracting and retaining quality students. Through creativity, productivity, efficiency, and accuracy, we endeavor to be looked upon by our many stakeholders as fundamental to the success of our students and, ultimately, the university.
Student Financial Services (SFS) has two main service functions:
1.) Financial Aid- The SFS staff evaluates student FAFSAs (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and determines eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs, including loans.
2.) Student Accounts-SFS prepares and distributes bills for tuition, fees, room, and board. This office accepts payments, offers a third-party monthly payment plan, disburses financial aid, and issues refunds.
1. Financial Aid
How can I pay for a college education?
This is a question many students and parents ask themselves, especially when they consider that earning an undergraduate degree typically requires four years of study.
Here at Lock Haven University, we are committed to providing everyone with an opportunity to receive an excellent education . . . without regard to a family's financial status. We fulfill this commitment by answering your questions and guiding you through financial aid applications, by coordinating and allotting scholarship and other aid programs, and by providing Federal Work Study and campus employment opportunities. The commitment is strong: approximately $40 million is awarded through the various programs annually.
About 80% of our students receive some form of financial aid. We understand that without it, many students simply couldn't afford an education. We also know that the entire financial aid application process can seem confusing. Within these pages, we have covered the most common areas of questions and concern.
What types of financial aid are available at Lock Haven University?
As a student at LHU, you may qualify for federal and state financial aid including the: Federal Pell Grant; Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG); National SMART Grant; Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG); Federal TEACH Grant; Pennsylvania State Grant; Federal Work Study Program; Federal Perkins Loan; Federal Direct Stafford Loan; and Federal Direct PLUS Loan.
Is it possible to receive financial aid for distance education?
Yes. In general, the same type of federal and state financial aid available to students taking traditional, classroom courses is available to students taking online courses. All students must be degree-seeking, academically eligible, and for most financial aid programs, enrolled at least half-time. Federal Pell Grants may be available to eligible undergraduate students enrolled less than half-time. Financial aid packages for undergraduate students may consist of grants, work study, and loans, while most aid for graduate students comes from federal loan sources.
Important Note for Undergraduate Students Enrolled in Online Programs (e.g. RN to BSN program)--LHU students enrolled in online, undergraduate degree programs do not qualify for Pennsylvania (PA) State Grants administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). PHEAA requires that at least 50 percent of an online program’s course requirements be completed through traditional, classroom instruction in order for students in those programs to receive state grant funding. For example, students enrolled in LHU’s RN to BSN program do not qualify for PA State Grant because all courses required for that program are delivered online.
How do I know if it is worth applying for financial aid?
Unfortunately, that's not an easy question to answer. Because many factors (e.g. household size, number of family members in college, income, certain assets, etc.) are considered in the determination of your eligibility for financial aid, it is difficult to estimate your eligibility based on income alone. The Student Financial Services Office recommends that every student apply for financial aid at least once to have his or her eligibility reviewed. Keep in mind that, in general, any accepted student is eligible for some type of financial assistance (e.g. Federal Stafford Loans) regardless of his or her calculated financial need.
How do I apply for Financial Aid?
To apply for both federal and state financial aid programs, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov . More information about the LHU financial aid application process can be found via the LHU home page at www.lhup.edu/financial-services .
The FAFSA asks for Lock Haven University’s Federal School Code. What is it?
Lock Haven University’s Federal School Code is 003323
What are the application deadlines or suggested completion dates for the filing of a FAFSA?
Students are able to complete the FAFSA beginning January 1 st of the year they will enroll in college (e.g. January 1, 2010 for the 2010-2011 academic year). The Student Financial Services Office recommends that students complete the FAFSA each yearby March 15 th. Late applicants will be considered on a fundsavailable basis.
My parent(s) can’t help me with college expenses. Does that mean I’ll receive more money?
Financial aid programs are based on the belief that students (and their parents or spouses, if applicable) have primary responsibility for paying their educational expenses. If you are a dependent student, your parent’s inability to assist you with expenses should be evident from the information you and your parent provide on the FAFSA form. Although it may mean a significantly increased amount of debt, which should be carefully considered, most students can cover their educational expenses with the help of available financial aid programs.
Does applying as an independent student increase my financial aid eligibility?
The financial aid eligibility of an independent student is determined solely from a review of his or her own (and spouse’s, if applicable) information as reported on the FAFSA. It is important to note that a student cannot simply decide to file as an independent student. He or she must meet one of the criteria for financial aid purposes to be considered independent. For the 2011-2012 academic year, you are independent for financial aid purposes if at least one of the following applies:
You were born before January 1, 1988 ( for the 2011-2012 academic year);
you’re enrolled in a graduate or professional educational program (beyond a bachelor’s degree);
you’re married;
you're currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training;
you’re a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces;
you have children for whom you will provide more than half support from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012;
you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) for whom you provide more than half support, now and through June 30, 2012.
at any time since you turned age 13, both your parents were deceased, you were in foster care OR you were a dependent or ward of the court;
you are or were an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence;
you are or were in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence;
at any time on or after July 1, 2010, your high school or school district homeless liaison determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless;
at any time on or after July 1, 2010, the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless.
at any time on or after July 1, 2010, the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless.
Note : If you have unusual circumstances that you feel make you independent even though none of the above criteria applies to you, please contact the Student Financial Services Office to discuss your situation.
I was selected for federal verification. What does that mean?
Verification is a process the Department of Education uses to make sure that the information reported on the FAFSA is accurate and true. Some FAFSA applications are selected because of inconsistent information and others are chosen at random. For applications that are selected, the Student Financial Services Office requests copies of student's and parents' (if dependent) federal tax returns and W-2s as well as completion of a verification form. The Student Financial Services Office then compares information on the tax returns and other documents to the FAFSA and corrects any errors. The student is notified of any corrections made and the effect the changes have had on his or her aid eligibility. For more information about verification, click here.
Our family has special circumstances (e.g. recent loss or reduction of income, considerable un-reimbursed medical or dental expenses, etc.). Can the SFS Office consider these circumstances when reviewing my eligibility for financial aid?
Please contact the Student Financial Services Office to discuss any special circumstances you feel might affect the amount you and your family can contribute toward your educational expenses. A staff member will determine whether your eligibility for financial aid can be reevaluated due to your family’s special circumstances.
When will I know how much financial aid I am eligible to receive?
The Student Financial Services Office begins sending Financial Aid Award Letters to new freshmen and transfer students in March. Most new freshmen receive their Financial Aid Award Letters by the end of May. Transfer students are awarded once they pay their admission deposit and after LHU receives and evaluates their final college transcripts.
What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans?
Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans are need-based loans available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time. The government pays the interest to the lender on behalf of qualified borrowers for as long as students are enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program and for six months thereafter, at which time repayment of the principal and interest must begin. Payment is deferred if the student returns to school.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are non-need-based loans available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time. The government does not pay the interest to lenders on behalf of the borrowers. Repayment of the interest is the student's responsibility from the date the loan is disbursed and may be paid or capitalized (added) to the principal balance of the loan. Repayment of principal does not begin until six months after the student drops below half-time. Payment is deferred if the student returns to school.
In addition, interest rates on subsidized and unsubsidized loans may vary.
I don't need the entire Federal Direct Stafford (or Direct PLUS) Loan amount that's been approved. How can I reduce the loan amount?
Student and parent borrowers may reduce or cancel their approved loans by completing a Loan Change/Cancellation Form .
I received a Financial Aid Award Letter, but need more money than I’ve been offered. What else is available?
The Student Financial Services Office provides information about educational loan programs and payment options with each Financial Aid Award Letter.
If you're considering an educational loan like a parent PLUS or alternative loan, please apply early. The Student Financial Services Office will process your loan and other financial aid applications as quickly as possible. These processes, from the time of application to the disbursement of those funds, normally take at least 14 to 21 business days. During peak processing periods, they may take longer. Here are some things you can do to help.
Apply early to allow sufficient time for the processing of your application. Even with today's technology, the fact is that the processing of most financial aid and loan applications takes time. Apply for parent PLUS and/or Alternative Loans at least 4 to 6 weeks before those funds are needed to pay educational expenses.
Respond in a timely manner to any requests for additional information (i.e. proof of income, etc.) that you receive from SFS and/or your lender.
Be patient. It takes time for our staff to process the large volume of applications received. Periodically checking on the status of your application is a good idea. You may call us at 570-484-2344, email us at sfs@lhup.edu , or stop by the office, 123 Russell Hall, to inquire during office hours.
Where can I find a list of all my student loans?
You can find information about your federal (i.e. Title IV) student loans by logging into the National Student Loan Data System at nslds.ed.gov. You may use the web site to make inquiries about your federal loans (e.g. Stafford, Perkins) and/or federal grants (e.g. Pell). You can also find information on loan and/or grant amounts, outstanding balances, loan statuses, and disbursements. In addition, the site lists the names your loan servicers and organizations that send bills, collect loan payments, process requests for deferment of payment, etc. At this time, there is no single web site where you can obtain information on all your private, alternative loans. However, information about those loans may be reflected on your credit report .
What is an overaward?
Federal and state regulations require SFS to consider all sources of financial assistance when awarding aid. Those sources include things like scholarships (LHU or private), athletic grants, tuition waivers, VA education benefits, and alternative loans. If your Financial Aid Award Letter did not include all of the assistance you are receiving, chances are SFS was not aware of all your awards when your financial aid was packaged. The addition of other aid sources may cause an overaward, which means that SFS may have to reduce one or more of your awards. For example, if SFS awarded you your maximum eligibility of $17,700 in financial aid, and then you receive a $2000 scholarship, SFS may be required to reduce the aid awarded by $2,000 to keep you within the $17,700 limit. You can help prevent an overaward by informing SFS of all sources of financial assistance as soon as you know about them.
Where can I get information about scholarships?
Information regarding scholarship opportunities for incoming freshman is available online at www.lhup.edu/admissions/scholarships/
Other possible sources of scholarship information include: your high school guidance office; libraries; employers; unions; churches; civic organizations; chambers of commerce; and the internet. The following web sites provide financial aid and/or scholarship information: www.fastweb.com , www.brokescholar.com , www.collegenet.com , www.collegeboard.org , www.finaid.org , www.student aid.ed.gov; and www.pheaa.org .
When will I receive the fall semester bill?
You will receive the fall semester bill from the Student Financial Services Office by the end of July. All awarded federal and state financial aid will be listed on the bill and deducted from your fall semester charges. If any of your federal, state, or other financial aid is not listed on your bill, please contact the Student Financial Services Office for assistance. Please note that Federal Work Study will not be listed on the bill. Students employed under the Federal Work Study Program receive bi-weekly paychecks for wages earned. Additional billing information can be found at www.lhup.edu/financial-services/date-tables.htm.
Does Lock Haven University offer a payment plan?
Yes, LHU offers a very affordable monthly payment plan, which is administered by Tuition Management Systems (TMS). Information about the TMS payment plan is available online at www.afford.com/lhup .
The amount of financial aid I’m receiving exceeds my bill. Can I use my refund to buy my books?
Financial aid refunds may be used for any educational expenses a student incurs, including books. Keep in mind, however, that the Student Financial Services Office cannot guarantee that your refund will be available in time for you to buy your books. Therefore, you should plan to use other funds to buy your books. In general, students spend $400-550 per semester on books and supplies.
I’d like to work on campus. How do I find out about jobs?
The LHU Career Services Office posts job openings at www.lhup.edu/career/oncampuslocalemployment.htm . Student employment forms are available online at www.lhup.edu/studentemployment .
For information about jobs available through the Parsons Union Building (PUB) or Bentley Dining Hall (i.e. Food Service), inquire directly at those locations.
SFS Tools and Helpers
Visit the following site to find lots of great tools and helpers to assist you with paying for college. www.lhup.edu/financial-services/tools-helpers.htm
2. Billing
Student Financial Services (SFS) issues bills to students for each term in which they are enrolled. Most bills are mailed to the student’s permanent address. However, bills for International Students are sent to their LHU email address. Students can also obtain a bill by contacting SFS or by viewing their charges on the Student Information System via the LHU website as you would to view your class schedule. It is the student’s responsibility to contact SFS if he does not receive a bill or if he makes changes that affect his student account balance after he is billed. The student bill includes charges for tuition, fees, housing and meal plans. Tuition and fees are based upon the number of credits for which the student is registered. Charges for any changes made after the semester has begun are due immediately.
To view a sample student bill, click here .
Billing dates for all enrollment terms can be found by clicking here . To avoid a late fee and a hold on a future class registration, please pay any balance due by the bill due date. Not receiving a bill does not negate the obligation to pay, nor does it extend the due date.
Payment Options:
Full Payment
Payment of the full balance due by the due date printed on the bill.
TMS Monthly Payment Plan
Tuition Management Systems/Monthly Payment Plan (TMS) participants receive a student bill, which includes the Fall portion of the payment plan budget subtracted from the total charges. Any balance due indicates that your account is under budget. You will need to pay the balance due to LHU or increase your payments with TMS. Any credit balance (negative amount) due indicates that you are over budget. In this case you may lower your payments with TMS or receive a refund check from LHU at the end of the plan in May.
Please contact TMS to make budget adjustments. Any questions regarding your budget under the TMS Payment Plan should be directed to (888) 285-3052 or online at www.afford.com/lhup
Sending your payment
Please use the envelope provided to send your payment. The return envelope shows a Cleveland Post Office Box. This is the correct address. Please use this envelope for mailing all payments with a bill stub.
Please send all other correspondence including scholarship information and payments without a bill stub to:
Lock Haven University
Student Financial Services
118 Russell Hall
Lock Haven, PA 17745
Making your payment online
To make a payment online via MasterCard, Discover Card, or electronic check (eCheck), log into the Student Information System as you would to view your class schedule. Then click on the Student Payments link on the left side of the screen. The rest is easy; simply follow the instructions. Visa is not accepted.
Financial aid awarded
Financial aid awards that have been finalized or received by SFS by the billing date will be reflected on the bill. Students who are anticipating other financial assistance not listed on their bill (e.g. outside scholarship), should submit documentation of the award to SFS. In addition, students must notify SFS if they will be using their TAP account and must provide supporting documentation. If a Federal Stafford Loan has been awarded to a student, the bill will reflect the amount awarded. If the bill does not list a Stafford Loan, and the student intends to borrow, the student should contact SFS. A student can view their financial aid on the web by logging into the Student Information System as you would to view your class schedule.
Items not reflected on the bill
When you receive a bill, which you believe will be covered by financial aid but the aid is not reflected on the bill, follow these steps:
- List the financial aid award(s) on the top portion of this bill and deduct the amount(s) from the balance due. Provide proof of the award (e.g. copy of your Financial Aid Award Notice, loan approval, athletic grant contract, scholarship notification). Return the top portion with payment for any balance due by the due date on the bill.
- If the amount of your financial aid exceeds your charges, list your financial aid and return the top portion of the bill. Student Financial Services will process your financial aid, and refunds are available after the semester begins once the financial aid has been received and credited to your student account.
- If you are a LHU Athletic Award recipient, list and deduct the amount of your award. The award will not be posted to your account until the scholarship is received from the Athletic Department.
Late payment fee
All payments being mailed must be received and posted by SFS prior to each due date. Accounts that do not meet payment deadlines will be assessed a $50 late payment fee. Therefore, it is important to allow sufficient time for your payment to be received and posted by our office. Because of potential delays in the U.S. mail, we encourage all students to pay electronically.
Disputing a late fee
All late fee disputes must be submitted in writing to the SFS office within the enrollment term of the late fee assessment. Late fee disputes will be reviewed and a decision will be made within 30 days, at which time the student will be notified in writing via his/her LHU email account. Late fee disputes will only be reviewed if a written petition has been filed and the account has been paid in full. The petition must be submitted by the student and should include the student’s name and ID number, the term the late fee was charged, and the circumstances to be reviewed. If approved, a refund will be issued.
Balance due on account
A statement of account will be sent each month after the semester begins for all accounts with a past due balance. If you were expecting financial aid, which has not yet been applied to your account, please contact the Student Financial Services Office or the third party payer (i.e. lender, scholarship). If a student’s charges, as listed on his original bill, change after the semester has begun, any additional charges are due immediately. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain a bill and to satisfy the balance on the account. Students can obtain a bill by contacting SFS or by viewing their charges via the Student Information System.
Hold Notice
A student account with a balance due after the start of the semester will be subject to a hold on registration and records. The hold will remain on the account until payment is made in full. A hold prevents the student from registering, receiving transcripts, and receiving a diploma.
Returned Check Charge
A charge of $25 will be assessed to the student account when the bank returns a check due to insufficient funds.
Student Refunds
Refund checks are processed on a weekly basis after classes begin. Students will receive an e-mail when the refund has been processed. The check will be available 5 business days from the date of the e-mail for students who attend main campus.
All checks will be mailed for students attending the Clearfield campus, for students taking only web-based courses, and for students who have a Parent Plus loan.
Any refund check not picked up within two weeks of receiving the e-mail will be mailed to the student's permanent address.
Please keep in mind that refunds are generated only after a credit balance is created on the account. A refund check is processed when financial aid or loans are received by the university and posted to the student account. Any problems with this process could delay the availability of the refund check. All first-time Federal Direct Stafford loan borrowers must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling in order for a Stafford Loan to be disbursed. For information on the Stafford Loan application process, please click here . No financial aid or loans will be disbursed for students who have been selected for verification until the requirements are completed.
Because financial aid can change for part-time students, refund checks are not generated until Student Financial Services reviews the financial aid. Refund checks for part-time students are normally available 3-4 weeks after the semester begins.
Students with concerns about their refunds should contact Student Financial Services after the first week of each semester.
