Table of Contents - About the Bulletin - Introduction to Stony Brook - Student Services - Admissions - Financial Information - Scholarships and Awards - Degree Requirements - Academic Policies and Regulations - Special Academic Programs - Approved Programs - Courses - Supplement to the Bulletin - Fall 2000 Other Useful Links - Schedule of Classes - Academic Advising - Campus Map Site Designed by Melissa Bishop/DoIT Last Modified 11/06/99 10:28:45 AM EST

Financial Information Students themselves are responsible for reviewing, understanding, and abiding by the University’s regulations, procedures, requirements, and deadlines as described in official publications including this Undergraduate Bulletin, the Student Handbook, and Class Schedules. Charges are posted to the student's account upon registering for classes. It is the student's responsibility to pay his or her student account after registration. Billing statements will be sent to the student with a due date for full payment. All tuition, fees and charges must be paid in a timely manner, regardless of whether a billing statement has been received. Failure to satisfy this financial obligation by the due date of the billing statement will result in late fees, and will prevent students from receiving transcripts, diplomas, certifications as well as from being permitted to register for future semesters. Nonpayment does not constitute official withdrawal, which must be done through the Registrar’s Office. Failure to attend classes will not relieve students of their financial obligation or entitle students to a refund. The date of official withdrawal determines eligibility for any refunds in accordance with the schedule found on pages 34 under Refund of Tuition. All tuition, fees and charges are estimated as of January 1999 and are subject to change without prior notice. Tuition and Fees Tuition New York State Resident Tuition: Full-time student (12 credits or more) $1700.00/semester Part-time student (per credit hour up to 11 credits) $137.00/credit Out-of-State Resident Tuition: Full-time student (12 credits or more) $4150.00/semester Part-time student (per credit hour up to 11 credits) $346.00/credit Housing Each Semester Double occupany $1815.00 Double occupancy (premium) $1915.00 Single occupancy $2179.00 Single occupancy (premium) $2299.00 Sole occupancy $2723.00 Sole occupancy (premium) $2873.00 Cooking fee (on-campus resident not on meal plan) $208.00 Meal Plan Each semester $1200.00 Fees Comprehensive Fee Full-time student (12 credits or more) $287.50/semester Part-time student (per credit hour up to 11 credits) $28.35/credit The comprehensive fee provides funding for the Student Health Center and the intercollegiate athletic program, as well as the increasing transportation and technological needs of the campus Late Payment Fee1 All students $30.00 Late Registration Fee2 All students $30.00 Lost Identification Card Fee All students $10.00 Orientation3 Two part program $125.00 Returned Check Fee All students $20.00 Student Activity Fee4 Undergraduate full-time $82.75/semester Part-time $7.00/credit Transcript Fee All students $5.00/each 1Cumulative up to $90.00/semester. 2Incurred for registration on or after the first day of classes. 3Prices are approximate and subject to change 4This fee is set by Student Polity (Undergraduate Student Government). Student Health Insurance To be announced Deposits Advance Tuition Deposit applies toward first-semetser charges Freshmen and Transfers $100.00 Advance Housing Deposit All students $200.00 Summer Session Tuition New York State Resident Tuition: Part-time student (per credit hour $137.00/credit Out-of-State Resident Tuition: Part-time student (per credit hour) $346.00/credit Housing Single room single occupancy $114.00/week Double room double occupancy $85.00/week Fees College fee $.85 per credit Comprehensive fee $77.50 per term The comprehensive fee provides funding for the Student Health Center, as well as the increasing transportation and technological needs of the campus. Undergraduate Student activity fee $15.00 Late registration fee $30.00 Payment of Fees and Charges It is the student’s responsibility to pay his or her student account after registration. After registering for classes, all students will be sent a billing statement for tuition and fees with instructions for making payment. All tuition, fees and charges must be paid in a timely manner. Tuition, fees, and other University charges assessed on each billing statement will be due in full by the due date appearing on your statement. University billing statements are sent to the permanent address on file with the Registrar's Office. The student is responsible for making sure that a correct address is on file and must inform the Registrar’s Office of any change of address. Students must have proof of approved aid, waivers, or scholarships in order to properly defer payment. Without satisfactory evidence to defer, students are expected to pay charges up front and wait for reimbursement when the aid, waiver or scholarship funds are actually received. Students should apply early for any financial aid they expect to use to pay their University bill. Payments made by check or money order must be made payable to Stony Brook University, and sent to P.O. Box 619, Stony Brook, NY 11790. Any payment that fails to clear is subject to a $20.00 handling fee and may be subject to a $30.00 late payment fee. Payments made by return mail should include the bottom portion of the statement (to ensure proper credit to the account), and sent in the return-addressed envelope provided with the bill. Mailed payments must be postmarked by the due date to avoid the late payment fee. Students are encouraged to pay by mail or by telephone in order to avoid lines at the Bursar. All payments should include the student's University ID number for prompt and proper credit. Payment may also be made with Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Payment with a credit card can be accomplished by our Automated Telephone System at 631-632-1100 with a touch-tone phone. Listen to the recorded directions and choose option #4. Students registering on or after the first day of classes shall be required to pay a late registration fee of $30. The late registration period ends at the close of the second week of classes. Failure to pay the amount due by the billing due date will result in an automatic assessment of the incremental late payment fee of $30.00. Incremental late payment fees, up to a total of $90 per semester, will be assessed on all accounts not completely paid by the due dates indicated on each successive account statement. Students should apply early for any financial aid in order to have their account paid before the university billing due dates. Late fees will not be removed based on pending financial aid. The Office of Student Accounts offers a Time Option Payment Program (TOPP). This program allows for the budgeting of expenses on a monthly basis. This is not a loan of any sort; therefore, no interest will be charged.There is an annual processing fee to help defray the administrative expenses of the program. For further information please contact the Business Office. Students failing to meet financial obligations incurred while in attendance at Stony Brook may be subject to additional collection agency fees and/or fines. Deferment Students receiving awards provided by the State of New York, managed by the University, or payable to the University, may utilize deferment equal to the amount of the award. Documented proof of the amount of the award must be presented at the time of payment for the deferment to be applied to the account (only current awards are deferrable). Deferment may be granted to students for the following types of awards: 1. Tuition Assistance Program: All New York State residents are encouraged to file for Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards. Students should apply for all TAP awards at the earliest possible date, preferably no later than June 10, if they expect to receive award certification from TAP prior to the beginning of classes in the fall. Students are reminded that failure to file an application in a timely manner can preclude their receiving award credit or deferment. 2. Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and Federal Pell Grants: Students who have filed applications prior to the specified deadlines and who qualify for these awards will receive award letters from the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment prior to registration. Acceptance of these awards must be returned to the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment promptly. 3. Veterans Educational Benefits: The Office of Veterans Affairs offers deferments to eligible students based on their anticipated receipt of V.A. educational assistance. The deferments allow students to postpone payment of all or part of their tuition charges and fees until the end of the semester for which the charges are incurred. Students wishing to obtain a deferment should obtain a bill covering all current charges from the Office of Student Services before coming to the Office of Veterans Affairs to request a deferment. 4. Office of Vocational Rehabilitation: Deferment based on Office of Voca-tional Rehabilitation benefits may be obtained by presentation of an award letter or a voucher indicating the amount of the award and period covered from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. All such letters and vouchers must be accompanied by a Tuition Assistance Program Award Certificate, if applicable. 5. Private, Public, or Industrial Schol-arships, Grants, Internships, and Loans (including Foreign Student Government Scholarships and Vocational Rehabilitation Grants): All students who can present notification of awards payable to the University, or jointly payable to the University and the student in the above categories, are eligible for a deferment equal to the amount of the award. In cases where the award is payable to the University and the student, the student will be required to submit a copy of the award letter to the Business Office in order to receive deferment. 6. New York Higher Education Services Corporation Loans (NYHESC): After filing the required loan forms, the student will receive the Notice of Loan Guarantee from Albany. Deferment will be automatically applied to each student’s account. Refund Policy All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to the Business Office, University at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-1301. Refund of Pre-enrollment Tuition Deposits Each new student is required to pay an advance tuition deposit of $100. Deposits for the fall semester are due by the date indicated on the deposit card’s pre-printed label. Deposits are applied to charges incurred by the student in the first semester. Requests for refunds will be granted under the following conditions: 1. A request for a refund of the tuition deposit must be made in writing to the Office of Student Accounts and received by the date printed on the deposit card. 2. If enrolled in another SUNY school, a student must provide satisfactory proof of such enrollment to the Office of Student Services. After the first day of classes, pre-enrollment tuition deposits will be forfeited. Refund of Housing Deposits Each student is required to pay a $200 room deposit when requesting a future room assignment; this deposit will be applied to the housing charges for the first semester. A request for refund of room deposit must be made in writing to the Division of Campus Residences by June 30 (for the fall semester) or within 30 days of the date of deposit. Students not receiving an assignment within 30 days of deposit will have until notification of assignment to request a refund. After the first day of classes, housing deposits will be forfeited. Refund of Tuition Students who withdraw from the University or decrease their academic load shall be liable for payment of tuition in accordance with the following schedule: The first day of classes as published by the University in the academic calendar shall be considered the first day of the semester, quarter, or other term. Certification of the effective date of withdrawal must be made by the Registrar’s Office. After 100% liability, a student is liable for tuition and all fees in full. Students who register for courses and who do not file the appropriate withdrawal or do not drop before the end of the fourth week of classes are liable for their full charges. Note: Non-attendance of classes does not classify as an official withdrawal, and does not relieve the student of his or her financial obligation, or entitle the student to a refund. More information can be found in the university's Refund Policy publication, available in the Office of Student Accounts. No money shall be refunded for tuition unless application for refund is made within one year after the end of the term for which the tuition requested to be refunded was paid to the State University. Exception There shall be no tuition or fee liability for a student who withdraws to enter military service prior to the end of an aca-demic term for those courses in which he or she does not receive academic credit. Acceptable proof must be submitted. Refund of Registration Related Fees During 0% liability, refunds will be processed for registration related fees, such as the comprehensive fee, student activity fee, and specific course fees, such as engineering or physical education laboratory fees. After 0% liability, all fees are due in full. Students who register for courses and who do not file the appropriate withdrawal or do not drop before the end of the fourth week of classes are liable for their full charges. Refund of Room Fee When occupancy levels are at or above 100 percent capacity, residents wishing to cancel their housing will be billed a prorated portion of their housing fees through the end of the week in which they last occupied a space in the residence halls. More importantly, should the total occupancy in the residence halls fall below 100 percent of utilization, students who cancel their housing assignment after the start of the semester will be responsible for the full cost of room rent for the semester. No prorations of the room rent will be offered. Refund of Meal Plan Fee Students wishing to cancel their meal plan contract must do so through the Campus ID/Meal Plan Office. On notification from this office, the Office of Student Services will credit the account and prepare a refund if appropriate. Refund of Student Activity Fee As determined by Student Polity and GSO, full refunds of the student activity fee will be granted if the student withdraws during the first week of classes. No refunds will be granted for withdrawals after the first week of classes. Refund of Cooking Fee The cooking fee may be refundable if the student has enrolled in the meal plan. The amount of such refund is to be determined by University policy in effect at the time. Refund of College Fee, Late Registration Fee, and Lost ID Card Fee These fees are not refundable. Refunds Caused by Overpayment or Processing Errors Refunds of amounts paid will be made when a student overpays their tuition and fees provided the student has made a written request to the Office of Student Accounts within one year after the end of the term that the money was paid to the University. Other Expenses Food All resident students will be enrolled on a Resident Meal Plan unless they have previously completed two semesters of study at Stony Brook, reside in a designated cooking area, and select the Resident Cooking Program as a dining Option on their Room Selection/Meal Plan Application. Failure to select a dining option or an invalid selection of cooking will result in an enrollment on the Standard Advantage Meal Plan. All students who reside in residence hall areas designated as mandatory meal plan areas must enroll on a Resident Meal Plan regardless of class status or tenure at Stony Brook. For more up to date information, please refer to the meal plan brochure or call or visit the Campus ID/Meal Plan Office, Room 0319 Melville Library (adjacent to the bookstore), 632-6517. Similar plans will be offered in coming years, but prices cannot now be predicted. It is expected, however, that future price ranges will not vary greatly from those now in effect, barring unforeseeable inflationary effects. Food Service The University, through a food service contractor, provides several meal plan options. There are three dining halls located in the resident areas. Kelly and H dining halls offer all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also offered in Kelly is a Taco Bell Express and a 24-hour deli. In addition to the dining halls, USB Dining offers several other eateries. Roth Food Court houses the kosher dining room and offers traditional meals as well as alternatives such as Burger King, Deng Lee’s Chinese Cuisine, Seawolves Sub Shop, Changing Scenes, and USB Delivery. The Student Activities Center offers a wide array of food, as does the Humanities Cafe. The Student Union houses the End of the Bridge restaurant, the Union Deli, Stony Snacks, Bleacher Club, and Papa Joe’s. There are other independently run student-operated eating establishments on campus which do not accept the meal plan. These student operated establishments offer everything from snacks to complete meals. Hours of operation vary by location and it is best to inquire at orientation or before arriving on campus. Books and Supplies The average estimated expense is $750 for nine months (September-May). This figure is used for computing the basic student aid budget. Miscellaneous Expenses The average estimated personal expense is $1,188 for nine months. This figure is used for computing the basic student aid budget. Travel Expenses The average estimated expense is $700 for nine months on campus for a student residing in a dorm. The average estimated expense is $2,066 for nine months for a student residing with parents and commuting to the campus. These amounts are also used for computing the basic student aid budget. Study Abroad Expenses Students who participate in SUNY Study Abroad programs pay the normal SUNY tuition. They must also pay round-trip transportation and housing costs. Programs in some countries also carry a program fee to cover exceptional administrative expenses. As a rule the costs of studying abroad do not substantially exceed those of studying as a resident student at Stony Brook. Off-Campus Housing Service The Off-Campus Housing Office provides information concerning rentals of rooms, apartments, and housing within a 15-mile radius of the University. All landlords listing property with the University must sign a statement assuring nondiscriminatory practices; listings do not become available until such assurance is received. The Off-Campus Housing Office and the University may not be-come parties to landlord-tenant disputes. The average price per month for a furnished room is $350. Kitchen privileges are most often included in this price. Rooms available in houses rented by other students are also listed as houses to share. That is, arrangements can sometimes be made to share a complete house for $250-$450 per month plus a percentage of the utility costs. Apartment listings cover those available in standard apartment building complexes and in private homes. The usual rental rate of a studio apartment (one large room, bathroom, closets, kitchenette) in a house is approximately $450-$600 per month. A studio apartment in one of the apartment facilities is usually $500-$600. Apartments in housing complexes usually provide more space and privacy. A conventional one-bedroom apartment, including living room, dining room, kitchenette, bathroom, and closet space, usually ranges in price from $550-$950 per month. Utility costs, except electricity, are often included in the price. There are also listings for house rentals in the area. These rentals range from $700-$1,800 per month, not including utilities. The price depends on the number of rooms in the house, the condition of the house, and its proximity to the campus. Financial Aid The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment administers several federal and state programs that provide funds to assist eligible students in pursuing their academic goals. These programs are the Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Sup-plemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), and Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). The office also manages the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and the New York State Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) Program. These programs are described below, together with other sources of state and federal assistance for which prospective students might qualify while attending Stony Brook. The basic applications for programs administered by the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment are the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Express Tuition Assistance Program Application (ETA), and the Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) application. Application forms and information about application guidelines and deadlines are available at the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment, 230 Administration Building, (631) 632-6840. (Note: the ETA is mailed directly to the students after filing the FAFSA; please see the New York State Programs section for further information about the application process for a Tuition Assistance Program [TAP] Grant.) Note: Students should be aware that the University will implement all changes in standards and/or policies that are prescribed by the federal and state regulations governing financial aid administration. FEDERAL PROGRAMS Application Procedures Students may apply for funding through the federal programs by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The completed application should be mailed to the federal processor in the envelope provided. Within four to six weeks, the applicant will receive a document called a Student Aid Report (SAR) indicating his or her Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This EFC is used to determine the applicant’s eli-gibility for one or more of the federal programs. The information contained in the SAR will be transmitted electronically to Stony Brook if the applicant included the institution’s Title IV School Code (002838) on the FAFSA. This information is necessary in order to provide a financial aid award package to the student. The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment notifies each student of his or her award package through an award letter. The student must complete and sign the letter and return it with any other requested documentation to the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment before awards can be accepted. If the student’s application is selected for verification, he or she will be requested to provide additional documentation to substantiate the accuracy of the information filed on the FAFSA. This documentation must be compared to the SAR data and corrections made (if necessary). Finally, the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment must be in receipt of the data from a correct and valid SAR before payment of awards can be made. Requirements and Responsibilities of Recipients In order to receive financial assistance through any of the federal programs, the student must: 1. be a citizen, permanent resident alien, or other eligible resident of the U.S.; 2. be matriculated into a degree program; 3. register with Selective Service, if required; and 4. not owe refunds of any awards made previously through one or more of the federal programs, or be in default on repayment of any student loan. Before receiving payment, the student must sign a statement of educational purpose confirming that all money received will be used for the costs of postsecondary education only (i.e., tuition, fees, books, and living expenses). The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Federal regulations specify that academic progress be measured each year (following the spring semester). Eligibility for assistance from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work- Study, and Federal Stafford Loan programs is contingent on the candidate’s meeting “quality” and “quantity” standards: The law specifies that by the end of the second academic year, the student must have either a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 or academic standing consistent with the requirement for graduation from his or her program of study. In addition, a full-time undergraduate student in a four-year program must successfully earn a minimum of 24 credits per year in order to complete his or her program in a maximum of five years. Incomplete (I), No Record (NR), Failure (F), Unsatisfactory (U), No Credit (NC), and Academic Dishonesty (Q) grades do not count as earned credits. The student may make up credits during the summer session(s) if he or she has not earned the required number by the completion of the spring semester. However, payment for the summer courses must be made by the student. Further information about academic progress as a condition of federal student aid can be obtained by contacting the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment. “Emancipated” or “Independent” Student Status The designation of independent status refers only to whether or not a student is required to report parental income when applying for financial aid. The University adheres to current federal guidelines for validating the status of a student as independent or emancipated for financial aid purposes. These guidelines define an independent student as being in one of the following categories: -24 years of age or older by December 31 of the award year. -a veteran of the U.S. armed forces. -enrolled in a graduate or professional program (beyond a bachelor’s degree). -married. -a ward of the court. -having legal dependents other than a spouse. Note: Independent status under the federal definition does not necessarily ensure independent status for state aid programs. See “‘Independent’ Student Status,” page 38. Federal Pell Grant Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards The Federal Pell Grant Program is an entitlement program. Eligibility and award amount are based on need. Financial need is determined by a for-mula applied to all applicants. The formula was developed by the U.S. Department of Education and is reviewed annually by Congress. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated by this formula. The applicant must be pursuing a first bachelor’s degree and enrolled for at least three credits in an approved postsecondary institution. Award Schedule Currently, awards range from $400 to $3,000. The award amount will be affected by the cost of attendance at a particular institution and the student’s enrollment status. The Pell award is not duplicative of state awards. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards The applicant must be 1. in exceptional financial need and 2. pursuing a first bachelor’s degree. Award Schedule Awards range from $100 to $1,000, and are made on a funds-available basis. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients. In addition, students must apply by the priority deadline in order to be considered. (Contact the Office of Financial Aid for further details.) Federal Perkins Loan Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards At Stony Brook, Federal Perkins Loans are available to matriculated students enrolled at least half time as graduate or undergraduate degree candidates. Awards are made on a funds-available basis. Students must apply by the priority deadline in order to be considered. (Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment for further details.) Award Schedule Annual loan limits are established at $3,000 for undergraduate students and $5,000 for graduate students. The maximum amounts that may be borrowed are $15,000 as an undergraduate and $30,000 for graduate and undergraduate study combined. Actual Federal Perkins Loans are limited based on annual allocations and collections, and presently average $1,500 per year at Stony Brook. Repayment The current interest rate, payable during the repayment period, is five percent on the unpaid principal. Repayment begins nine months after the last date of enrollment and may extend over a period of ten years. Payment may be extended over an additional ten-year period for certain low-income students, and may be deferred for up to three years for certain categories of borrowers. Information on loan cancellation provisions for borrowers who go into certain fields of teaching or specified military duty is available through the Office of Financial Aid. Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards The FWS program provides part-time employment to undergraduate and graduate students who need the income to help meet the costs of postsecondary education. The University at Stony Brook strives to make employment reasonably accessible to all its eligible students who have financial need. In the event that more students are eligible for FWS than there are funds available, preference is given to students with the greatest financial need. In addition, students must apply by the priority deadline in order to be considered. (Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment for further details.) Award Schedule The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment provides recipients of an FWS allocation with a listing of the available FWS positions. Students may work up to 20 hours each week. Hourly wage rates are variable and currently range from $5.15 to $8.00 per hour for undergraduate students. Note: Students interested in participating in Stony Brook’s Community Service Program (a program that provides students with the opportunity to serve the public interest while earning Federal Work-Study wages) should contact the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment. Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL) Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards Stafford Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government pays interest on the subsidized loan until the student begins repayment. An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. The student is charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If the student allows the interest to accumulate, it will be capitalized (i.e., the interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan and will increase the repayment total). If the student pays the interest as it accrues on a monthly basis, the total of principal plus interest repaid will be lower. To be eligible for a Federal Stafford Loan, a student must be enrolled at least half time in an approved program of study. Loan Schedule A student may borrow up to a total of $2,625 in a subsidized and/or unsubsidized loan for the first year of undergraduate study, $3,500 for the second year, and $5,500 for subsequent undergraduate study. Independent undergraduates can apply for an additional $4,000 in an unsubsidized loan for each of their first two years of study, and $5,000 annually for the remaining years. A graduate student may borrow a total of $8,500 in a subsidized and/or unsubsidized loan per class year. Graduate students may apply for an additional $10,000 in an unsubsidized loan for each year of graduate study. The total debt a student can have outstanding from all Stafford Loans combined is: $23,000 as a dependent undergraduate student; $46,000 as an independent undergraduate student (no more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans); or $138,500 as a graduate or professional student (no more than $65,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans). The graduate debt limit includes any Stafford Loans received for undergraduate study. Repayment of Subsidized Loans A student may borrow at a relatively low interest rate (currently the treasury bill rate plus 2.3 percent with a cap of 8.25 percent) with no repayment as long as he or she remains enrolled at least half time, and for six months after he or she ceases to be at least a half-time student. Interest does not accrue on this loan during periods of enrollment or the grace period. The federal government pays the interest for the student during this time period. Payment of principal may be deferred for up to three years for certain categories of borrowers. The following regulations governing repayment apply: Depending on the amount of the loan, the minimum monthly payment will be $50 plus interest. Under unusual and extenuating circumstances the lender may, on request, permit reduced payments. The standard repayment period is ten years. The maximum period of a loan, from date of the original note, may not exceed 15 years, excluding authorized deferments of payments. Repayment in whole or part may be made at any time without penalty. Repayment of Unsubsidized Loans The terms of the unsubsidized loan are the same as those for the subsidized loan (see above), except that the federal government does not pay the interest on this loan. The student is responsible for paying all of the interest that accrues on the loan while in school, during the grace period, and during any periods of deferment or repayment. (The interest rate is currently the treasury bill rate plus 1.7 percent during in-school periods and 2.3 percent during repayment with a cap of 8.25 percent.) Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS) This loan is available to parents of financially dependent undergraduate students. FPLUS loans for which the first disbursement was made on or after July 1, 1993 have no annual or aggregate limits. Borrowing is based on cost of education minus aid. The interest rate, which is adjusted each July, is the treasury bill rate plus 3.1 percent with a cap of 9 percent, and repayment begins within two months of receipt of the loan. Applications are available at the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment and at participating banks. NEW YORK STATE PROGRAMS Note: Where any question of eligibility exists, the student or prospective student should contact New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) at (518) 474-5642. Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Application Procedures To apply for TAP, students should begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and mailing it to the federal processor. (Forms are available at any financial aid office or high school guidance office.) Upon receipt of the student’s FAFSA, the federal processor will send income and demographic data to New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) if the following two conditions were met: 1. the student is a New York State resident and 2. he or she listed at least one New York State institution on the FAFSA. HESC will send the student a pre-printed Express Tuition Assistance Program Application (ETA). The student should check the information on the form, make any necessary changes (including the addition of Stony Brook’s undergraduate TAP code: 0875), sign and return the ETA to HESC. HESC determines the applicant’s eligibility and mails an award certificate directly to the applicant indicating the amount of the grant. Requirements and Responsibilities of Recipients In order to receive an award through the Tuition Assistance Program, the applicant must 1. be a New York State resident and a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, paroled refugee, or conditional admittant to the United States; 2. enrolled full time and matriculated in an approved New York State postsecondary institution and program; and 3. be charged a tuition of at least $200 per year. In addition, the New York State Education Department has issued academic guidelines governing eligibility for the Tuition Assistance Program. Under these regulations, students must meet minimum academic achievement requirements in order to receive payment of awards. According to these regulations, good academic standing consists of two elements: Satisfactory academic progress—A requirement that a student accumulate a specified number of credits and achieve a specified grade point average each term of an award. Pursuit of program—Satisfactory academic program pursuit is defined as receiving a passing or failing grade in a certain percentage of a full-time course load in each term for which an award is received. The percentage increases from 50 percent of the minimum full-time course load in each term of study in the first year for which an award is received, to 75 percent of the minimum full-time course load in each term of study in the second year for which an award is received, to 100 percent of the minimum full-time course load in each term thereafter. The chart below provides a detailed analysis of the State Education Department’s requirements. Standard Satisfactory Academic Progress Only for the Purpose of Determination of Eligibility for State Student Aid Semester Calendar Bachelor's Program Before being certified for this award 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th A student must have accrued at least this many credits 0 3 9 18 30 45 60 75 90 105 With at least this grade point average 0 .5 .75 1.2 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 A student who does not meet these minimum standards for any one semester will be ineligible to receive an award payment for the following semester. However, a waiver of the minimum achievement standards may be granted under certain extenuating circumstances. Students who do not meet the requirements will receive notification in the mail as to their next appropriate course of action. “Independent” Student Status The designation of independent status for TAP applicants refers only to whether or not a student is required to report parental income and is contingent upon the following criteria. Applicants must be: 35 years of age or older on June 30, or 22 years of age but under 35 on June 30, and not: a resident in any house, apartment, or building owned or leased by parents for more than six consecutive weeks; or claimed as a dependent by parents on their federal or state income tax returns; or a recipient of gifts, loans, or other financial assistance in excess of $750 from parents; or under 22 years of age on June 30, and meeting all other requirements listed in 2, above, and additionally able to meet at least one of the following requirements: both parents deceased, disabled, or incompetent, or receiving public assistance other than Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) or food stamps, or ward of a court, or financially independent due to the involuntary dissolution of the student’s family, resulting in relinquishment of parental responsibility and control, or married on or before December 31 of the year preceding the academic year for which application is made, or enrolled as a graduate student, or received a TAP award as a financially independent student in the academic year preceding that for which application is made. Note: Independent status under the state definition for the Tuition Assistance Program does not necessarily ensure independent status for federal aid programs. See “‘Emancipated’ or ‘Independent’ Student Status,” page 38. Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards The Tuition Assistance Program is an entitlement program. There is neither a qualifying examination nor a limited number of awards. Undergraduate students may generally receive TAP awards for four years of study; students enrolled in approved five-year programs or in a state-sponsored opportunity program may receive undergraduate awards for five years. Graduate students may receive awards for four years. No student (including EOP/AIM students) may receive awards for more than a total of eight years of undergraduate and graduate study. Award Schedule The amount of the TAP award is scaled according to level of study, tuition charge, and net taxable income (taken from the New York State tax return[s] filed in the year previous to the academic award year). All income data are subject to verification by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Currently, awards at Stony Brook for undergraduate study range from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $3,085. Aid for Part-Time Study Program (APTS) Application Procedures The student must complete an Aid for Part-Time Study application and submit it to the Office of Financial Aid by the first day of classes in which he or she is seeking an award. Signed photocopies of New York State tax returns from the base year (i.e., the year previous to the academic year: 1998 tax returns for the 1999-2000 academic year) must be submitted with the application. Requirements and Responsibilities of the Recipient Applicants must: 1. be working toward an undergraduate degree or enrolled in a registered certificate program; 2. enroll as a part-time student for a minimum of three credits, but less than 12; 3. maintain good academic standing; 4. be a resident of New York State; 5. be either a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or refugee; 6. meet the income limits (see below); 7. not have used up Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility; 8. have a tuition charge of at least $100 per year; 9. not be in default of a Federal Family Education Loan. Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards Awards are made to applicants who meet the criteria in the preceding section and are determined to have financial need according to the following formula: The family income (i.e., net taxable income of student and parents) of students who were claimed as tax dependents by their parents in the base year must not exceed $50,550. The family income (i.e., net taxable income of student and spouse) of independent students with no tax dependents cannot exceed $34,250. The family income (i.e., net taxable income of student and spouse) of independent students with tax dependents (not including the student and spouse) must not exceed $50,550. Award Schedule APTS awards cannot exceed the cost of tuition and are determined each semester by dividing the total program allocation by the number of qualified applicants who complete the application process by the deadline. Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) funds are allocated on the basis of need to undergraduate students enrolled in Stony Brook’s Advancement on Individual Merit (AIM) Program. The AIM program provides an opportunity to attend college for capable students who have not had the same opportunity as others to realize their academic potential because of limited financial resources and inadequate academic preparation. To be admitted to the University through the AIM program, the applicant’s high school academic performance must have been below the level normally used to determine admission to the University. In addition, the applicant must meet financial eligibility guidelines established by New York State. A student who is admitted to the University through the AIM program is offered financial and personal counseling and is eligible to receive a range of academic support services. These services include tutoring, special academic advising, skills improvement activities, and special development classes and programs. At the same time, these students participate fully in all campus academic and social activities. Many students who enter complete a bachelor’s degree program, and many continue their education in graduate and professional schools throughout the country. For further information on EOP/AIM, contact: The EOP/AIM Program, W-3520 Library University at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3375 Telephone: (631) 632-7090 Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA) Education Incentive Program Application Procedures The student must complete a Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program application at his or her guard unit. The unit commander or other authorized representative determines and certifies (if eligible) the applicant’s eligibility for this program. If certified, the applicant brings the certificate of eligibility to the Office of Veterans Affairs at Stony Brook in order to register for classes. The student should telephone 632-6700 or 632-6701 for an appointment. Note: This is a newly instituted program; procedures are subject to change. Further inquiries about the program should be directed to DMNA at 1-800-356-0552. Requirements and Responsibilities of Recipients Participants in this program must be members of the Army/Air Guard or NY Naval Militia in good standing, having successfully completed initial active duty training, naval enlisted code training, or a commissioning program. The program is limited to undergraduate study. The student must be matriculated and enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours per semester. Participants must be in good academic standing. Good academic standing is determined by the campus and is defined as not being on academic probation. Participants are required to apply first for all available financial aid. Proof of application must be presented to DMNA. Students must sign a statement of rights and responsibilities. Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards The Education Incentive Program allows an eligible guard or militia member to receive a tuition voucher equal to the amount of tuition costs remaining after all other student aid, except loans, is applied against the undergraduate in-state annual tuition of SUNY institutions. Award Schedule The voucher amount is the current cost of tuition (excluding the college fee) at the institution up to SUNY’s current tuition minus any grants received through the Federal Pell Grant, New York State TAP, New York State Aid for Part-Time Study, or ACES (Army Continuing Education System) program or from any other source. Benefits received under the Montgomery G.I. Bill Act of 1984 shall not be considered educational aid for purposes of this program. OTHER NEW YORK STATE PROGRAMS Child of Veteran Award Supplement Persian Gulf Veterans Tuition Award Supplement Vietnam Veterans Tuition Award Supplement Memorial Scholarships for Families of Deceased Police Officers and Firefighters Supplement Child of Deceased Correction Officer Award Supplement Application Procedures Students who believe they may be eligible for one of the programs listed above should request an application from the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation by calling (518) 474-5642 or writing to the following address: NYSHESC, Division of Grants and Scholarships, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12255. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA) EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS Application Procedures Students interested in applying for benefits under any of the VA educational assistance programs should contact the Office of Veterans Affairs, Administration Building room 348, for applications, information, and assistance. Telephone 632-6700 or 632-6701 for an appointment. Services Provided: Assistance in completion of forms. Forwarding of forms and supporting documentation to appropriate agency. Assistance in procuring a full or partial deferment of tuition, fees, and charges. Mediation between the student and the Veterans Administration to resolve problems, such as underpayment of benefits or non-receipt of payment. Referral to resources and services both on and off campus. Counseling services to veterans and their dependents. Students are invited to make an appointment to discuss academic or career concerns. Suggestions: If the student is making an initial application for VA benefits, he or she should bring a certified copy of his or her DD-214 (keep the original in a safe place) to the Office of Veterans Affairs. The student should maintain records of correspondence with the Veterans Administration, including a log of all payments received (including the date the check was issued, the amount, and the period for which payment was intended). The student should make arrangements for alternative means of payment of educational expenses (i.e., financial aid, loans, etc.) in the event that VA benefits are not received by the expected date. The Montgomery G.I. Bill—Chapter 30 Eligibility for this program requires individuals to have served for two or three years of continuous active duty after July 1, 1985 and to have contributed $100 per month for the first 12 months of service. Entitlement accrues at the rate of one month for each month of active duty up to 36 months. Applications and benefits are processed through the V.A. Regional Office in Buffalo, NY. An eligible veteran generally has 10 years from date of discharge or release from active duty in which to use these benefits. Post-Vietnam-Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)—Chapter 32 VEAP is a voluntary contributory program for persons who served between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985. Under this program, the appropriate branch of the military will match the individual’s contribution on a two-to-one basis. The maximum period of entitlement is 36 months. Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance—Chapter 35 This program provides benefits to the spouses and children of veterans deemed “100-percent service disabled” and to the surviving spouses and children of veterans who died in service. Forty-five months of entitlement are permitted under this program. Vocational Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans—Chapter 31 Vocational rehabilitation is intended to help the service-disabled veteran select, prepare for, and secure employment that is compatible with his or her interests, abilities, physical capabilities, and goals. Entitlement may be provided for up to 48 months. An eligible veteran generally has 12 years from the date of discharge or release from active duty in which to use these benefits. Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program—Chapter 1606 This program provides benefits to individuals enlisting, reenlisting, or extending their enlistment with the Selected Reserve or National Guard for six or more years of service. Entitlement is for a maximum of 36 months or the equivalent in part-time training. OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Student Employment Opportunities The University provides a number of student employment opportunities not based on financial need. Wages vary and are paid by the employing department of the University. Students may contact the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment. Students should specify that they are seeking information on Student Employment (or Student Assistance) and not Federal Work-Study. Faculty-Student Association The Faculty-Student Association (FSA), which operates an array of auxiliary business services and programs for the campus such as dining, bookstores, and the campus ID Office, employs close to 500 students in a wide range of capacities. The FSA Office of Student Staffing Resources (SSR) is dedicated to providing placement, advising, and special training programs for its on-campus employment and internship opportunities. FSA also offers a range of scholarship and work-incentive awards to student staff who demonstrate excellence or innovation in job performance. Contact the FSA Student Staffing Resources for additional information. Parents’ Affiliation If a student’s parents belong to a union or fraternal group, the student could be eligible for financial aid. Other sources of scholarships include Daughters of the American Revolution, Junior Achieve-ment, Parent-Teacher Associations, Boy or Girl Scouts, Elks, and Chambers of Commerce. Scholarships and Grants from Private Sources Many private student aid programs are available. Awards may be based on need, need plus criteria, or criteria alone. Students are encouraged to investigate scholarships for which they may be eligible. Among the criteria for which a grant or scholarship may be awarded are academic achievement, artistic talent, athletic ability, career plans, community activities, leadership potential, parents’ employers, proposed college major, religious affiliation, and special interest. Job Locator Service The Office of Financial Aid provides a job locator service for off-campus jobs available during a student’s tenure at Stony Brook. Postings are on a bulletin board outside of the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment. Professional Associations If a student has settled on a career, he or she should investigate the professional associations in that particular area. They may have scholarships available to encourage students to pursue careers in their field.