秘密研究所

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

FAQ Videos

 

Financial Aid

鈻�   How do I create a FERPA password?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 is designed to protect the privacy of a student's educational records. These confidential records include academic, financial aid, scholarship and billing/account information, and cannot be released without written consent (FERPA password) from the student.

  1. Click 'One Stop Forms' located in the left navigation.
  2. Click 'eForms' from the dropdown menu.
  3. Click 'Student e-Forms' located in the left navigation.
  4. Click 'FERPA Release' from the dropdown menu.
  5. Complete and Submit the form. 
鈻�   How and when should I apply for Financial Aid?

You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year in order to be considered for federal grants and loans. 

2023-2024 Academic Year: FAFSA Open Date = October 1, 2022
This FAFSA should be submitted for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and/or Summer 2024 semester(s).

2024-2025 Academic Year: FAFSA Ope Date = December 2023
This FAFSA should be submitted for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and/or Summer 2025 semester(s).

Submit your FAFSA online at . 

鈻�   How long will it take before I get my Financial Aid offer?

It may take 6-8 weeks for you to receive a financial aid offer once your FAFSA is received by the 秘密研究所.

Ensure the fastest processing time by turning in all requested information in a timely manner.

Check your PAWS account and JagMail regularly for updates.

鈻�   How many hours must I take to be eligible for federal student loans?

 You must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for federal loans. Keep in mind that all federal aid is subject to being adjusted if you are enrolled less than full-time. 

  • Undergraduate: Half-time = minimum 6 credit hours | Full-time = minimum 12 credit hours
  • Graduate: Half-time = minimum 3 credit hours | Full-time = minimum 6 credit hours

The classes you take must be required for your declared program and major.

鈻�   What happens to my financial aid if I drop all of my classes (completely withdraw)?

Federal student aid regulations have defined that a student who completely withdraws or stops attending prior to completing 60% of a term has not earned 100% of the federal student aid that was received. If you drop all of your classes the Office of Financial Aid may be required to return a portion of the federal student aid that was applied to your student account. More information can be found here on Return to Title IV Funds Policy..

You must also make satisfactory academic progress towards your degree in order to maintain federal student aid eligibility, and any classes dropped or failed may affect your progress. For more information, refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

 

 Scholarship Services

鈻�   How do I apply for USA scholarships?
To apply for scholarships here at South you must use JagSPOT, USA's Scholarship Program Opportunity Tracker鈥� found on the Office of Scholarship Services' website. Freshmen students are automatically considered for the Freshman Admission Scholarship Program, provided they complete the admission process by Dec 1st. But additional opportunities are available!! All current and incoming students should use Jag$POT to fill out their General Application - which in turn will help match them to potential scholarship and award opportunities. However, take note, students desiring to be considered for need-based scholarships must complete the FAFSA by March 1. Additional deadlines vary by scholarship award.
鈻�   Typically, what are the deadline for scholarships?
The deadlines vary by scholarship. Prime months for most scholarship deadlines are January through April, for awards starting the following fall term. But, keep in mind that many scholarships are only awarded once a year, so missing a deadline can mean missing out until the next cycle. Please refer to the specific information for each scholarship to verify actual application deadlines.
鈻�   How does my enrollment status effect my institutional aid and scholarships?

Your initial award is based on full-time enrollment. Census occurs at the end of the day on the last day to drop/add courses for the semester (typically the Friday of the first week of classes). Your aid will not disburse at less than full-time status and your enrollment will be evaluated for aid purposes at that time.  

If eligible, exceptions for Institutional Scholarships can be completed in JagSPOT. For other scholarships and awards, distributed through the colleges, schools, and programs, please contact the Office of Scholarship Services directly.  

Additional courses registered for after the census date will not be taken into consideration with regard to your scholarship and aid eligibility.

鈻�   What effect will outside scholarships have on my financial aid package?

If you have earned any outside scholarship funds, you are required to notify the Office of Scholarship Services so the information can be used in calculating your financial aid award package. If your current scholarship opportunities have met 100 percent of your demonstrated need and subsequently you receive an outside scholarship, one or more of your financial aid sources may need to be adjusted. Loan assistance is adjusted first, wherever possible.

Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information about aid adjustments.

鈻�   Where should an external scholarship donor send my award check?
 

秘密研究所
Office of Scholarship Services
Meisler Hall, Suite 1225
390 Alumni Circle
Mobile, AL 36688

The donor must include the student's name and Jag Number (Student ID) on the check or on attached documentation. Donors should specify what semester(s) and aid year the check should be applied to in addition to minimum enrollment hours for disbursement (full-time, half-time, less than half-time).

 

Student Accounting

鈻�   How do I review my student account and make a payment?
  1. Log in to PAWS.
  2. Click 'Student Services & Financial Aid'
  3. Click 'Student Records'
  4. Click 'Additional Links', if using a mobile device.
  5. Click 'Student Account Access'. 

From here you will be able to view your balance, any estimated financial aid, and your remaining balance that includes your estimated financial aid.

You can also click 'Make a Payment' or 'Enroll in Payment Plan' from this screen.

If you click 'View Activity', you will be able to review your charges, estimated aid, and any payments in more detail by specific semester.

鈻�   How do I enroll the USA Payment Plan?

You can sign up in the USA Payment Plan through PAWS, by selecting 鈥淪tudent Account Access鈥� under the 鈥淪tudent Records鈥� section. Select 鈥淧ayment Plans鈥� to begin the enrollment process.

鈻�   How do I set up an Authorized User?

秘密研究所 and/or guardians may have access to a student's financial records through the creation of an Authorized User Login. This 24/7 service lets students and their families view bills, make payments, and manage the students' accounts. Students can set up the authorized user through their student account access. 

Visit the /departments/financialaffairs/studentaccounting/parent-guardian-access.htmlOffice of Student Accounting's webpage for detailed instructions.

鈻�   When will I receive my refund?

Refunds should be processed within 10 business days after the drop/add period. Please see the University鈥檚 financial calendar for specific dates.

Electronic Direct Deposit is required for financial aid and other student refunds. Refunds may be due from the 秘密研究所 for a variety of reasons, such as excess financial aid. An unexpected refund could be due to late class cancellations, schedule changes, academic program changes, etc. To ensure your refunds go directly into your bank account, sign up for direct deposit.

Direct Deposit means you will receive your refund faster, with the refund being directly credited to your checking account, instead of waiting on the postal service to deliver your check. It also eliminates address problems with your refund checks and possibly having to take your check to the bank. This convenience is being provided at NO COST to you.

Here are five easy steps for signing up for direct deposit:
1. Go to PAWS ()
2. Sign on to "Enter Secure Area"
3. Click Student Services and Financial Aid
4. Click Student Records
5. Click Direct Deposit Information (Enter Banking Information)

Enter your bank information via the secure Update Direct Deposit Information option. Please ensure that you input your bank routing and account numbers accurately. There is no verification process to validate your input. Direct deposit will remain in effect while you are attending the 秘密研究所. If your bank information changes, you will need to update your Electronic Direct Deposit information in PAWS.

Once your bank information has been updated successfully, your next refund will be electronically transferred into your bank account. Notifications will be sent to your southalabama.edu email address when a direct deposit transaction has been initiated.

鈻�   PAWS indicates that my refund was processed but I have not received it? What should I do?
If you have not received your refund (check or EDD) after 7 days from the refund process date on your student account, contact the Office of Student Accounting. It takes approximately 10 days for check refunds to be received back by mail and approximately 5 days for financial institutions to return EDD resulting from closed accounts.
鈻�   I registered for classes and my charges are more than the tuition and base University fees I calculated using the schedule of fees in the Schedule of Classes or on the Office of Student Accounting web site. Why?

Some USA courses require special course fees (ex. Computer Lab Fee, Accounting Fee, etc.). Please refer to the Schedule of Classes on PAWS.

鈻�   What if I get to the cashier in the bookstore and they do not allow me to charge books?

If you are unable to charge your books to your student account, you have either not been awarded financial aid at USA or you did not have sufficient aid available to allow for a bookstore charge.

 

Additional

鈻�   How do I locate my Jag Number?

New incoming students searching for their Jag Number (Student ID) should connect with the Office of Admissions for assistance. 

Former USA students can follow the steps below to complete the Jag Number Disclosure Request Form. 

  1. Click 'One Stop Forms' located in the left navigation.
  2. Click 'Other Forms' from the dropdown menu.
  3. Click 'Jag Number Disclosure Request'.
  4. Thoroughly read the instructions on the form and complete accordingly.
鈻�   How do I activate my JagNet account?
You will need to utilize the JagNet Account Activate Tool found on the JagNet Help page.
鈻�   How do I access my JagMail?

Once you have activated your JagNet Account, you will use your assigned JagMail address to access your email through Gmail. You will use the password you created when you activated your JagNet account. 

Tip: Ensure you are logged out of all your personal Gmail accounts in order to access your JagMail account for the first time. 

Visit the JagNet Help page if you need assistance. 

鈻�   I lost my Jag Card. How can I replace it?

We recommend visiting the Jag Card office's website for assistance with reporting your Jag Card lost and steps to replace it. You can also visit their office in-person located in the Student Center, Room 150.

鈻�   How do I pay my Student Health Services bill?
  1. Visit the Student Health Center's website.
  2. Click 'Webportal - Login' from the left navigation options.
  3. Once signed in, click 'Statements' from the left navigation.
  4. Click the 'Pay Balance' button.
鈻�   Who can help me with my class schedule?

Your academic advisor can assist you with determining what courses to register for, the registration process, the academic impact of adding/dropping a course, and more!

Follow the steps below to verify your assigned academic advisor.

  1. Log in to PAWS.
  2. Click 'Student Records'.
  3. Locate your assigned advisor listed in your 'Student Profile'.

If you are unable to connect with your academic advisor, please reach out to Academic Advising & Transfer Services (AATS).