Student Affairs | 2

General Information

The Division of Student Affairs is the component of the University that deals with student welfare, particularly as it relates to the non-academic areas of the University. The Student Affairs Division is responsible for expanding the extra-curricular environment and creating an atmosphere for students which is conducive to learning and growth. The offices for Admissions, Campus Recreation, Career Services, Center for Achievement, Retention,and Enrichment Services (CARES), Counseling, Dean of Students, Financial Aid, International Programs, Housing and Residence Life, Retention and Student Advocacy, Student Services One Stop, Student Support and Parent Programs, TRiO Student Support Services, and TRiO Upward Bound are all Departments within the Division of Student Affairs. Also included as responsibilities of the Student Affairs area: ADA Accommodations, Student Conduct, Student Recreation, Campus Activities Board, Student Government Association, Student Health Services, and the University Cinema. 

Office of Admissions

The Offices of Admissions are responsible for the recruitment and admission of all students who enter the University. Admissions staff are available to assist students in the application process and to provide them with support and counseling while seeking admission to UWA. For further information, contact the appropriate office at:

• Office of Undergraduate Admissions, The University of West Alabama, Brock Hall, Station 4, Livingston, AL 35470 or call 1-888-636-8800 or 205-652-3578. (email: admissions@uwa.edu).
• Office of Graduate and Online Admissions, The University of West Alabama, Lyon Hall, Station 46, Livingston, AL 35470 or call 1-877-892-1835 or 205-652-3890. (email: goadmit@uwa.edu).

Campus Recreation

The Office of Campus Recreation is located in SUB 2. Campus Recreation strives to provide meaningful experiences through programs and services to our campus community. Campus Recreation coordinates activities in outdoor adventures, fitness, aquatics, intramural sports, and informal recreation.

Housing and Residence Life

The Office of Housing and Residence Life is located in Brock Hall 123. The Housing staff provides information, guidance, programs, and services for on-campus students. It is the goal of the Housing staff to help students create an environment that is conducive to learning, growth, and development.

Financial Aid 

The Financial Aid Office, located in Webb Hall 334, awards federal and state funds, monitors on-campus and off-campus scholarships, and assists students with financial planning. Although the majority of the awards are based on financial need as determined by a needs analysis (FAFSA), there are loans available that are not need-based. This office attempts to meet the financial needs of the majority of our students through the packaging of grants, jobs, and loans. The Financial Aid staff is available to provide all students with assistance in all aspects of financial aid, from the application process through the disbursements of funds.

Counseling Office

The Counseling Office, located in Foust Hall, provides professional and confidential counseling services of a varied nature for all on-campus students. The Coordinator/Counselor gives particular attention to students who have personal concerns, as well as those with academic difficulties. The Coordinator/Counselor serves on the Student Conduct Committee, as well as collaborates with other campus professionals to ensure students experiencing problems that may affect their continued success at the university or those in crisis have access to service providers.

TRiO Student Support Services

Student Support Services, located in Foust Hall, is a federally-funded TRIO program offering assistance to bachelor's degree-seeking students who qualify. Eligibility is based on family income, and/or educational level of the student's parents (neither parent holds a bachelor's degree). In addition, the student must be a U. S. citizen or permanent resident and must be in need of academic support.

For students who qualify, a number of valuable services are available - all free to the student. Student Support Services provides academic advising, personal counseling, tutoring, referrals to other campus resources, career guidance, assistance with FAFSA, educational and cultural activities, leadership opportunities, and workshops on study skills, test taking, classroom survival techniques, financial literacy, etc.

Membership is by application only. Interested students are encouraged to come in and talk with any member of the staff in Foust Hall, Room 6 during office hours, or contact the Director of Student Support Services at (205) 652-3627 or email at sss@uwa.edu.

Retention and Student Advocacy

The Office of Retention and Student Advocacy serves as the point of contact for issues that arise within the Division of Student Affairs in regards to informal student complaints, student concerns that require advocacy and is the point of contact for retention strategies and initiatives. The office also assists students who have accommodations requests associated with The Americans with Disabilities Act. Students get individualized attention to help resolve the presenting issue in a direct and expeditious manner. Through the process, students will learn ways to self-advocate as they pursue their degree and in life beyond college.  

Upward Bound Program

Upward Bound, located in Brock Hall 206, is a federally funded pre-college program for high school students from Sumter and Marengo counties who have outstanding academic potential but whose limitations as low income or first generation college students pose a threat to their ability to enroll in college and earn a 4-year degree. Eligibility is based on family income or the educational level of the student's parents.

For eligible participants, Upward Bound provides assistance with specific academic subjects, after-school tutoring, ACT preparation, critical thinking, goal setting, career exploration, the college application and financial aid process, cultural awareness and personal develop­ment. Participation in the 4 year Upward Bound program is completely free! More specific information is available at (205) 652-3757.

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students' office is located in Brock Hall, 129. This office coordinates a number of services such as; Greek Life, Student Activities, Student Involvement, Student Conduct, Student Government Association (SGA), UWA Cheerleading, and Title IX. Whether students seek to immerse themselves in extracurricular activities, address concerns, or connect with their peers, this office is a welcoming hub where guidance is readily available.

Marching Band

The UWA Marching Band plays a key role in student development by providing students with the opportunity to enhance musical, leadership and social skills.  The UWA Band room is located in Foust Hall. Scholarships are available by audition. More information can be found at https://www.uwa.edu/campuslife/studentinvolvement/uwaband or by calling (205) 652-5475.

Student Services One Stop

The primary focus of the Student Services One Stop is to provide a single point of contact for all students for questions regarding Financial Aid, Information Technology and Student Accounts.  Located in Brock 127, the One Stop team is readily available to connect student with the financial, academic and campus resources to ensure student success. The Student Services One Stop can be reached by calling (205) 652-3800 and is also responsible for answering the University's Switchboard (205) 652-3400.

Student Support and Parent Programming

The goal of Parent Programming to assist parents in supporting the transition and academic success of their student(s). This office serves as the communication link between the University and parents and can be used when you feel your student needs extra support on campus or when you have a question or concern. Monthly newsletters are emailed to parents who sign up. For more information, stop by the office in Foust Hall or call (205) 652-3640 or www.uwa.edu/parents.

University Cinema

The University Cinema is located at 118 Franklin Street.  The Cinema provides full-time UWA on-campus undergraduate students one (1) free admittance each week (Friday-Thursday) of each semester when their Tiger Card is presented. The University Cinema supports the MPAA ratings system to the fullest extent possible and encourages patrons to become familiar with the MPAA rating guidelines. For more information and/or the weekly schedule, go to https://www.uwa.edu/campuslife/studentinvolvement/universitycinema.

Student Health Service

Capstone Health Services offers direct, basic health care for UWA undergraduate students, faculty and staff. The University of West Alabama Student Health Service program is operated through an agreement with Capstone Health Services. Students may go to Capstone Health Services on a "walk-in" basis or may make an appointment by calling 205-652-7001. A student who has health insurance coverage should be prepared to provide documentation of such coverage for medical treatment. Expenses incurred for care are the responsibility of the student and not the University.   

As the University healthcare provider, Capstone Health Services sees students regarding routine matters. Students with musculoskeletal and orthopedic injuries may use the services provided by the UWA Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Center in Homer Field House. See this section under Facilities and Services in the General Information portion of the Catalogue. 

In case of emergencies, students needing medical attention should go to Rush Hospital in Meridian, Miss. or Bryan Whitfield Hospital in Demopolis. The University will not be able to provide transportation to the hospital, but will arrange for ambulance service, if requested. The student will be responsible for the expense for all hospital services and ambulance transportation, if applicable. On-campus residents should contact a resident assistant or their hall director if there is a medical emergency. The Housing staff member will contact University Police and the University Police officer will determine whether an ambulance should be called. 

Capstone Health Services
Located at 711 North Washington Street, Livingston AL

Hours:  Monday-Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Career Services Office

The Career Services Office, located in Foust Hall, is available to assist students who are in the process of making career decisions. A number of assessments and resources are available to help students with this process. The office also offers services to assist students and alumni conducting a job/internship search through résumé and job search counseling, practice and on-campus interviews, career fairs, and a job board. The office also provides assistance to students applying to graduate/professional schools.

Athletic Activities

The University, as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, competes in the Gulf South Conference in varsity athletics for men in football, basketball, baseball, soccer, cross country, outdoor track, and tennis. UWA also sponsors a program of varsity athletics for women in volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer, cross country, outdoor track, and tennis. The University's men's and women's rodeo teams compete in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Intramural competition in major and minor sports is provided for the recreation and development of the students. Tournaments are organized and conducted in the various sports.

Student Organizations

The University offers over 60 student clubs and organizations, providing opportunities for students of every interest. Please visit https://www.uwa.edu/campuslife/studentengagement/studentinvolvement for more information.

Student Financial Aid

In an attempt to meet the financial need of qualified students, the University subscribes to the following policies and principles based on guidance from the U.S. Dept. of Education:

1. The purpose of financial aid is to supplement the resources of the student and his/her family; it does not exist to replace these sources of support. The primary responsibility for financing a college education resides with the family. The family is expected to contribute according to its income and assets to the student's University expenses. The student is expected to share in this responsibility through savings, summer work, and part-time employment if necessary.
2. In selecting a financial aid recipient, the University considers not only an applicant's financial need, but also his/her academic achievement and potential, character, and leadership ability.
3. The amount of a financial aid award reflects the financial situation of the student and his/her family and is confidential information which will not be made public by the University.

Financial aid at UWA may consist of a scholarship, a loan, a grant, campus employment, or any combination of these. The Financial Aid Office will attempt to meet a student's need through the award or combination of awards most appropriate to the individual applicant.

Specific information on applying for financial assistance may be obtained by visiting the Financial Aid Office in Webb Hall, Room 334, by email at  financialaid@uwa.edu, by telephone at 205.652.3576, or online.

Financial Aid Disbursement

Financial Aid is disbursed after the last day to drop and add courses each semester. Additional disbursements are routinely scheduled each week. These disbursements are for students whose file was not complete at the time of the initial disbursement of funds.

Students with sufficient funds are allowed to charge books and supplies at the bookstore beginning eight days before classes begin. All students must complete loan counseling, annual student loan acknowledgment, and e-sign a master promissory note (MPN) before loan funds can be disbursed. Loan counseling is required once, while a master promissory note is usually good for ten years. Students may complete these processes at http://www.studentaid.gov. Funds will not be available for use at the bookstore until all three are on file.

Refund checks for credit balances are deposited into the student's personal bank account if the student signs up for direct deposit. If not, they are mailed to the student's local mailing address.

Federal Pell Grant Program

A Federal Pell Grant, is need based financial aid awarded annually by the Federal Government. Pell Grants are gift aid and do not have to be repaid. Pell Grants often provide a foundation of support to which other aid may be added. Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. The amount of a Pell Grant depends on the student's financial need as calculated by the FAFSA and appropriations by the U.S. Congress. Not all students qualify to receive a Pell Grant. Lifetime eligibility is limited to 12 full-time semesters of study. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to apply.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. An FSEOG is gift aid which does not have to be repaid. 

FSEOG is awarded to students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFC) as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must complete the FAFSA application each year to apply.  FSEOG funds are limited and priority is given to students who receive Federal Pell Grants and apply early. The FAFSA application is available beginning October 1st for the next fall semester.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time employment for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. This program allows students to earn money to help pay their educational expenses. The average Federal Work-Study student works fifteen hours each week. The Program encourages community service, tutoring, and work related to the student's course of study. To be considered for the Federal Work-Study Program, students must apply early and indicate they are interested on their FAFSA Application. Priority is given to continuing FWS students but newly qualifying students are added each year. Federal Work-Study is only available on campus.

Federal Direct Student Loans

The Federal Direct Loan program provides low interest long term loans to assist in paying for college. The funds are provided by the Federal Government and loaned directly to students. Undergraduate dependent students may borrow up to $5,500.00 per year as freshmen, $6,500.00 as sophomores, and $7,500.00 as juniors and seniors. Independent undergraduate students and dependent students whose parents are denied a Parent PLUS Loan for credit reasons can borrow an additional $4,000.00 per year for freshman and sophomores and an additional $5,000.00 per year for juniors and seniors. Unsubsidized Direct Loans are available for students who do not qualify for need-based aid. Subsidized means that the Federal Government pays the interest while the student is enrolled in School. Loan repayment begins six months after graduation or ceasing enrollment.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for Direct Student Loans. The FAFSA is available on October 1st each year for aid to begin with the next fall semester. When FAFSA data is received, the school will review the results and will award the student according to their loan eligibility. Students must complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and e-sign a Master Promissory Note online at www.studentloans.gov. The Direct Loan Master Promissory Note is a binding legal document. The student should read carefully and make sure they understand it before signing it.

Institutional Scholarship and Loan Funds

An ever increasing number of individual scholarships and awards are made on an annual basis to deserving students who wish to attend UWA. The UWA Trustee Academic and Leadership Scholarships (for high school seniors and junior college transfers) are made on a first-applied, first awarded basis until all funds are depleted. Trustee and Leadership Scholarships are awarded through the Office of Admissions.  

Civic, Memorial, and Alumni scholarships are awarded by the Office of Institutional Advancement. They can vary by the classification of the student, as well as, geographic, academic major, and other restrictions. These scholarships have a deadline of March 15th each year to apply. UWA Department, Division, or Organization awards are made by applications obtained through the specific individual or group overseeing each scholarship and selection criteria and restrictions vary depending on the award. Listed below are scholarships that are open for the upcoming academic year.

The A. Gaylen Livingston Scholarship
The Choctaw County Alumni Chapter Scholarship
The Claude G. and Ethel R. Livingston Scholarship
The Clemit and Vicki Spruiell Athletic Training Scholarship
The Dorothy Shug Peterson Scholarship
The Elizabeth C. Liver Scholarship
The Ernestine Lawley Lenoir (Choctaw County Alumni Chapter) Endowed Scholarship
The Future Rural Educator Scholarship
The Gatewood Hatcher Memorial Scholarship
The George W. Skipper Student Fireman Scholarship
The Gladys Mason (Wilcox County Alumni Chapter) Scholarship
The Gordon Bridges (Wilcox County Alumni Chapter) Scholarship
The Greenetrack Inc. Scholarship
The Gregory O. Snow Scholarship
The India Lowry Shields (Marengo County Alumni Chapter) Scholarship
The James Colquitt Languages and Literature Scholarship
The James P. Homer Alumni Scholarship Fund
The Joanne Cobb Smith Scholarship
The Judy Livingston Scholarship
The June Crawford Scholarship
The Lauderdale County Veterans Scholarship
The Liza James Howard Alumni Chapter Scholarship
The Louise Sisk McDaris Scholarship
The Malone Educational Fund (Mobile County Alumni Chapter) Scholarship
The Marengo County Alumni Chapter Scholarship
The McConnell Scholarship
The McLean/Luke Scholarship
The Mobile County Alumni Chapter Scholarship
The National Alumni Association Tiger Legacy Scholarship
The Normal R. Lindsey Memorial Scholarship
The Dr. Patricia V. Beatty Scholarship
The Patrick and Sara McGahey Scholarship
The Raiford T. Noland Memorial Scholarship
The Roland and Donna Pugh Scholarship
The R.T. Floyd Scholarship
The Sarah Bell Cunningham (Sumter County Alumni Chapter) Scholarship
The Sumter County Alumni Chapter Scholarship
The Susan T. Sparkman Endowed Scholarship
The Tagged for Success Scholarship (Alabama Resident)
The Terry Bunn Endowed Scholarship
The Trustees Academic and Leadership Scholarships
The Tuscaloosa County/Credit Union Alumni Chapter Scholarship
The Washington County Alumni Chapter Scholarship
The Winton and Naomi Wise Scholarship

Alabama Student Assistance Program

The Alabama Student Assistance Program is a need-based grant program funded by the federal government and the State of Alabama. It provides grant assistance to needy students who are residents of the State and who are in need of this additional financial help in order to further their education at UWA. The FAFSA serves as the application.

Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program

The Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program was established in 1984 by the Alabama Legislature to provide financial assistance to Alabama National Guard members who are residents of Alabama for education at accredited postsecondary institutions within the state. Additional information and applications are available from the commander of each Alabama National Guard unit.

Police Officers' and Firefighters' Survivors' Educational Assistance Program

The Police Officers' and Firefighters' Survivors' Educational Assistance Program is established to provide for tuition assistance and other costs for an undergraduate student who is the dependent child, or spouse who has not remarried, of a law enforcement officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty. Further information and applications may be obtained from Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

Veterans and Veterans' Dependents

UWA is an accredited institution under provisions of all the public laws providing educational benefits for qualified veterans and dependents of veterans. For Veteran assistance, contact (205) 652-3930 or va@uwa.edu. GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Section 702, Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 and 2017 Amendments

The following individuals shall be charged a rate of tuition not to exceed the in-state rate for tuition and fees purposes in accordance with Public Law 115-251 Sec. 301:

• A Veteran using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill^® - Active Duty Program) or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill^®), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).

• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill^® benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).

• Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three year period following discharge or release as described above and must be using educational benefits under either Chapter 30 or Chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.

• Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).

• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill^® benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.

• Anyone using educational assistance under Chapter 31, Veterans Readiness and Employment, also be charged the resident rate. Effective for courses and terms beginning after March 1, 2019, a public institution of higher learning must charge the resident rate to Chapter 31 participants, as well as the other categories of individuals described above. When an institution charges these individuals more than the rate for resident students, VA is required to disapprove programs of education sponsored by VA.

• Students utilizing VA education benefits shall not be charged a penalty, including assessment of late fees, denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or be required to borrow additional funds because of the individual's inability to meet their financial obligations due to the delayed disbursement of a payment to provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• The policy shall be read to be amended as necessary to be compliant with the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 3679(c) as amended.

• Starting August 1, 2022, Any student using Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).

Section 1005 of the Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 11-315) states that effective 1 August 2021, the requirement for covered individuals to enroll in a course at a public institution of higher learning within three years of being discharged to receive in-state tuition is removed.

Complaint Policy for Students Receiving VA Education Benefits

For students receiving VA education benefits, any complaint against the school should be routed through the VA GI Bill® Feedback System by going to the following link: http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Feedback.asp. The VA will then follow up through the appropriate channels to investigate the complaint and resolve it satisfactorily.

Satisfactory Progress Policy for Financial Aid

Federal regulations require recipients of federal financial aid to maintain satisfactory academic progress, (SAP) as determined by the University, to receive assistance funded by the federal government. Satisfactory progress toward a degree is defined in accordance with the following table for the purpose of determining eligibility for federal student aid programs:
 

Qualitative and Quantitative Measures:  Satisfactory Academic Progress requires students receiving federal aid to complete at least 67% of all the courses they attempt. Students are required to make academic progress toward a degree by maintaining the minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) and course completion rate on all work attempted, including repeated courses, that count toward their degree in accordance with the following table:

Time Frame:  Federal regulation allows students 150% of the credit hours required to graduate from their program of study, within which, to complete their degree. Exceptions are made for students who enroll in the Nursing Program. Nursing student's time-frames are based only on the classes they have attempted after being admitted to the Nursing Program.

Transfers Students:  Students transferring to the University are assumed to be maintaining reasonable progress. Hours transferred from prior schools will be considered in establishing the class standing as well as being considered in determining the overall time frame allowed to receive financial aid. GPAs from transfer colleges will factor into the cumulative GPA for financial aid.

Course Loads:  Students must be enrolled at least half time in order to be eligible. Half time for an undergraduate student is six semester hours; and three hours for a graduate student.  Enrollment for federal aid is calculated using only the courses that count toward your degree program.

Federal enrollment standards

Appeals:   Extenuating circumstances (such as severe illness or injury, death of an immediate family member, acts of nature, or other mitigating factors) sometimes cause a student's failure to make satisfactory academic progress. When such a situation occurs, a student may appeal to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee for reinstatement of eligibility. The appeal form is available on the Financial Aid webpage. Any supporting documentation (from your doctor, court or police records, insurance claims, etc.) should be submitted with the appeal. Students should, in most cases, be able to clear any deficiencies after one term of enrollment.

Students without mitigating factor(s) can regain federal aid eligibility by completing enough coursework to remove any deficiencies that hinder compliance with the University's SAP policy. Students should notify the Financial Aid Office once the deficiencies have been resolved and request reinstatement of their eligibility to receive federal financial aid.

Reinstatement:  Students who lose their financial aid eligibility because of a failure to maintain reasonable progress towards a degree may reapply for financial aid eligibility reinstatement after clearing the deficiency. Students who re-establish eligibility may not retroactively receive funds for periods of enrollment in which they were ineligible. The University cannot adjust subsequent financial aid payments to compensate students for the loss of financial aid during periods of ineligibility.

Financial Information

All Charges, Fees, Meal Tickets, Dorm Rates, Etc. Subject to Change Without Notice.

Expenses

The estimated expenses for nine months at UWA are about $19,996. This estimate includes normal academic fees, and room and board, but does not include books and supplies, or the student's personal expenses, which may vary widely, nor does it include special course fees that are required of students in certain fields or other special fees required in particular circumstances.

The normal academic fees for one semester are $5,495. Room and board in a University residence hall is from $4,330 to $4,870 per semester.

Tuition is billed based on the course section location.

Basic Fees (Subject to Change Without Notice)

Each undergraduate student who enrolls for more than six semester hours is required to pay basic fees each semester as follows:

In addition, undergraduate students are required to pay the following fees when applicable:

Other General Fees

In addition, on campus and graduate and doctoral students are required to pay the following fees when applicable.

Information Technology Fee:

NOTE: Course fees may be changed or additional fees may be added during the academic year. Students taking HR 307  and HR 407  in areas of science or mathematics will have a lab fee of $75.00 attached to these courses as designated by the Dean.

Special Fees

Certain special fees are required as follows:

Graduation Fee Policy

The graduation application fee of $75.00 for all students (as stated above) is due before the deadline has passed. A late fee of $75.00 will be imposed on any student applying for graduation after the deadline for applications has passed (see academic calendars for deadline dates). If a student applies for graduation and then discovers that he/she will not graduate in the semester he/she applied, the student must reapply for graduation and resubmit the graduation application fee. The fee and application do not roll over. The application for degree fee covers the cost of processing of student files, diploma print costs, mailing costs, commencement ceremony printing costs and/or degree shipping if s student does not attend the ceremony. There is an additional fee for cap and gown to be purchased from Barnes Noble (Campus Bookstore). Students will receive instructions via regular mail and their UWA email accounts about commencement from the Commencement Committee.

Payments

All University charges for tuition, fees, room and board are due by registration day of each semester.

All students must pay their charges in full, have approved financial aid to cover all charges or establish an approved payment plan sufficient to cover the account balance by the due date. Any charges incurred other than those required as a condition of enrollment are due in full prior to registration confirmation.

International students are REQUIRED to pay all charges at the time of registration. Other students whose accounts in the past have been turned over for collection also must pay all charges at the time of registration. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that fee payments are made on time and in accordance with the policies set forth in this catalogue. Any student who fails to comply with these policies may be withdrawn from classes by the University. The University is not responsible for sending bills or reminders, although statements showing outstanding balances due may be rendered on occasion. A student may access pertinent information regarding their student account on line through their Student Self Service account at any time. Checks for payment of University charges should be made payable to "UWA". No student records will be released by the Registrar's Office until all University fees, fines and other obligations are paid in full. ALL STUDENT ACCOUNTS WITH A CREDIT BALANCE NOT CLAIMED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF GRADUATION OR WITHDRAWAL SHALL REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUNDS OF THE UNIVERSITY.

All costs, including attorney's fees, which are necessary for the collection of any debt owed to the University, must be paid by the debtor. Questions about charges or any billing discrepancies should be directed to the Student Accounts office in writing no later than 180 days from the date of the charges.

Payment Plan

The University of West Alabama offers a payment plan that allows students to spread their education expenses over monthly installments. There is an enrollment fee of $40 per term of enrollment for on-campus students and a $20 enrollment fee for online students. If a student is an on-campus student, the student may choose to enroll in a four- or five-month payment plan. Online students may only enroll in two-month payment plans, due to the length of online terms. Students may enroll using UWA's Self-Service portal, where additional information on all our education payment services are available. The account is secure, and the student can access their information 24/7. Once enrolled, the student will receive monthly payment reminders in accordance with the payment schedule on their selected payment plan. For questions, please contact the Office of Student Accounts.

Check Cashing Policy

Students and faculty desiring to cash checks at the Business Office for personal convenience must make checks payable to "Cash". Personal checks will be cashed for amounts up to $50.00 for students if their student account with UWA is current. If a student has two returned checks per academic year, his/her check cashing privileges may be discontinued.

Due to the limited amount of cash on hand in the Business Office, work-study checks will be cashed only if the student makes a payment on their student account.

Returned Check Policy

UWA will pursue all legal means to collect dishonored checks returned by our bank for any reason. Once a check has been returned to the Business Office, the maker of the check will be notified by mail and be given a reasonable period of time to make the check good. Should the maker decide to ignore this notice, the Business Office will send a second notice. The second notice will be sent by Registered Mail. Should the second notice be ignored, the check and all supporting documentation will be submitted to the Bad Check Unit of the District Attorney's Office for collection.

Writing a bad check is a crime in the State of Alabama. Failure to respond to the District Attorney may result in arrest.

Housing Reservation

A request for a reservation in University housing (residence hall room or apartment) must be accompanied by an application fee of $100.00.

Room and Board (Subject to Change Without Notice)

The rental rate in one of the University residence halls or apartments covers only the period when classes are in session.  Limited housing is available during breaks at an additional charge.   All rental rates are set on the basis of multiple occupancy of the room. The rates (subject to change) are as follows:

All students residing in the residence halls of the University are required to purchase meal plans unless a waiver is approved by the Director of Housing and Residence Life. The semester charges of the meal plans, including applicable sales tax, are as follows:

All students that live in a residence hall room (or apartment) without kitchen facilities, are required to have an All Access Meal Plan. A 9 Meal Plan is required of all other residents.

Refunds

Regular Session

Students officially withdrawing from the University during the first two weeks of class receive refunds for the Basic Fees as follows: One-hundred percent if withdrawal occurs during the first week (7 calendar days) of classes, and fifty percent if withdrawal occurs during the second week (14 calendar days) of classes. No refund is made if withdrawal occurs after the second week of classes. No refunds are made to students who do not follow official procedures for withdrawal or change of course. The information technology fee, Dining dollars, Tiger Bucks, and the ID card fee are not subject to refund or reduction for students who withdraw after the first day of classes. Refunds are made only upon receipt of an official withdrawal form properly executed. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the withdrawal form is completed. In the case of withdrawals caused by personal illness or call into military service, the total amount of fees is refundable if withdrawal is made on or before Friday of the third week of the semester. One-half of the total amount of fees is refunded if withdrawal is made during the period beginning on Monday of the fourth week and ending Friday of the fifth week of classes. Those students withdrawing due to personal illness or call into the military may be asked to submit official documentation in order to receive a reduction in fees.

Recipients of Title IV Federal Financial Aid are required to have their funds prorated based on the number of days of enrollment, effective through 60% of the semester. Withdrawing from the institution may affect a student's Satisfactory Academic Progress as determined by the Financial Aid Office under federal regulations. Students should consult with the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from the University. Students who fail to pass a single class during an award period are considered an unofficial withdrawal and federal funds may need to be returned as a result. All Title IV repayments are charged to the student account and are the responsibility of the student.

4-week Summer Session

Students officially withdrawing from the University during the first six days of class receive refunds for the Basic Fees as follows: One-hundred percent if withdrawal occurs during the first three class days of a four-week session, and fifty percent if withdrawal occurs on or between the third and sixth class days of a four week session. No refund is made if withdrawal occurs after the sixth class day of a four-week session. No refunds are made to students who do not follow official procedures for withdrawal or change of course. The information technology fee and the ID card fee are not subject to refund or reduction for students who withdraw after the first day of classes.

Refunds are made only upon receipt of an official withdrawal card properly executed. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the withdrawal card is completed. In the case of withdrawals caused by personal illness or call into military service, the total amount of fees is refundable if withdrawal is made within the first seven class days of the four-week sessions. One-half of the total amount of fees is refunded if withdrawal is made during the period beginning the eighth class day and ending on the twelfth class day of a four-week session. Those students withdrawing due to personal illness or call into the military may be asked to submit official documentation in order to receive a reduction in fees.

Recipients of Title IV Federal Financial Aid are required to have their funds prorated based on the number of days of enrollment, effective through 60% of the semester. Withdrawing from the institution may affect a student's Satisfactory Academic Progress as determined by the Financial Aid Office under federal regulations. Students should consult with the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from the University. Students who fail to pass a single class during an award period are considered an unofficial withdrawal and federal funds may need to be returned as a result. All Title IV repayments are charged to the student account and are the responsibility of the student.