Grant-in-Aid Policy

The grant-in-aid fund is provided to a student-athlete to pay or assist in paying their cost of education at UM-St. Louis. A full grant-in aid consists of tuition and fees, room, board, and books.

The Director of Financial Aid provides in writing to each student-athlete the amount of aid, terms, and condition of their grant. The program is designed to allow the student-athlete time to participate in athletics as well as their chosen academic field of study.

The grant is not a reimbursement for services performed. It is a grant and should not be looked upon as a job or pay for the student-athlete’s performance. A student’s enrollment at UM-St. Louis is voluntary; likewise, a student-athlete’s association with the athletic program is voluntary. But, in addition to the voluntary participation, the Scholarship Committee has stated other terms and conditions in writing and the student-athlete willingly undertakes certain obligations of self-discipline (training rules), team discipline, and attending classes that go beyond the ordinary student.

Financial aid cannot exceed the full amount of an athletic grant-in-aid. This means that any other scholarship, grant-in-aid, or employment that was provided by the athletic staff members or by representatives of athletics during the time the student-athlete is on scholarship (except between terms, summer, or school holidays as listed in the University Catalog) cannot be accepted.

After the initial grant-in-aid offer, the student-athlete must have the scholarship renewed each year at the recommendation of the Department of Athletics no later than July 1. If the scholarship is not renewed or is reduced in value, and the student-athlete feels that they have been unjustly treated, they are entitled to an appeal before the Financial-Aid Appeal Committee as this is in compliance with NCAA regulations (see grievance procedure pg. 16).

Financial Aid Agreement

The financial aid agreement is subject to cancellation or revision by UM-St. Louis if the student-athlete:

1. Fail to meet the minimum academic requirements/guidelines of the Athletic Department, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Great Lakes Valley Conference, and/or the NCAA for admission, continuance, and continuing eligibility.
2. Fail to maintain a level of conduct and discipline in keeping with the standards of the Athletic Department, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and the NCAA.
3. Misrepresent any information in your application for admission.
4. Fail to disclose personal medical condition and history which relates to your practice and competition status.
5. Receive financial aid in addition to the award herein and fail to notify both the Athletic Department and the Student Financial Aid Office.
6. Failure to regularly attend scheduled classes.

Removal of Athletic Aid

1. All student athletes receiving financial aid will keep their athletic scholarship award unless they drop below 12 credit hours, achieve a GPA below eligibility standards, or are placed on academic probation.
2. If after the spring semester of their first full year, the student athlete remains academically ineligible, athletic aid may be removed. Student-athletes should consult with their head coach so that they understand their teams athletic and eligibility criteria.
3. Removal or non-renewal of athletic aid will be by written notification from the director of financial aid.

Grievance/Appeal Process for Athletes

If an athlete wishes to express a grievance, appeal a coaching decision regarding renewal of athletic aid, or appeal dismissal from the team, the athlete will:
1. Contact the coach of the team to express concern. The coach will review with the athlete how the action was determined.
2. If the athlete is not satisfied with the coach’s explanation, the athlete will contact the director of financial aid in writing and file an appeal.
3. The appeal must be in writing and submitted to the director of financial aid within two (2) weeks from notification, and should include a summary of the student-athletes concerns.
4. The financial aid director will call the financial aid appeals committee and provide a hearing for the student-athlete to state their case. Decisions of the appeals committee are final.

Student-Athlete Employment

If your coach or another staff member helps you find employment, keep in mind that you are representing the Department of Athletics and the University, and, as such, are expected to conduct yourself in a conscientious and responsible manner.

Employment contacts made on your behalf are made in compliance with Departmental and NCAA rules and regulations.

Rules of Employment
The following rules are applicable to any type of student-athlete employment:

1. The work performed must be useful;
2. The rate of pay is to be the normal rate of pay for the duties performed
3. The hours paid must be the hours worked;
4. Payment in advance of hours worked is not permitted; and
5. Transportation to work may be provided only if transportation is available to employees.
6. Inform Compliance Officer.

University Charges not paid by the Department of Athletics

There are always questions about what expenses are covered when a student-athlete is on full scholarship. Tuition, fees, book stipend, room, and board are covered. The expenses listed below are not covered.

If you incur any of the following charges, you must pay them:
· Cost of treatment for non-athletically related injuries;
· Library fines;
· Fines for damage to University property
· School supplies, reference books, pens, notebooks, etc.;
· Vehicle Registration fee, Parking fines; and/or
· Lost textbooks