IT'S TIME TO FILE FOR FINANCIAL AID

Now is the time to apply for federal and state financial aid for the 2008-2009 award year which begins in the fall of 2008. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA online since paper applications increase processing time. Reminder: To be considered for State of Missouri financial aid programs, a student must apply by April 1st, 2008. To ensure your file is received in time, you may want to submit the FAFSA at least a few weeks before the deadline.

NEW FINANCIAL AID SYSTEM BEING IMPLEMENTED FOR 2008-2009

The Student Financial Aid Office is getting a new financial aid software system, scheduled to go into production March 3, 2008. Student Financial Aid Office personnel have been working since January 2007 with consultants to implement the new system called MyView. One of the benefits of this new system is online self service. Below is a sample screen shot of how a self service screen will appear:

Students will be able to view and accept their awards online. More information will be available the closer we get to our go live date.

JASON BORNHOP, DIRECTOR OF SCHOLARSHIPS

In October 2007 Jason Bornhop was appointed Director of Scholarships. Jason has been working with scholarships and financial aid at UM-St. Louis for almost two years. He looks forward to working with the UMSL community to expand and enhance our programs for students.

NEW MISSOURI UNDERGRADUATE GRANT

On August 28, 2007, the state of Missouri implemented the Access Grant--a new undergraduate program to replace the Gallagher Grant and College Guarantee Program. Students have to be Missouri residents who have submitted their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the April 1 deadline and demonstrate financial need. Recipients must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree seeking program working toward their first bachelor's degree.

CHANGES TO MISSOURI SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS

Starting with the 2008-2009 academic year, a student must have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) to have his/her Missouri Undergraduate Scholarship or Grant renewed. This requirement is new for the Bright Flight Scholarship, Access Missouri Grant, Marguerite Ross Barnett Scholarship, and Missouri Teacher Scholarship. The Missouri Gear Up Scholarship already requires students to maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA

FEBRUARY IS FINANCIAL AID AWARENESS MONTH

UM-St. Louis financial aid staff volunteer their time and expertise in many ways, helping the community at large. Besides sponsored outreach events with Admissions, UM-St. Louis financial aid staff members provide programs at different high school in the St. Louis area helping families understand the financial aid process. This year we will host a College Goal Sunday workshop on February 10, 2:00pm at the MSC Century Room C.

You will find our office in room 327 on the top floor of the Millennium Student Center. We are open Monday through Thursday (8am-7pm) and Fridays (8am-5pm) to assist students and help them through the financial aid process. If you have questions regarding your financial aid you may call us at 314-516-5526 or email: financialaid@umsl.edu

The Office of Student Financial Aid ensures that no individual with the ability to benefit is denied access to a post-secondary education because they lack the financial resources to pay costs.
(SFA Mission)

© 2008 University of Missouri-St. Louis