Student Financial Assistance

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Western Michigan University provides fellowships, associateships, and assistantships for students planning to pursue graduate study. Collectively, these awards are known as graduate appointments. Graduate appointees are first and foremost students. As such, their most important task is to complete their degree requirements in a timely fashion; this is the primary expectation of the University. Graduate appointments are provided by the University for at least three principal reasons. First, employment of graduate students in teaching, research, and non-teaching positions during their graduate education encourages and supports their participation in these major functions of university life and thereby strengthens the quality of the students’ educational experience. Second, appointments provide direct financial support to outstanding students who are essential to the development of quality graduate programs. Third, graduate students provide valuable and necessary services to the University in their roles as appointees. Applications for most positions are due by February 15, and appointments are usually made by April 15 for students planning to enroll in the fall semester. Appointments are often renewable, except for Dissertation Completion Fellowships. For more information, visit or call the Graduate College (269) 387-8212, or visit the Graduate College website.

The following appointments are available: (please review the Graduate College Website for additional details): 

Departmental Doctoral Associateship
Doctoral Associateships are available to students admitted to a doctoral program. A full appointment requires 20 hours of service per week from the student in the department or in a related area. Types of appointment duties include teaching, research discovery, or research application (service). Enrollment of at least six hours per semester and three hours per session is required (even for partial appointments). The associateship will pay up to nine hours of full tuition per semester or three hours per session for a full appointee; tuition is pro-rated for a partial appointment. Application deadlines vary by department; inquiries should be made with the academic unit.

Departmental Graduate Associateship
Graduate Assistantships are available in many departments of the University for both master’s and doctoral students. A full appointment requires twenty hours of service per week from the student in the department or in a related area. Types of appointment duties include teaching, research discovery, or research application (service). Enrollment of at least six hours per semester and three hours per session is required (even for partial appointments). The assistantship also provides up to nine hours of full tuition per semester for doctoral students and eight hours (2013/14) and nine hours (2014/15) for master’s students, or three hours per session for both doctoral and master’s students for a full appointee; tuition is pro-rated for partial appointees. Inquiries should be sent to the chairperson of the department.

Graduate College Dissertation Completion Fellowship
Non-renewable Graduate College Dissertation Completion Fellowships for up to two semesters and two sessions are awarded in open competition and on the basis of superior scholarly achievement to assist full time doctoral students with completion of their dissertations. To be eligible, an applicant must be a doctoral candidate who can demonstrate superior academic achievement and a record of timely and steady progress toward degree completion. Applicants must have completed all requirements for the degree except the dissertation and must have an accepted dissertation proposal. In addition to a stipend at the doctoral associate level, the Fellowship pays the Fellow’s tuition for 1-6 hours per semester and 1-3 hours per session of 7300 hours only, depending on how many hours of 7300 the Fellow has yet to complete. During the period of the fellowship, enrollment of at least six credits per semester or three credits per session is required, unless the student is on continuous enrollment status. For non-residents of Michigan, the fellowship will pay the out-of-state portion of the tuition. Applications are available at the Graduate College. Application deadline: February 15.

Thurgood Marshall Fellowship
Thurgood Marshall Fellowships for the academic year plus the Summer I and Summer II sessions are available to U.S. citizens who are beginning their master’s or doctoral degree program and who have regular admission to the program; they are awarded to exceptional students who exemplify the life, career and ideals of Justice Thurgood Marshall. Full-time enrollment (a minimum of six hours per semester and three hours per summer session) is required for both master’s and doctoral recipients; recipients are also required to perform 10 hours of service per week in the department or academic unit. Recipients receive both a stipend and tuition award. For further details, contact the Graduate College. Application deadline: February 15.

Martin Luther King/César Chavez/Rosa Parks Future Faculty Fellowship
Martin Luther King/César Chavez/Rosa Parks Future Faculty Fellowships are available to U.S. citizens with regular admission to a doctoral program and who wish to pursue a full-time teaching or administrative career in post-secondary education within the United States. These KCP Fellowships are awarded to exceptional students who exemplify the life, career and ideals of Martin Luther King, César Chavez or Rosa Parks. The Fellowship does not require departmental service; however, students must meet other requirements as stated in the guidelines for KCP fellowships. KCP Fellowships can be awarded in conjunction with other appointments. For further details, contact the Graduate College. Application deadline: February 15.

Western Michigan University (WMU) – Graduate Education and the Professoriate (GEP) Fellowship
WMU-GEP Fellowships are available to U.S. citizens who derive from African-American, Hispanic, or Native American (with tribal affiliation) heritage and who have secured regular admission to a doctoral degree program in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) or SBE (sociology, political science, psychology, or economics) area. The GEP Fellowship is competitive and awarded to exceptional students. For further details, contact the Graduate College. Application deadline: March 1.

Graduate Student Research Grant
The Graduate Student Research Grant was established to support graduate students engaged in independent scholarly research, scientific inquiry, inventive technology, and original artistic activity. The grants are intended to help students pay distinct costs incurred as part of these activities. The typing of theses and dissertations and project papers, as well as the purchase of supplies and equipment commonly provided by departments or by other existing grants or funds, do not qualify under this grant.

To be eligible for a Graduate Student Research Grant, an applicant must be regularly admitted to a graduate degree program, in good academic standing, enrolled for at least six hours in the semester or for at least three hours in the session that the research takes place (students on “continuous enrollment” status can meet this requirement with one hour of enrollment), and the sole or principal investigator.

Applicants whose research involves human subjects, animals, and/or bio-safety requirements must provide documentation of prior approval of the research proposal by the appropriate University review body.

Grants range up to $1,000.00 for those applicants selected for funding and are awarded to encourage research by graduate students, with an ancillary objective of scholarly publication. The amount will depend, in part, on the number of applications received and the budget available and, in part, on the priority given the application by the selection committee. In addition, additional funds (up to $600) may be required for international travel for the purposes of conducting research. Applicants should be aware that not all applications may be selected for funding and that not all applicants may receive the amount of funding requested, and research grants are not awarded for research that has already been conducted. Applications are available at the Graduate College or at www.wmich.edu/grad/funding. Application deadlines are usually in mid-September, early November, mid-January, and mid-March, and posted on the Graduate College website each year.

Graduate Student Travel Grant
The Graduate Student Travel Grant was established to support graduate students engaged in independent scholarly research, scientific inquiry, inventive technology, and original artistic activity. The grants support graduate student travel to conferences or events sponsored by professional organizations for the purpose of presenting the results of research, exhibiting or performing creative works, or otherwise disseminating results of their scholarly activity. These grants do not cover conference attendance for other purposes (e.g., as a non-presenting attendee or workshop participant), to present the findings of another’s scholarly work, or for credit-generating activities such as study abroad programs.

To be eligible for a Graduate Student Travel Grant, an applicant must be regularly admitted to a graduate degree program, in good academic standing, enrolled for at least six hours in the semester or for at least three hours in the session that the travel takes place (students on “continuous enrollment” status can meet this requirement with one hour of enrollment), and the sole or principal investigator and the invited presenter.

Applicants whose research involves human subjects, animals, and/or bio-safety requirements must provide documentation of prior approval of the research proposal by the appropriate University review body.

Grants will range up to $700.00 for those applicants selected for funding (additional funding for international travel, and higher cost domestic locations, is available). The amount allocated will depend, in part, on the number of applications received and the budget available and, in part, on the priority given the application by the selection committee. Applicants should be aware that not all applications may be selected for funding and that not all applicants may receive the amount of funding requested. Students should submit applications prior to the conference to which they have been selected to present, however, students may also participate in a conference and then submit an application for potential reimbursement. Applications are available at the Graduate College or at www.wmich.edu/grad/funding. Application deadlines are usually in mid-September, early November, mid-January, and mid-March, and posted on the Graduate College website each year.

University Dames Endowed Scholarship Grant
University Dames Endowed Scholarship grants are available for candidates who are admitted to a graduate degree program, who have successfully completed at least 15 credit hours of graduate work, and who are in good academic standing.  Preference is given to female candidates, but men also are encouraged to apply. The award amount is credited to the student’s University account and applied toward tuition, fees, and books. Nominations from department chairs or graduate advisors must include the grant’s application form, the nominee’s vita and a letter of support from either the department chair or graduate advisor. The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis each spring. Application deadline is usually mid-May and posted on the Graduate College website each year.

George and Beatrice Fisher Gerontology Dissertation Prize
This annual award recognizes the doctoral dissertation that best advances the study and understanding of the process of aging. The prize may be awarded in any discipline or field related to gerontology. Candidates must be in good academic standing, and must have successfully defend their dissertation during the year the award is sought. Nominations from department chairs or graduate advisors must include a summary of the nominee’s gerontology research, a vita, and a letter of support from the department chair or graduate advisor. The nominee must also submit the grant application form. The annual award is made during the month of June. Application deadline is usually mid-May and posted on the Graduate College website each year.

Gwen Frostic Doctoral Fellowship
These generous and highly competitive fellowships will be awarded semi-annually by the Graduate College to doctoral students engaged in dissertation research from any field. The fellowships, in an amount to be determined by the Graduate College, will defray or reimburse education expenses, including tuition and fees, materials, and travel. Funds must be spent in the year (365 days) following the award. The award terminates when the doctoral degree has been conferred upon a Fellow.

Upon announcement of the application deadline by the Graduate College, students may be nominated by their dissertation advisor, with a letter of transmission from the department chair or program head. These letters shall indicate the significance of the dissertation research, the accomplishments of the student, and the scholarly or scientific promise of the student. The nomination must be accompanied by the completed grant application form, the student’s curriculum vitae, approved dissertation proposal, and a budget of expenses.

Patricia Lee Thompson Dissertation Award
The Patricia Lee Thompson Dissertation Award is an annual award that assists with completion of the dissertation. Award monies may be used for any costs associated with completion of the dissertation. Nominees must have completed all requirements for the degree except the dissertation and be in good academic standing. The nomination process includes one letter of support from the dissertation advisor, department chair, or graduate director, in addition to the completed grant application form. Complete information can be accessed at www.wmich.edu/grad. The nomination deadline is announced by the Graduate College.

Department and University Teaching and Research Awards
The Graduate Studies Council has established two annual award programs to recognize graduate student contributions at Western Michigan University: the Graduate Research and Creative Scholar Awards and the Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Awards. The Graduate Research and Creative Scholar Awards were established in 1986 to acknowledge graduate students’ contributions to the scholarly and artistic productivity of Western Michigan University. The Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Awards were established in 1998 to recognize effective teaching done at WMU by graduate students as assistants to faculty, as independent instructors, or in other capacities that directly promote and facilitate student learning. 

Nominations for both programs are sought on an annual basis by the Graduate College. Departments are contacted early in the Spring semester regarding nomination procedures and deadline. Each department or unit with a graduate program may nominate one master’s degree student and, where appropriate, one specialist and/or doctoral degree student for each of the two award programs.

Definitions and Classifications

1. A graduate appointee is a student enrolled in a program leading to a graduate degree or to a graduate certificate who receives a University-administered salary and a payment for part or all of the appointee’s tuition. Amounts may vary by program but minimum established rates are posted on the Graduate College website.
2. To be eligible for a graduate appointment a student must be regularly admitted, in good academic standing, and enrolled in a program leading to a graduate degree or a graduate certificate. In most cases graduate appointees are required to be enrolled as full-time students, even if on partial appointment. A student admitted to a graduate degree program or concurrently to a graduate degree program and a graduate certificate program is eligible for an appointment in any unit in the University. A student admitted only to a graduate certificate program is eligible for an appointment only within the academic unit offering the graduate certificate.
3. Although graduate appointments differ in many important ways, each can be classified as either an assistantship/associateship or a fellowship.  Assistants/Associates provide service to the University which is part of the learning experience in their disciplines. As apprentices they perform part of the functions of their academic units. In contrast, Fellows either have no formal service obligation to the University, or have a reduced service obligation, although they are expected to participate in the normal activities of their academic units which is considered training for participants within the program. 
4. More than one fractional appointment may be held simultaneously. However, in no case shall one person hold more than the equivalent of one full appointment.
5. A student may be awarded an appointment for only one program at the master’s level and one program at the doctoral level.
6. A master’s level student may receive funding for up to two years. At the academic dean’s discretion, a third year of funding may be provided.
7. A doctoral level student may receive funding for up to five years.

Assistantship

1. Assistantships are awarded to students in any graduate-level program with the expectation of appropriate professional service. Graduate assistants are apprentices in the profession, and while the service aspect is emphasized in the definition in order to make a distinction, Graduate Assistants, first and foremost, are students and valued members of the community of scholars. They are selected for their scholarship and manifest interest in the discipline as well as for their ability to perform the needed service.
2. The service of a Graduate Teaching Assistant (T.A.) consists of activities directly related to teaching, while the service of a Graduate Research Discovery Assistant (R.A.) consists of research activity under the supervision of a faculty member or administrator, and the service of a Graduate Research Application Assistant includes all other professional work in the unit accepted as appropriate and germane to the student’s educational goal.
3. Teaching assistants as defined in the Teaching Assistants Union (TAU) Agreement are subject to the terms and conditions of the 2012-15 Agreement between Western Michigan University and TAU (www.tauaft.org ). Under terms of the Agreement, at the beginning of each academic term TAU will be provided with a list of all graduate teaching assistants and these will be considered employees represented by the bargaining unit. The bargaining unit will communicate with these employees about rights and responsibilities accorded by the Agreement, including the payment of union dues.

Associateship

Associateships are assistantships awarded to outstanding students in doctoral programs. Service may involve teaching, research, or other appropriate activity.

Fellowship

Fellowships are awarded to students who have distinguished themselves by outstanding academic achievement or special abilities. Fellowships are provided by the University or by another donor with the approval of the University. Fellowships do not typically have a service requirement, but this may vary for some fellowship programs.

The kinds of service required of Graduate Assistants/Associates may vary among departments, each of which determines its own range of appropriate responsibilities subject to administrative review. Whatever kind of service is expected, however, a full associateship/assistantship in any department consists of twenty hours of service per week or its equivalent. Equivalency is calculated on the basis of the value assigned by a department to the performance of each particular service.

No service is typically required of students holding Fellowships, but this may vary for some fellowship programs.

1. The amount of a fellowship grant (stipend) is set by the donor with the concurrence of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
2. The minimum salary for full-time Assistants and Associates in each type of appointment is established by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
3. Fractional awards are made for fractional appointments.
4. Assistantship, associateship, and fellowship awards have tax implications. Assistantship and associateship salaries are administered through the University payroll system while fellowship stipends may be paid to student accounts as a scholarship. Detailed records of educational expenses and check stubs from any payment received from the University should be kept for tax purposes.
5. Unless otherwise notified by the hiring department, appointees are responsible for paying their own fees (e.g. enrollment fee, Student Assessment Fee, international student fee, etc.).

The University’s Affirmative Action Policy/Equal Opportunity shall apply to graduate appointments.

Graduate assistants and associates shall adhere to the same standards of professional ethics as those of the regular faculty. (See “Statement on Professional Ethics” in current Agreement between WMU and the AAUP.)

1. At the time of their appointment, graduate appointees shall be informed in writing of the specific conditions of the appointment. They shall be informed that the offer of an appointment is contingent upon acceptance into a graduate degree program at the University, and continuance of the appointment depends in part on satisfactory progress in that program and satisfactory performance of assigned duties. The letter shall also state the amount of both the salary and tuition award, the probable assigned activities, the length of the appointment, conditions of service, and, if appropriate, the criteria for renewal. Any other conditions specific to an individual appointment shall be contained in the letter of appointment.
2. Each appointee shall be provided with information prepared by the Graduate College concerning current University-wide procedures, practices, privileges, and responsibilities that relate to graduate appointees. Each department is responsible for providing any supplemental information on these matters that is necessary and special.

1. Assigned activities of graduate appointees shall be relevant professional experiences.
2. Graduate appointees can expect professional guidance and timely evaluation in the performance of their duties.

1. A full graduate appointment (i.e., 20 hours of service per week) requires a minimum enrollment of six credits per semester or three credits per session unless an under-enrollment has been approved by the Graduate College. Individual departments may require an enrollment of more than the minimum number of credit hours. Some circumstances may allow for decreased enrollment; however, departments will advise appointees. Assistants/associates on partial appointment are still expected to meet the full-time enrollment requirement.
2. It should be noted that students assessed the full enrollment fee are allowed access to Sindecuse Health Center services, paying student rates.  Also included is access to the University Recreation Center facilities.  Students assessed a lesser enrollment fee continue to receive access to the recreation center facilities but health center service costs will be charged at a higher rate.  Students registered without being assessed the enrollment fee may pay an additional fee to enable them access to both the recreation center and the health center services.

1. For formal identification as a graduate appointee, students are placed on an electronic list shared with various campus offices that provide services to appointees.
2. Validation may be authorized during the summer sessions for graduate appointees on academic year appointments even if the appointee is no longer receiving a stipend.

Appointee Benefits

1. Tuition Awards: Graduate appointees may, at the discretion of the University, be granted partial or full tuition awards. Any such tuition award will be identified in the appointment letter. Tuition awards are awarded only during the semester(s) or session(s) a graduate appointment is held. Students who are granted such partial or full tuition awards and subsequently withdraw from a class or from classes after the refund period may be required to repay the portion of the tuition award that was granted as a benefit of the appointment.
2. Library: Graduate appointees will be accorded the same privileges and responsibilities as faculty members in the use of the library facilities. These are specified in the faculty handbook (Western Michigan University Policy Handbook). Appointees will also have access to library carrels on a space available basis after faculty requests have been filled.
3. Parking: Graduate appointees are exempt from paying the motor vehicle registration fee, but are required to register their motor vehicles. Application may be made to the Public Safety Annex for parking privileges in designated lots; the appointee will be required to present the ID and appear on the electronic validation list held at the service desk, or to present the letter of appointment.
4. Campus Bookstore: Graduate appointees will be accorded discount privileges on purchases at the Western Michigan University Bookstore in the same manner and degree as faculty and staff members. Discount will be given for current semester or session only; the appointee will be required to present the student identification card and appear on the electronic validation list held at the service desk. 
5. University facilities: Graduate appointees will be accorded the use of University facilities (e.g., student offices, research facilities, etc.) authorized by the director of the facilities on the same basis that they are authorized for part-time faculty.
6. Health Care: Appointees may elect to enroll in a University-sponsored Health Insurance Program. [All students enrolled at Western Michigan University are eligible to participate in the Student Health Insurance Program (dependent coverage available) where each participant pays the full cost of coverage.] Graduate appointees are eligible to receive a University contribution towards the cost of coverage, provided they complete the necessary enrollment process during the prescribed enrollment period. Enrollment materials and information are available at the Sindecuse Health Center and the Graduate College.

At Western Michigan University, we encourage every student to apply for Federal Financial Aid FIRST. Federal financial aid is the best, most cost-efficient way to pay for college. Financial aid comes in several forms. Your aid package may include a federal student loan, which offers the lowest interest rates and allows you to defer repayment. Other types of financial aid may come from private sources.

The information in this section is based on the 2014-15 award year criteria. Should federal, state, or university regulations and procedures change, Student Financial Aid will administer programs according to updated regulations.

We are dedicated to meeting the needs of our diverse and talented campus community by providing excellent customer service in an accurate and timely manner through the use of advanced technology and a knowledgeable staff.  To view the most current information about opportunities and application procedures, visit the Student Financial Aid website: www.wmich.edu/finaid. If you have questions you may visit Bronco Express in the Bernhard Center, email finaid-info@wmich.edu or call (269) 387-6000.

Graduate Scholarships

There are a variety of scholarships and programs available. For complete and up-to-date information, visit our website: www.wmich.edu/finaid/grad/scholarships.html.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH)

TEACH provides federally funded grants of $3.964 per academic year ($8,000 total for graduate study) to full-time students who are enrolled in TEACH-eligible programs. In exchange for receiving a TEACH grant, students must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students. As a recipient of a TEACH grant, students must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which you received a TEACH grant. If students fail to complete the service obligation, all funds received from the TEACH grants will be converted to a federal direct unsubsidized loan. Students must then repay this loan to the U.S. Department of Education. Students will be charged interest from the date the grants were disbursed.

Loans

These financial aid programs are designed to assist students, allowing them to borrow at a lower interest rate with opportunities to defer principal payments and possibly interest payments until after enrollment ends. Federal rates are subject to change and were current as of the time of publication.

Federal Perkins Loan - allows graduate students with unmet need to borrow funds on an annual basis with an interest rate of 5 percent. The annual amount per academic year is $6,000 for graduate students. Interest and principal payments are deferred as long as a student is enrolled at least half-time. Repayment of the loan plus interest begins nine months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized (FDU) Loan - allows graduate students to borrow funds on an annual basis with a fixed interest rate of 5.41 percent. The annual amount is dependent upon cost of attendance, grade level, and other resources received. Interest accrues while the student is enrolled in school and the student has the option of paying the interest payments or letting the interest payments be added to the principle loan amount. Loan principal payments are deferred as long as a student is enrolled at least half-time. Borrowers pay an origination fee of 1.072 percent that is deducted from each disbursement. Repayment of the loan plus interest begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS - allows graduate students to borrow funds on an annual basis with a fixed interest rate of 6.41 percent. Repayment of interest and the principle begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. Repayment will be deferred automatically if the student is enrolled a minimum of half-time. Borrowers pay an origination fee of 4.288 percent that is deducted from each disbursement. The Graduate PLUS application must be completed by the student. Borrowers must pass a credit check.

Alternative Loans - available through a variety of private loan programs. These loans supplement financial aid. Each program will vary. For more information about how to choose a private loan lender, see our website, www.wmich.edu/finaid/loans/.

Applying for Financial Aid

The financial aid application process begins when a student files a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online each year at www.fafsa.gov. WMU may be selected using our school code, 002330. A Personal Identification Number (PIN) needs to be acquired from www.pin.ed.giv. This PIN serves as the electronic signature and will be used throughout the financial aid process. A FAFSA may be filed as early as January 1. Keep in mind, while there is no cutoff deadline, some awards have a priority deadline of March 1. Other types of aid are awarded until funds are exhausted, so apply as early as possible. Returning students should file a Renewal FAFSA each year as well.

The FAFSA gathers information regarding a students’ income, assets, and other related information to determine the expected family contribution (EFC). The EFC is used to determine the amount of need-based eligibility for the student based on the cost of attendance (COA). The COA is based on an estimate of tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, food, transportation and personal expenses. The amount of need-based aid may also be affected by other financial aid resources. The cost of attendance and a personal budget worksheet can be found on our website at www.wmich.edu/finaid/grad/next-steps.html

Along with the FAFSA, other documents and processes may be required before an award notice or payment is processed. Notification of these additional requirements will be emailed to students through their WMU email address. Students may also check on the status of their financial aid online any time through GoWMU.

Student Financial Aid automatically considers applicants for all types of federal, state, and institutional grants, work-study, and loans. Any scholarships, stipends, or other resources will be assessed first before awarding need-based financial aid. Additional eligibility factors will be considered in determining the type and amount of aid programs in the award package.

In general the eligibility factors that are reviewed are citizenship, residency, class and grade level, enrollment hours, semesters of enrollment, degree status, default status, and satisfactory academic standing.

Most financial aid programs require a minimum enrollment equivalent to half-time status to be eligible for payment. Awards are initially based on full-time enrollment; however, payments to the student’s account will be based on actual enrollment.

Any additional resources, changes to funding or regulations may affect student’s financial aid awards. If the information received affects student’s financial aid awards, a revised award letter will be e-mailed through the student’s WMU e-mail address.

Disbursement of financial aid payments to a student’s WMU account begin as early as 10 days before the beginning of the semester, if all requirements have been met. Payments are disbursed based upon program eligibility requirements and enrollment. Payments will be applied to tuition, fees, housing, food and other authorized charges. Any excess funds remaining will be refunded to students via direct deposit or a mailed check. For complete details on the refund policy and procedures, please visit Accounting Services online, www.wmich.edu/accounting-services/faq/refund.html

In accordance with federal and state regulations, the financial aid office must monitor academic progress toward graduation. Graduate students must complete at least 67 percent of attempted hours to maintain eligibility for federal and state financial aid. The maximum total hours for a master’s or doctoral degree, and GPA requirements are monitored and enforced through the University’s Graduate Academic Standards policy. Students who lose financial aid eligibility and who have experienced unusual circumstances may submit a written appeal with documentation and submit it to Student Financial Aid to be considered by an appeal committee.

Financial aid recipients considering a partial or complete withdrawal should discuss withdrawal or complete withdrawal plans with a financial aid adviser before withdrawal. Make an appointment by calling Bronco Express, (269) 387-6000.

Financial aid recipients who drop some classes during the drop/add period (or indicate having never attended some classes) may lose some or all financial aid eligibility. Financial aid recipients who drop all classes prior to the start of the semester (or having never attended any classes) are no longer eligible for financial aid for that semester. All scholarship, grant and loan payments and refunds of financial aid must be returned to Western Michigan University.

A federal financial aid recipient who completely withdraws from all classes after the beginning of the semester will have the amount of federal aid earned up to that point determined by a specific formula. If more federal aid was received than earned, the excess aid must be returned. The amount of federal aid earned is determined on a pro-rata basis. For example, if 30 percent of the semester is completed, then 30 percent of the federal aid is earned. Once a student has completed more than 60 percent of the semester, all of the federal aid is earned.

An assistantship, associateship, or fellowship awarded by a department or college will not be indicated on the financial aid award letter until the financial aid office has been notified of the award.  If a student has been awarded federal loans, the loans may be reduced when the assistantship, associateship, or fellowship (or any other awards) is added to the award file. Federal Loans may be reduced at the time the financial aid office receives notification of the receipt of additional assistance.

Students need to be admitted to a graduate degree-seeking program to be eligible for most types of financial aid. Students who are admitted to WMU in a non-degree program may not be eligible for financial aid. Students admitted to complete teacher education certification requirements to obtain permanent certification may be eligible for loans at the undergraduate level.

A student who wants financial aid must meet certain eligibility requirements. The student must be a regular admitted, degree-seeking student enrolled in courses at WMU. Once the student has completed degree requirements, he is no longer eligible for aid. Guest students are not eligible. Certificate programs are not eligible, except for the Specialty Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Students who are completing hours for professional teacher certification are eligible for undergraduate loans.

International students are not eligible for Federal or State aid. There may be scholarships, assistantships, associateships, or fellowships available through WMU departments or the Graduate College. International students may also be eligible for an alternative loan if a U.S. citizen that is credit-worthy is willing to co-sign the loan.

As a consumer, students have the right to certain disclosures and information per federal regulations. Students may view a list of rights and responsibilities, as well as other consumer disclosures related to financial aid on our website, www.wmich.edu/finaid/disclosures.html. A request for printed information may be submitted in writing to:
WMU Student Financial Aid
1903 W. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI  49008-5337