Student Rights & Responsibilities

In accepting a financial aid award from William Paterson, you acknowledge certain rights and responsibilities. This information is provided to you in your initial financial aid award letter packet.

You have the right to:

• know what financial assistance is available, including all federal, state, and institutional aid programs and what policies or regulations govern these programs
• know the deadlines for submission of applications for aid and the procedures to be followed
• know the cost of attendance at William Paterson and the university's refund policy
• know how the Office determines your financial need, including the determination and amount of the expected family contribution
• know the source and amount of each type of financial aid offered to you
• know the method by which aid is determined and disbursed or applied to your account
• apply for additional assistance when increased financial need can be demonstrated and funds are available
• expect and receive complete confidentiality about financial aid awarded by our office

You have the responsibility to:

• complete all application forms accurately and thoroughly know and comply with enrollment requirements related to financial aid eligibility
• be enrolled at least half-time to receive aid consideration
  • be aware that some programs require full-time enrollment
  • see specific program descriptions for more information
• know and comply with priority dates for application for aid in order to receive preferential consideration
• know and comply with the University's refund procedures
• read and understand all information sent to you and all forms you are asked to sign, keeping copies for your records
• accept responsibility for all agreements you sign
• use funds awarded to you solely for educational expenses incurred while attending William Paterson
• repay all educational loans according to the repayment provisions agreed upon at the time the loan was accepted and the promissory note signed
• return in a timely manner all corrections, additional information, or documentation requested by our office or the agency to which you submitted your application
• report any change in your financial situation from that which you reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• report any wages, loans, grants, or scholarships received from sources external to the university
• know and comply with the policies for satisfactory academic progress