A common practice among financial aid professionals, both in the CSU system and nation wide, is to recalculate student financial aid awards (specifically for the Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant and State University Grant funds) based on changes in the student's enrollment as of a designated "freeze date" each term. This freeze date is determined by the school and is commonly associated with Census Day (a date which typically occurs at CSUB in the third week of each term).
Based on federal financial aid regulations, as well as "best practice" in the CSU system, the CSUB OFA&S will institute a new policy of repackaging financial aid awards as of Census Day each term, commencing with the 2008-2009 academic year.
It is important for students to understand the financial aid ramifications of dropping units at any point during the term.
For example, if students are initially enrolled in 12 units (i.e., full-time enrollment), and their financial aid is disbursed into their CSUB student account, then they drop to 9 units (i.e., 3/4-time enrollment) on or before Census Day, their Pell Grant, Cal Grant, and/or State University grant awards will all be prorated down to 9 units for the term. The student will then owe the prorated difference back to the University. A "hold" will automatically be placed on the student's future registration and transcripts until payment arrangements are made by the student for their balance (which may include a payment plan, an emergency loan, and/or other aid).
If students drop units after Census Day, they will be subject to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Guidelines, as outlined on our web page., which requires them to complete a minimum GPA, and/or percentage of their units attempted as of Census Day, each term. Therefore, it is important for students to understand the financial aid ramifications of dropping units at any point during the term.
If students completely withdraw from all classes in any term, they are subject to the CSUB Withdrawal: Refund and Repayment Policy as outlined on our web page.
Should you have any questions concerning this policy, please feel free to contact your Financial Aid Counselor.
Important note. Students are initially awarded financial aid based on an expectation of full-time enrollment each term. If a student does not initially enroll in 12 units or more for a term, their Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant and/or State University Grant funds will not be disbursed until their award is revised to match their enrollment level. Therefore, if a student enrolls part-time, they should complete a Financial Aid Course Loan Change Form at http://www.csub.edu/finaid/pdf/2008-09/facl09.pdf. All other federal and state aid will be disbursed prior to Census Day as long as students are enrolled at least half-time.