Resources

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library

The 80,000-square-foot, five-story building, named for Harry and Jeanette Weinberg opened in 1992. The facility includes a variety of learning environments, including 58 computer workstations, large tables, soft seating, study carrels, group study rooms, quiet study areas, and the Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, a large reading room on the fifth floor overlooking the campus. Four areas are available by card swipe 24/7:

• The Reilly Learning Commons, which includes lecture capture access, podcasting space, high-end computing, 6 Macs, a Writing Center Satellite, and reservable group study rooms.
• The Pro Deo Room, which includes a computer lab, café seating, and a 46-inch touchscreen table PC. The room also houses the Scranton Marketplace, a 24/7 self-service food market.
• The Second Floor, which includes a computer lab, reservable group study rooms, quiet study space, large tables, study carrels, and soft seating. Some Reference Books, Periodicals, and Microform materials are shelved here.
• The Third Floor, which includes large tables, study carrels, and group study rooms.

There are 15 laptops and 7 iPads available at the Library Services Desk for loan to students. Throughout the building, there is wireless access to the Internet including wireless printing.

In 2022, Library holdings of 1,134,263 volumes included: 333,793 print books; 697,434 electronic books; 76,440 bound journal volumes, and 26,596 volume-equivalent microforms. The Library has 73,483 unique journal titles in print and electronic subscriptions. The Media Resources Collection, located on the third floor, holds 24,492 non-print items and provides access to 124,648 streaming media programs. The University of Scranton Archives and McHugh Family Special Collections, located on the fourth floor, houses the University’s historical records, rare books, faculty publications, and other special collections. The library’s Digital Collections are available at https://digitalservices.scranton.edu. In addition to the Library’s collection, books are available for direct borrowing through PALCI (Partnership for Academic Library Collaboration & Innovation) EZBorrow, and journal articles may be requested through Interlibrary Loan. Special services for delivery of materials are available for distance learners.

We have 159 electronic databases are accessible on the Library’s website. A proxy server provides remote access to databases and full text documents for those who are off campus. Research & Scholarly Services Librarians are available in-person on the second floor, and can also be reached by calling 570-941-4000, by emailing askalibrarian@scranton.edu, or online via the Ask a Librarian chat box located on the Library homepage. The online Ask a Librarian chat box is staffed 24/7 and is conducted live. The Library also has a robust Information Literacy Program that instructs students in information discovery, evaluation, and use. Faculty are encouraged to schedule information literacy instruction sessions for their classes by going to https://www.scranton.edu/academics/wml/infolit/instruction.shtml.

Library hours are posted on campus and on the Library’s website. The building is staffed 88 hours per week, with extended hours during exam periods. For information about the Library, including its services and resources, see the Weinberg Memorial Library homepage at https://www.scranton.edu/library. To find out what’s new in the Library, visit https://sites.scranton.edu/library.

Career Development

The Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development

The Center for Career Development staff advises students and alumni on all aspects of career planning, including, but not limited to: career decision-making/major choice, internship/job search, resume/cover letter preparation, interview skills, application processes and negotiations. In addition, programs are held throughout the year to provide information and guidance on topics related to career preparation. The career team coordinates an effort to locate new internship and full-time opportunities for students and alumni. All opportunities available to The University of Scranton students and alumni can be found at www.scranton.joinhandshake.com. All graduate students are encouraged to complete a profile and upload a resume to ensure easy applications and visibility to interested employers. The work of the Center for Career Development is enhanced by the utilization of students as graduate assistants, interns, and work-study students. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact the Center for Career Development at 570-941-7640 to arrange an appointment. Inquiries can also be sent to careers@scranton.edu or through the website at www.scranton.edu/careers.

Counseling Center

Location:   6th Floor O’Hara Hall

Telephone: (570) 941-7620

Website:      www.scranton.edu/counseling

The Counseling Center provides free and confidential treatment for all full-time graduate students of the University of Scranton. Part-time graduate students are welcome to utilize our consultative services for 1-3 sessions to assess their mental health needs in order to develop an appropriate referral within the community.

Hours of operation are as follows:

Monday through Friday 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

The Center is staffed by licensed psychologists, counselors and social workers. We provide individual and group counseling, consultations, assessment, and crisis intervention for students.  All of these services are provided from the beginning of the Fall semester to the conclusion of the Spring semester, including Intercession. For additional information, contact the Counseling Center at (570) 941-7620 or visit our website.

Center for Health Education and Wellness

The Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW) strives to build a healthier campus community. In keeping with the Jesuit philosophy of Cura Personalis, we are dedicated to the promotion of wellness in mind, body, and spirit. We offer a wide-range of programs and classes on wellness topics such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, stress reduction and nutrition. Check out CHEW’s Weekly Wellness Classes, Flu Shot Clinics, annual Fitness Challenge and many other health promotion events that are available free of charge for graduate students by visiting the CHEW website: www.scranton.edu/chew. CHEW is located in the Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Center – Room 205K.

Computer Facilities

The University provides many computing facilities on campus as well as extensive access to our wireless networks. General access labs are available in the Weinberg Memorial Library. The Weinberg Memorial Library Computer Labs provide 24/7 access. The Library also provides loaner laptops, which may be checked out for use in the Library, on a first come, first served basis. Most academic departments provide instructional and general use computing labs for their students.

The University supports two wireless networks: RoyalSecure, which is available in every building on campus as well as most outdoor areas, and RoyalGuest, which is widely available and intended for guest or visitors to our campus.

For further information or technology assistance please contact the Technology Support Center in Alumni Memorial Hall or on our website at www.scranton.edu/it. All students, on-campus and online, may contact the Technology Support Center by phone at 570-941-4357or by email at techsupport@scranton.edu.

Office of Student Support and Success

The Office of Student Support and Success provides academic services for students and opportunities for faculty to enhance teaching and learning. The OSSS can assist students with reading comprehension, writing skills, overall learning strategies, and the use of instructional technologies available on campus. Assistance is offered in the areas of time management, organizational skills, effective study techniques and learning styles. The Writing Center at the OSSS provides in-person and online consultations. Students with a documented disability should register with the OSSS so that they can receive appropriate academic accommodations. To assist students in achieving academic success, individual consultations are encouraged with the OSSS Reading Specialist, the Learning Enrichment Specialist, and the Writing Consultants.

The OSSS is located on the 5th floor of the Loyola Science Center. To learn more about programs and services for students and faculty visit the website at www.scranton.edu/ctle or phone 570-941-4038.

Byron Recreational Complex/John Long Center

Any graduate student may use the Byron Recreational Complex, the John Long Center and the fitness center located on the first floor of the Pilarz apartment complex by paying a fee of $70.00 each semester or $140.00/year. Students may have the fee added to their account on-line through UIS system or may pay by cash or check in the Byron Office. All fees are non-refundable. Facilities in the Byron Recreational Complex include three multi-purpose gymnasiums that may be used for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and tennis; indoor pool and locker rooms containing saunas and steam rooms; racquetball/handball courts; and a dance/aerobics room. The John Long Center facilities, located adjacent to the Byron Complex, include a gymnasium, wrestling room and locker rooms. The fitness facility located on Mulberry St. is home to 50 pieces of cardio equipment, each equipped with individual cardio theatre, as well as 22 pieces of Cybex VR3 selectorized weight machines and a state-of-the-art free weight area. For more information call the Recreational Center at 570-941-6203.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services is located in the Roche Wellness Center at the corner of Mulberry Street and North Webster Avenue. Graduate students are eligible to receive care at Student Health Services after opting-in through their my.scranton account. A per semester non-refundable fee will be billed by the Bursar’s Office.

Student Health Services offers health and wellness information, treatment of routine illnesses and injuries, nursing assessments and medical services provided by certified registered nurse practitioners or a physician by appointment. Referrals are made to local community health care facilities or providers for services not available at Student Health Services.

All students are advised to have their own private health insurance coverage. Although Student Health Services does not bill insurance, and does not handle insurance claims or third-party carriers, community providers will require health insurance or private payment for services such as hospitalization, laboratory testing or radiologic imaging, etc.

For further information visit our website at http://www.scranton.edu/studenthealthservices.

Graduate Student Housing

The University of Scranton offers comfortable and competitively priced accommodations for full-time, on-campus graduate students. Space is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. These furnished apartments are within walking distance to the campus and downtown Scranton. For more information please contact the Office of Residence Life at (570) 941-6226 or visit their website, http://www.scranton.edu/studentlife/studentaffairs/residence-life/grad-housing.shtml for specific information on housing for graduate students.

Graduate Assistantship Information

Graduate Assistantships enable graduate students to pursue graduate education, strengthen the quality of their educational experience, and helps the University develop the quality of its graduate programs. Graduate Assistantships also provide valuable and necessary services to the University. However, because Assistantships are primarily students, their duties should have a direct relationship to their academic program of study.

A graduate student who would like to be considered for a Graduate Assistant position, should apply no later than February 1. Applications will, however, be accepted after this date. In all cases, applicants must have a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00, must be regularly admitted as a graduate student into a graduate degree program, and is selected based on his/her previous teaching experience or his/her academic potential to be effective in his/her field of training.

All students accepting Graduate Assistant positions must participate in an orientation workshop prior to the start of the semester in which the Assistantship will begin. The required service commitment and compensation of a Graduate Assistantship may vary depending on level of hire. Graduate Assistant positions are available in several departments throughout campus.

Stipend payments are made in equal monthly allotments on the first day of the month following the month of service. Withholding of federal, state, and local income taxes are similar to those pertaining to ordinary income. During the academic semesters in which a graduate student holds a Graduate Assistant position, he/she is limited in holding full-time or part-time employment outside of the University.

Students who accept a Graduate Assistant position assigned to an academic department are expected to satisfy their service commitment during each of the academic semesters, including the week of final exams. An appropriate schedule should be worked out between supervisors and those holding Graduate Assistantship positions well in advance to clarify expectations.

Students holding Graduate Assistant positions may be dismissed for failure to remain in good academic standing. Each semester the University will review the academic progress of students to determine if any fall below the required cumulative 3.00 GPA. If an Assistant is placed on academic probation, he/she must meet with the Graduate Program Director of the home department. The decision to allow an assistant to continue with an assistantship while on academic probation will be made by a University representative in consultation with the Graduate Program Director and the Dean, taking into account the individual circumstances of the student holding the assistantship.

Graduate Assistant Application

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Graduate students are considered to be full-time students if enrolled for a minimum of six credits per semester. Students who are enrolled for a minimum of three credits per semester are considered to be half-time students. For additional information, please refer to the Comprehensive Guide to Financial Aid Programs, at Financial Aid, click on Publications. 

Financial Aid Application Procedures for Graduate Students

Students accepted to a graduate studies program and enrolled in at least three credits of graduate level work per term may apply for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program and the Federal Work Study Programs. Graduate students applying for any federal financial aid listed above, must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is available online at studentaid.gov/fafsa. 

Financial Aid Notifications:  When a determination of eligibility is made, an email will be sent to the student’s University of Scranton email account advising them to view their Electronic Award Notification on the my.scranton.edu portal, click on Home and Self Service.

Terms and Conditions:  In accepting the award package offered, all students must read the Terms and Conditions in the Comprehensive Guide to Financial Aid Programs, at scranton.edu/financialaid, click on Publications.

Required Applications: Graduate students applying for any federal financial aid listed above, must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at studentaid.gov. Students applying for federal work study must complete the Online Work Study Application available at my.scranton.edu, click on Self Service, select Student Services and Financial Aid and complete the Work Study Application. Federal Work Study applicants must indicate this request when completing the FAFSA form. Please notify the Financial Aid Office if you are receiving Employer Reimbursement and complete the Deferment of Tuition Payment Form for each term you are seeking tuition reimbursement. Please visit scranton.edu/bursar under common forms.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans: The Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan Program is the primary source of financial aid for many graduate students. Repayment begins six months after students complete a program of study or withdraw for more than six months or drop below half-time. Students must also complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling. Visit Financial Aid and click on Loans & Financing Options, Graduate Students, click on Federal Direct Stafford Loans, click on the Master Promissory Note and then Entrance Counseling. Please read and complete all required items. The MPN is valid for 10 years, but the FAFSA must be filed each year.

Aggregate and Annual Loan Eligibility for Graduate Students: The annual maximum Stafford Loan for graduate students is $20,500 and $33,000 for Masters Health Administration and MBA/MHA Dual Degree only for the Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program. Graduate students will be certified for the maximum eligibility based on cost of attendance for the loan term. Should you not want the maximum, please notify the Financial Aid Office in writing from your University of Scranton email account, on the amount that you wish to borrow. Loan proceeds are credited to the student’s account at the beginning of each semester depending on when the loan was processed. Students will be notified when funds have been disbursed to the account. Eligibility is also dependent on Satisfactory Academic Progress and the aggregate amount a student has already borrowed for their educational career. Graduate students are limited to an aggregate of $138,500 and $224,000 for Masters Health Administration and MBA/MHA Dual Degree only.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are available to credit worthy graduate students. Students may apply for up to the difference between their cost of attendance less the total of all other financial aid received. Students are required to complete a FAFSA and should first utilize the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program prior to borrowing under the Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan program. The maximum amount Graduate students may borrow per academic year is the difference between the cost of attendance minus other Financial Aid. Apply for the full academic year. Students must complete the Graduate PLUS Request Form and complete a MPN and Entrance Counseling. Visit Financial Aid, click on Loans & Financing Options, Graduate Students, click on Federal Direct Plus Loan, select Federal Direct PLUS Loan Request Form. Go back and click on the Master Promissory Note and then Entrance Counseling. Please read and complete all required items. The MPN is valid for 10 years provided you do not require an endorser, but the FAFSA must be filed each year.

Alternative Loan Programs are available to credit-worthy students and co-applicants. There are variable and fixed rate loans. Application and credit requirements vary. For more information, visit Financial Aid, click on Loans & Financing Options, Graduate Students, and click on Alternative Loan.  

Federal Work Study Program:  A federal campus-based program that provides employment during the academic year and in the summer for students demonstrating financial need. The majority of the jobs are on-campus positions in various departments and administrative offices. Some jobs, both on and off campus, involve community service. Students seeking campus employment must file a FAFSA. Indicate that you are interested in the work-study program and complete an online application.

Loans for Students Enrolled in Teacher Certification or Pre-Professional Coursework: Students admitted in a Teacher Certification Program and not in a Master’s Degree Program are eligible to borrow up to $5,500 in the Stafford Loan and up to $7,000 in the Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan (if eligible under this program). Students admitted under a Pre-Professional status who are enrolled in pre-requisite courses for admission into an eligible graduate or professional program, may be eligible to borrow up to $5,500 through the Direct Stafford Loan Program and up to $7,000 through the Direct Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan (if eligible under this program). Students are limited to one loan for one consecutive 12-month period for these maximum amounts for pre-professional coursework. In addition to the required financial aid application process, students enrolled under a Pre-Professional status must submit a letter from their advisor stating that the coursework is required for admission into a graduate or professional degree program. Repeated courses cannot be included when calculating financial aid.

Graduate Merit Scholarships

Accelerated Master of Business Administration: Students accepted into the Accelerated Master of Business program as incoming first-year students beginning fall 2021 qualify for a $3,000 scholarship for their graduate year provided student meets all University of Scranton requirements. The award will be split between fall and spring terms of the fifth year, this one-year merit-based scholarship applies to on-campus graduate business degree.

Accelerated Master of Health Administration: Students accepted into the Accelerated BS/MHA program as incoming first-year students beginning fall 2022 qualify for a $3,000 scholarship for their graduate year to complete a degree in the Panuska College of Professional Studies. The award will be split between fall and spring terms of the student’s fifth year; this one-year merit-based scholarship applies to the on-campus, graduate health administration degree.

Accelerated CAS Bachelor’s/MBA: Students accepted into the Accelerated BS/MBA program as incoming first-year students beginning fall 2022 qualify for a $3,000 scholarship for their graduate year provided the student meets all University of Scranton requirements. The award will be split between fall and spring terms of the student’s fifth year; this one-year merit-based scholarship applies to the on-campus, graduate business administration degree.

Accelerated Human Resources: Students accepted into the Accelerated BS/HR program as incoming first-year students beginning fall 2022 qualify for a $3,000 scholarship for their graduate year, provided all University of Scranton requirements are met. To be split between the fall and spring terms of the fifth year, this one-year, merit-based scholarship applies to the student’s graduate Human Resources Management degree.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Scholarship: Students accepted as guaranteed seating for our Doctorate of Physical Therapy program as incoming freshmen beginning fall 2020 qualify for a $4,500 scholarship for their graduate years. The award, offered as $1,500 annually, will be split between the fall and spring semesters for each of your 3 years of the doctoral program and applies to your on-campus, graduate DPT Degree in the Panuska College of Professional Studies.

Masters of Accountancy and MS in Applied Behavior Analysis Programs Only University Graduate Award: On-campus, traditional applicants only (excludes combined/accelerated and international applicants). One-time award offered to new students in main terms (fall or spring). GPA requirements:

     *3.25-3.49 GPA: $1,000 award

     *3.50-4.00 GPA: $1,500 award

Application deadline of June 15th for admission into the Fall 2022 term and November 15th for admission into the Spring 2023 term.

Masters of Occupational Therapy Students accepted as freshmen into our Occupational Therapy program beginning Fall 2021: Students will qualify for merit-based scholarship for our Masters Occupational Therapy program based on their final undergraduate cumulative grade point average, $10,000 for a cumulative GPA 3.25-3.49 and $12,000 for a cumulative GPA 3.50 or greater. The award will be split between fall and spring terms.

Master of Occupational Therapy Students accepted as freshman into our Occupational Therapy program prior to Fall 2021: Students enrolled in the Master of Occupational Therapy Program are eligible for University of Scranton grants and scholarship for two additional terms for fall and spring during the graduate years, exclusive of internal transfers. Aid not to exceed Gift Aid policy.

Graduate Assistants: Graduate Assistants are eligible for a tuition scholarship based on the Graduate Assistant Agreement. The graduate assistantship amount is taken into account when determining eligibility for Financial Aid.

Veterans Education Programs

The University of Scranton is partnering with the federal government and Department of Defense to help fund the cost of tuition for military veterans, their eligible dependents, members of the Guard Reserves and Active Duty personnel by offering Veterans Administration (VA) Education Benefits and Tuition Assistance. Further, the University proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program along with the VA and has chosen to contribute the maximum 50% funding for eligible recipients. When matched by the VA, this contribution, plus the Post 9/11 GI Bill ®, will fund the full cost of tuition at the University of Scranton. In the event that Post 9/11 GI Bill® funds are exhausted, it is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation to the Financial Aid Office that their benefits have met the delimiting date.

Service members, veterans, and eligible dependents should consult their regional VA counselor to establish their eligibility for veterans’ education benefits or apply online. Information is available on the Veteran’s Administration website at va.gov. Once eligibility is established through the VA, students must submit a copy of their Certificate of Eligibility or Statement of Benefits to the Financial Aid Office. (Students need only to submit another copy of their Letter of Eligibility if they elect benefits under a different chapter of the GI Bill® at a later date). In addition, students using VA or TA benefits must submit a University of Scranton Request for Certification form to the Financial Aid Office prior to each term for which they wish Scranton to certify their enrollment to the VA. This form is available to students through the my.scranton, Home Tab, Student Link (found to the left) and click on Veteran to locate the Request for Certification Form. For additional information, please contact the Financial Aid office at finaid@scranton.edu.

Tuition Assistance information and application must be made by consulting your individual Unit or base education office for procedures on establishing your benefit as well as rules and payment rates. Once you receive your TA Authorization form, please provide it to the University of Scranton by emailing it to finaid@scranton.edu. In addition, service members must submit a University of Scranton Request for Certification form to the Financial Aid Office prior to each term. This form is available to students through the student’s my.scranton, Home Tab, Student Link (found to the left) and click on Veteran to locate the Request for Certification Form. If using both VA & TA education benefits in the same semester, consult your School Certifying Official in the Financial Aid department. For additional information, please contact the Financial Aid office at finaid@scranton.edu. For more information, visit scranton.edu/financialaid and click on Veterans Information.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Department of Defense Tuition Assistance

The University of Scranton offers Tuition Assistance (TA) to Service members for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of professional and personal self-development goals.

The TA program provides financial assistance to service members for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of professional and personal self-development goals. TA provides up to a maximum of $250 per credit and a personal maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year per student in tuition covered costs by the individual branches of military services. 

Active duty, National Guard and Reserve Component Service members who are interested in enrolling in an approved program of study by the VA may be eligible for TA and need to consult their individual Unit or Base Education office for procedures on establishing benefits, as well as rules and payment rates, as all branches of service have different rules and regulations for service members to follow. Once application is made through the individual’s Unit, contact the University of Scranton’s Financial Aid office for information on certification and next steps. 

More information on TA and VA education benefits can be found on the Veteran Information page of our website.

Resources: Graduate Assistants, Graduate Teaching Assistants, Graduate Research Assistants, Employer Reimbursement and any other outside award will be considered as a resource and will be taken into account when determining Financial Aid.

Financing Your Education at The University of Scranton: Graduate students should develop their own unique financing plan that is based on their individual financial situation. A financing plan provides different approaches, including loans and monthly payment plans that may consider as options for meeting costs not covered. We recommend direct payment to the University, Nelnet monthly payment plan, Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program, and Alternative Loans. Visit scranton.edu/financialaid and select Loans & Financing Options.

Summer Aid: Main campus graduate students may be eli­gible for the Federal Direct Stafford and/or Graduate PLUS Loan (mandatory credit check required) programs on a case by case basis. Alternative Loans can be awarded during the summer as long as the student is approved. Graduate students must be enrolled half-time, three credits, to be eligible. Students must con­tact the Financial Aid Office to be reviewed for possible summer Financial Aid.

Employer Reimbursement: Notify the Financial Aid Office if you are receiving Employer Reimbursement and complete the Deferment of Tuition Payment Form for each term you are seeking tuition reimbursement. Please visit scranton.edu/bursar under common forms.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS REQUIREMENTS FOR RECEIPT OF FINANCIAL AID

The U.S. Department of Education regulations require that educational institutions measure students’ progress toward a declared educational objective, both quantitatively and qualitatively in order to be eligible to receive Federal Title IV aid, which includes Federal Work Study, Federal Direct Stafford Loans, and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans.

Detailed information about academic probation for continuation in a program of study may be found in the Academic Regulations section in the graduate catalog under Standards of Progress.

Requirements: The measurement of satisfactory academic progress for receipt of federal student aid is broken down into three categories: maximum time frame, PACE and qualitative measure as explained in the following sections.

Maximum Time Frame: A student may not exceed a maximum number of attempted credits in any program(s), even if aid was not received during all periods of enrollment. The maximum number of credits is 150% of a student’s program(s) required credits. Once a student reaches the maximum amount of credits attempted as specified by the program(s), the student will be ineligible to receive further Title IV aid. Students in this category may submit appeals in accordance with the Appeals section of this policy.

Examples: Program Credits X 1.5= Maximum Attempted Credits (Note: attempted credits include all transfer and advanced standing credits)

Community Counseling- 60 credits X 1.5=90 maximum attempted credits
Total credit requirements for your major(s) X 1.5= maximum attempted credits

Please note that the maximum time frame measurement always uses a student’s current major(s) credit requirements. Students who experienced a change in major(s) may appeal the maximum time frame restriction, as outlined in the Appeals section of this policy.

PACE: This measurement ensures that a student is completing their program(s) within the maximum time frame allowed. PACE is calculated by dividing total credits earned by total credits attempted and includes accepted transfer and advanced standing credits in both the numerator and denominator. PACE is measured annually at the conclusion of the spring semester. Graduate Student PACE measurement is 70%.

Examples are listed below:

GRADUATE STUDENT

Qualitative Measure: In addition to the maximum time frame and PACE requirements specified above, all students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in order to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress for receipt of federal aid. The 2.00 cumulative GPA requirements apply to all Federal Student Aid Programs and University of Scranton Work Study Program.

Monitoring Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements: Both PACE and GPA requirements are measured at the end of each spring semester. In the interim, all students are responsible to monitor their compliance with all satisfactory academic progress requirements for receipt of aid funds. Students not meeting PACE and/or the minimum grade point average for receipt of federal aid must earn the sufficient number of credits and/or meet the minimum cumulative grade point average requirements before having aid reinstated, or have successfully appealed for an exception to the requirements.

Financial Aid Suspension: In the event a student’s federal aid is canceled, a formal notice will be sent to the student informing him/her of the action and requirements for reinstatement and procedures for appeal.

Reinstatement of Aid: Financial aid eligibility may be reinstated when the student has reestablished satisfactory academic standing. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office in writing when cumulative GPA requirements have been met and/or PACE deficiencies are corrected.

Once matriculated at The University of Scranton, credits taken at another institution must be approved by the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled. Detailed academic policies about this topic may be found under Academic Regulations section of the graduate catalog under Transfer of Credits.

Appeals: If, due to extenuating circumstances, students fail to meet academic progress requirements, they may appeal the termination of their financial aid. Students that fail to meet satisfactory academic process will be notified of their deficiencies in writing and a formal letter will be mailed to the address on file with the University. In addition, the student will receive an email to their scranton. edu email address with a link to the online SAP Appeal Form.  

     Deadline: An appeal with all appropriate documentation must be submitted no later than 30 days of the start of the semester for which the student’s aid is being requested (contact the Financial Aid Office   for specific dates).  

     Appeals must be entered online by using the link provided when you are notified you did not meet satisfactory academic progress and must specify the reason(s) why satisfactory academic process was not achieved and how the deficiencies can be remediated during any approved probationary period. The appeal committee assumes that each student appealing is dependent upon financial aid for the completion of his/her degree. Please do not discuss your need for financial aid in your appeal. Documentation of the reason(s) for the appeal—letters from physicians, copy of death certificate for a family member, etc. must accompany the Appeal or it will not be processed. All applicants will receive a written response as soon as possible, but no later than 10 business days after submitting all necessary forms.  

The Financial Aid Office will consult with the Dean’s Office of the college in which the student is enrolled to obtain a recommendation on the appeal request. An appeal will be granted in cases where the University determines that a student should be able to meet satisfactory academic process standard during the subsequent payment period or develops an academic plan for a student that, if followed, will ensure that he or she is able to meet satisfactory academic progress by a specific point of time to meet satisfactory academic progress requirements. All final decisions will be communicated by the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid Probation: A student on financial aid probation may receive federal student aid funds for one payment period, which includes summer and special sessions. The institution may require a student on financial aid probation to fulfill specific terms and conditions such as taking a reduced course load, enrolling in specific courses or availing themselves of specified University or private resources. At the end of one payment period on financial aid probation, the student must meet the University’s satisfactory academic progress standards for receipt of financial aid or meet the requirements of the academic plan developed by the dean’s office and the student to qualify for further federal student aid funds.

These provisions do not apply to continued receipt of federal student aid for students whose cumulative grade point average is not the minimum, cumulative grade point average of 2.00, except in cases where a student successfully appealed and was placed on Financial Aid Probation, or is meeting the requirements defined in an individual academic plan approved by their college’s dean’s office.

Drops, Withdrawals and Incomplete Grades: Credits dropped during the drop refund period of the term as defined on the published academic calendar are not counted as attempted credits. Incomplete courses are counted as attempted credits for the determination of PACE and maximum time frame.

Stop Outs and Re-admitted Students: When a student has a break in enrollment and is readmitted, satisfactory academic progress will be evaluated taking into consideration any transfer and advanced standing credits earned during the break in enrollment and accepted by the University.

Terms, Parts of Term and Summer: Terms are comprised of all sessions and parts of term within a term. For measurement of satisfactory academic progress, January Intersession will be combined with spring term.

Audited Courses: Audited Courses are not considered as attempted or earned in the calculation of PACE and maximum time frame.

Repeated Courses: Repeated courses will be counted each time attempted and will be only counted in earned once. However, if a course which had been passed is repeated and the latter grade is an F, the course will no longer be counted in earned.

Multiple Majors/Degrees: The maximum time frame will be calculated using all required credits to complete multiple majors and all credits attempted and earned will be used in the calculation of PACE.

Change of Major: The maximum time frame will be calculated using the current major and all credits attempted and earned, including those for prior major(s) will be part of PACE and cumulative grade point average calculations.

Subsequent Degrees: Measurement of maximum time frame and PACE will be calculated based on the requirements of the subsequent degree.

International Students may apply for Private Educational Alternative Loans to help finance their educational costs. Students must be credit worthy and must also apply with a credit worthy U.S. citizen or a permanent resident who has resided in the U.S. for the previous two years. Information is available at Financial Aid, click on Loans & Financing Options, then click on Alternative Loans.

Financial Aid Refund Policy

In accordance with federal regulations, all students who receive federal financial aid and who completely withdraw from the University during the first 60% of a semester will have their federal financial aid (Direct Stafford Loans and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans) adjusted based on the percent of the semester completed prior to the withdrawal. That is, students will be entitled to retain the same percent of the federal financial aid received as the percent of the semester completed. This percent is calculated by dividing the number of days in the semester (excluding breaks of five days or longer) into the number of days completed prior to the withdrawal. The date of withdrawal will be the date the student begins the withdrawal process in accordance with the official procedures outlined in the catalog.

Students who do not follow the official withdrawal procedure, but who stop attending classes for all their courses will be considered to have withdrawn at the midpoint of the semester unless attendance is documented after that time. There will be no adjustment to federal financial aid after 60% of the semester is completed.

You will not be subject to returns of your Title IV program assistance if you meet one of the fol­lowing exemptions for enrollment in modules:

    • You complete all of the requirements for graduation;

    • You successfully complete a class or multiple classes that comprise at least 49 percent of the days in the term; or

    • You successfully complete a class or multiple classes that comprise at least half-time enrollment.

Students who must withdraw from school should consult with the Financial Aid Office on how the refund policy applies to their situation. Students should consult the Comprehensive Guide to Financial Aid Programs at scranton.edu/financialaid, click on Publications for specific information on aid adjustment policies due to complete withdrawals during a term.

WHEN A STUDENT FAILS TO EARN A PASSING GRADE DURING AN ENROLLMENT PERIOD

For students who began attendance and have not officially withdrawn and fail to earn a passing grade in at least one course offered (ALL “F” GRADES) during an enrollment period will be considered to have withdrawn at the midpoint of that semester/module(s) if a last date of attendance cannot be determined for financial aid purposes.

For students who receive all “I” grades, “I’s” indicate postponement of the completion of the courses and are given an extension; students must complete all of the required work before the mid-point of the next regular semester. If students do not earn a passing grade in at least one course offered, they will be considered to have withdrawn at the mid-point of that semester/module(s) for financial aid purposes.

For students who receive all “NG” grades, “NG” will indicate temporary grades. Temporary grades are issue when a faculty member fails to meet the deadline for submission for grade reports. Such temporary grades will be changed to permanent grades when issued by the professor. If students do not earn a passing grade in at least one courses offered, they will be considered to have withdrawn at the midpoint of that semester/module(s) for financial aid purposes. Students should consult the Comprehensive Guide to Financial Aid Programs at Financial Aid, click on Publications for specific information on aid adjustments policies due to complete withdraws during a term.

For a more complete description of aid programs and policies, review the Comprehensive Guide to Financial Aid Programs at Financial Aid, click on Publications.

Consumer Information

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (as amended) requires all post-secondary institutions receiving Title IV federal financial aid to provide prospective and enrolled students with consumer information that includes general information and reports on various policies, procedures, and operations including data on student outcomes, stu­dent financial assistance, health and safety, and intercollegiate athletics. The University of Scranton provides links to consumer information and required disclosures at scranton.edu/con­sumerinfo. The page can be accessed through the Consumer Information link in the footer of all University webpages and is updated periodically as the most current data becomes available.

Endowed Scholarships

The Regina B. Inch Bennett ‘93, G’96 Scholarship: When Regina retired as Assistant Dean in the College of Graduate & Continuing Education in 2012 after more than 30 years of service to the University, Dean W. Jeffrey Welsh, Ph.D., established and raised additional funds to endow this scholarship in her honor. Awards are given to graduate students enrolled in either campus-based or online graduate programs who hold full-time employment. The student must be in good academic standing. If two equally qualified candidates are identified, the candidate with the higher cumulative GPA (and if necessary, greater quality points) will receive the scholarship.

The Professor Dr. Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Scholarship: Retired university professor Dr. Jay Nathan, a former Senior Fulbright Scholar, endowed this scholarship in 2011 to provide financial assistance to graduate level students in the Kania School of Management from Mongolia, Thailand, India, Poland or the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistand. If there are no graduate students eligible for the scholarship, consideration will be given to Kania School of Management undergraduate students from these countries.

The Pakistani Student Fellowship: Established by longtime University Economics/Finance professor, Riaz Hussain, Ph.D. G’80, this fellowship provides funds for students pursuing graduate studies in business administration, chemistry, counseling, health administration, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy or software engineering. The recipient must be a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.

The Judy Hashem Shea ‘85 Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established in 2020 by Judy’s husband, Dan Shea ‘83, members of the Shea Family, and friends and family of Judy to honor her memory. This scholarship benefits graduate students with have financial need and are enrolled in the University’s Physical Therapy Doctoral Program.

Annual Scholarships

The Sarah Beth Beynon Memorial Scholarship of the Scranton Area Foundation: This scholarship is awarded by the Scranton Area Foundation to graduate students pursuing studies in cancer research.

The Louis G. Holterhoff G’91 Annual Scholarship: This scholarship was established in 2019 by Judith Holterhoff to honor the memory of her husband, Louis G’91. This scholarship is awarded to an on-campus graduate student pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling. Preference should be given to non-traditional student such as mid-career professionals returning to school after an absence.