MESSAGE to SRU STUDENTS
ABOUT the PHEAA STATE GRANT PROGRAM
As you likely are aware, the June 30 deadline for approval of a new state budget has passed and the governor and members of the General Assembly have not yet agreed on an overall spending plan for the current fiscal year, which began July 1. As a result, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is not currently able to distribute grant awards for the 2009-10 school year.
Despite the difficulties this presents, we want to assure our students and families that they will not be impacted by whether the PHEAA grant funds are released in time for the fall semester. Slippery Rock University is planning to administer the value of the projected PHEAA grant funding as planned without delay or impact on our students. Students and their families are already encountering challenging times due to the economy. We want all of our students to be able to focus on their classes when the semester begins. If you were expecting to receive a Pennsylvania state grant this fall, you will receive the value of the projected funding as provided. Then, when the state budget is passed and PHEAA Grants are finalized and funding is received, SRU will make any necessary adjustments to your account if the actual PHEAA Grant is less than the amount you were originally awarded by PHEAA.
For answers to specific questions related to the state grant program, please go to PHEAA's website at www.pheaa.org. We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What if I was planning to use my PHEAA grant funds to pay for my books or off-campus living expenses?
A: SRU will still generate “refunds” of excess aid to students this fall based upon the expected Fall PHEAA Grant so students will be able to access their anticipated refunds despite the delay in the PHEAA funding.
Q: I heard that the amount of the PHEAA state grants for 2009-10 might be reduced from the amount I am currently expecting. How will that impact me?
A: If, after the state budget is approved, PHEAA state grant awards to students are reduced, we will assist students and families with exploring any available loan options to help cover the difference and will also provide flexibility in our Installment Payment Plan.
Q: While I appreciate the student-centered approach that SRU is taking during this unusual funding situation, what other recommendations would you give students who are anticipating a PHEAA state grant?
A: The approach we have chosen to take is one that minimizes the stress students may have had as a result of the unexpected state grant issues. However, we do encourage students to be financially conservative with their educational-related spending until the state budget is passed and until a final state grant amount is confirmed by PHEAA. Specifically, if you are going to receive a refund of excess aid, you should consider spending it only on those items/expenses you absolutely “need” for your fall enrollment; postpone spending on anything that is optional until your state grant funds are confirmed and received by the school
Q: How will I know about any updates to the status of my state grant?
A: Students can access PHEAA’s website at www.pheaa.org for answers to specific questions about the PHEAA state grant program. SRU will also provide updates on this page as they develop. We encourage you to return to these sites periodically. In addition, if your PHEAA state grant award changes, we will update your financial aid award letter and will send you an email to your SRU email account directing you to RockTalk to view the revised award letter on-line.
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