Home > Admissions > Financial Aid > Eligibility > Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Delaware State University Office of Financial Aid (DSU OFA), in partnership with students and their families, provides federal, state, and institutional funds to help defray the cost of education. As a student financial aid recipient, you have both responsibilities and rights.

Responsibilities

As a student financial aid recipient, it is your responsibility to:

  • Reapply for financial aid each year by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting all required documents to the DSU OFA. Financial aid is not automatically renewed each year.
  • Complete and submit all application materials within required or preferred timeframes, and check Studentforms to ensure that all required forms have been submitted.
  • Provide additional documentation or information when requested by the DSU OFA.
  • Read and understand all correspondence from the DSU OFA and keep copies of all forms you sign.
  • Comply with the provisions of any promissory note and other agreements you sign.
  •  Know and follow the federal, state, and institutional rules governing the financial aid you receive. This information can be found on the FAFSA, in your financial aid offer materials, and on the DSU OFA website. Rules include (but are not limited to):
    • Not being in default on any prior educational loan.
    • Not owing a repayment on a federal grant.
  • Report any other sources of financial aid (scholarships, grants, tuition benefits, etc.) to the DSU OFA.
  • Use financial aid funds only for educational expenses and related living costs.
  • Complete class registration by the end of the official last day to late register or add courses each semester to ensure all financial aid funds remain available. Some programs may be canceled or reduced if registration is not finalized by this deadline.
  • Understand the impact that dropping courses or withdrawing from DSU may have on your financial aid.
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
  • Keep your permanent and local addresses current with Student Accounts by updating them through Banner-9 Self Service or emailing the Registrar Office.
  • Check your university-assigned email account regularly for important updates and requests.
  • Pay any outstanding charges from previous semester before financial aid is disbursed for the current semester.
  • Complete direct deposit information in BankMobile to receive any financial aid refunds.

Rights

As a student financial aid recipient, you have the right to:

  • Know the correct procedures for applying for financial aid, your cost of attendance, and the types of aid available.
  • Understand how financial need is determined, the criteria for awarding aid, the standards for maintaining satisfactory academic progress, and the requirements to continue receiving aid.
  • Know the type and amount of assistance you will receive, how much of your financial need has been met, and how and when funds will be disbursed.
  • Review the contents of your financial aid file in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
  • Be informed of the conditions of any loan you accept.
  • Know the terms, conditions, and pay rate for any student employment you accept.
  • Appeal any decision made by the DSU OFA regarding your financial aid application.