Student rights & responsibilities
Student rights
As a student at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, you have the right to know:
- Cost of attendance
- Criteria used to determine “satisfactory academic progress” for financial aid purposes
- Explanation/description of each type of award you receive
- How and when funds will be disbursed to you
- How financial aid recipients are selected
- How to appeal a decision by the financial aid office concerning your aid award
- How your financial aid eligibility was determined, including all resources the Financial Aid Office considered available to you
- Interest rate, the total amount you must repay, the repayment schedule, the length of the repayment period, the cancellation or deferment provisions for your loan(s) for any student loan you receive
- Procedures and deadlines for submitting applications for financial aid
- Right to privacy: the information you give to the Financial Aid Office will be treated confidentially and that you have the right to view contents in your financial aid file, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
- Refund policy for students who withdraw
- Types of financial assistance available from federal, state and institutional sources
- What portion of your financial aid is loan and must be repaid and what portion is non-repayable grant/scholarship
- You have the right to certain consumer information.
Student responsibilities
As a student at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, it is your responsibility to:
- Apply for loan deferment or forbearance while in school, if eligible.
- Complete an entrance interview and an exit interview if you receive federal or state loans while in attendance at Geisinger Commonwealth.
- Honor all agreements that you sign.
- Know and comply with all requirements for continuation of your student aid, including the requirement for satisfactory academic progress.
- Know and comply with the rules governing the aid you receive.
- Live within your budget.
- Notify the Financial Aid Office of all resources not listed on your award letter.
- Notify the financial aid office of any change in your enrollment status or financial status, including any scholarships, grants or loans received from outside sources not listed on your award letter.
- Provide all supplemental information or documentation required by the Financial Aid Office or other agency if applicable. Provide correct information.
- Read directions thoroughly, complete all applications accurately and comply with all deadlines.
- Read, understand and retain copies of all forms you are required to sign.
- Repay all student loans according to your established payment schedule.
- Report any change of address and/or change in enrollment status to your lender(s).
- Use aid funds solely for direct educational costs and related living expenses.