Students’ rights and responsibilities

As a student of the Geisinger School of Nursing, you have rights and responsibilities, including:

The right to know the method used to determine your need
The right to be awarded financial aid in an equitable manner (as funds permit)
The option to decline all or any part of financial aid awards (must be in writing)
The ability to return loan proceeds within 14 days of the date of disbursement
That any changes made to your financial aid eligibility and/or your awards should be done in writing
A review of your financial aid application due to special or unusual circumstances (must be requested in writing)
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
The right to contact the Federal Student Financial Aid Ombudsman to resolve issues related to student loans at 877-557-2575

Students at Geisinger School of Nursing also have the right to the following:

Written information on your loan obligations and information on your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower
A grace period and an explanation of what it means
A disclosure statement before you begin to repay your loan, including information about your interest rate, associated fees, the balance you owe and the calculated number of payments during your repayment period
Information on deferment and forbearance options
Information on prepayment of your student loan
A copy of your master promissory note (the legally binding paperwork necessary to obtain a loan)
Documentation that your student loan is paid in full
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 a loan and must be repaid and what portion is a non-repayable grant/scholarship
You have the right to certain consumer information

Student responsibilities

As a student at Geisinger, 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
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

You are responsible for:

Completing entrance counseling and a master promissory note before your loan is disbursed to the Geisinger School of Nursing (for first-time borrowers only)
Completing Federal Direct Loan exit counseling before you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time enrollment status
Repaying your student loan if you do not complete your academic program, are dissatisfied with your education or are unable to find employment after you graduate

Notify us and your student loan lender if you:

Change your address
Change your name
Withdraw from school or drop below half-time enrollment
Transfer to another school
Fail to enroll or re-enroll in school for the period for which the loan was intended
Change your expected graduation date or graduate