Dear University of Miami student,
You are receiving this email to help explain financial aid restrictions outlined in the Financial Aid Course Audit, or FACA, which impacts specifically federal and state financial aid.
The email is aimed to assist in clarifying your degree standing, financial aid status, and to let you know where to reach out if you have further inquiries. We realize this information can be confusing and complicated, but the appropriate University representatives will help you navigate through FACA and confirm your current degree status.
FACA are federal regulations. Not complying with these regulations could result in a student losing federal or state aid.
Below are a few frequently asked questions, or FAQs, to help provide answers and guidance moving forward. After students determine their course of study with their academic advisors and have an understanding of the number of credits in their program of study to be taken in future semesters, Canes Central is available to answer your questions regarding financial aid implications. Also, Financial Aid representatives are available through Canes Central
for any detailed questions you may have. Your academic advisor can assist with academic program related questions. Contact information for Canes Central can be found here.
What is the Financial Aid Course Audit (FACA)? The Financial Aid Course Audit is an evaluation of a student’s federal and state financial aid eligibility based on that student’s enrollment in courses required for them to earn the degree they have declared. To be considered full-time for aid eligibility, a student must enroll in at least 12 credits each semester that map to specific degree requirements.
What types of financial aid does FACA apply to? Federal and state financial aid. This does not apply to UM scholarship or grant aid. Students can review their financial eligibility and program participation within CaneLink.
When will the FACA audit take place? The FACA audit will occur once a semester.
Will a student be notified if they are taking a course outside their program? Yes. Students will receive a notice from Financial Aid, and a copy of that notice will be sent to the student’s advisor.
Can a student request an increase in UM scholarships/grants to cover any lost aid due to FACA? No. If aid is reduced due to FACA, UM scholarships/grants will not be increased to make up the difference in total aid received. For students receiving Jenkins or Stamps scholarships (i.e. full cost of attendance scholarships), these scholarships will continue to cover the full cost of attendance.
What resources should students use to know what is required in their primary program of study for their degree requirements? The Degree Progress Report in CaneLink
will show students how their coursework satisfies the degree requirements for their chosen program of study and what remains. Students should review this to ensure courses are in the correct requirement sections. If a course is in an incorrect section, students should reach out to their academic advisor who can direct them to the correct section. Students should know that the Degree Progress Report will show requirements for all declarations, and that there may be financial aid implications for declarations that go beyond what is required for the primary program of study, based on the Academic Bulletin.
Can a student pursue a second major or a minor that is not part of their primary course of study or major? For the most part students can pursue whatever academic program they wish to pursue. The only impact is to the financial aid they will receive. Under FACA, federal and state aid will only pay for courses within the program of study. UM financial aid (grants and scholarships) will pay for 8 semesters (10 for students in architecture) or the student’s completion of their first degree, whichever occurs first.
Can students declare a double major/minor early on and use their available electives for these? Yes, if they have room to do so within the total number of credits required for their primary degree and/or available, unused electives.
If a student is working to complete an additional minor or major that is also being used to satisfy a cognate, what happens? A cognate is required to earn a degree, so if the major or minor is being used to satisfy a cognate, it would be covered if the student has availability in their remaining unused electives for the additional credits beyond the 9 credits required to satisfy the cognate.”
If a degree requirement states that a minor or additional major is required, will students choosing the additional major be impacted? For degree programs that specifically state a minor or additional major is required to earn a degree, then the student can choose either without penalty. The additional major or the minor must be declared prior to the audit with courses falling into that category on the Degree Progress Report.
If a student is already working on a dual degree, and 150 credits are required, what would be covered? Federal and state grants eligibility ends when the first degree can be completed, but federal loan eligibility can extend to the second degree. While students pursue the second degree, they are eligible to be funded through those loans, as long as they have not exceeded their aggregate loan limits.
Where can students learn about the related, although different, requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress? Students can refer to this Financial Assistance website and ‘Canes Central for questions specific to Satisfactory Academic Progress. |
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