Shirley Brownell is available at the University Center-Rapid City to answer questions and assist with all aspects of the financial aid process. She works closely with the Spearfish campus, acting as a liaison to ensure that each student’s particular needs are addressed with confidentiality. Please call her at 605-718-4113 or email her at Shirley.Brownell@bhsu.edu for an appointment or to verify that she is available to meet with you on a walk‐in basis.
The Financial Aid Process*
1. Complete the FAFSA Application (No Application Fee) Priority Deadline for Fall: March 1, 2013
2. Loan Entrance or Exit Counseling
3. Master Promissory Note
*All are completed online.
There are computers available at the University Center for students without Internet access at home.
FAFSA verification documents, BHSU award letters and other financial aid documents may be turned in to Shirley at the University Center.
Financial Aid Refunds
Refunds are available to students who have:
1. Registered for classes
2. Accepted financial aid in excess of their tuition and fees on their BHSU award letter, and
3. A financial aid file that is complete at least two months in advance of the semester start date.
Refunds for qualifying students will be direct deposited or mailed a few days prior to the start of the semester and will be available for you to purchase books the first week of classes.
It is recommended that you request via WebAdvisor the direct deposit of your refund to ensure the safety and timeliness of receiving your refund on WebAdvisor.
Deferments
Deferments should be requested to avoid late charges.
Deferments are available only if an award letter has been received, but financial aid is not yet available to cover your bill by the semester due date.
Please call Shirley Brownell at 605-718-4113 or stop in at the UCRC just prior to or at the start of the semester, to discuss whether a deferment is an option for you.
Dropping Classes
Dropping classes or withdrawing from the university can have negative effects on financial aid that has already been disbursed to your account or refunded to you.
If you have already received financial aid and are thinking of dropping classes or withdrawing from the university, please call Shirley Brownell at 605-718-4113 or stop in at the UCRC to determine what the financial consequences will be in your particular situation.
Please make certain that you withdraw from classes which you do not intend to attend. Even if you do not attend class, you may find yourself being held financially responsible for payment for the class. This may not occur until after the end of the semester and consequently you may find yourself in a difficult repayment situation and at risk for being turned over to collections.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
In order to continue receiving federal student aid, the U.S. Department of Education requires that students maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward the completion of their degrees. The satisfactory academic progress policy established by the BHSU Financial Aid Office requires that all students must complete at least 67% of the cumulative attempted hours as well as maintaining a cumulative 2.00 GPA. Carefully consider the number of credit hours you can complete successfully each semester given your personal situation and seek advice when adding or dropping courses so you are able to continue making satisfactory academic progress and receiving federal aid. Shirley Brownell can assist you with questions you might have. She can be reached at 605-718-4113.