The Financial Aid Office assists students with meeting educational expenses that cannot be met from personal resources. To obtain financial aid students must file an application with the Financial Aid Office yearly. Applications are available beginning December 1 for the upcoming academic year. All applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than March 2 prior to the award year in order to receive priority consideration for funds awarded by UCR. New Cal Grant applicants must also submit a GPA Verification Form to the California Student Aid Commission no later than March 2. Continuing undergraduates applying for UCR scholarships must submit the "UCR Continuing Student Undergraduate Scholarship Application" by February 1. Entering students apply for scholarships with the Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships. Students applying for other grants, loans, and work-study should apply as early as possible. Applications are accepted year-round with awards to late applicants based on fund availability. Funding cannot be guaranteed to students whose FAFSAs are submitted after March 2.
An analysis of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to determine the amount which a student's parents, the student, and the student's spouse can be expected to contribute toward the cost of the student's education. The University expects the student and parent, (if the student is dependent), or spouse, (if the student is married), to contribute toward the educational costs to every extent possible. The FAFSA, along with detailed instructions on filing, is available from the Financial Aid Office. In addition to filing the FAFSA, applicants for financial aid may also be required to submit supporting materials that the Financial Aid Office uses to determine each student's financial need.
All undergraduate financial aid applicants are also required to apply for California State Grants (Cal Grant A and/or B), by completing the FAFSA and GPA Verification Form and submitting them by the March 2 filing deadline. If CSAC determines that a student is ineligible for a Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award, it may be replaced with a Federal Direct Stafford Loan in the financial aid package from UCR.
International students are expected to have the necessary funds to cover their entire period of study. The Financial Aid Office does not have funds available to offer assistance to international students. Assistance is not available to students on Special or Limited status or to those enrolled in UCR Extension. An exception is made for students admitted on Limited Status who are required to take required prerequisite course work for full admission into the Graduate Division. Students who fall into this category must submit documentation from the Graduate Admissions Office confirming that they are taking prerequisite coursework for graduate admission.
For information on graduate student support, see Financial Support in the Graduate Studies section of this catalog.
GRANTS, LOANS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND EMPLOYMENT
Students who receive financial aid may receive funds from one or more of the following sources: grants, loans, employment, and scholarships. These sources are described briefly in the following sections; more detailed information can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.
Grants
• The Federal Pell Grant program is federally funded and may provide awards up to a maximum of $3,125 for the academic year. To be eligible, an applicant must be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen, must be enrolled as an undergraduate, and must not have previously received a bachelor's degree. An exception is available for eligible students enrolled in the teaching credential program in the School of Education. Students apply for the Pell Grant on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants are federally funded, need-based grants available only to U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizen undergraduate students who have not previously received a bachelor's degree.
• The State of California-Cal Grant A and B Program. The Cal Grant A program provides awards ranging from $100 to $3,429 for the academic year. To be eligible, new applicants must be California residents. Awards are based on academic achievement and financial need.
The Cal Grant B program provides awards ranging from $100 to $4,839. To be eligible, applicants must be California residents, demonstrate financial need, and be entering college for the first time or not have completed more than one semester of college work. The awards are for students from disadvantaged families.
• UCR Grant awards are offered to undergraduates with the greatest financial need whenever guidelines and funding levels permit.
Loans
Normally, one or more types of loans are included in each combination of aid offered to a student. Borrowers must be aware of their repayment obligations.
• Federal Direct Stafford Loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. The maximum amount that may be borrowed under this program is $2,625 per year for students in their first year of undergraduate study (0-44 quarter units), $3,500 per year for the second year of undergraduate study (45-89 quarter units), and $5,500 per year after reaching junior status (90 or more quarter units), up to an aggregate undergraduate maximum of $23,000. Graduate students may borrow up to $8,500 per year up to an aggregate maximum of $65,500 for combined undergraduate and graduate borrowing. Teaching credential students are limited to the $5,500 annual maximum for fifth year undergraduate students according to federal regulations.
In addition to these amounts, independent students may borrow $4,000 for the first or second year of undergraduate study (0-89 quarter units), or $5,000 for the third or fourth year of undergraduate study (90 or more quarter units) or teaching credential study, and $10,000 for graduate study from the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program. Independent undergraduate and teaching credential students may borrow an aggregate of $46,000 in combined Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford loans, and graduate students may borrow a combined aggregate maximum of $138,500, including undergraduate borrowing.
An origination fee of 3 percent is deducted from the amount of the loan prior to disbursement. The interest rate on Federal Direct Stafford Loans is variable and is established annually. The rate for new borrowers in 1999-2000 is 6.32%. Interest on a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan accrues immediately and must be paid while in school or added back to the principal amount borrowed. Minimum monthly repayment of $50 per month begins six months after students cease to be enrolled at least half-time. Borrowers can choose a repayment plan based on their financial circumstances with repayment periods ranging from up to 10 years for standard fixed monthly repayment, to up to a period of 12 to 30 years under alternate repayment options. Information on repayment plans is available on the Web at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/DirectLoan/calc.html.
• Federal Perkins Loans are available to undergraduate students. These loans are awarded to regularly enrolled students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. The amount a student may borrow is determined by financial need but may not exceed $4,000 per year and a total of $20,000 for undergraduates. Repayment may be extended over a 10-year period. Interest is 5 percent on the unpaid balance, beginning nine months after students cease to be enrolled at least half-time.
• University Loans. A limited number of University Loans are available to undergraduate students for up to $5,500. Awards are made subject to the availability of funds. The amount a student may borrow is determined by financial need. Interest is 5 percent on the unpaid balance; repayment may be made over a period of not more than 10 years, beginning 6 months after the date on which the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. Co-signatures are required.
• Emergency Student Loan Fund. In addition to the long-term loans from financial aid programs mentioned above, UCR has an emergency student loan fund. This loan, which does not bear interest, is of a short-term nature to cover emergency needs of up to $200. Students may borrow up to three times a year.
Employment
Federal Work-Study is awarded to students with demonstrated financial need. Work-study awards enable students to reduce the amount of loan indebtedness which they may incur while attending the University.
A variety of work opportunities are available through the UCR Career Services Office in either on-campus or off-campus jobs at nonprofit and community services agencies.
Scholarships
Scholarship awards are based on a student's academic achievements and, except for honorary scholarships, on need. Scholarships are considered gift assistance.
Most scholarships available through the Financial Aid Office are based on financial need. Other undergraduate scholarships are offered to entering and continuing undergraduates who show evidence of high scholastic attainment. Applicants must meet all priority deadlines for consideration. Non-need based scholarship awards, including Alumni and National Merit, are available to a limited number of undergraduate students. Financial need is not required, but award amounts may vary for applicants with documented financial need and for applicants who do not demonstrate financial need. Awards range from $750 to $2,000.
• Regents' scholarships, one of the highest honors conferred upon UC students, are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and exceptional promise, without reference to financial need. Students are eligible upon graduation from high school. The appointments run for four years for students entering from high school. Regents' Scholars receive an honorarium each year of appointment. Students with financial need may also receive awards to offset any loan or work obligation up to the award's annual limit, as long as they comply with all published application priority deadlines.
• Chancellor's Performance Awards. Information on Chancellor's Performance Awards may be obtained from the departments of Art, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Political Science, and Theatre.
• Engineering Scholarships. Information on scholarships in the field of Engineering may be obtained from the College of Engineering Student Affairs Office.
• Natural and Agricultural Scholarships. Information on scholarships in the field of Natural and Agricultural Sciences may be obtained from the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Student Affairs Office.
• Departmental Scholarships. Some scholarships are available through academic departments. For more information, students should contact their department.
• Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships. For information on graduate fellowships and assistants refer to the Graduate Studies section of this catalog or contact the Office of the Graduate Division.
• Undergraduate Research Support. UCR has a tradition of undergraduate and faculty interaction with a range of undergraduate student grants available during the academic year. The grants are designed to encourage undergraduates to engage in research, fieldwork, or other creative activity under the guidance of a faculty member for either one, two, or three academic terms. All awards are for meeting the costs of conducting a project and cannot be used as a student salary or scholarship aid.
Student grant proposals may be initiated directly by students after approaching a faculty member for sponsorship or by faculty suggesting projects to advanced undergraduates. Application forms and grant criteria are available through any academic department or the Office of Instructional Development, 111 University Office Building.
• Student Minigrants are designed for one-quarter projects. Student Minigrants are funded up to $400, with no restrictions regarding undergraduate class level or grade point average (GPA). Awards are made each quarter.
• Senior Student Grants are awarded for two-quarter projects. Senior Student Grants are funded up to $700. Applications are submitted in the fall quarter and grants are awarded for winter and spring quarters only. Senior status at the time of award is required. Minimum GPA requirements are 3.30 in the major and 3.00 overall.
• President's and UCR Foundation Fellowships are usually awarded to juniors for year-long projects undertaken in the senior year. Applications are submitted the preceding spring quarter. Funding up to $1,000 is offered. A GPA of at least 3.50 in a student's major is required.
Health Evaluation
Each student who enters UCR for the first time, or reenters after an absence of more than one year, is required to complete a medical history form. The form is mailed out by the Campus Health Center. Should one not be received by two weeks prior to the beginning of the quarter, it may be obtained by telephoning (909) 787-3031, or by writing the Campus Health Center. The information is not intended to exclude students from school, but instead to better serve them while they are here, to make sure that there are no health hazards to themselves or to others, and to permit their activities to be adjusted so that they can make the most of their opportunities at the University.
Before coming to the University, all students are urged to have their own physician and dentist examine them for fitness to carry on university work, and to have all defects capable of being remedied, such as dental cavities, defective hearing, or defective eyesight, corrected. The health center suggests that students be tested for tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases within six months prior to matriculation. This may be done by private physicians or public agencies. If the tests are performed, the results should be included with the medical history form which is to be mailed directly to the Campus Health Center in the envelope provided.
Faculty Advisement
Program counseling by a faculty member in their field of specialization is available to all students. Students should consult the appropriate section concerning the faculty advising program in their college.
Depending on their interests, undeclared majors can be advised in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences; the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences; or the College of Engineering. Appointments can be made by contacting the respective Student Affairs offices at each college.
Students should become familiar with the University, College, and major requirements, since completion of all graduation requirements is their responsibility.
Candidacy for Degrees/Application for Graduation
Undergraduate students are responsible for informing their college office of their candidacy for the bachelor's degree. Students in the College of Engineering should check with the Student Affairs Office at the beginning of their final quarter to be certain they are on the appropriate degree list. Students in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences and in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences should check with their departmental advisor at the beginning of their senior year and with the Student Affairs Office at the beginning of their final quarter to be certain they have met all requirements for the degree and are on the appropriate degree list.
Students must file applications for graduation with their college or with the Graduate Division. Application deadlines for undergraduate and graduate students are listed in the Calendar section of the quarterly Schedule of Classes.
Information regarding candidacy for advanced degrees may be found in the Graduate Studies section of this catalog.
Registration
Except where noted, all information applies to both undergraduate and graduate students. Additional information concerning enrollment and academic policies applying only to graduate students is given in the Graduate Studies section of this catalog. The quarterly Schedule of Classes, mailed to all new and readmitted undergraduate students and available to continuing students at the ASUCR Exchange and on the World Wide Web at http://www.students.ucr.edu lists classes, instructors, class hours, and class locations. The Schedule of Classes contains detailed information on registration and where to obtain academic advising.
Official registration consists of two steps
All new and readmitted students must also file a Statement of Legal Residence and obtain a photo ID card. New undergraduates may be required to take certain placement and diagnostic examinations before classes begin.
Registration and Other Holds
Students may have holds placed on their registration, financial aid, or release of academic transcripts for the following reasons:
Each student who becomes subject to a hold action is given advance notice and ample time to respond. In all cases, students must secure a release from the office initiating the hold action before they may enroll in courses.
ENROLLMENT IN CLASSES Web and Telephone Enrollment. Students may enroll in classes using UCR's web service (PAWS), or telephone service (UCR STAR). New students receive information about PAWS, UCR STAR, and enrollment from the Office of the Registrar approximately one month prior to their scheduled enrollment appointment. Continuing students enroll via PAWS or UCR STAR during assigned appointments using materials they pick up from their academic advisors. Students should refer to the quarterly Schedule of Classes for complete course enrollment information.
Adding and Dropping Courses. After scheduled web and telephone enrollment periods, students follow the in-person add/drop/change procedures and deadlines as published in the quarterly Schedule of Classes. Students are not automatically dropped from courses for nonattendance and will receive grades in all courses in which they are enrolled whether they attend or not. Students must file an add/drop form at the Office of the Registrar or drop the class using PAWS or UCR STAR in order to prevent an "F" grade.
PAYMENT OF FEES The University Registration Fee, Educational Fee, student-assessed fees, Nonresident Tuition (if applicable), Professional School Fees (if applicable), and mandatory health insurance (if applicable) must be paid for the student to be registered. Student Business Services sends a monthly Statement of Account to all students the month before fees/tuition are due, the month that they are due, and/or when there is a balance owing on their account for any miscellaneous charges. In the event that fees/tuition are paid in full the first month billed and there are no miscellaneous charges owing, then the following month a zero balance statement will be sent to confirm payment of fees/tuition. Registration fees are due and payable upon receipt of the Statement of Account and are always due before instruction begins.
Deadline dates are published in the quarterly Schedule of Classes. Fees may be paid by mail or in person at the Cashier's Office, 1127 Hinderaker Hall. Students must be enrolled in courses for financial aid to be disbursed. Student financial aid awarded to pay registration fees is credited to the individual student's account and appears on the Statement of Account as a payment or credit. Students whose registration fees are partially paid by financial aid funds are required to pay the balance in order to complete their registration. Fee payment is not required to enroll through PAWS or UCR STAR. However, failure to pay fees or enroll in courses by deadlines can result in loss of courses or lapse of student status. Lapse of student status means loss of all credit for courses for the quarter and loss of student privileges, such as financial aid awards and student services.
Change of Address
Students who change their local, permanent, or billing address should notify the Office of the Registrar in writing. Change-of-address forms are available at the Office of the Registrar, 1100 Hinderaker Hall, and as a tear-out form in the Schedule of Classes. Students may also update their address information online at PAWS.
Undergraduates. Part-time study (less than 12 units) is available to undergraduate students who find it difficult to enroll full time because of health problems, family and home responsibilities, or occupational and financial need. Students undertaking an approved course load of 10 units or fewer in any quarter receive a 50 percent reduction in the Educational Fee for that quarter. Students considering part-time study should discuss their plans with the associate dean of their college, whose approval is required.
Graduates. In some programs, half-time study is possible for graduate students who for reasons of occupation (i. e., full-time employment), unusual family responsibilities, or health reasons are not able to attend full time. A half-time student may not enroll for more than 6 units at any level. Graduate students who are approved for this program receive a refund of one-half of the Educational Fee, one-half of the Nonresident Tuition (if applicable), and one-half of the MBA Student Fee (if applicable). For further details and an application, contact the Graduate Division.
Concurrent Enrollment
UCR credit for any course taken at another college institution, including UCR Extension, while the student is in residence at UCR is called credit from concurrent enrollment. Credit is normally awarded only under unusual circumstances or through the Cross Registration Program described below during the regular academic year and only with prior approval of the dean of the UCR college in which the student is enrolled.
Courses taken elsewhere during the summer by a UCR student do not require extraordinary circumstances, but they do require prior approval to receive UCR credit even if the student is not in residence at UCR during that summer.
Regular Summer Session courses taken at UCR are credited automatically to the UCR academic record of any student enrolled in the regular academic year. A UCR student may request unit credit toward graduation for courses taken in Summer Session at other UC campuses by submitting a transcript of the work to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Cross enrollment
The California Education Code Sections 66750 through 66756, commonly referred to as Senate Bill 1914 (Killea), permits undergraduate students enrolled in any campus of the California Community Colleges, the California State University, or the University of California to enroll without formal admission in a maximum of one course per academic term at a campus of either of the other systems on a space-available basis at the discretion of the appropriate campus authorities on both campuses. At University of California campuses, the beginning of the third week of instruction has been designated as the date by which an instructor can determine when space is available to accommodate a student seeking to enroll on this basis. (Normally instructors in all segments permit students to attend classes until their final course registration has been certified.) Cross enrollment at another campus within the same system is excluded, as is enrollment in precollegiate courses. Students who seek to cross enroll under this program must have met all of the following requirements:
Both schools must be participating in this program before a student can take a course at an another institution for the $10 cross enrollment fee. Additional information and cross enrollment application forms are available at the Office of the Registrar, 1100 Hinderaker Hall.
Cross Registration
The Cross Registration Program allows a full-time UCR undergraduate student who has officially declared a major and who is in good academic standing to simultaneously enroll at California State University, San Bernardino for no more than one course per quarter. The program is designed for students to take classes not available at UCR. Approvals are required from the student's academic advisor, college dean, and the Registrar. Application forms and deadline information may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar, 1100 Hinderaker Hall.
INTERCAMPUS VISITOR PROGRAM
The Intercampus Visitor Program enables qualified undergraduates at the University of California to take advantage of educational opportunities at other University of California campuses. Under this program, students may take courses that are not available on their home campus, participate in special programs, or study with a distinguished faculty member at another campus.
Participants may enroll at another campus for only one term. Additional information on requirements and application forms can be obtained at the Office of the Registrar, 1100 Hinderaker Hall.
WITHDRAWALS AND LEAVES OF ABSENCE
An undergraduate student who wishes to terminate work in the University during a current quarter, officially and without scholarship penalty, must initiate an application for withdrawal in the office of the dean of the student's college. Also, the student must settle all accounts due and return any University property such as books, keys, laboratory equipment, and uniforms. After the first few weeks of the quarter, such petitions are granted only under exceptional circumstances.
A student who withdraws is no longer considered a continuing student. A student wishing to return to the University must apply for readmission at least six weeks prior to the beginning of the quarter of enrollment in order to be sure of registration without late fees.
Students who withdraw from the University without authorization may receive grades of "F" in all courses in which they are enrolled. Further, the Special Services Office is required to notify the Department of Veterans Affairs when any student fails, receives no credit, or withdraws from all subjects undertaken.
The Planned Educational Leave Program (PELP) at UCR is designed for undergraduate students who want to interrupt their regular education for one year or less while clarifying educational goals, gaining practical experiences away from campus, or in other ways enhancing the prospect of successful completion of an academic program. A student must have completed at least one quarter of course work at UCR and be in good academic standing to qualify for PELP. Students holding F-1 visas are unable to participate in this program. Information on PELP is available in the office of the dean of the student's college, the Counseling Center, and the Office of the Registrar.
The Planned University Leave Program (PULP) is designed for undergraduate students who plan to interrupt their education at the University of California in order to study at another academic institution. Students interested in pursuing their education abroad (but not in the University of California Education Abroad Program) should consult the International Services Center where forms are available. A student planning to attend a postsecondary institution in the United States should consult the dean's office of the student's college.
Graduate students who wish to withdraw or apply for a leave of absence should contact the Office of the Dean of the Graduate Division.
READMISSION
Undergraduate students who wish to return to the University of California, Riverside must file an application for readmission with the Office of the Registrar at least six weeks prior to the quarter of proposed registration. A nonrefundable application fee of $40 is charged. Approval of the dean of the student's college or division is required for readmission. Students dismissed or not in good standing may be required to meet with the appropriate dean. Readmission of students disqualified for other than scholarship is subject to approval of the Vice Chancellor-Student Services and Enrollment.
Transcripts from other institutions, including University Extension, attended during a student's absence must be filed with the Undergraduate Admissions Office at least six weeks prior to the quarter of readmission. Students who were not registered during the fall, winter, or spring quarter immediately prior to their expected graduation must file an application for readmission with the Office of the Registrar.
Graduate students desiring readmission or termination of leaves of absence should contact the Office of the Dean of the Graduate Division.
STUDENT RECORDS AND TRANSCRIPTS
The Office of the Registrar prepares and permanently retains records of students' academic work at UCR for regular sessions as well as for summer sessions. Separate academic records for undergraduate, professional, and graduate careers are maintained. The student academic record chronologically lists courses, units, grades, cumulative grade point average, transfer credits, and total units.
The transcript of a student's UCR academic record is released only upon receipt of a signed request by the student authorizing the release. Application may be made in person at the Office of the Registrar, 1100 Hinderaker Hall, or by mail; telephone requests cannot be honored. Students can order transcripts for regular or rush service. For regular service, a fee of $4 is charged for each official transcript. Application should be made two weeks in advance of the time the transcript is needed. Through rush service the transcript is available within 24 hours of receipt of the application; rush service requires a fee of $4 per transcript plus a $10 service fee. Express mail service is available for an additional $11.75. FAX service is available at $2 per page plus the aforementioned charges as appropriate. Payment is due in advance for all transcript service. A check or money order payable to UC Regents should be submitted with the application for transcript. All outstanding debts to the University (with the exception of long-term financial aid loans not yet due and payable) must be paid in full before a transcript will be released.
Students may access their final grades at the end of each quarter by using PAWS or UCR STAR. Students should have their student identification number (Social Security number in most cases) and their permanent personal identification number (PERMPIN) ready when using PAWS or UCR STAR to access grades.
Students may also obtain a grade report at no charge at the end of each term from the Office of the Registrar, 1100 Hinderaker Hall, by presenting their photo ID.
Students are strongly advised to check their academic records carefully and to bring any discrepancies to the attention of the Office of the Registrar immediately. Supporting enrollment documents are retained for no more than one year. After one year, it is assumed that students accept the accuracy of their academic records. Once a degree has been posted, changes to a student's academic record are allowed only to correct an administrative error.
For information regarding regulations concerning disclosure of student records see appendix B.
Entomology graduate student Marta Guillen examines a Chrysina macropus beetle from the Entomology Museum research collection. In the background is a group of gloss swallowtail butterflies from the Entomology Department displays. Photo by Steve Walag