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SEBS EOF Student/Staff Agreement

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Our Mission

Focused on access, academic excellence, and research, the SEBS Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) cultivates student capacity to make adaptive changes in their educational development and overcome historic socioeconomic factors that challenge their potential for success. SEBS EOF seeks to provide services that assist students in navigating the complexities of an academic and social climate, within a global environment; and, facilitate an understanding of what is required to succeed in college as a science major at Rutgers. Seeking to produce researchers, scientists, and health professionals, SEBS EOF promotes learning outcomes that positions the program to become a leading producer of first-generation graduates and high achieving STEM professionals.

I. PROGRAM STAFF AGREEMENT

In keeping with our mission, the program will facilitate EOF student academic success providing resources to promote student retention and graduation. Using a holistic approach to learning and a progressive network of programs and services, SEBS EOF works to:

  • Develop student academic potential;
  • Assist students in clarifying their academic and career goals;
  • Promote student academic achievement;
  • Support student persistence to graduation;
  • Encourage student research activities;
  • Facilitate student participation in advanced and professional studies;
  • Assist students in accepting responsibility for their educational development; and
  • Encourage students to perform service to the broader community.

Students are encouraged to take full advantage of program and university resources requesting additional assistance to supplement classroom instruction.

II. STUDENT AGREEMENT

The program will support EOF student obtainment of a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. Students receive personalized counseling and advisement to assist with exploring and resolving academic, financial, career, and personal concerns. It is up to students to take advantage of these opportunities and seek assistance. Students are expected to take the initiative, put in the hard work, and demonstrate persistence to achieving their desired goals.

To remain eligible for EOF funding, ALL Rutgers SEBS EOF students are expected to:

  • Maintain full-time enrollment, the program does not award part-time grants;
  • Have completed the FAFSA and met all requirements of HESAA, OSHE, and Rutgers;
  • Enroll in the SEBS EOF First-Year and Transfer Seminar courses (Fall and Spring);
  • Attend EOF and University workshops, orientation programs and receptions as directed by SEBS EOF Counselor;
  • Declare a major by SEBS deadline during the second semester of freshman year, or within three months of transferring into SEBS, notifying the EOF Office of any change of major thereafter;
  • Create a four year academic plan and submit to counselor for review;
  • Meet satisfactory standards of academic progress (as noted by the Office of Financial Aid Academic Progress Policy);
  • Keep the office abreast of all financial, academic and personal changes;
  • Complete degree requirements within the limits of funding eligibility (not to exceed 12 semesters of payments);
  • Apply for graduation after completing the requirements for a baccalaureate degree (the program does not support minors and dual degree programs that extend time to degree completion).

Additionally, to remain eligible for EOF funding, students must adhere to the following S.P.H.E.R.E. Project Staff/Student Agreement. Every student is presented with this contract during the Summer Institute and transfer students are explained the tenets during their initial encounter with the office. Students should revisit the agreement with their SEBS EOF Counselor throughout their academic tenure at the university.

The S.P.H.E.R.E. PROJECT (Students Promoting Higher Education thru Relationships and Empowerment)

STAFF/STUDENT AGREEMENT

  • Share in the commitment to learning
  • Contribute to the EOF Family
  • Endorse honesty and integrity
  • Actively communicate
  • Engage in community sharing
  • Trust one another
  • Enjoy the college experience
  • Believe in EOF

Participate in tutoring sessions and/or study groups as assigned (all first-year students are required to attend at least one structured tutoring and/or study group session each semester);

III. FUNDING GUIDELINES

First-Year (Freshmen 0-30 credits)

In addition to the requirements for ALL STUDENTS, first-year students must adhere to the policies below

  • Must meet with assigned SEBS EOF counselor during fall semester, having minimum of 6 visits per semester
  • Reside on the Cook/Douglas Campus during the first year of enrollment if you choose to live on campus
  • Attend weekly tutorial sessions as assigned or approved by the SEBS EOF Tutorial Coordinator
  • Enroll in the First year Seminar In Academic Skills and Critical Thinking courses

Second-Year (Sophomore 31-59 credits)

In addition to the requirements for ALL STUDENTS, second-year students must adhere to the policies below

  • Must meet with assigned SEBS EOF counselor during fall/spring semester, having minimum of 6 visits per semester
  • Revisit the graduation plan with SEBS EOF counselor, to highlight any changes and make adjustments

Third-Year (Junior 60-89 credits)

In addition to the requirements for ALL STUDENTS, third-year students must adhere to the policies below

  • Must meet with assigned SEBS EOF counselor during fall/spring semester, having minimum of 4 visits per semester
  • Revisit the graduation plan with SEBS EOF counselor, to highlight any changes and make adjustments

Fourth-Year and beyond (Senior 90+ credits)

In addition to the requirements for ALL STUDENTS, fourth/fifth-year students must adhere to the policies below

  • Must meet with assigned SEBS EOF counselor during fall/spring semester, having minimum of 3 visits per semester
  • Revisit the graduation plan with SEBS EOF counselor, to highlight any changes and make adjustments

Transfer Students

In addition to the requirements for ALL STUDENTS, transfer students must adhere to the policies below

  • Must be registered for and attend the SEBS EOF transfer student seminar within the first year of enrollment at SEBS
  • Must meet with assigned SEBS EOF counselor as prescribed by counselor

Re-Enrolled/Readmitted Students

In addition to the requirements for ALL STUDENTS, re-enrolled/readmitted students must adhere to the policies below

  • Schedule an appointment, two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester of enrollment, to meet with the SEBS EOF Financial Aid Administrator to confirm attendance and discuss SEBS EOF compliance requirements
  • Meet with SEBS EOF counselor as prescribed by counselor
  • Attend weekly tutorial sessions as assigned or prescribed by SEBS EOF counselor
  • Complete a graduation plan with SEBS EOF counselor for periodic review

ALL Students NOT in Good Academic Standing

  • Cumulative GPA and/or Term GPA < 2.0; and/or conditional acceptance after summer program
  • Must meet once a week with SEBS EOF counselor every semester until cumulative GPA meets academic standing of a 2.0 TGPA/CGPA
  • Attend weekly tutorial sessions, as prescribed by counselor
  • Prepare an academic success plan with SEBS EOF counselor
  • Register for and attend the SEBS Probation Seminar – PASS course (first year students only)

IV. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Rutgers University Financial Aid Academic Progress

Undergraduate Credit Level Expectation

What is academic progress for financial aid?

Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) is a requirement for all students receiving federal, state, or university assistance while enrolled at Rutgers. Financial aid recipients must meet both a qualitative and a quantitative standard to maintain eligibility for aid. In addition, the student must complete the program within the maximum timeframe. The qualitative standard is determined by the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) at a specific grade level. The quantitative standard is based on a student’s completion rate, or the successful completion of a minimum number of credits of the total credits attempted.

V. COMPLIANCE REVIEW

Students who are not in compliance, with office visit and participation requirements, at the end of each term risk discontinuation of EOF grant funding and may have their EOF grant placed on hold for the upcoming semester. Students placed on hold will remain in this status and may not receive a grant award until they become compliant. A meeting with the SEBS EOF administration will assist EOF grant restoration. Students may appeal their hold status through a meeting with their EOF Counselor and submission of a compliance appeal letter.

VI. NON-COMPLIANCE NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES

While every effort will be made to support student compliance, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to manage his/hers actions. In the event students find themselves in jeopardy of non-compliance the following procedures will be followed.

A – Students in good academic standing who fail to comply with program guidelines:

Will receive written notification from the SEBS EOF counselor or the SEBS EOF administrator. Will be required to meet with their SEBS EOF counselor to discuss the importance of following program guidelines. If there is no response to the notification within five (5) business days, a second notification regarding non-compliance and funding implications will be sent to the student, from the EOF Program Assistant Director and a conference with the EOF Assistant Director and EOF Assistant Dean/Director may be required. Students who do not respond to this notification will have their grants placed on Hold for the following semester. Students who fail to respond to the second notification will have their grant suspended during that semester and will be ineligible for EOF summer funding, participation in SEBS EOF summer programs, and scholarships awards.

B – Students on academic probation or academic warning and who fail to comply with compliance guidelines:

Will receive written notification from their SEBS EOF counselor or the SEBS EOF administrator. Will be required to attend a conference with the EOF Assistant Director and EOF Assistant Dean/Director. Students who do not respond to this request for a meeting, will have their grants placed on Hold for the following semester and will be ineligible for EOF summer funding, participation in SEBS EOF summer programs, and scholarships awards.

Failure to meet the above conditions will result in the EOF grant being suspended with loss of additional aid that is contingent upon receipt of EOF funding, particularly TAG. Student reviews will take place at the end of the each semester. Non-compliant students may be notified of the termination of EOF Grant via email and/or letters mailed to address provided in the university student database. As suspension of the grant will impact payment for the semester, students are warned that they will be responsible for any payments necessary to satisfy their term bill.

VII. APPEAL PROCESS

Students whose grants have been placed on hold or suspended may appeal for continuation of the grant by writing an appeal letter. Appeal letters are to be submitted to the EOF Assistant Director no later than first day of class. All appeals will be reviewed and voted upon by the SEBS EOF Academic and Program Review Committee with the student’s SEBS EOF counselor participating on the panel as a non-voting member. Appeal decisions are final. Students whose grants are continued upon appeal will have their names submitted to the Office of Financial Aid for award consideration AFTER all compliant students have been awarded, and provided funds are available.

VIII. GRANT REINSTATEMENT

Students whose grants have been suspended for non-compliance and have not submitted an appeal request will continue as non-funded* EOF students. Students who fall into this category may apply for grant reinstatement through the SEBS EOF Office (The Office of Financial Aid cannot reinstate EOF grants). In order to be approved for grant reinstatement, students must demonstrate that they have met compliance guidelines offering a letter of support from their counselor.

Students whose grants are reinstated will have their names submitted to the Office of Financial Aid for award reinstatement consideration AFTER all compliant students have been awarded, and provided funds are available.

*Non-funded students are those who have received EOF funding for at least one semester prior to losing their eligibility. These students must meet the same guidelines as funded students.