TITLE IV HANDBOOK
2013
MIDWIVES COLLEGE OF UTAH
1174 EAST GRAYSTONE WAY STE 2
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84106
1-866-680-2756
1-801-649-5230
FAX: 1-866-207-2024
FINANCIALAID@MIDWIFERY.EDU
Financial Aid Counseling
Midwives College of Utah’s (MCU) Financial Aid Director is available to counsel students on financial aid
options. Students will receive an email from the Financial Aid Director regarding office hours, contact
information and appointment availability at the beginning of each semester. This information is also available
on our website.
Midwives College of Utah is authorized to offer Federal Student Aid to degree seeking students. The programs
available include:

FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1070a et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Part 690.

FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1087a et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Part
685.

FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1087aa et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Part 674.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM, 20
U.S.C. §§ 1070b et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Part 676.

ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS GRANT AND NATIONAL SCIENCE AND
MATHEMATICS ACCESS TO RETAIN TALENT GRANT PROGRAMS, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1070a-1
et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Part 691.

IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN SERVICE GRANT, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1070d et seq.
Students interested in financial aid are encouraged to check out Funding Education Beyond High School: The
Guide to Federal Student Aid online at http://studentaid.ed.gov/guide.
Federal Student Aid Eligibility
Federal student aid is available to enrolled degree seeking students only. Audited courses and non-credit
courses are ineligible for student aid. All Federal Student Aid recipients must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens.
How to Apply
To apply for Federal Student Aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA). This may be done online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you have questions about the FAFSA, please
contact the Financial Aid Director. Each FAFSA covers the federal award year, which runs July 1 through June
30. You must apply for aid annually. Continuing students should submit a renewal FAFSA.
Eligibility for aid is based on the information provided on the FAFSA and will vary by program. All eligibility
is determined by Department of Education formulas. Students do not have to be admitted to Midwives College
of Utah before submitting the FAFSA. Financial Aid awards will only be made to students accepted into an
eligible program.
FAFSAs must be submitted and completed by May 1st each year. FAFSAs still under verification are not
considered complete. If your FAFSA is not received by May 1st, you may experience a delay in your financial
aid disbursements.
When completing the FAFSA, you will need to enter Midwives College of Utah’s Federal School Code. You
will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) after completing your FAFSA. This will contain your Expected Family
Contribution (EFC), which will determine your aid package. FASAs may be selected for verification by the
Department of Education or by Midwives College of Utah. If your application is selected for verification, you
will be notified by the Financial Aid Director. You will be required to submit additional documentation,
including tax forms, before your award can be processed. Your application is not considered complete, and aid
will not be disbursed, until after the verification is complete.
Once a student aid package is created, an award letter will be provided to the student. The student must then
confirm acceptance of the award by signing and returning the award letter to the Financial Aid Director. If the
award is not confirmed, the student will not receive aid. You may choose to accept all or only part of an award.
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for completing information on the forms honestly and accurately by the deadlines.
Please respond to the financial aid office’s requests promptly. Midwives College of Utah must be notified of
any change in address, name, marital status, financial situation, or other changes in status. Any additional
assistance from outside sources (scholarships, loans, other educational benefits) must be reported to the
financial aid staff. Students are responsible for reapplying for aid each award year.
If receiving financial aid, students must maintain the minimum enrollment status or the award will be decreased
or eliminated. You are responsible for maintaining your course schedule to meet your requirements. See
MAJOR MAPS on page 10.
School’s Role
As outlined By The Department of Education:
 Document Student Eligibility
 Encourage student awareness; entrance/exit counseling
https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action
 Originate/Award loans
 Manage MPN process https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action
 Draw down Direct Loan funds via G5 “Pushed Cash” option also available
 Disburse funds to students
 Update NSLDS enrollment status
 Transmit loan origination, disbursement, and adjustment data to COD
 Reconcile with ED on a regular basis and complete annual close-out
 Determine staffing roles and responsibilities
 Determine MPN processing options
 Determine software options
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students who fail to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will not be eligible for aid. Student
midwives enrolled in MCU must maintain high academic, personal and professional standards. In the event that
their GPA falls below 2.5 steps will be taken to help the student improve GPA.
Financial Aid Warning
If a student’s grade point average has fallen below 2.5 for one semester, the registrar will contact the student
and the student’s preceptor(s) and make them aware of the situation and a plan of action will be put into place.
A log is kept in the student file. A Financial Aid Warning will be issued to the student. The student may
continue to receive assistance under the Title IV, HEA programs for one payment period despite determination
that the student is not making SAP. Financial Aid Warning Status may be assigned without an appeal or other
action by the student.
Financial Aid Probation
If a student’s grade point average stays below 2.5 for two semesters in a row, the student will be put on
Financial Aid Probation. If a student does not pass a course while on Financial Aid Probation, the Academic
Dean may dismiss the student from the program. This student will also lose his/her eligibility to receive
financial aid.
The department may choose to require the student to fulfill specific terms and conditions such as taking a
reduced course load or enrolling in specific courses. At the end of one payment period on Financial Aid
Probation, the student must meet the schools SAP standards or meet the requirements of the academic plan
developed by the department to qualify for further Title IV, HEA program funds.
If a student’s grade point average stays below 2.5 for three semesters in a row, the Registrar and Academic
Dean will meet with the student and determine if the student is an appropriate midwife candidate.
The student may write an appeal to be put back into Financial Aid Probation for one more semester, or the
student will be asked to withdraw from program and will lose financial aid eligibility.
Financial Aid Probation Appeals Process
If a student is placed on Financial Aid Probation, the student can appeal to reestablish his/her eligibility to
receive assistance under the Title IV, HEA Programs. The student must state in writing why he/she hasn't met
the academic standards required, and what has changed in the student's situation that will allow him/her to
demonstrate SAP at the next evaluation. The student must also meet with the Student Life and Leadership
Department to create an academic plan that will ensure that he/she will meet SAP for the next evaluation. If the
student fails to meet SAP again, he/she will lose his/her eligibility for Title IV funding. Students requesting an
appeal to the policy are encouraged to submit documentation to support their request. The Department will take
one of two actions: approve the appeal and recommend the student for an Academic Plan, or deny the appeal.
Treatment of Title IV Aid When a Student Withdraws
The law specifies how Midwives College of Utah must determine the amount of Title IV program assistance
that a student earns if the student withdraws from school, either voluntary or involuntary. The withdrawal date
that is used in determining a student's refund or repayment will be defined as the actual date that the student
begins the withdrawal process, or the student's last day of academically related activity, should the student leave
the school without notification.
The U.S. Department of Education requires Midwives College of Utah to use the Return of Title IV Funds
Policy for students who withdraw from school and who are receiving Federal Title IV student financial aid.
Title IV funds refer to federal financial aid programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as
amended). The Title IV programs that are covered by this law are: Federal Pell Grants, Iraq Afghanistan
Service Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grants, National SMART Grants, Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans,
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs), and Federal Perkins Loans.
When a student withdraws during a payment period, the amount of Title IV program assistance that a student
has earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If a student received (or MCU or parent
received on student's behalf) less assistance than the amount that the student earned, the student may be able to
receive those additional funds. If the student received more assistance than earned, the school and/or student
must return the excess funds.
The Department of Education expects a student to “earn” the financial aid they receive. Students who receive
federal aid in the form of a Federal Pell Grant, or Federal Stafford Student Loan(s) are expected to earn those
funds by attending school and completing the time in the term for which they are paid.
The amount of assistance that a student has earned is determined on a pro rata basis. For example, if a student
was scheduled to complete 30% of the student's payment period at the time the student withdrew, the student
earns 30% of the assistance that the student was originally scheduled to receive. Once a student has completed
more than 60% of the payment period, the student earns all the assistance that the student was scheduled to
receive for that period. The percentage of the period completed is calculated as follows:
Number of calendar days completed in the period
Total number of calendar days in the period
The completion date of the payment period must be projected based on the student’s progress as of the
withdrawal date. In general, to calculate the number of days in the period, the following example applies.
Example:
Determine the percentage of credits earned:
Number of credits completed (4)
Number of credits in payment period (15) = Percentage of credits earned (.267)
Determine the number of days in the period:
Number of days attended (43)
Percentage of credits earned (.267) = Number of days in the period (161)
If a student did not receive all of the funds that the student earned, the student may be due a post-withdrawal
disbursement. If the post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, the school must get the student's
permission before it can disburse them. A student may choose to decline some or all of the loan funds so that
the student does not incur additional debt. The school may automatically use all or a portion of a student's postwithdrawal disbursement (including loan funds, if the student accepts them) for tuition, fees and books/supplies.
For all other school charges, the school needs the student's permission to use the post-withdrawal disbursement.
If the student does not give permission, the student will be offered the funds. However, it may be in the
student's best interest to allow the school to keep the funds to reduce the student's debt at the school.
There are some Title IV funds that a student is scheduled to receive that cannot be disbursed to the student once
the student withdraws because of other eligibility requirements. For example, if the student is a first-time, firstyear undergraduate student and the student has not completed the first 30 days of the student’s program before
the student withdraws, the student will not receive any Direct Loan funds that the student would have received
had the student remained enrolled past the 30th day.
If the student receives (or the school or parent receives on the student’s behalf) excess Title IV program funds
that must be returned, the school must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of:
1. The student’s institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of the student’s funds, or
2. The entire amount of excess funds.
The school must return this amount even if it didn’t keep this amount of the student’s Title IV program funds. If
the school is not required to return all of the excess funds, the student must return the remaining amount. Any
loan funds that the student must return, the student (or the student’s parent for a PLUS Loan) repay in
accordance with the terms of the promissory note. That is, the student makes scheduled payments to the holder
of the loan over a period of time.
Any amount of unearned grant funds that a student must return is called an overpayment. The amount of a grant
overpayment that a student must repay is half of the grant funds a student received or was scheduled to receive.
A student does not have to repay a grant overpayment if the original amount of the overpayment is $50 or less.
A student must make arrangements with the school or the Department of Education to return the unearned grant
funds.
The requirements for Title IV program funds when a student withdraws are separate from any refund policy that
the school may have. Therefore, the student may still owe funds to the school to cover unpaid institutional
charges. The school may also charge the student for any Title IV program funds that the school was required to
return. A copy of the school’s refund policy is contained in the School Catalog.
Students who do not begin or stop attendance in a course may be subject to this policy, if not actively attending
at least one other course. Students in this situation are required to confirm their written intent to attend the
course scheduled later in the term. If a student provides written confirmation of the intent to attend but fails to
attend, the student will be withdrawn as of the date of the last attendance. Students may change the date of their
intent to return only when received by the College prior to the original return date.
Alcohol & Substance Abuse
MCU prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and/or alcohol by students and
employees on its property or as part of any of its activities.
Standards of Conduct
Any MCU student who unlawfully possesses, uses or distributes illicit drugs and/or alcohol will be immediately
expelled and referred for prosecution.
Any MCU employee who unlawfully possesses, uses or distributes illicit drugs and/or alcohol will be
immediately terminated from employment and referred for prosecution.
Disqualification for FSA Funds
A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for FSA funds if the conviction was for an offense
that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV aid. Length of
ineligibility varies based upon whether the conviction was for a first or subsequent offense. If eligibility is lost,
you will be notified as to the steps you can take to reestablish eligibility.
For more information, please refer to the latest edition of Federal Student Aid Handbook.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Penalties Under Utah Law
State penalties for violations of drug and alcohol abuse vary. For information see Utah State Courts Criminal
Penalties at: http://www.utcourts.gov/howto/criminallaw/penalties.asp
Penalties Under Federal Law
The following are Federal penalties and sanctions for Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Additional
penalties are imposed for trafficking.
• 21 U.S.C. 844(a). First conviction:
Up to one year imprisonment and fined at least $1,000 but not more than $100,000, or both.
After one prior drug conviction: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed two years and fined at least
$2,500 but not more than $250,000, or both.
After two or more prior drug convictions: At least 90 days in prison, not to exceed three years and fined
at least $5,000 but not more than $250,000, or both.
• Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine: Mandatory at least five years in prison, not to
exceed 20 years and fined up to $250,000, or both, if:
1st conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds five grams.
2nd crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds three grams.
3rd or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds one gram.
• 21 U.S.C. 853(a)(2) and 881(a)(7). Forfeiture of personal real property used to possess or to facilitate
possession of a controlled substance if that offense is punishable by more than one year imprisonment. (See
special sentencing provisions re: crack.)
• 21 U.S.C. 881(c)(4). Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft or any other conveyance used to transport or
conceal a controlled substance.
• 21 U.S.C. 844a. Civil fine of up to $10,000 (pending adoption of final regulations).
• 21 U.S.C. 853a. Denial of Federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and
commercial licenses, up to one year for first offense, up to five years for second and subsequent
offenses.
• 18 U.S.C. 922(g). Ineligible to receive or purchase a firearm.
• Miscellaneous. Revocation of certain Federal licenses and benefits, e.g., pilot licenses, public housing
tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual Federal agencies. What is a standard drink? •
•
•
One 12-ounce bottle of beer* or wine cooler
One 5-ounce glass of wine
1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits *Different beers have different alcohol content. Malt liquor has
a higher alcohol content than most beverages. Are you drinking at risk? •
•
Men - more than 4 drinks a day or more than 14 drinks a week
Women - more than 3 drinks a day or more than 7 drinks a week (NIAA 2003)
Recognizing the signs of an alcohol problem
•
•
•
•
Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (as an "eye opener") to steady your nerves or get
rid of a hangover? If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, your drinking may be
problematic and you should contact a local professional.
Drug Use and Abuse
The recreational use of drugs (legal and illegal) can result in negative consequences, from decreased
productivity, to legal trouble, to physical addiction or death. We strive to provide information and resources for
MCU students to be best informed about the choices they make. Knowing that you're checking a reputable
source ensures you are making the most informed choices. Here are some well-researched resources:
• NIDA: Science Based Facts on Drugs
• MedlinePlus: Search OTC and Prescription Drugs
• Erowid: Non-Biased Psychoactive Drug Information Additional Resources:
http://www.dol.gov/workingpartners/
This web page is intended to meet the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the DrugFree School and Communities Amendment of 1989. It is published for information purposes only. Any changes
to the referenced policies, rules and regulations, and laws will apply on the effective date of those changes, both
to present and prospective members of the faculty and staff.
Finding help at MCU


Sister Circles
Your Academic Coach is always there to help you find help.
Off-campus Resources:
• Bear River Health Department
The Bear River Health Department's Substance Abuse Division is dedicated to providing quality,
affordable treatment programs for people struggling with drug and alcohol-related problems.
• Alcoholics Anonymous
Other related Information:
*The tuition for students receiving Title IV funds will be calculated at the current tuition rate.
*Graduate Students using Title IV funds must complete 9 credits within a 45 week academic year.
*If you intend on receiving federal student loans, then you must complete your Entrance Counseling and sign
your Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studentloans.gov.
Additional Academic Requirements:
The following requirements are effective starting 9/15/2013 for all Title IV Federal Student Aid recipients:
1) Students receiving federal student aid must enroll in at least 6 credits per semester.
2) Students must open their courses for the semester within 3 weeks of the start date of each semester.
3) Only clinical credits opened at the start of the semester and completed within a reasonable time frame will
count toward your minimum credits required for federal student aid funding.
4) The total number of semesters on your major map cannot change at this point. If you need to add a credit
for this semester please contact Cindy in the Registrar Department.
5) Financial aid is awarded under the assumption that you will attend school for the entire period for which the
aid was awarded. When you withdraw after receiving financial aid, you may no longer be eligible for the full
amount of aid you originally received. If you withdraw after beginning to attend, the amount of financial aid you
earned must be determined. Federal law specifies how MCU must determine the amount of Title IV financial
aid you have earned, and how much must be repaid. If you received less aid than the amount you earned, you
may be able to receive those additional funds. If you received more aid than you earned the unearned funds
must be returned.
If you submitted your FAFSA for 2013-2014 and are eligible for an award, you will be processed. If you expect
to take out loans, please direct all questions concerning your requirements for federal funding to the Financial
Aid Department.
Non-Discrimination Policies:
Midwives College of Utah does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, nor creed. We are committed
to providing the best education to all of our students. Furthermore, a reasonable accommodation will be
provided to students with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.
United States of America:
If you are a male, over the age of 18, you must register for Selective Service in order to receive Federal
Student Aid. Please register here: http://www.sss.gov/default.htm
Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day) is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the
United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed on September 17, the day
the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787. If September 17 does not fall on a
weekday, it is then observed on the nearest weekday to it.