UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AIKEN

STUDENT SERVICES POLICIES

SUBJECT: USCA STUDENT SOCIAL EVENT POLICIES
Number: 400
Issued by: Dr. Deb Kladivko; Assoc. Chancellor for Student Life and Services
Date: April 3, 2000

The following policies have been adopted to protect USCA students and property. These policies are intended to regulate any social events held by student organizations on the USCA campus. Failure to abide by these policies could result in disciplinary action as outlined in the USCA Student Handbook under "Student Organization Non-Academic Discipline System Procedures".

All parties/dances sponsored by student organizations must be held in the Food Court area of the SAC unless special permission has been obtained from the Director of Student Activities to hold the event in another location.

The entry table for the event must be located near the Student Life Office and it must be supervised by the advisor (or designated faculty/staff person) and one student at all times.

All persons entering the event must show a valid ID. Only USCA students and their guests (one guest per student) will be permitted to enter the event. If the sponsoring organization wishes to invite special outside groups (such as a student organization from another college) to attend their event, they must indicate this on their original facilities request form. The Director of Student Activities will approve or disapprove this request and will communicate his decision to the sponsoring group. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted unless they are a USCA student or a member of an approved outside group.

No alcohol will be served at or brought in to any student event.

Sponsoring organization and Public Safety will deny entrance to any person who is deemed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

No weapons of any kind will be permitted at events. For safety reasons, metal detectors will be used at the entrance to all events.

Once a person leaves the event (leaves the building), he or she must pay again to re-enter the event.

The sponsoring organization will be required to hire and pay for one or more Public Safety Officer(s). Public Safety, in conjunction with the Director of Student Activities, will determine the number of officers necessary to ensure the safety of those attending the event.

Non-alcoholic beverages must be available (free or for a reasonable fee) at the event.
The sponsoring organization will be responsible for monitoring the party area and surrounding areas and reporting any problems immediately to the advisor (or designated faculty/staff member). Any vandalism that occurs during or immediately following the event will be the responsibility of the sponsoring organization (if the person who is responsible for the vandalism is not identified).

The sponsoring organization will be responsible for cleaning up the area (including the bathrooms and the parking lot) after the event.

The advisor or designated faculty/staff member must be present for the entire dance/party.

SUBJECT: Use of Campus Vehicles by Student Organizations
Number: 401 Issued by: Dr. Deborah J. Kladivko, Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services Date: March 30, 2001 (Revised) PURPOSE This policy provides the procedures required for use of University vehicles by representatives of officially registered organizations. This policy permits student representatives to utilize University vehicles for official business and special occasions. PROCEDURES A. To reserve a vehicle from the USCA Motor Pool, the following must be done: 1) Submit a completed/approved Form 13/20 (Vehicle Reservation Request) to the operations office prior to actual travel. (You may want to call and verify vehicle availability first.) 2) All drivers must be approved through the Driver Safety/Training Program prior to use of a University vehicle. B. Students traveling in a University vehicle outside the Aiken, Augusta or Columbia area must be accompanied by a member of the USCA faculty, staff or administration and that person's name must appear on the Form 13/20. Any exception to this policy must be approved by the Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services. C. All mileage will be charged to the relevant student organization. D. It is the responsibility of the user organization to return the vehicle in good condition (general cleanliness, removal of debris and personal belongings, etc.) to the Supply and Maintenance Building immediately after use. E. All drivers must abide by the regulations outlined in the Driver Safety Training Program (Policy 122). Any violation of University regulations may result in an organizational and/or personal loss of privileges to use University vehicles by the organization and/or the student driver. Any damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury resulting from any violation of University regulations regarding usage is the responsibility of the driver.

SUBJECT: Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Eligibility

Number: 402

Issued by: Mr. Glenn Shumpert, Director of Financial Aid

Date: REVISED December 2007

I. Introduction

The intent of this policy is to insure that all USCA students who are receiving federal financial aid funds for their education are making measurable progress towards completion of degree requirements within a reasonable period of time. This policy is established pursuant to regulations issued by the United States Department of Education, and is designed in compliance with both federal regulation and institutional academic policy.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all students who apply for federal student aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.

III. Assessment Cycle

Each student’s record is assessed for compliance with the standards set forth in this policy at the time he or she applies for financial aid and at the end of each semester if he or she is placed on academic suspension.

IV. Standards

Pursuant to federal regulation, the USCA Office of Financial Aid is required to monitor the academic progress of all students who apply for federal financial aid. Financial aid funds can be awarded only to students who are making measurable progress toward the completion of degree requirements within a reasonable period of time.

Students are considered to be making satisfactory progress only if they are meeting all of the standards set forth in this policy. If a student fails to meet any particular standard or combination of standards, he or she will become ineligible for federal financial aid. Students are considered to be making satisfactory progress only if they:

A. Are admitted and enrolled as degree-seeking students.

B. Meet the University standards for continued enrollment as specified in the Academic Regulations section of the University of South Carolina Aiken Undergraduate Studies Bulletin.

C. Meet the maximum total enrollment and minimum earned hours stipulations specified below:

1. Maximum Total Enrollment - This assessment applies to all work attempted at any post-secondary institution as it directly relates to USCA’s academic policies. It is not limited to enrollment at USCA or to semesters in which financial aid is received. To be eligible for financial aid, a student's total enrollment must be within the applicable time limitations as follows:

a. The total number of semesters of full-time enrollment (12 or more semester

hours attempted) at any post-secondary institution does not exceed ten   semesters.

b.    The total number of semesters of part-time enrollment (fewer than 12 semester hours attempted) at any post-secondary institution does not exceed the equivalent of ten full-time semesters.

c.    The total number of full-time and part-time semesters combined does not exceed the equivalent of ten full-time semesters.

2. Minimum Earned Hours - To be making satisfactory progress, a student must earn a minimum number of semester hours each year, based upon his or her enrollment status. Each period of enrollment included in the student's record is assessed. This assessment is not limited to semesters in which financial aid is received. To be eligible for financial aid, a student must:

a. Earn no fewer than 24 semester hours of undergraduate credit per academic year if enrolled as a full-time student (12 or more hours attempted per semester).

b. Earn no fewer than 18 semester hours of undergraduate credit per academic year if enrolled as a three-quarter-time student (9-11 hours attempted per semester).

c. Earn no fewer than 12 semester hours of undergraduate credit per academic year if enrolled as a half-time student (6-8 hours attempted per semester).

Summer session enrollment is not assessed in the determination of a student’s total semesters of enrollment. However, semester hours earned during the summer session are assessed with regard to the student meeting the minimum earned hours requirement. Therefore, a student who is not meeting the minimum earned hours requirement may restore his or her record to compliance with this standard through summer session enrollment at USCA or approved transient work at another USC system school. If a student who has been deemed ineligible successfully changes his or her standing relative to this policy, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the Office of Financial Aid of this change. Otherwise, the student’s financial aid file will remain in an inactive status.

A student whose total number of credit hours earned is not greater than three hours below the minimum number of credit hours required for that student shall be allowed to receive student financial aid for two consecutive major semesters following this determination. At the conclusion of this probationary period, the student must meet the University’s non-probationary Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards in order to receive future student financial aid. This probationary standard will never be applied more than once for any student.

The standards set forth in this policy apply to all federal financial aid programs including grants, loans and work funds. These standards will be applied to any determination or certification of satisfactory progress standing.

USCA has an established Academic Forgiveness Policy. When reviewing satisfactory academic progress for a student who has been granted Academic Forgiveness in consultation with the Scholastic Standing and Petitions (SS&P) Committee, the Office of Financial Aid insures that the monitoring complements the SS&P policy and is in compliance with Title IV satisfactory academic progress regulations.

V. Declaration of Ineligibility Procedures

Following review, if a student is deemed not to be making satisfactory progress he/she will be sent a financial aid ineligibility notice along with a copy of this policy.

VI. Reinstatement

A student shall be reinstated for financial aid eligibility at such time as he/she has successfully completed sufficient hours to meet the minimum requirements for eligibility as set forth in this policy. It is the student's responsibility to present evidence to the Office of Financial Aid at the time he/she has met minimum requirements for reinstatement.

If a student is suspended from school or financial aid eligibility, he/she must appeal before receipt or further financial aid.

VII. Appeal of Financial Aid Ineligibility

An ineligible student may appeal by indicating in writing the (a) reasons why he/she did not achieve minimum academic standards, and (b) reasons why his/her aid eligibility should not be terminated, but re-instated. Each appeal will be considered on its merit. Individual cases will not be considered as precedent.

A first level committee will review the appeal within a reasonable amount of time, and determine whether the financial aid suspension action is justified. The student will be advised in writing of the committee's decision.

If the student is denied by the first level committee or does not meet stipulations imposed by that committee, he or she can appeal to the University Financial Aid Committee. The student must provide a written appeal and any documentation for the committee’s review and is given the option to appear in person before the committee, if she or he so chooses. This committee is sanctioned by the University as the final authority on the reappeal per federal financial aid regulations; therefore, the committee’s decision is final.

VIII. Enforcement

The Office of Financial Aid shall have primary responsibility for enforcing this policy. The Office of the Registrar and other University offices which maintain student information relevant to this enforcement responsibility shall provide such information, when requested by the financial aid officer, as it is necessary for the efficient enforcement of this policy.


SUBJECT: Emergency Loan Policies
Number: 403
Issued by: Mr. Glenn Shumpert, Director of Financial Aid
Date: August 1, 2000 (reviewed- no changes)

Policies for Emergency Loans
1. Emergency loans are available for registered students at USC Aiken only during semesters for which they are registered. These should be used only for situations which are beyond the student's control such as returning home for a family
emergency or something that would prevent the student from attending school or work.
2. The amount of loan normally shall never exceed $150.00.
3. Loans can be written for a maximum of 30 days; however, the due date must be on or before the last day of classes for the semester in which the loan was made.
4. Students may have only one outstanding debt at a time to USC Aiken. This includes both emergency loans and delayed payment agreements.
5. Once the loan becomes more than 10 days past due, the student is not longer eligible to receive emergency loans or any other University based financial assistance.
6. Before the loan becomes due, a student can arrange to extend the due date up to 30 days. The new date must fall within the semester in which the loan was originally written. Extensions will be granted one (1) time only and are at the discretion of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services.
7. Students should only be approved for one emergency loan per academic year.

Collection Procedures
1. If the note becomes 5 days delinquent, the student will be sent a letter by the Vice Chancellor for Student Services. The letter will explain that he/she is no longer eligible to receive emergency loans, and that the loan must be paid in full within l0 days of the letter or it will be turned over the courts for collection.
2. Once the note becomes 5 days delinquent, a late processing fee will be added onto the balance owed. The fee charged will be ten ($10) dollars for every five days the note remains outstanding.
3. In addition, if after ten days the loan has not been repaid, the University will place a hold on all the student's records, registration, financial aid checks, et al.

Counseling Students
1. The student must fill out a loan request form.
2. If the student asks how much he can borrow - ask him how much he needs. Do not volunteer the $150.00 figure.
3. Agree on a suitable payment date keeping date restrictions in mind. Emphasize importance of meeting this debt within the allotted time.
4. Find out how the student plans to pay off the loan.

Procedure
1. Pull the student's folder and make sure there are no outstanding notes or loans.
2. Have the student fill out a loan request form and initial check list.
3. Fill out an emergency loan check authorization and forward it to the Finance Office.
4. Student takes the form to Finance Office. The Finance office writes the check and places the debt on accounts receivable.
5. A bill/reminder is sent to the student approximately 5 days before the due date.

SUBJECT: Scholarships
Number: 404
Issued by: Mr. Glenn Shumpert, Director of Financial Aid
Date: rev. April 10, 2000

The USCA Development Office raises money for scholarships through the Family Fund, the Annual Fund, corporate solicitation and through gifts to the Partnership. Scholarships are made available for USCA students and potential students from endowment funds and yearly contributions. The Development Office, the Financial Aid Office and the Admissions office staff review current scholarship and future scholarship programs to ensure that these programs support the overall mission of USC Aiken.

The applicable policies and procedures for each of the scholarships awarded by USCA are listed below. The following represents general guidelines for these scholarships.

USCA Scholarships Awarded by HAS Committee
The mission of the Honors, Awards and Scholarship Committee as defined in the USCA Faculty Manual is to establish criteria for awards, to organize and facilitate an annual awards day program and to administer Educational Foundation funds as well as other scholarship funds entrusted to the University. Membership shall include five faculty; the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Director of Financial Aid, and the Vice Chancellor for Development are ex officio members.

Application Requirement for Scholarships
All students awarded scholarships through the HAS committee must have completed and submitted an academic scholarship application to the USCA Financial Aid Office by the specified application date. Late applications may not be given full consideration. The only exception to the application requirement is if no applicant meets the donor's awarding criteria, then the HAS committee may solicit nominations from faculty and staff in the particular discipline of the scholarship.

The academic scholarship application is the only application necessary to be considered for all scholarships at USCA administered by the HAS committee. The HAS committee will match applicants' qualifications with the donor's awarding criteria.

To be considered for a Chancellor's Scholarship, applicants must complete the academic scholarship application, score at least l000 on the SAT and rank in the top 10% of their high school class. The Financial Aid Office will distribute and advertise the availability of Academic Scholarship applications as well as the deadline date.

Awarding Procedures
The HAS committee will award each scholarship according to the criteria set by the individual donor. If a suitable applicant is not found, one of two options will occur:

1. The scholarship is not awarded and when permissible, carried over to the next year. 2. Nominations are solicited from faculty and staff.

It is the policy of USCA to award one scholarship per student. The only exceptions to this are when several small awards are combined to equal a more meaningful dollar figure or if a student is the only qualified applicant for several scholarships. If more than one award is offered, the combined value may not ordinarily exceed full-tuition for a full-time student.
The majority of scholarships awarded by the HAS committee go to students who are enrolled full-time (12 or more hours or 10 or more hours for nursing majors). Chancellor's Scholarship recipients are required to take a minimum of 15 hours each semester. The remaining scholarships awarded by HAS may be awarded to part-time students, but the dollar amount awarded may not ordinarily exceed the tuition charged. This is to help support the evening/non-traditional recruitment/ retention effort. Exceptions to the hour requirement may be granted on a case by case basis by the Director of Financial Aid and, if necessary, in consultation with the student's academic advisor.

Renewability
Unless otherwise stated by the individual scholarship, USCA scholarships are not renewable. Recipients must apply each year for future consideration. Receipt of a scholarship in one year does not necessarily guarantee future awards. At the time of this policy, the following scholarships are renewable. The list is subject to change:

Chancellor's Scholarship -
Renewable for 3 additional years pending a 3.0 GPA.

Valedictorian Scholarship
The Valedictorian Scholarship is offered annually by USCA to the valedictorian of each Aiken, Barnwell, Edgefield, Allendale, Richmond County (Georgia) and Columbia County (Georgia) high school. This is a four-year full tuition scholarship paid through the use of fee waivers. Valedictorian applicants must have a minimum 1000 SAT or ACT equivalent or a predicted USCA GPA of 3.0 or greater. Renewability is based upon a 3.0 GPA and 15 hours each semester. There is no application for this scholarship. GPAs will be checked after spring semester. If the student requests, grades will again be checked after the Summer II session. Under exceptional circumstances, the Director of Financial Aid, in consultation with the USCA Financial Aid Committee, may waive the grade requirement for one semester.

Other Scholarships
The following scholarships are awarded by USCA through means other than the HAS committee. Unless otherwise noted, the terms and conditions are the same as those awarded by the HAS committee.

Palmetto Fellows
Palmetto Fellows are selected by the CHE and USCA matches the state award through private resources.

Chancellor's Discretionary Scholarships
The Chancellor of USCA or his designees may award discretionary scholarships for special circumstances. Before the student may receive the award, the scholarship must be approved by the executive board of the Aiken Partnership or HAS, depending on the source of the funding. If the board cannot approve the request in a timely manner, the Financial Aid Office will write a tuition deferment at no charge to the student until approval is granted.

The following form must be completed for all students receiving discretionary scholarships. This form will be put in the student's file in the Financial Aid Office.

Recruiters Scholarships
USCA Admissions staff are authorized to award recruiters scholarships each year. The number of scholarships available for the following year will be determined prior to the Fall semester. The purpose of the recruiters scholarships is to attract high quality students to USCA, particularly in targeted academic, service, or extracurricular areas of need. Candidates must meet regular admissions requirements at USCA. This is a non-renewable scholarship for full-time students. Exceptions to the full-time requirement may be made on an exceptional, case by case basis. Students receiving recruiters scholarships may be granted other USCA scholarships.

Etherredge Center Scholarships
The Etherredge Center endowment provides scholarship funds for students in the areas of art, music, and drama. The recipients are recommended by the faculty, and approved by the HAS committee.

Cheerleaders Scholarships
USCA annually provides $250.00 in scholarship funds each semester to every member of the USCA cheerleading squad.

Athletic Scholarships
The USCA Athletic Department has its own budget and awards scholarships to students based on their athletic abilities and in accordance with NCAA rules and USCA admissions/financial aid criteria.

Waiver of Out-of-State Fees
Pursuant to section 59-112-70 of the S.C. Code: "Any out-of-state student receiving scholarship aid of $250.00 or more per semester or term from the university will be allowed to pay fees at the in-state rate." All such scholarships involving waiver of out-of-state fees (athletics, Etherredge Center, academic) are approved by the HAS committee.


SUBJECT: Student Employment
Number: 405 Issued by: Angela Hensley, Program Coordinator Date: October 3, 2000 (revised) The student employment program at USC Aiken provides part-time on-campus and community service employment to USCA students. There are two categories of student employees at USC Aiken: Federal Work-Study (FWS) students and Institutional Student Employment (ISE) students. The following procedures should be followed when a department wishes to hire a student employee. Each department must submit a request for student employees to the Monday Group. This request should include a brief description of the duties to be performed by the student employee. Once a student employment position has been established, the department must complete a USCA Student Employee Job Advertisement form for each position. The department will specify on this form if they wish to hire a FWS student or ISE student. This form is returned to the Career Services Office for posting on the student employment bulletin board. Departments will be allocated specific dollar amounts for FWS and ISE in the departmental budget. Supervisors will monitor their student workers earnings in relation to the departmental budget and the student’s FWS award. Students wishing to work on campus should refer to the job advertisements posted on the student employment bulletin board. The student can apply for any of these positions by notifying the contact person listed on each job advertisement. Students seeking employment under the FWS program must apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FWS awards will be made by the Financial Aid Office based on Federal Regulations. Once a student has been hired for on-campus employment, he/she must obtain a Student Employment Packet from Career Services. This packet includes a Student Employee Registration form, USC PBP-3 form, W-4 form, USCA Confidentiality Agreement, Student Employment Training Agreement and I-9 form. These forms will be completed by the student and the student’s supervisor. FWS students will receive a pre-printed PBP-3 form listing the student’s FWS award as total expected earnings. Students must be paid at least the current minimum wage. Higher salaries may be paid based on the nature and complexity of the duties of the position. Each student employee must complete a weekly time card to be returned to the USCA Human Resource Office. Most student employees are required to attend a one time student employment training session given by the Career Services Office. Student employees are paid semi-monthly based on the number of hours worked.


SUBJECT: Solicitation Policy
Number: 406 Issued by: Dr. Deborah J. Kladivko, Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services Date: March 30, 2001 (Revised) I. PURPOSE The University of South Carolina Aiken has the duty and responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy environment conducive to its principal mission of education. At the same time, the University recognizes and respects the constitutional protection of free speech as well as the individual student's right to privacy. Accordingly, the University hereby adopts this solicitation policy for the purpose of establishing reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on campus solicitation. II. DEFINITION OF SOLICITATION Solicitation is defined as contact for the purpose of: 1. soliciting funds or sales or demonstrations that result in sales; 2. distributing advertising or other materials; 3. compiling data for surveys, programs, or other purposes; 4. recruiting members or support for an organization or cause; 5. providing educational information sessions (exclusive of formal University of South Carolina Aiken academic classes). Even within areas open to solicitation, this contact may not substantially disrupt or materially (or significantly) interfere with the educational, administrative, or operational activities of the University. Commercial speech which is false, fraudulent, or misrepresentative is not permitted. Events which are in violation of local, state, or federal law, Board of Trustees policy, or rules, regulations, and guidelines of the University, are prohibited. An event that places an undue burden on campus facilities; interferes with the use of campus facilities by other persons; disrupts normal operations; infringes on the protected rights of others; has as a principle goal to incite a riot or to disrupt other activities, may be denied the privilege to use University facilities or grounds for solicitation. III. AREAS AVAILABLE FOR SOLICITATION Although the University is devoted to the public in many ways, the entire campus is not a public forum. Public access to some portions of the campus must be limited to achieve the school's educational mission, to retain student privacy, and to meet safety and health requirements. However, some areas are open for solicitation within the guidelines established by this policy. Prior approval through established registration and reservation procedures (available at the Student Life Office) and the approval of the Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services (or designee) are necessary in order to utilize these areas. These areas are: A. designated areas in the front and back patios of the Student Activities Center; B. a designated area within the Student Activities Center; C. other specifically designated areas formally contracted through the University for the purpose of advertising goods and services to the USCA community upon the approval of the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services, or designee. IV. DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE Distribution of literature by University or non-University individuals or organizations is subject to this solicitation policy to prevent harassment of students and to maintain the campus environment. The person to person distribution of literature by University or non-University individuals or organizations is restricted to the areas available for solicitation and must be registered and reserved in advance through the Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services (or designee). The posting of literature by University or non-University individuals or organizations is restricted to appropriate reserved areas of bulletin boards in all University buildings subject to the documented approval and instruction of the Director of Student Activities. Some bulletin board space is designated for University activities only. The posting or attachment of flyers, posters, advertisements, or announcements of any type on the exterior of buildings, trees, sidewalks, light posts, parked cars, or other similar structures is prohibited. V. DIRECT MAIL SOLICITATION The University of South Carolina Aiken mailroom is responsible for providing services for USC faculty, staff, and students for official University business only. Mail determined to be of a personal nature (such as checks, bank statements, utility bills, personal packages) will be returned to the sender. The only exception to the policy is mail service to Pacer Downs' resident students whose mail is delivered to their residence. University Intra-Campus Mail Service cannot be used by faculty, staff, students, or outside businesses or organizations for advertising, campaign notices, solicitation, or for any purpose that is not determined official University business. No USC Aiken mailing list will be available for use other than for official University of South Carolina business. (Student organizations may be contacted through the Office of Student Activities.) VI. POLICY ON SALES SOLlCITATION Solicitors and tradesmen, including students, faculty, or other University personnel, are prohibited from entering University grounds or buildings of the University of South Carolina Aiken for the purpose of transacting business with students, faculty, or other University personnel, unless they have been issued a letter of permit for this purpose by the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services (or designee). VII. EMPLOYEE SOLICITATION Employees of the University may not solicit for non-University sponsored activities during working time regardless of whether they are in their working area or not. (See System Policy A1.07, Personnel, 08/85.) VIII. STUDENT ORGANlZATIONS Registered USC Aiken student organizations may solicit in designated areas under the following conditions: A. The organizations must complete a space reservation form available from the Director of Student Activities' Office. B. The Vice Chancellor for Student Services must be made aware of outside speakers and/or performers being brought through sponsorship by USCA student organizations to the campus. C. The Vice Chancellor for Student Services (or designee) must approve student fund raising activities; a fund raising audit sheet must be completed after each event. D. Any use of space not normally designated for use by student organizations and University departments must be requested in writing from the Vice Chancellor for Student Services (or designees). IX. STATEMENT OF EQUITY - Approval to solicit on the University of South Carolina Aiken campus shall not be granted in an arbitrary or capricious manner upon the basis of the content of the proposed speech related activity. Any constitutionally protected speech will be permitted within the reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions of this policy. X. OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS Any outside organization or individual wishing to come on campus for the purpose of solicitation must be sponsored by a registered USCA organization or University department. After obtaining sponsorship, the outside organization or individual must follow the procedure outlined for USCA student organizations. Additionally, an alternative means of communication is available through the student newspaper. XI. DISCLAIMER The Solicitation Policy of the University of South Carolina Aiken must undergo constant revision to reflect prevailing community standards and the most recent case law which constitutionally defends the rights of students as citizens as well as protecting the individual privacy of students on the University campus. Contact the Student Life Office in the Student Activities Center for the most recent revisions of this Solicitation Policy. .


SUBJECT: Awarding Procedures - 2% Fee Waivers
Number: 407
Issued by: Mr. Glenn Shumpert, Director of Financial Aid
Date: August 1, 2000 (revised - no changes)

DESCRIPTION
The 1988-89 State of South Carolina Appropriations Act enables public institutions of higher education to offer educational fee waivers to undergraduate students in an amount based on two percent of the prior year's tuition revenue. The two percent calculation is determined yearly by multiplying the prior academic year's (fall & spring) undergraduate enrollment, reduced for bonded indebtedness times two percent. USCA has established a base program funded in the amount of $56,000. For the purpose of this policy, an educational fee waiver will be called a "tuition award."

The basic tuition award program at USCA is a component of the Chancellor's scholarship program. Private donations fund year 1 of the Chancellor's Scholarship and the tuition award will fund years 2, 3 & 4. This, in combination, provides a total of 48 full tuition awards. The basic usage of the tuition award program will not change, as USCA has chosen to use it for long term commitments to exceptional entering freshmen.

Any usage of tuition awards generated beyond the "basic" program as a result of an increase in tuition revenues will be reviewed annually by the Finance Office, Financial Aid Office, Admissions Office and Honors and Awards Committee. Excess revenue usage will be modified each year as is necessary to meet the recruiting needs of the campus. Examples of such usage are: to increase the pool of underrepresented majors, to secure early admission commitments from high school scholars or specially talented students, to attract outstanding transfer students for specific majors, etc.; to assist in the recruitment of academically superior and specially talented students; to provide an additional source of student aid based on the student's unmet financial need; to accomplish desegregation and affirmative action objectives and in consideration for University service.

Both the basic and additional tuition award programs (dollar amount and planned usage) will be incorporated into the annual USCA operating budget, and as such, be presented to the Board of Trustees as a line item in the budget for their approval.

AWARDING PROCESS
The Honors and Awards and Scholarship Committee will award the basic tuition awards through the established scholarship application process. Until the program is in existence for 4 years and funds are fully utilized by the Chancellor's program, the H.A.S. Committee may, at its discretion, award 1 /4, 1 /2 or full tuition awards to upper classmen based on the strength of the scholarship application. Awards will be renewable for up to 2 additional years pending grades (Sophomores - 1 + 2 years, Juniors - 1 + 1 year, Seniors - 1 year). There will always be an even distribution of approximately $18,600 in years 2, 3 and 4 at any given time. Students will be notified of their selection to receive a tuition award by the Financial Aid Office through the regular scholarship award letter. Excess tuition awards will be awarded by the Admissions and Financial Aid Office in accordance with the yearly policies set. The Financial Aid Office will publish the existence of these awards as a component of the Chancellor's Scholarship Program.

CONSTITUENT ELIGIBILITY
1. Recipients must register for a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester. In special circumstances, we will allow combinations of enrollment as long as the total annual enrollment equals 30 hours. Students in their senior year will be allowed 12 hours per semester if the academic advisor provides documentation that the student requires only 24 additional hours to allow graduation.

2. Students are eligible for tuition awards for a maximum of four years or eight semesters. Tuition awards are not available for summer sessions. Students must maintain a 3.5 GPA to remain eligible for full tuition awards and 3.0 GPA to remain eligible for 1/4 or 1/2 tuition awards. GPA's will be monitored at the end of the Summer ll session to determine Fall Semester eligibility.

Students failing to meet stated GPA's will no longer be entitled to receive the tuition award. If funds are made available through the attrition process, the Financial Aid Office will monitor said funds and provide the H.A.S. Committee with available funds to be awarded. Funds will be awarded to scholarship applicants in the academic year equal to that of the money available. Example: If a junior fails to maintain the necessary grades the funds MUST be awarded to another junior.

3. Tuition awards may not be dually awarded with other University controlled scholarship funds. They may be combined with outside scholarships or federal aid programs.


SUBJECT: Special Loan Funds
Number: 408
Issued by: Mr. Glenn Shumpert, Director of Financial Aid
Date: August 15, 2000


THE TOWN AND COUNTRY LOAN
The Town and Country Loan fund is available to Aiken County residents who attend USCA. The loan is not transferable to any other institution. Students accepted for admission or currently enrolled at USCA may apply for up to $4000 per academic year July 1- June 30). The total aggregate loan may not exceed $14,000.

No interest will be charged on the loan as long as the student maintains at least half time enrollment at USCA. The aggregate loan amount shall bear interest at the rate of 5% per annum for a period of two years commencing six months after graduation, or termination of enrollment, or dropping below half time enrollment at USCA. After expiration of the said two years, the said sum shall bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum until fully paid; the said sum shall be repaid in up to sixty equal successive monthly installments with a minimum payment of $50 each month together with interest. The privilege of payment, in whole or in part, before maturity with interest then to cease on any sum so paid, is permitted.

To apply for the Town and Country Club Loan, students must complete an application, available from the USCA Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office will act on the application, giving priority to students who do not qualify for federal aid programs. The number of loans awarded annually will vary and will be based on collections from the previous year and the number of outstanding notes. USCA may obtain a credit bureau report on both the borrower and the guarantor.

THE RICH LOAN
The Rich Loan is a short term, (one year) emergency loan for students attending USCA. The amount of the loan cannot exceed $500 for any student at any one time. Students can apply for the loan through the Financial Aid Office and must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan within the year. The Financial Aid Office will determine the student's eligibility based upon federal aid guidelines and upon the memorandum of agreement on file in the Development Office.


SUBJECT: Campus Posters/Publicity Policy
Number: 409
Issued by: Dr. Deborah J. Kladivko, Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services
Date: August 27, 2007 (Revised)
*This campus policy is in addition to the Solicitation policy already in existence.

PUBLICITY POLICY

The Offices of Student Involvement and Marketing & Community Relations are interested in assisting student organizations and campus departments in their efforts to publicize their activities while maintaining the beauty of the USCA campus. A variety of avenues including Post Time Notes, Pacer Times, Café’ News, and Stall Wall Weekly are available for publicizing. To best meet the needs of the entire campus, the following policy addresses the use of posted publicity.

o         All publicity must be approved by the Office of Student Involvement.

o         With the exception of registered banners in designated banner areas in each building, all publicity must be placed in approved areas. Approved areas include:

§          Sidewalks

§          Designated Big Board areas

§          Sandwich Boards

§          Open Bulletin Boards

§          Other areas approved by the Director of Student Involvement or a designee

o         All publicity hung in University Housing facilities must be approved by the University Housing office.

o         Bulletin boards located across campus are assigned by the Director of Student Involvement or a designee. Bulletin boards are assigned based on availability and usefulness to the campus community.

o         There are a designated number of open boards that are for the use of the entire University of Aiken community. All items on these boards must be date-stamped and approved by the Office of Student Involvement. Student organizations are responsible for removing their outdated materials. A map of all open boards is available in the Student Involvement Office.

o         No flyer larger than 22” by 16” (L x W) will be allowed on open bulletin boards.