Residential Undergraduate Program Admissions, Transfer & Financial Information

The University of Olivet’s traditional residential undergraduate programs serve students who arrive at the university immediately out of high school or who transfer to the university with the intent of completing an undergraduate degree after coursework at a community college. Most students in the traditional residential undergraduate programs enroll as full-time students during their course of study.

Admission, Financial Aid and Charges

Admission

Admission from High School

Admission to The University of Olivet is determined after receipt and review of a student’s application for admission, official high school transcript and standardized test scores. The transcript should provide evidence of successful completion of college preparatory coursework. A final transcript will be requested prior to enrollment at The University of Olivet that provides proof of high school graduation.

Students are encouraged to apply online at www.uolivet.edu/apply via Olivet’s online application or via the Common App. In addition to the application for admission, students must submit an official high school transcript to the Office of Admissions, The University of Olivet, 320 S. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076. A copy of SAT or ACT test scores is optional, although students are encouraged to submit test scores if available. Applications are reviewed by Office of Admissions staff, and students are notified of their admission status via letter as well as via their online status page.

Upon receiving notice of acceptance for admission to The University of Olivet, a student must confirm his or her intention to enroll by paying a $150 confirmation deposit. Fifty dollars of this deposit is applied to first semester charges upon matriculation to the university, and $100 covers the cost of registration and orientation. This deposit is non-refundable.

Transfer Students

A student who is currently enrolled or who has earned credits at another institution of higher education prior to applying for admission to The University of Olivet is considered a transfer student. This does not include those students who were dual enrolled during high school, who should complete the standard admission requirements for new, incoming freshmen. Students with previously earned credit who wish to enroll at The University of Olivet should apply online at www.uolivet.edu/apply. Applications are reviewed by the Office of Admissions staff, and students are notified of their admission status via letter as well as via his or her online status page. Prospective transfer students must also provide official transcripts from all accredited institutions attended along with an official copy of their high school transcript. A copy of SAT or ACT test scores is optional, although students are encouraged to submit test scores if available. Admission decisions regarding transfer students will be made by Office of Admissions staff upon review of all required documents (see Acceptance of Credit Earned at Other Institutions  earlier in this catalog).

Readmission

Upon receipt of an application for readmission, the Office of Admissions will seek clearance for readmission from the following departments: Office of Academic Affairs, Office of Student Life (including review of judicial records), and Student Services (including any outstanding balances, financial aid status, collections). Providing the student is cleared by all departments, the Office of Admissions will authorize readmission to the university and will notify the student of his or her readmission status.

Change of Program Modality

A student wishing to change their status from that of a residential student to an online student, or vice versa, must reapply to the university.

Financial Aid

Olivet students are awarded more than $20 million annually through grants and scholarships. This financial aid makes it possible for talented students and their families to afford an The University of Olivet education.

Award Package

The University of Olivet will attempt to meet a student’s financial need up to direct cost. A financial aid package will be awarded to all interested students and may include both need-based and merit-based assistance. Students will be notified of aid eligibility in a timely fashion upon receipt of the need analysis document or financial aid application from the student. Requests for any additional materials needed to finalize the financial aid package will be included with the award letter.

It is recommended that all students investigate aid from nontraditional sources including high schools, churches, community organizations, local foundations, businesses and industries.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to receive federal or state of Michigan financial aid, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and comply with all federal, state of Michigan and The University of Olivet regulations and policies affecting financial aid. Students may apply after October 1 each year and all students are encouraged to apply no later than March 1. The FAFSA form can be completed online at www.studentaid.gov.

Undergraduate students must be enrolled for and attend a minimum of six semester hours per semester to receive federal or state financial aid. For purposes of financial aid, “half-time” is defined as being enrolled in at least six semester hours at the end of the drop and add period each semester. “Full-time” is defined as being enrolled in 12 or more semester hours at the end of the drop and add period each semester. The completion of an average of 15 semester hours per semester is necessary to graduate in four academic years. In addition, students must not be in default of a Federal Student Loan(s) and must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to be eligible for financial aid.

Financial aid is offered on the basis of both need and merit. Eligibility for need-based aid is calculated using Federal methodology with need being defined as the difference between cost of education and the amount the student and his or her family is expected to pay. Sources of aid include the federal and state governments as well as The University of Olivet. Aid may be awarded as scholarships, grants, loans or a combination of any or all of these. Scholarships and grants are defined as “gift” aid and do not have to be repaid. Loans must be repaid in accordance with program specifications. Work-study awards must be earned. Students must apply for work-study positions and be hired; students are not automatically awarded an opportunity to work. For detailed policies regarding financial aid eligibility and awards, see Rights and Responsibilities.

The University of Olivet Grant/Scholarship (Internal Aid) Eligibility Requirements - Throughout this document “Internal Aid” refers to funds The University of Olivet provides in the form of grants and scholarships. Recipients of The University of Olivet grants and scholarships must be at least half-time, degree-seeking students. All scholarship amounts are for a full academic year and are divided between fall and spring semesters. The University of Olivet reserves the right to change each student’s internal aid award package each year. Every effort is made to provide students with the most beneficial internal award package. The University of Olivet internal aid programs are limited to ten semesters.

Rights and Responsibilities

The University of Olivet reserves the right to change its scholarship and financial aid policies at any time. Written or verbal representations by anyone that are contradictory to the policies stated in The University of Olivet Academic Catalog are not binding. The university uses my.uolivet.edu e-mail addresses as the primary communication method with students. Students are expected to check their e-mail on a regular basis for pertinent information. The following information defines the rights assured, and the responsibilities required, of all students applying for and receiving financial aid while attending The University of Olivet during the academic year.

Annual Renewal of Financial Aid - Students who wish to qualify for federal and/or state aid, including federal loans, are required to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to determine eligibility. The university reserves the right to limit the internal aid awarded to students who do not comply with the March 1 FAFSA deadline. The financial aid package may be adjusted annually based on the renewed FAFSA application.

Document Requirements - Students have the right to reject or accept any financial aid award. Students must electronically accept their financial aid award online at https://my.uolivet.edu/ics. Absolutely no aid will be released to the student’s tuition account until the awards are electronically accepted.

Internal Aid Academic Requirements - At the end of each semester, any student who has earned a cumulative grade point average below 2.0 will be assessed a $500 reduction in financial aid in the subsequent semester. Students faced with the loss of financial assistance may appeal unusual circumstances in writing to the Director of Student Services.

Outside Financial Aid Awards - Any recipient of outside scholarships or grants of $100 or more that are not listed on the financial aid award letter must report the amount and source to Student Services. Adjustments in the aid package will occur only when it is necessary in order to comply with federal and state regulations. Any necessary adjustment to an individual’s award will occur in the following order: (1) The University of Olivet need-based grant; (2) state of Michigan grant; (3) work-study award; and (4) student loans.

Tuition Remission - Tuition remission will apply to remaining tuition charges after all other resources (e.g., state and federal grants, scholarships) have been applied.

Federal Financial Aid Eligibility for Students Pursuing Minors, Dual Majors, and Post-Baccalaureate Coursework

Once a student has completed all requirements for one baccalaureate degree, the eligibility for federal aid, including federal loans, is no longer available for any further undergraduate coursework. It is expected that most students will complete all requirements for graduation, including remaining required coursework, in the semester immediately prior to graduation. All courses taken after a student has completed all requirements for their first bachelor’s degree must be paid for by the individual student without federal financial aid assistance. Therefore, students should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure that all requirements for chosen majors and minors are completed in such a way as to maintain eligibility for federal financial aid, should this aid be necessary or desired.

Financial aid eligibility for the following two groups of students demands close attention to the timing of the completion of their academic programs:

1. Students Completing a Minor
   Students who are completing both a major and minor must be sure to complete the coursework for their minor in the same semester or prior to the completion of the degree requirements for their major. This will ensure that federal financial aid continues for the duration of their academic program. Should the student complete all graduation requirements for his or her major in a semester prior to the completion of coursework for the minor, the courses remaining to be completed for the minor will need to be paid for by the student without the benefit of federal financial aid assistance.
    
2. Students Completing Dual Majors
   Students completing more than one major (“dual majors”) should complete the final coursework and degree requirements for both degree programs in the same semester. Should the student complete all graduation requirements for his or her first major in a semester prior to the completion of coursework for the second major, the courses remaining to be completed for the second major will need to be paid for by the student without the benefit of federal financial aid assistance.

Sources of Financial Aid

Federal Aid

There are four major federal assistance programs for students: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), and subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans. Eligibility for these programs is determined by a methodology established by the United States Department of Education. In addition, Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) exists for undergraduate students and parents of dependent students and is not based on need.

1. Federal Pell Grant - a maximum award of $7,395 for 2024-25 that does not have to be repaid. Students are notified of eligibility through receipt of the Student Aid Report (SAR).
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - additional aid for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The maximum award is $4,000 per academic year and, as a grant, it does not have to be repaid. Funds for this program are limited and are only offered to Federal Pell Grant recipients.
3. Federal Work-Study - a program in which students are employed in part-time jobs on campus and are paid at least the federal minimum wage. Students must take the initiative to locate and secure these jobs at the beginning of each academic year to obtain this aid.
4. Federal Direct Stafford Loan

• Subsidized - a low-interest loan available to students who demonstrate financial need. The interest rate is determined annually by the U.S. Department of Education and is currently 4.99 percent. Interest does not accrue nor does repayment begin until six months after the recipient leaves school or drops below half-time status. Applications are available online by visiting Student Services at www.uolivet.edu.
• Unsubsidized - a low-interest loan with a current interest rate of 6.54 percent similar to the Federal Direct Stafford Loan (subsidized). The difference between the loans is that interest begins accruing on this unsubsidized loan while the student is still in school and the interest will compound quarterly.

Maximum amounts for Federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans vary by grade level/academic class as follows:

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) - a loan available to undergraduate students and to parents of dependent undergraduate students. Eligible participants can borrow up to the cost of education. The interest rate is currently 7.54 percent as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. Applications are available online by visiting www.studentloans.gov. More detailed information on aid programs is available from Student Services.

State Aid

Prospective students from Michigan are eligible to apply for aid from the following state program by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

State of Michigan Competitive Scholarship/Tuition Grants - an estimated maximum award of $3,000 for 2024-25 awarded by the Michigan Department of Education to Michigan residents who have financial need and are attending or plan to attend a Michigan private college. The University of Olivet must be listed as a first choice on the FAFSA form.

Michigan Achievement Scholarship - an estimated maximum award of $4,000 for 2024-25 awarded by the Michigan Department of Education to Michigan to undergraduate students who graduate from high school in Michigan with a diploma, certificate of completion, or achieved a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after. Students must be attending an eligible Michigan post-secondary institution. Students must demonstrate financial need when they complete the FAFSA by having an Expected Faculty Contribution (EFC) of $25,000 or less. The University of Olivet must be listed as a first choice on the FAFSA form.

Internal Aid

During a campus visit to The University of Olivet, students have the opportunity to meet with a financial aid advisor and receive an individual tuition assessment. Please contact the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 to schedule a campus visit.

Students who wish to be considered for need-based financial aid from the university must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1. This form is available online at www.studentaid.gov. The FAFSA helps the university determine a family’s eligibility for financial aid. Olivet has been highly successful in providing appropriate financial assistance to all admitted students.

Internal scholarships are typically awarded using merit-based criteria. For example, The University of Olivet has scholarship categories that recognize student excellence in academic achievement in high school/college, and involvement in service based activities that provide important contributions to their communities. All applicants for admission are considered for merit-based scholarships. You can also visit scholarship websites, such as finaid.org and fastweb.com, to search for additional scholarship opportunities.

The university awards the following internal aid:

Board of Trustees Scholarship - $18,000 per year awarded for four years to our highest academic achievers based on cumulative high school GPA and standardized test scores. The ideal Board of Trustees Scholarship recipient holds a GPA of 3.7 The total value of this scholarship after four years is $72,000.

Presidential Scholarship - $16,000 per year awarded for four years to students based on cumulative high school GPA and standardized test scores. The ideal Presidential Scholarship recipient holds a GPA of 3.3 The total value of this scholarship after four years is $64,000.

Dean’s Scholarship - $14,000 per year awarded for four years to students based on cumulative high school GPA and standardized test scores. The ideal Dean’s Scholarship recipient holds a GPA of 3.0 The total value of this scholarship after four years is $56,000.

Global Citizen Honors Program Scholarship - Qualified students are invited to participate with the Global Citizens Honor Program and receive a $1,000 academic scholarship. Plus, a $2,000 scholarship is banked for participation with a future study abroad experience.

Kalamazoo Promise - The Kalamazoo Promise, a partner of The University of Olivet since 2014, provides scholarships for eligible graduates of the Kalamazoo Public School system. Students receiving this scholarship must attend full-time and maintain a 2.0 GPA. The amount of the award is based on the length of attendance and residency in the Kalamazoo Public School system. Students who receive the Kalamazoo Promise scholarship are also eligible for other financial aid opportunities.

Lansing Promise - Qualified Lansing Promise students receive $5,000 per year for their freshman and sophomore years from the Lansing Promise Foundation. In addition, total scholarships and grants awarded will equal the cost of tuition and published fees. Participating Lansing area high schools are Eastern, Everett, J.W. Sexton and Lansing Catholic. To apply for the Lansing Promise, visit www.lansingpromise.org, or contact the Office of Admissions at (800) 456-7189 for assistance. Qualified, full-time residential students will be awarded a combination of Olivet, Federal and State aid equal to tuition costs.

New Michigander Award - This $5,000 award will be given to students who are nonresidents of Michigan with a minimum grade point average of 2.5. The amount varies and is renewable for up to four years.

The University of Olivet Advantage Scholarship - Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MAS) qualified students will be eligible for The University of Olivet Advantage Program. There are three ways a student could benefit: 1) be eligible for both the MAS and Federal Pell Grant to receive gift aid equal to tuition and published fees, 2) be eligible for MAS with a family adjusted gross income under $100,000 (not Pell eligible) to pay no more than $5,000 in tuition and published fees or 3) be eligible for MAS with a family adjusted gross income greater than $100,000 to receive at least $20,000 in institutional funds toward tuition and published fees. NOTE: These awards will not increase with increases in tuition and fees in future years

Shipherd Scholarship - This award is named after “Father” John J. Shipherd, founder of The University of Olivet. $12,000 per year is awarded to students each year based on cumulative high school GPA. The ideal Shipherd Scholarship recipient holds a grade point average of at least 2.8. The total value of this scholarship after four years is $48,000.

Sibling Scholarship - $2,000 per year, or up to $8,000 over four years, per family with multiple siblings attending The University of Olivet.

Talent Scholarship - Worth up to $2,000 toward the cost of tuition, fees, room and board. This scholarship awards students who enrich the campus community through their involvement in talent-based participation opportunities. Scholarships are available for the following activities: art alliance, gospel choir, choir, marching band, women’s leadership, and non-NCAA DIII collegiate sports including Clay Target and bowling. While students may participate in more than one talent area, talent scholarships are limited to one.

Veterans Scholarship - This scholarship, equal to 50 percent of tuition, is available to veterans with qualifying days of active duty service or who are currently on active duty. Current members of the National Guard or any recognized branch of the U.S. military reserve unit who qualify for VA education benefits and/or military education assistance eligibility are eligible to apply. In addition, spouses and legal dependents that provide proof of military dependency are eligible to apply for this scholarship. This scholarship replaces all other institutional merit-based awards.

Community Commitment Scholarship - Grant equivalent to 75% of the cost of tuition at The University of Olivet awarded to degree-seeking full-time enrolled students who are current benefits-eligible employees or dependents of current full-time employees of Olivet Community Schools or City of Olivet employees. Children must be unmarried and legal dependents of the employee for financial support covered to the end of the child’s twenty-fourth year. The grant is renewable for up to eight semesters of full-time undergraduate enrollment.

Student Employment - Available to Students Living on Campus or Commuter Students - Awarded to admitted students based on financial need and/or student qualifications. Students can apply for campus jobs via The University of Olivet website beginning August 1 at www.uolivet.edu. Students may earn up to $1,000 per academic year.

International Students - International students may qualify for institutional financial assistance based on their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores and domestic academic achievement. Contact the Office of Admissions at 1-800-456-7189 for more information.

Private Student Loan Options

Private loans are additional loan options beyond scholarships, grants and federal loans. Private loans provide a convenient alternative for many college students. The University of Olivet recommends that students research alternative sources of scholarships and grants before pursuing private loan options. Student Services certifies several private loans for students to help meet costs not covered by grants, scholarships and federal loans. A list of private lenders The University of Olivet students have used in the past is available at www.uolivet.edu. This list is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or preference by The University of Olivet. Borrowers may choose any lender, including one not included on this list.

Charges

2024-2025 Tuition and Fees

Tuition charges and fees for study at The University of Olivet are listed below. Please note full-time undergraduate study is charged on a block schedule for students who are registered for 12 to 17 semester hours, per semester.

Full-time tuition for the 2024-25 academic year (fall and spring semesters) is $33,676.

All undergraduate students, including part-time and full-time students are charged the fees listed below.

Room and Board

The University of Olivet charges for housing and meals, also termed room and board, collectively. Residence halls offer lounges, computer labs, study and recreational areas, and laundry facilities. Student rooms are furnished with beds, desks, closets or wardrobes, chairs, and dressers. Students supply their own pillows, bedding, towels, lamps, and other personal items. Meals are served in the Kirk Center Dining Hall on campus. Students are issued student ID cards to use for entrance into the dining hall.

Charges for room and board for 2024-25:

Additional Collegiate Expenses

Students should expect to incur additional expenses for incidentals such as books, supplies, entertainment, travel and living expenses. In addition to the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, students should plan for certain indirect costs estimated below:

Special Fees

The following are special fees currently in effect at The University of Olivet. Additional fees may be added at the discretion of the university.

• Acadeum Administration Fee - $797 per course.
• Audit Fee - $120 per semester hour.
• Confirmation Deposit - payable upon receiving notice of admission, this $150 non-refundable fee confirms a student’s intent to attend The University of Olivet. Upon registration, $50 of the confirmation deposit will be applied toward tuition.
• Cooperative Education and Other Experiential Learning Experiences Fee - cooperative education work experience and other experiential learning experiences are charged at the regular rate of tuition.
• Finance Charge - currently 12 percent (per year) for unpaid tuition and fee balances.
• High School (Dual Enrolled) Students - $110 per semester hour.
• Laboratory Fee - certain courses carry a small lab fee for materials used.
• Late Registration Fee - $75.
• Parking Fee - $150 per academic year (no proration).
• Private Music Lesson - instruction fee of $599 per lesson in addition to tuition charges.
• Room Buyout Fee - $400.
• Room Change Fee - $50.
• Returned Check Fee - $25 for each occurrence.
• Transcript Fee - no charge for currently enrolled students; $5 per transcript if not currently enrolled.

Late Registration Fee and Conditions

Current students are required to register online during the designated registration period each semester. Students who fail to register during this period will be assessed a late registration fee. Students who wish to register after the payment due date will not be eligible to register until the following requirements are fulfilled:

• A financial aid file is completed which includes the FAFSA and any required documentation.
• An entrance counseling session is held.
• Any Direct Loan Master Promissory Note is signed.
• Payment in full is made, or acceptable payment arrangement is established.
• Late Registration Form with appropriate signatures is submitted to Student Services.

Tuition Overload Policy

Full-time enrollment is defined as 12-17 semester hours during the fall or spring semesters. When a student registers for credits above 17 semester hours in any given semester, he or she is in an overload status. Students will be assessed additional charges for each semester hour over 17. Payment for overload credits must be paid by the semester payment due date to avoid the student being dropped from classes. Students arriving at an overload status during the drop and add period must be prepared to pay the balance in full or make acceptable payment arrangements by the end of the drop and add period to avoid being dropped from classes.

Payment of Accounts

Approximately a month before the initial tuition bill is due each semester, students will receive a statement of account at their billing address as well as forms to complete, if necessary, including but not limited to outside sources of funding and payment plan options. Please see www.uolivet.edu for specific semester due dates. Students will be dropped from courses in which they have registered if payment is not made by the specified due dates.

Terms of Payment

Payment for the semester is due approximately one month before the beginning of the semester. Any additional charges incurred during the semester must be paid before the student is allowed to register for the subsequent semester. Final grades will be withheld until an account is paid in full. A one percent finance charge is assessed each month on an unpaid balance that is 30 days past due. Failure to make payment when due cancels the student’s privilege of attending classes, and it may also cancel the right to eat in the dining hall and reside in a university residence hall. No diploma, letter of honorable dismissal, or recommendation will be granted to students who have outstanding balances with the university.

Payment Options

The University of Olivet accepts cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and The University of Olivet-approved tuition payment plans. Credit card and e-check payments may be made online at https://my.uolivet.edu/ICS/.

The University of Olivet Payment Plans

The University of Olivet offers installation payment plans for the balance of tuition accounts not covered by financial aid. Please visit the website for terms of the payment plans available. Registration for a payment plan may be done through the online portal at www.uolivet.edu. All payment plans require a $30 activation fee.

Defaulting on Payment Plans - Students and parents or guardians who default on payment plans will not be allowed to re-register in payment plans. Additionally, upon default of a payment plan, students will be removed from classes and full payment for the semester will be due immediately.

Payment of Balances Due After Leaving The University of Olivet

Students who have left The University of Olivet with a balance due on their student account will need to make satisfactory payment arrangements immediately by contacting Student Services to arrange payment. It is the policy of The University of Olivet to refer unpaid balances to a collection agency after 90 days. Certain official records will not be released for students who fail to meet their financial obligations to the university.

International Students

Prospective international students who wish to apply for a Federal I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status and students with immigrant status via issuance of a Federal I-9 are required to prepay all estimated charges pertaining to one full year of study as a prerequisite to formal admittance to the university and again prior to each subsequent year of study. Proof of external scholarship(s), sponsorship(s) or financial aid is required if it is to be considered as part of the annual payment.

Accessing Financial Aid Funds for the Purchase of Textbooks

Student Services has worked with The University of Olivet Bookstore to facilitate the purchase of textbooks at the beginning of each semester. This process applies only to students who have been awarded financial aid in excess of their charges for the semester, and thus have a balance to be refunded to the student. Eligible students will receive an email from Student Services prior to the beginning of each semester informing them of the amount available. Up to $600 of this balance, depending upon the individual aid award, will be available at the Bookstore through the end of the drop and add period to purchase textbooks.

To access these funds students should present their student ID at the Bookstore. The amount of the textbooks purchased will be deducted automatically from the balance in their student account. Students should contact Student Services at 269.749.7645 with any questions.

Guest Student Registration

A student may take course(s) at another institution which may count toward the fulfillment of graduation requirements at The University of Olivet by choosing to complete a guest semester. All students must be enrolled and complete the last 30 semester hours toward their degree at The University of Olivet. Unlike transfer credits, guest semester credits are accepted with letter grades and are calculated into the student’s cumulative grade point average. Applications for a guest semester must be approved by the Office of Academic Affairs and the appropriate academic advisor prior to enrollment at the guest institution. Application forms are available from Student Services and must be submitted before the end of The University of Olivet’s drop and add period. Registration for guest semesters must occur during The University of Olivet’s stated registration periods. Guest registrations will not be processed without proof of enrollment from the other institution.

When registered as a guest student, financial aid is handled through The University of Olivet. The student will be billed the full tuition rate at The University of Olivet. Upon receipt of the detailed billing statement from the guest institution to Student Services, the student’s Olivet account will be reduced by the tuition and course-specific fees the student has paid to the guest institution. The student will be responsible for paying the difference in tuition between the guest institution and The University of Olivet. Regardless of whether or not the course work is completed successfully, the student must fulfill their financial obligations to The University of Olivet.

NOTE: Courses completed at another educational institution cannot be coded as a repeat with an The University of Olivet course.

Refund Policy

In order for a student to receive a refund from his or her student account in any semester, all of the following requirements must be met:

• The student’s account must show a credit balance;
• The student must have indicated on his or her award letter that he or she wishes to have his or her credit balance refunded;
• All financial aid requirements must be met;
• If student has been awarded a Pell Grant, the student must have this paperwork on file in Student Services;
• If the student has a Michigan Tuition Grant, a student’s name must appear on the verification roster; and
• Any loan proceeds must be received by The University of Olivet.

The refund process will begin after the drop and add period each semester. Only the chief financial officer of the university is authorized to make adjustments on the refund provisions, and all such requests should be directed to him or her.

Tuition and Fee Adjustment Policy Upon Formal Withdrawal

Upon formal withdrawal from the university prior to the end of a semester, a student may be eligible for a tuition and fee adjustment. The adjustment will be based upon the date on which Student Services is informed in writing of the withdrawal by the student (see Withdraw/Leave of Absence  under Academic Procedures).

Academic withdrawal and financial withdrawal are distinct and separate procedures, each with its own policy. For instance, a student withdrawing after the 30th calendar day following the drop and add period may receive a grade of “W” (see Academic Procedures ). However, the student would not receive a tuition and fee adjustment.

The university policy for tuition and fee adjustment for students who financially withdraw is in accordance with federal regulations, and is as follows:

Tuition and Fees - The University of Olivet will adjust tuition and fees on the following basis:

• Prior to the end of drop and add period, the student will receive a full tuition adjustment;
• During the 14 calendar days following the drop and add period, the student will receive a 50 percent tuition adjustment;
• After the 14th calendar day following the drop and add period and up through the 30th calendar day, the student will receive a 25 percent tuition adjustment; and,
• Withdrawal after 30 calendar days following drop and add period results in no tuition adjustment.

Meal Plan - Contracts are for the entire academic year and no part of the meal plan charge is refundable during the period of enrollment/semester for which a student has been charged.

Room - Contracts are for the entire academic year and no part of the residence hall or apartment charge is refundable during the period of enrollment/semester for which the student has been charged.

Summer Session - No refunds are available for withdrawals from summer session courses once the student formally registers for the course(s). However, refunds are given for courses canceled by the university after registration only for students who were officially registered for the course at the time of course cancellation.

Financial Aid Adjustment Policy

This policy applies to students who receive financial aid assistance while enrolled at The University of Olivet. The University of Olivet complies with the U.S. Department of Education and Michigan Department of Education regulations regarding refunds of student charges and financial aid. Examples of all policies are available at the student’s request in Student Services, Mott 205. Students who drop from full-time to part-time status will have their tuition prorated based on the criteria outlined for an institutional withdrawal. When a student’s enrollment status drops below full time (12 semester hours), it may necessitate a reduction in financial aid.

If a student receiving Title IV (Federal) Financial Aid withdraws from the university, his or her funds must be adjusted in accordance with the policy established by the U.S. Department of Education. This calculation may result in the student owing money to the university. In the case of a student who has received additional Internal Aid, the tuition and fee adjustment will be an amount that does not cause a credit balance on the student account. The adjustment policy is as follows:

• The percentage of Federal Financial Aid that has been earned by the student is equal to the percentage of the semester that the student completed as of the withdrawal date. If this date occurs after the completion of 60 percent of the semester, the student is considered to have earned 100 percent of the Federal Financial Aid funds for that semester and no Federal funds must be returned.

The percentage of unearned Federal Financial Aid must still be returned regardless of whether the student is eligible to receive an adjustment of a portion of university charges (tuition, fees, room or meal plan). The return of Federal Financial Aid funds will be in the following order:

• Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
• Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
• Federal Direct PLUS (Parent) Loan
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Other federal loan or grant assistance

In addition to Federal Financial Aid adjustments, the institution will distribute remaining aid back to its source in the following order:

• State aid - in accordance with state regulations
• Private aid
• Internal aid
• The student

The institution will return Internal Aid to its source at the same percentage rate as is used for Federal Financial Aid funds under the Federal policy. However, private aid generally has criteria and guidelines pertaining to withdrawals specific to the funding source and these criteria and guidelines will be honored.

In addition, students will have funds returned to them only if remaining aid and cash payments exceed charges as determined under the Tuition and Fee Adjustment Policy.

Housing

Residency and Board Requirement

The University of Olivet believes that the housing component is an integral part of our students’ education. As a residential university, Olivet requires all full-time students to reside in university-approved housing and to participate in a university meal plan for their first four years of enrollment. This will enable students to realize the maximum benefit of proximity to faculty, their fellow students and the offerings of the university. As students interact in these settings, they will learn and grow from the different values, life experiences, classes, activities and ideas that are present in The University of Olivet community. Students living in The University of Olivet residence facilities are required to register for and maintain 12 or more semester hours per semester. A student dropping below 12 semester hours must contact the housing coordinator for permission to remain in campus housing.

When a new student applies and is accepted at The University of Olivet, he or she signs a Housing License Agreement. Returning students are required to submit a signed Housing Contract each academic year. The Housing License Agreement and Housing Contract are for the entire academic year or the remainder of the academic year if a student enters mid-year. The University of Olivet will make every effort to accommodate medical, financial, and mental health concerns. The University of Olivet will also accommodate academic program housing needs if you are out of state for that program.

Returning students who do not register for a room as required during the housing lottery will be charged for room and board.

Full-time students are eligible to live off campus if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• are married,
• have dependents,
• are at least 23 years of age; or,
• reside in Bellevue, Olivet, Marshall or Charlotte with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Transfer Students

Transfer students who have been living independently, attending a community college and have advanced transfer status (62 credit hours or more) are eligible to live off campus. Students must complete a Commuter Agreement form every academic year.

Students who are eligible to live off campus and commute must complete a Commuter Agreement form every academic year. Contact the housing coordinator with questions regarding housing.

Greek Housing Eligibility

Students desiring to live in a Greek house must complete the Greek Housing Form available in the Housing Office and on my.uolivet.edu. To qualify to live in a Greek society house, a student must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

Students who are 21 years of age or older or have Junior status:

1. Be an active member of their society; and
2. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher at the completion of the prior term.

Students under 21 years of age:

1. Be an active member of their society;
2. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher at the completion of the prior term; and,
3. Have no judicial violations 12 months prior to moving into the Greek house. If those 12 months fall after the start of a semester, a student will be eligible the following semester. They also must demonstrate responsible behavior prior to moving into the Greek house.

NOTES:

• The Greek housing eligibility criteria listed above applies to housing requirements only, not society membership requirements.
• If a student falsifies his or her Greek living status or chooses to move out of the Greek house, room and board charges will be added to his or her student account.
• If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below the minimum required or they incur a judicial violation for a serious offense (e.g. sexual assault, alcohol/drug violation, physical abuse or other serious offense), he or she must move out of the Greek house immediately and return to the residence hall dependent upon space availability. The student will also have their account billed the standard room and board rate.
• Privately-owned Greek houses: Members who meet the requirements mid-semester must wait until the following semester to live in a Greek house with permission from the housing coordinator.
• University-owned Greek residential property: Members may move in at any time throughout the academic year with permission from the housing coordinator.

Room Assignments and Contracts

Room assignments are for the full academic year and all residents are required to sign a Housing Contract. Any variance of this policy must have prior approval of the housing coordinator. Room reservation for returning students is held during the spring semester. In order for returning students to participate in room reservation, they must have their account cleared with the business office, have completed a FAFSA for the new upcoming academic year, and be enrolled for classes for the upcoming fall semester. All first-year students are assigned rooms and roommates over the summer, and will be notified of assignment by email.

Personal Property Insurance

Many students and parents find it reassuring to obtain insurance covering the student’s possessions. Such arrangements should be made with private insurance agencies. The university is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to personal possessions.

Housing Options

There are four campus housing options available to students: residence halls, campus apartments, Greek society housing, and a theme house.

Residence Halls

The University of Olivet recognizes the residence halls as living-learning environments. Residence life offers educational and social opportunities that promote personal growth, development, wellness and cultural diversity among residents. The University of Olivet operates three residence halls for students:

• Blair Hall - a men’s residence hall housing students in all classes. Blair was built in 1928 with an addition constructed in 1955. The hall offers mostly double and single occupancy rooms, common bathrooms, lounges and a computer lab.
• Dole Hall - a men’s and women’s residence hall housing students in all classes. Dole was built in 1931. In addition to single, double, triple and quadruple occupancy rooms, the hall offers common bathrooms, lounges, and a computer lab.
• Shipherd Hall - built in 1966, this residence hall houses primarily upper-division men and women. Shipherd is designed as a suite-style dorm, with four students sharing a living space, two bedrooms and a semi-private bath/shower facility. Shipherd is co-educational with common lounges, a computer lab and a recreational area.

Campus Apartments

The University of Olivet offers residency in campus apartments at three locations near campus. Applicants must meet the following criteria for consideration of placement in campus apartments: 30 semester hours earned (priority is given to juniors and seniors) and residency in a residence hall for one academic year. It is preferred that applicants have identified the relevant number of roommates, of the same gender, who meet all requirements prior to applying. An applicant’s judicial record may be reviewed during application. Preference is given to those who have no community standards violations.

Housing contracts for campus apartments are for the entire academic year. Applications are available in the Office of Student Life and on my.uolivet.edu. Costs for campus apartments differ from residence halls (see Charges).

• Gillette Student Village - Located at 604 S. Main Street, residents must have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Must be in good standing with the university without any student code of conduct violations in the last 12 months. Applicants wishing to live at Gillette Student Village must write a 250-word short essay describing how they are a Compact-like citizen of The University of Olivet community. There are nine units with four single rooms in each. All units are fully furnished and have four bedrooms, two full baths and a basement. Amenities for each unit include a dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer, cable television, and wireless internet access.
• Long Apartments - Located at 312 Yale Street, there are 10 units with a single and double room in each. Residents must have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Must be in good standing with the university. All units are fully furnished and have a full bathroom, living room and kitchen. Coin-operated laundry is available on site as well as cable television and wireless internet access.
• Oak Hill Apartments - Located at 4740, 4744, and 4748 West Butterfield Highway, there are 21 units with a single and double room in each, and three units with double rooms. Residents must have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Must be in the good standing with the university. All units are fully furnished and have a full bathroom, living room and kitchen. Coin-operated laundry is available on site as well as cable television and wireless internet access.

Greek Society Housing

All Greek societies maintain a residence for their members. Students must meet the established criteria to reside in a Greek society house (see Greek Housing Eligibility). The Greek societies of The University of Olivet are:

• Adelphic Alpha Pi – Located across from Shipherd Hall, was founded in 1862 and is open to the men of The University of Olivet. It is the brother organization to Sigma Beta. The fraternity motto is Semper Fidelis, always faithful.
• Alpha Lambda Epsilon - Founded in 1922 as a sorority, Alpha Lambda Epsilon reorganized its membership in 1975 to admit men, thus becoming the first co-educational literary/social society in the nation. The society motto is Bear Well the Torch. Alpha Lambda Epsilon is the cousin organization to Kappa Sigma Alpha.
• Alpha Phi Kappa - Established in 1997 to promote better understanding between cultures and to endorse brotherhood among its membership.
• Alpha Xi Omega “Elite” - Founded as a club by the name of Elite in the 1970s and admitted to the Intersociety Council during the fall 1995 semester, Alpha Xi Omega works to create a better understanding among all students at Olivet in the areas of diversity and multicultural awareness. They are the brother organization to Nu Gamma Xi.
• Eta Psi Kappa - Established in 2001 to promote unity of all women on campus, their motto is The Righteous Endure tile Judgment.
• Kappa Sigma Alpha – Founded in 1922, Kappa Sigma Alpha is the cousin organization to Alpha Lambda Epsilon. The fraternity motto is Wisdom Conquers All.
• Mu Omega Pi - Established in 2001 to assist young men in growth and development through leadership, brotherhood and spirituality, their motto is Upholding the Standard of Perfection.
• Nu Gamma Xi - A sorority founded in 1997 by 12 women, they are the sisters of Alpha Xi Omega. Their purpose is to promote unity, sisterhood and high academic standards among women with similar interests.
• Phi Alpha Pi – Located across from Blair Hall and founded in 1847, it is the oldest society on campus. In 1861 Phi Alpha Pi, the brother organization to Soronian, became a literary society. The fraternity motto is Progress, Truth and Friendship.
• Sigma Beta – A literary sorority founded in 1907 by three The University of Olivet women, their house, located across from Blair Hall, was completed in 1963. Sigma Beta is the sister society to Adelphic Alpha Pi. Their motto is Friends of the Best.
• Soronian (Iota Kappa Omicron) – The sister organization to Phi Alpha Pi, it is the oldest collegiate sorority in the continental United States. The sorority motto is Strong in Love, Firm in Right.

Theme House

Selection of residents for theme houses is based on criteria such as cumulative grade point average, personal interviews, theme house specific requirements, and other specific criteria determined by the Housing Office. Currently one theme house is in operation.

• 510 Shipherd - The primary goal of this house, located at 510 Shipherd Street, is to offer housing for male honors students who strive for success in their academic coursework. The house offers residential space for six men. Residents must have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 with no judicial record.