Funding for US students
Liverpool Hope University is a Title IV School and is therefore authorized by the US Department of Education to certify applications (for eligible students) for the William D Ford Direct Loan Program (DL) which replaced the FFELP (the Federal Family Education Loan Program) on the 1st July 2010. On these pages you will find all the information you will need to calculate your cost of attendance, submit your application for financial aid, receive your disbursements, and get ready for repayment.
Please note that the Federal school Code for Liverpool Hope University is; G41159
Study Abroad students must contact the Financial Aid Office if enrolled at their home campus for all matters concerning their Financial Aid.
Quick guide to financial aid
Please note that this section is a very brief introductory guide to US Financial Aid and the stages that generally you will need to complete. Please familiarise yourselves with the other tabs before you start the application process.
Step 1 Complete free application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Step 2 Once your Student Aid report (SAR) has been received contact Liverpool Hope University who will arrange to view your SAR.
Step 3 We will write to you detailing the loans that you are eligible for based on the cost of attendance and your estimated family contribution (EFC)
Step 4 Confirm to us your intention to take out the loan and the amounts you intend to borrow.
Step 5 Complete your loan counselling by going to www.studentloans.gov
Step 6 A copy of the signed promissory note should be sent to us.
Step 7 For new students we will send you an official letter, the wording of which has been agreed with the UK border agency which you will need when you apply for your visa.
Step 8 The money is disbursed in either 2 or 3 payment dates. Liverpool Hope University will receive the money straight into our account from the Department of Education. We will have contacted you previously to give us your bank details (it would be better if you have an English bank account to speed up your funding) and once the money is in our account we can make the disbursements to you after deducting any applicable tuition/accommodation charges. As the funding once requested can take 5-10 working days to reach our account it is advisable to bring some money with you for necessary expenses whilst awaiting the opening of your UK bank account and the monies to become available. A figure between £400-£500 would be advisable.
An American National or permanent resident can apply for a loan if you have accepted an offer of a place at Liverpool Hope University for an undergraduate or full postgraduate Masters course. We are an eligible Federal Loan institution and our school code is G41159. We recommend you refer to the Federal Loans webpage which has the most up to date information and interest rates.
Federal Student Loans
Direct subsidised/unsubsidised loan
This loan supported by the US government is available to all students. The federal loan is offered at a fixed interest rate. This loan does not enter into repayment until six months after the student has completed the course or dropped below 50% attendance. There are two parts to the federal loan.
The subsidised loan is assessed on “need” and as such the interest accrued on this portion of the loan is paid by the US government whilst students are in study. These costs will revert to the student’s responsibility after completion of the course.
The unsubsidised loan will accrue interest during the period of study and these costs will be the student's responsibility.
There is a loan fee on all Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. The loan fee is a percentage of the amount of each loan you receive. We will deduct the loan origination fee proportionately from each loan disbursement. The specific loan origination fee that you are charged will be reflected in a disclosure statement that will be sent to you.
The Plus loan
Unsubsidised loans for the parents of dependent students and for graduate/professional students. Plus loans help pay for education expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance.
Private Loans
Private student loans are non-federal loans, borrowed from a private lender such as a bank or other corporation. Private loans are typically offered with higher rates of interest than federal loans and with less flexible repayment options. A federal loan is usually partly based on financial need, whereas a private loan is not.
You may only use student loans (whether they are federal or private) for educational expenses such as tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and transportation. Your Cost of Attendance is calculated by the University, and you may not borrow more than this whether you take out a private loan or a federal loan or both.
The University will work with whichever private lender you decide to use, if they are willing to work with us. As an example: the University currently works with Sallie Mae, who offer a "SMART Option Private Loan".
Unlike federal loans you may borrow a private loan up to the full amount of your Cost of Attendance regardless of your financial need or you may use a private loan to supplement your federal loans up to your Cost of Attendance if, for example, you cannot borrow that full amount in the form of a federal loan.
- You must first make sure that the lender is willing to offer you a private educational loan, and that they are willing to work with the Liverpool Hope University.
- Tell us how much you wish to borrow and in conjunction with your cost of attendance we will confirm how much you can borrow.
- You must then complete your loan application directly with your chosen lender.
- You will need to complete and sign a Master Promissory Note supplied by your lender. Once you have completed these steps you must notify the University of your intentions.
For further information regarding private loans please visit www.myglobaled.com.
How much can I borrow?
The table below show the amounts of subsidised/unsubsidised loan a student can borrow depending on the course and year they will attend and also aggregate limits.
| Dependent Undergraduate Students | Subsidised* | Unsubsidised | Subsidised and Unsubsidised combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | $3,500 | $2,000 | $5,500 |
| 2nd Year | $4,500 | $2,000 | $6,500 |
| 3rd Year | $5,500 | $2,000 | $7,500 |
Aggregate limit for Dependent students;
- $23,000 (subsidised)
- $31,000 (subsidised and unsubsidised combined)
| Independent Undergraduates and Dependent Undergraduates where parent is denied Parent PLUS | Subsidised* | Unsubsidised | Subsidised and Unsubsidised combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | $3,500 | $6,000 | $9,500 |
| 2nd Year | $4,500 | $6,000 | $10,500 |
| 3rd Year | $5,500 | $7,000 | $12,500 |
Aggregate limit for Independent students;
- $23,000 (subsidised)
- $57,500 (subsidised and unsubsidised combined)
Aggregate limit for Graduate students for period of enrolment that began after 1st July 2012;
- $20,500 (unsubsidised)
Aggregate limit for Graduate students for period of enrolment that began before 1st July 2012;
- $65,500 (subsidised)
- $138,500 (subsidised and unsubsidised combine)
Any Parent Plus loan (available to UG dependent students only), Grad Plus or Private loan is intended to cover any remaining costs of attendance the student has, without any set annual maximums.
Subsidised* - US government pays interest while student is in University and six months after graduation/withdrawal
What the US Government expects of you
Repay your loan
Your obligation to repay becomes legally binding when you sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and authorise the electronic transfer of funds to your student account.
Your requirement to repay does not go away because you:
- Don't complete your educational program
- Cannot find employment
- Were not satisfied with the education or other services your received from the university
- Were notified that your loan was sold to another party by your lender.
Pay on Time
You must make your payments on time unless you have made special arrangements with the lender or servicer. Many lenders offer repayment incentives to reward you for paying on time.
Make a Minimum Payment
A minimum monthly loan payment is required. This minimum amount varies depending on the amount you borrow and your repayment plan.
Notify Liverpool Hope University and the US Department of Education about changes in any of the following:
- Change your current address / phone numbers / name
- Change your Social Security Number
- Withdraw from University
- Drop below full-time
- Change your anticipated graduation date
- Change your driver's license number
- Change your references
- Change your permanent address
- Change your expected employer
Complete an Entrance Counselling Interview
Before being permitted to complete your electronic MPN, you will be counselled on your obligations, rights and options under the terms of your loan. Liverpool Hope University will not certify your financial aid unless you have performed entrance counselling. Visit Student Loans for more details.
Complete an Exit Counselling Interview
This must be done before you leave university or graduate. You will be counselled on your obligations, rights and options under the terms of your loan. This session will cover repayment options, deferments and other important information you may need during your repayment term. During this session you will need to provide the following information:
- Name and address of closest living relative
- Two references (not the same as closest living relative) and with different addresses
Visit Student Loans for more details.
What you should expect from your Lender
Master Promissory Note
When you decide to enter into an agreement for your student loan, you sign an electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN). This document explains the terms and conditions of your loan in full detail. It also serves as the legal document requiring you to repay the loan with interest. Read through the entire promissory note before you sign it and make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities. The MPN (either paper or electronic) is only valid for a maximum of one year if you are attending a University outside the U.S.
Repayment Schedule
During your grace period, the US Department of Education will send you a detailed repayment Schedule. This document states the number and amount of monthly payments and the date when the first payment is due. At the same time, you will receive information about other repayment options, such as the Graduated and Income-Sensitive plans, extended and consolidation plans.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
In order to be eligible for US Department of Education Student Loans, United States students must meet the following Liverpool Hope University policies, which conform to US Department of Education regulations.
Undergraduate academic courses at Liverpool Hope University are known as “modules” and most commonly are year-long in duration, each carrying 60 credits. The required full-time study programme is two modules (120 credits) per academic year.
Students must successfully complete 120 credits at each level of their degree programme in order to progress to the next year level (Year 1 = Level C, Year 2 = Level I, Year 3 = Level H).
- BA, BSc and BA QTS Degrees are three-year programmes; they may also be four-year programmes if they include a Foundation year, or five-year programmes if they include a year in Industry and a Foundation year.
Liverpool Hope University evaluates satisfactory academic progress annually.
All assignments with their grade weightings for individual assessments will be provided to students on each course at the beginning of the academic year. The Liverpool Hope University pass mark is 40% out of 100% for all assignments, using the published Liverpool Hope University mark scales.
Student loan recipients are required to be in good standing and to maintain satisfactory academic progress towards their degree requirements for each semester in which they are enrolled. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as described below is evaluated each year in June. Failure to maintain satisfactory progress as described below may result in cancellation of financial aid awards, and the student may have to repay any funds already received.
Completion Timeframes
The maximum timeframe for completion of an undergraduate certificate or degree programme, for students taking US Federal Loans, may not exceed 150% of the published length of the programme as measured in credit hours, in accordance with US Federal Loan regulations.
- For a three-year BA and BSc the timeframe is 540 attempted credits. Students normally attempt and complete 120 credits per year, typically divided into two 60-credit blocks. All credits at one Level of Study must be completed before the next Level is attempted. Where a student needs to retake one block from a Level, they will attempt 60 credits in the following year, before progressing to the following Level the year afterwards. Where a student needs to retake both blocks from a Level, they will attempt 120 credits in the following year, before progressing to the following Level the year afterwards. No credit-rated block may be attempted more than twice. Where a credit-rated block has been completed, it may not be attempted again.
- For a four-year BA and BSc the timeframe is 720 attempted credits. Students normally attempt and complete 120 credits per year, typically divided into two 60-credit blocks. All credits at one Level of Study must be completed before the next Level is attempted. Where a student needs to retake one block from a Level, they will attempt 60 credits in the following year, before progressing to the following Level the year afterwards. Where a student needs to retake both blocks from a Level, they will attempt 120 credits in the following year before progressing to the following Level the year afterwards. No credit-rated block may be attempted more than twice. Where a credit-rated block has been completed, it may not be attempted again
Each year the Board of Examiners considers whether the student is on track to complete within the timeframe; if not their studies will be normally be terminated.
In exceptional circumstances a student may appeal to extend their timeframe.
Postgraduate (graduate) programmes may have a maximum timeframe which exceeds 150% of the published length of the programme under special conditions of Interruption of Study (see below).
Any period of study in which a student does not receive Federal Loan aid will also still count towards the maximum timeframe for their academic programme, and towards the degree classification [the UK equivalent of a Grade Point Average].
Students do not select the number of credits to take but must register for a full 120 credits each year. Therefore the board each year can determine whether a student is on track to complete. All international students proceed at the same pace of 120 credits a year, except where redeeming failed credits [as above].
Academic Probation and U.S. Federal Aid Probation
Academic Probation does not exist in Liverpool Hope University’s own regulations. However, students who initially fail to gain SAP are normally given a specified timescale to redeem their position, as follows; this is a de facto system of Academic Probation, and relates to U.S. Federal Aid Probation as shown below.
1. Students who have not passed 120 credits by June [but who have obtained an aggregate mark of at least 33] will be given a further opportunity to complete assessment and progress. Their progress will be reviewed in early September.
- If they pass after reassessment, they will be deemed to have fulfilled the requirement for Satisfactory Academic Progress [SAP], and will proceed to the next 120 credits according to the standard schedule.
- If they fail to satisfy the examiners in any reassessments, they will be deemed to have failed the requirement for Satisfactory Academic Progress [SAP], and will be required to retake all or part of the 120 credits in the following academic session, and will no longer be eligible for U.S. federal student aid. However, such students will be entitled to lodge an Academic Appeal, the outcome of which may be that students be given a specified timescale [usually no more than 2 or 3 weeks] to submit further work to gain the 120 credits in time to proceed to the next 120 credits according to the standard schedule, therefore meeting the requirements for SAP. Pending the final decision about whether the student’s further work has enabled them to gain the required 120 credits, the student would be placed on U.S. Federal Aid Probation. In addition to the University’s normal procedures for communication results, students in receipt of U.S. Federal Aid will in relation to all aspects of this paragraph, be informed of the consequences for U.S. Federal Aid.
2. Students who have not passed 120 credits by June [and who have obtained an aggregate mark for either the level of study or the academic subject of below 33] will be deemed to have failed the requirement for Satisfactory Academic Progress [SAP], and will be required to retake all or part of the 120 credits in the following academic session. Such students will be entitled to lodge an Academic Appeal, the outcome of which may be that students be given a specified timescale [usually until the end of August] to submit further work to gain the 120 credits in time to proceed to the next 120 credits according to the standard schedule, therefore meeting the requirements for SAP. Pending the final decision about whether the student’s further work has enabled them to gain the required 120 credits, the student would be placed on U.S. Federal Aid Probation. In addition to the University’s normal procedures for communication results, students in receipt of U.S. Federal Aid will in relation to all aspects of this paragraph, be informed of the consequences for U.S. Federal Aid.
Transfer Credits
Transfer Credits from another institution of higher education are approved on an individual basis by the transfer student’s accepting academic programme at Liverpool Hope University. They count toward the attempted and completed credits at Liverpool Hope, thereby reducing the maximum timeframe for completion of the programme. They also count towards attempted and completed hours.
Change of Majors
Changes in major subjects can in some instances be completed within the original programme timeframe (for example, if a student is able to change their degree programme from Combined Studies to Single Subject Studies within their original academic Faculty (Academic Division).
If a combined honours student changes BOTH of their academic subjects or changes to a completely new Degree Programme any previous credits earned will not count and the student is deemed to be starting again with a new timeframe. However, entitlement to U.S. Federal Aid to cover the new subject[s] will be assessed by the relevant U.S. authorities.
Pursuit of Second Degrees
Liverpool Hope University permits students to pursue a second academic degree, either undergraduate or postgraduate, if they meet the relevant entry requirements for the new degree programme.
Summer Schools
There are no summer semesters or “summer school” courses offered within Liverpool Hope University’s undergraduate or graduate degree programmes at present.
Incompletes
There are no “incomplete” grades at Liverpool Hope University. However, students who do not submit work, but gain 33+ for the course overall will have one resubmission opportunity. Resubmission results are published during the second week in the following September in time for a student to progress to the next level of study if they achieve a pass and the required 120 credits for their current level of study.
Grade Change Policy
All Liverpool Hope University grades are technically “provisional” until they are formally approved by each Degree Programme’s Board of Examiners at the end of each academic year in June (and early September for resubmissions). Normally provisional grades are approved unchanged, the only exceptions being:
- The discovery of plagiarism in an assignment after the initial grade is awarded. All discovered plagiarized assignments will receive a fail grade as their final approved mark. But it is still possible to pass on aggregate marks.
- A student’s Academic Appeal is upheld by the University’s Academic Appeal Procedure. A student can only appeal against a grade result on the grounds that published assessment procedures were not followed, but not on the grounds that they disagree with the grade awarded.
- (Most unusually) the discovery by the Board of Examiners at the end of the academic year that an individual or a group of students was marked unfairly given the published mark scales and assessment criteria.
Repeated Courses
Students are allowed to repeat (retake) any failed module once only. Any retaken course will receive the full credit value but, if the course has been failed due to non-submission or academic misconduct, the overall grade will be no greater than “E” (indicating a bare pass at 40%). All time periods used to pass retakes will count towards a student’s programme timeframe in terms of attempted and completed credits. If a retake is failed, the student’s studies will normally be terminated. Once a course is passed, a student cannot retake it in order to achieve a higher grade. If a student is required to repeat a failed course, the uncapped aggregate for that course will normally count towards the degree classification [the equivalent of the Grade Point Average]. However, if the original failure had been due either to unexplained non-submission of work or academic misconduct, the grade taken forward from the course for purposes of the classification will be a bare pass [40].
Non-credit Remedial Courses
Liverpool Hope University does not offer non-credit remedial courses.
Appeals Procedure
Students have the right to appeal against any academic decision, including termination of studies, but it must be on one of the following grounds: (1) of Medical evidence or other serious mitigating circumstances (as bereavement of a close family member or life-threatening illness) not previously submitted or (2) the student can produce documentary evidence showing that published academic procedures were not followed in their case. Academic Appeals should be directed to appeals@hope.ac.uk. The University’s full Appeals Procedure is published in the annual Student Handbook available to all students. Appeals will be dealt with in a prompt manner so that, if successful, the student can re-engage with their studies as quickly as possible. The implications of the appeals process for U.S. Federal Aid are summarised above under “Academic Probation and U.S. Federal Aid Probation”. If the Appeal is successful the Appeals Team will inform the student of any outstanding work that needs completion and/or of their pass and progress status. The appeals process automatically considers if a student had failed to make SAP, and what has changed to allow the student to get back on track.
If the appeals process determines that a student’s progress has been affected by valid mitigating circumstances, the student would be given an opportunity, as if for the first time to submit missed assessments or to attend modules again. The timescale will vary according to circumstances but for assessment-only issues the matter could be resolved by the following semester allowing the student to progress on schedule, in other cases progression would be delayed by 12months. However, in either case, the establishment of valid mitigating circumstances would lead to a recommendation that entitlement to U.S. Federal Aid be retained.
Termination of Studies
LHU only terminates a student’s registration on grounds of serious lack of engagement with their modules regarding attendance and the submission of assignments, and/or for serious infraction of the University’s Code of Behaviour. Any student who fails a retake of a course (the second attempt to pass the module including the full resit opportunity) will also have their studies terminated.
Termination of Student Aid
When a student formally Interrupts Study, Withdraws from the University, or has their studies Terminated, their student aid will be terminated. Renewal of student aid will only be approved after an Interrupted student has registered for new modules (courses). For all other students in the above categories, student aid can only be renewed after they have reapplied and been offered a place on a Liverpool Hope University academic programme.
IV Funds Refunds Policy
Liverpool Hope University will follow the requirements of the Federal Student Aid programme “Return of Title IV Funds” regulations. In some cases these requirements may differ from the University’s standard procedures. Therefore, policies stated below will apply to all US Federal Loan Aid recipients when the University is dealing with a student’s Federal Loan funds. Students may receive a copy of the University’s Title IV Refund Policy from the Finance Office. This policy statement should be read in conjunction with Liverpool Hope University's Federal Loan Programme “Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy,” which is also available from the Finance Office.
The student may therefore still owe funds to the University to cover unpaid institutional charges. Liverpool Hope University may also collect from the student any Title IV programme funds owed to the University that it was required to return to the funding source.
In calculating Return of Title IV funds the Finance Office will use worksheets and software provided by the US Department of Education. All such funds must be returned to the lender within 45 days of the date when the University determined that a student withdrew from studies or Interrupted studies. Students who have questions about their Title IV funds can phone the Federal Student Aid Information Centre at 1-800-4-FEDAID (1-800-433-3243). Information is also available on Student Aid
Title IV funds will be returned in the following order:
- Unsubsidized Federal loans
- Subsidized Federal loans
- PLUS Loan funds
Official Withdrawal from Studies
A student wishing to withdraw from the University should normally complete a Liverpool Hope University “Withdrawal from Studies Form” (undergraduate or postgraduate, as appropriate). It should be submitted to the Student Administration office either via the Help Desk in the foyer of the Gateway Building or posted to: Student Administration, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool L16 9JD. Under exceptional circumstances a student may inform the Registrar in writing, including the date of intended withdrawal. In either case you are strongly advised to keep a photocopy of your method of notification.
If possible the Liverpool Hope University “Withdrawal from Studies Form” should also be completed, even if written notification has been given. Should the student fail to file the Withdrawal Form or there is a lag between the written notification and the filing of the form, the earlier date of withdrawal stated will be used to calculate the Return of Title IV funds.
If a student does not indicate a clear date of withdrawal, and this cannot be determined from their attendance record, the University will assume a 50% attendance and use that date as the last date for attendance.
The amount of assistance earned (i.e. the amount owed to the University) is determined on a pro rata basis, with the following exception:
No Refunds are given for Withdrawal from University Halls of Residence except at the discretion of the Dean of Students. Refunds will only be considered under the exceptional circumstances of serious student illness or family bereavement.
The payment period is the semester period for which the loan was certified. For example, if the student completes 30% of the payment period or period of enrolment, the student has earned 30% of the assistance they were originally scheduled to receive. Once the student has completed more that 60% of the payment period or period of enrolment, all the assistance that the student was scheduled to receive for the period is considered to have been earned (i.e. owed to the University).
If the student did not receive all the funds that were earned, he or she may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. The University may automatically use all or a portion of the post-withdrawal disbursement (if the student accepts it) for tuition, fees, and room and board charges, as contracted by the student with the University. The student may choose to decline the loan funds so that additional Federal loan debt is not incurred. However, it may be in the student’s best interest to accept the disbursement and allow the University to keep the funds owed in order to reduce their indebtedness to Liverpool Hope University. If the student received more assistance that was earned, the excess funds must be returned by the school and/or the student.
First-time, first-year undergraduates who do not complete the first 30 days of their programme before withdrawal will not earn any loan funds that he or she would have received had the student remained enrolled past the 30th day. If the student receives (or the university receives on behalf of the student) excess Title IV programme funds that must be returned, the university must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of:
- The institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of the funds, or
- The entire amount of excess funds.
Interruption of Studies: (Leave of Absence)
Students are allowed to interrupt their studies only after receiving formal approval from the University. Interruption of Study will normally only be granted for medical reasons, family bereavement or other serious non-academic circumstances outside the student’s control. Any student wishing to interrupt their studies should make an appointment with a Senior Academic Advisor in their Faculty (Academic Division) and complete an “Interruption of Study Form”. (See Liverpool Hope University’s “Satisfactory Academic Progress” policy for completion time-frames.)
An Interrupting student will be charged for all Liverpool Hope University fees owed up to the approval date on the Liverpool Hope University “Interruption of Study Form”. Otherwise, the same Refund Rules apply as for Office Withdrawal From Studies (see above p. 2). Students receiving US Federal Loan aid may be liable for the return of a portion of those funds, depending on the effective date of the Interruption. Any student considering Interruption of Study is strongly advised to seek advice from the Liverpool Hope University Finance Office before making their decision. Otherwise, during an approved Interruption of Study period the student continues in their LHU registered student status. For US Federal Loan recipients this means “in-school” status For repayment purposes you will not have to begin repayment of loan funds. However, if you do not return to study at the approved date, the Last Day of Attendance for start of repayment calculation will be the date the Interruption of Study was effective (i.e. the date it began), and you may have already used up your allowed grace period.
A student granted an official Interruption of Study that meets the criteria stated above is not considered to have withdrawn and no Return calculation is required. Upon the student’s return, he or she continues to earn the Federal Student Aid previously awarded for the period.
If a student fails to return to their studies at the approved date, they will be deemed to have Withdrawn from Studies and the University must report their change of status to the loan holder. In this situation Title IV regulations stipulate that the student’s withdrawal date is the date the student began the Interruption of Study, not their stated return date.
Unofficial Interruption of Study
Any student who interrupts their studies without University approval by completing the Liverpool Hope University “Interruption of Study Form” will remain registered on all their modules and will be liable for all Liverpool Hope University fees. No Refunds to the student are allowed. For Title IV purposes an unofficial Interruption of Study will be treated as a Withdrawal from Studies. The University must report the student’s status to the loan holder as soon as the University recognises that the student is no longer attending their classes.
Official Withdrawal
In order to officially Withdraw from the University, a student must complete the Liverpool Hope University “Withdrawal from Studies Form” (undergraduate or postgraduate form as appropriate). The form should be submitted either to the Help Desk in the Gateway Building foyer or mailed to Student Administration, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool L16 9JD. The student will be liable for all Liverpool Hope University fees up to the date on their completed Withdrawal form. When a student withdraws from the University they will receive a transcript of all attempted and completed credits, course credits and grades achieved for each course, if they request one. However, they are deemed to have left the University and must reapply as a new student if they wish to return. Any previous academic credits and grades will only be accepted if they are deemed applicable to the academic programme for which the student is applying. Degree classifications do not apply to students who leave before becoming entitled to the full degree. Therefore, no overall equivalent of the Grade Point Average is calculated for such students. However, their transcripts will indicate the mark, grade and credit value for each completed course.
Unofficial Withdrawals
Any student who leaves their Liverpool Hope University course without completing the official Liverpool Hope University “Withdrawal from Studies Form,” will remain a registered Liverpool Hope University student and will be liable for all Liverpool Hope University fees for the academic year in question. It is the student’s responsibility to officially Withdraw, not the University’s to eventually discover the student is no longer attending their classes.
Approved Leaves of Absence (LOA)
An LOA is a temporary interruption in a student’s programme of study. LOA refers to the specific time period during a programme when a student is not in attendance and will return to complete the programme. Students returning from a LOA are not required to re-apply for admission but must re-register for their courses. Any student wishing to interrupt their studies should make an appointment with a Senior Academic Advisor in their Faculty (Academic Division) and complete an “Interruption of Study Form”. The form must be signed by a Senior Academic Advisor.
Unapproved leaves of absence
A school may grant a student an LOA that does not meet the conditions to be an approved LOA for Title IV purposes (for example for academic reasons). However any LOA that does not meet all of the conditions for an approved LOA is considered a withdrawal for Title IV purposes.
Approved LOAs
An LOA must meet certain conditions to be counted as a temporary interruption in a student’s education instead of being counted as a withdrawal requiring Liverpool Hope University to perform a return calculation. If an LOA does not meet the conditions the student is considered to have ceased attendance and to have withdrawn from Liverpool hope University and we are required to perform a return calculation.
In order for an LOA to qualify as an approved LOA:
- All requests for LOA’s to be submitted in writing to the Programme Director by completing an interruption of study form and include the reason for the student’s request. The form must be signed and dated by the student and specify the date the student wants the LOA to begin and end.
- Student must apply in advance for an LOA unless unforeseen circumstances prevent the student from doing so
- The situation described for the reason for the LOA must be generally non-academic in nature and must be one that leads to a reasonable expectation that the student will return from the LOA within the allowed time frame.
- The LOA together with any additional leave of absence must not exceed a total of 180 days in any 12 month period including days in which Liverpool Hope University is not in session.
All requests for LOA’s will be reviewed by the Programme Director, the University registrar and the Director of financial aid. The student will be notified in writing by the Programme Director of the University’s decision.
During the LOA Liverpool Hope University will not assess the student for any additional charges, the student’s financial need will not increase and therefore the student will not be eligible for any additional disbursements of Federal Student Aid.
If the student is a Stafford Loan recipient Liverpool Hope University will explain to the student, prior to granting the LOA the effects that the student’s failure to return from an LOA may have on the student’s loan repayment terms including the expiration of the student’s grace period.
A student granted an LOA that meets the criteria stated above is not considered to have withdrawn and no return calculation is required. Upon the student’s return from the leave he or she continues to earn the Federal Student Aid previously awarded for the period.
Completion of coursework upon return
In as much as approved leaves of absence are viewed as temporary interruptions in a student’s attendance and since the academic programme at Liverpool Hope University are considered term based programmes where the repayment period is the term, a student returning from an LOA must do so at a time when they can complete the term in order to complete the payment period and be eligible to receive a second or subsequent disbursement. Therefore for students enrolled in credit hour term programmes in order for an LOA to be an LOA the school must allow a student returning from an LOA to complete the coursework that he or she began prior to the LOA
Students who return earlier than anticipated
The school may permit a student to return to class before the expiration of the student’s LOA in order to review materially previously covered. However until the student has resumed the academic programme at the point where he or she began the LOA, the student is considered to still be on the approved LOA. The days the student spends in class before the course reaches the point at which the student begins his or her LOA must be counted in the 180 days maximum for an approved leave of absence. A student repeating coursework while on LOA must reach the point at which he or she interrupted training within the 180 days of the start of the student’s LOA.
Student who fails to return from LOAs
If a student does not return to the school at the expiration of an approved LOA (or a student takes an unapproved LOA) the student’s withdrawal date is the date the student began the LOA.
Explanation of consequence of withdrawal to loan recipients
A student who is granted an approved LOA is considered to remain in an in-school status for Title IV loan repayment purposes. If a student on an approved LOA fails to return the school must report to the loan holder the student’s change in enrolment status as of the withdrawal date. One possible consequence of not returning from an LOA is that a student’s grace period for a Title IV programme loan might be exhausted. Therefore in order for a LOA to be an approved LOA, prior to granting a leave of absence a school must inform a student who is a Title IV loan recipient of the possible consequences a withdrawal may have on the student’s loan repayment terms including the exhaustion of the student’s grace period.
Unapproved LOAs
A school may grant a student an LOA that does not meet the conditions to be an approved LOA for Title IV purposes (for example for academic reasons). However any LOA that does not meet all of the conditions for an approved LOA is considered a withdrawal for Title IV purposes. The student’s withdrawal date is the date the student begins the LOA. An unapproved LOA may be treated as an official withdrawal since the school would have previously granted an LOA. Therefore the school would know immediately that the student had ceased attendance for Title IV purposes and must use the specified withdrawal date in the return calculation.
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If you have any questions and need to speak to a member of the finance team please contact us:
0151 291 3339