Financial Aid Questions and Answers
Fall 2009 Disbursement

My student account does not indicate any or all of the financial aid I am expecting to receive; what should I do?

First, make sure that you have accepted all the aid that was offered. Logon to your MIX Account (www.mix.wvu.edu) using the STAR system and review your financial aid package. Secondly, if an outside agency is paying your charges and they need to be billed, contact the outside agency and make sure they have notified the Office of Student Accounts. Also, if you are expecting a scholarship other than those awarded by WVU, contact the scholarship agency and make sure that the check has been sent to either the Undergraduate Scholars Office or the Office of Student Accounts. Direct all other inquiries to the Financial Aid Office at finaid@mail.wvu.edu

I am expecting a refund from WVU for living expenses; when should I receive it?

Assuming all financial aid requirements have been met, students who are expecting to receive a living expense refund should receive it by the first week of classes. WVU is pleased to announce a new partnership with PNC Bank that will allow students to receive their refunds more quickly and efficiently. Beginning with the Fall 2009 term, students will have four options to choose from on how they would like to receive their refund:

• A deposit into a Free PNC Checking Account that includes a Debit Card
• An ACH (direct deposit) to another Financial Institution
• A disposable PNC Prepaid Visa® Card
• A paper check (which will remain the default payment method)

Students can activate their account and choose their refund preference by using the activation code PNC Bank has provided them. PNC Bank will then send your refund to the refund option you select. If you select no refund option, PNC Bank will mail a paper check to the mailing/local address you have listed with Admissions and Records. Check star.wvu.edu to verify this address. If it is not correct you can change the address from the same website. To ensure that your refund check is sent to the correct address, your address must be updated prior to Friday, August 1st.

Addresses of students living in University Housing are updated automatically.

I have a student loan; is there anything that I need to do?

Have you signed a promissory note electronically? Direct Student and Parent Loan borrowers complete the promissory note at www.dlenote.ed.gov. Federal Perkins Loan borrowers complete the Perkins Promissory note at www.ecsi.net/prom31.html.

If you are a first time Direct Loan borrower, have you completed entrance counseling? Entrance counseling is required before a Direct Student Loan (Subsidized, Unsubsidized and/or Graduate PLUS) can be disbursed. Entrance counseling can be completed at www.dl.ed.gov.

I am receiving an outside scholarship check for educational expenses. What should I do?

If you haven’t already done so, e-mail or fax a copy of your scholarship letter to Financial Aid. If your aid needs to be adjusted based on the scholarship you will be notified of the change.

Financial Aid E-mail: finaid@mail.wvu.edu
Financial Aid Fax: (304) 293-4890

If the agency that awarded the scholarship needs to be billed, also fax a copy of the information to the Office of Student Accounts at (304) 293-7337.

If you already have a co-payable scholarship check, take it to the Office of Student Accounts in the basement of Stewart Hall. Co-payable scholarship checks require endorsement by both the student and WVU.

I have been awarded federal work-study and have not picked up my job assignment. What do I need to do?

You must pick up a work study job assignment and be processed for payroll prior to working. Job assignments can be picked up in the Mountainlair Ballroom during Student Service Days. The dates and times are:

August 21, 2009—9:00 am – 4:00 pm
August 22, 2009—10:00 am – 2:00 pm
August 24, 2009—9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Other business days on or before Friday, September 25, 2009—8:15 am – 4:45 pm

Bring your original social security card and driver’s license or your Mountaineer Student ID Card and a voided check or deposit slip for payroll processing. Paychecks are direct deposited twice a month into your personal bank account. Your first paycheck will be deposited approximately 4 – 6 weeks from your first date of employment.

I am expecting money from an alternative loan; how do I find out if it has been received?

Contact your lender to determine when the money was sent. Allow at least two weeks for the Office of Student Accounts (304-293-4006) to show receipt of the alternative loan funds.

What if I have additional questions?

If you have additional questions, contact the appropriate office.