2008-2009 Estimated Full-Time Student Budget
These two-semester student budgets are used to make initial financial aid awards, but can be adjusted later in the year if tuition figures change.

UNDERGRADUATE TUITION AND FEES

Note: The Alabama differential tuition rate is estimated at $158/hour for undergraduate courses.

GRADUATE TUITION AND FEES

Notes:
(1) For a student with dependents, the Financial Aid Office may increase the cost of attendance for dependent care upon submission of documentation from the provider.

(2) The Alabama differential tuition rate is estimated at $295/hour for graduate courses.

Tuition and Fees General Information
The schedule of tuition fees and other special fees applies to all regularly enrolled students at the University of West Florida. Required fees are established by the Florida Department of Education, Florida Legislature, and UWF’s Board of Trustees and are generally updated each fall semester. The University will make every possible effort to advertise any changes in fees when and if they occur. Completion of registration includes payment of fees.

Residency for Tuition Purposes
To qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes, the student (dependent or independent) must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or a legal alien granted an indefinite stay by U.S. Immigration, and must have established legal residence in Florida for at least one year. A student who does not meet this basic criteria cannot be classified as a resident for tuition purposes. Questions regarding residency status upon initial application to UWF should be directed to the Office of Admissions. Questions regarding a change in residency status after enrollment should be directed to the Office of the Registrar (see Change of Residency Status).

Tuition and Registration Fees
The following schedule of fees lists the approved per credit hour fees in effect at the time of publication of this Catalog and is generally updated each fall semester. Fees actually charged will be in accordance with the fee schedule approved by the Florida Legislature and Florida Board of Education, and UWF’s Board of Trustees.

Tuition and fees rates for SPRING SEMESTER 2008 were as follows:

Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for the Alabama Differential Tuition Plan, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information, new students should contact the Office of Admissions and current students should contact the Office of the Registrar.

Alabama residents must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legal alien granted indefinite stay by INS, and meet one of the following requirements to qualify for differential tuition:

1. Be an independent person, according to the Federal Income Tax Code, who has established and maintained legal ties within the state of Alabama as evident by a combination of driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter registration, Declaration of Domicile, etc. for the previous 12 months. If qualifying as a spouse of a legal resident of Alabama, a copy of the marriage certificate is also required.
   OR
2. Be a dependent person, according to the Federal Income Tax Code, whose parent or legal guardian has established and maintained legal ties within the state of Alabama as evident by a combination of parent/guardian’s most recent IRS return (section listing dependents) and parent/legal guardian’s driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter registration, Declaration of Domicile, etc. for the previous 12 months.
   OR
3. Be a member of the Armed Services of the United States, on active military duty pursuant to military orders, who is stationed within the state of Alabama or whose state of legal residence, as evident by the HOR or LES, is Alabama. If qualifying as a spouse of a qualified armed services member, a copy of the marriage certificate is also required. The most recent IRS return (section listing dependents) may be required for dependent child.

UWF’s differential out of state tuition for qualifying residents of the state of Alabama consist of the Florida in-state tuition plus $42.00 per semester hour. The $42.00 Alabama differential amount is based on the UWF Schedule of Tuition and Fees for the academic year 2007-2008 and is subject to change for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Repeat Course Surcharge
By act of the 1997 Florida Legislature (H.B. 1545), each public university of Florida is required to implement a repeat course surcharge for students who take a State-funded undergraduate course for the third time.

Students who take the same course for the third time at UWF are subject to increased matriculation fee of 100% of the cost of instruction. See section on Repeat Course Surcharge under Registration.

Special Fees
Admission Application Fee: $30.00
Students submitting an admission application for degree-seeking status or non-degree status are required to pay a $30 non-refundable application fee.

Diploma Replacement Fee: $10.00
This is a replacement fee for preparation of a duplicate diploma.

Equipment Fee: variable amount per course
Each University Board of Trustees is authorized to assess equipment usage fees not to exceed the amount necessary to offset the cost of maintaining instructional equipment. The amount varies depending on the equipment used for individuial course. Specific fees are listed on the web.

Late Payment Fee: $100.00
A late payment fee is assessed to students who do not pay full tuition by the designated deadlines (see Academic Calendar).

Late Registration Fee: $100.00
A late registration fee is assessed when a student does not begin registration during the designated registration periods (see Academic Calendar and registration sections in the Catalog and on the web).

Materials and Supply Fee: variable amount per course/per semester
Each University Board of Trustees is authorized to assess Material and Supply Fees not to exceed the amount necessary to offset the cost of materials or supply items which are consumed in the course of the student’s instructional activities, excluding the cost of equipment and equipment repairs and maintenance. This varies depending on the materials and supplies required for the individual course. Specific fees are listed on the web and in the Navigation Guide.

Nautilus Card: $10.00
The Nautilus Card is the official University photo I.D. card for students, faculty, and staff. It serves as the library card, debit card, meal card, and copy card. It is required for access to recreation facilities and the student health center, for tickets to University events, and for financial aid delivery. An annual fee is assessed, and all students attending classes on the Pensacola campus are required to obtain the Nautilus Card. Picture identification is required. A fee of $15 will be charged for a replacement card.

New Student Orientation for Transfer Fee: $38.45
This fee covers supplies, food, and Nautilus Card payment for the one day session.

New Student Orientation for Freshmen Fee: $91.87
This fee covers supplies, food, Nautilus Card payment, and lodging during orientation for freshmen students entering in the Fall. For students entering in the Summer and Spring there is a $38.45 fee which covers supplies, food, and Nautilus Card payment.

Online Course Fee: $15.00 per credit hour
Special fee assessed to cover increased cost of courses offered off-campus or on-line.

Reinstatement Fee: $200.00
A late registration and payment fee is assessed to students whose registrations were canceled due to nonpayment of fees and whose appeal has been approved for reinstatement. Reinstatements are not automatic.

Returned Check Service Charge: $25.00/$30.00/$40.00
A returned check charge is assessed to students who have a check returned by a bank to UWF. The service charges are: $25.00 if the face amount of the check does not exceed $50; $30.00 if the face value exceeds $50 but does not exceed $300; $40.00 if the face value exceeds $300, or an amount up to five percent of the face amount of the check, whichever is greater.

Standard Tests Fee: At cost
A fee is assessed for test materials and related factoring used in standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Exam.

Student Health Fee: $4.82 per semester hour
A health fee is assessed for each semester hour of registration.

Upon request to the University Fee Appeals Committee, the health fee will be refunded to students interning or co-oping outside Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

Transcript Fee: $10.00
This fee is assessed for each official transcript issued and must be paid at the time of transcript order.

Payment of Fees
Methods of Payment
Fees may be paid by any of the following methods:

1. Walk-in payments Monday-Friday at the University Cashier’s Office (8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) on the main campus or the OWC/UWF Fort Walton Beach Campus 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fridays.
2. Drop-box depositories located in Building 20 East on the main campus and at the OWC/UWF Fort Walton Beach Campus in the Administrative Building.
3. By mail. All mail-in payments must be postmarked not later than midnight of the last day to pay fees. Mail-in fee payments postmarked after midnight will result in a late payment fee being assessed to the student. Mail payments to UWF Cashier’s Office, 11000 University Parkway, Building 20 East, Pensacola, FL 32514-5750.
4. Tuition, fees, and other charges may be paid by Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit cards. Payments by credit card may be made in person at the Cashier’s Office on the main campus and the OWC/UWF Fort Walton Beach.
5. Internet fee payment option. Use a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express to pay tuition, housing, parking fines, library debts, childcare, and other miscellaneous fees over the Internet. First, access your ARGUS account and then select “Pay by credit card”. A $10.00 convenience fee will be assessed to online payments. Contact the Cashier’s Office [(850) 474-3110] for additional information.

Students paying fees by mail or by drop-box depository methods must include their student number with checks and include all fee payment documents (original copies of fee waiver forms, fee deferment forms, tuition aid forms, etc.) to ensure proper and timely credit for payment.

Students are expected to meet all financial obligations as they become due. UWF reserves the right to cancel the registration of students who fail to promptly meet their financial obligations to the University. Students may not pay delinquent account balances applicable to a prior academic year from financial aid awards applicable to the current academic year. All delinquent balances must be paid in full prior to the distribution of current term financial aid. It is each student’s responsibility to stay informed of all registration and fee payment dates, deadlines, and other requirements by referring to the Academic Calendar, viewing Account Balance on ARGUS, the Navigation Guide, and announcements printed in the Voyager or disseminated through other media from time to time. If necessary, students should inform their parents or other interested parties of the deadline dates and the necessity for meeting them.

The student will be held liable for all fees assessed for courses remaining on the student’s registration at the close of the drop/add period for which a partial payment of fees has occurred or an authorized fee deferment status has been granted. Under such circumstances, the student’s registration will not be canceled. An administrative hold will be placed on the student’s record until the course fees and the late fees are paid in full.

Fees for courses remaining on the student’s schedule at the close of the drop/add period must be paid not later than the close of business on the last day to pay fees. Authorized deferment status may be granted under certain conditions. Authorized deferment status must be granted and processed by the University Cashier during the regular fee payment period. Failure to pay all fees or receive authorized deferred payment status by the close of the drop/add period will result in cancellation of the student’s registration.

Fee Payment: Term E Courses
Fees for special courses (courses not offered in terms A, B, C, or D) are due by the fee payment date determined for the course. View Account Balance on ARGUS or contact the Office of the Registrar for specific date. Fees paid by mail must be postmarked by midnight on the day following the second class meeting date.

Financial Aid Delivery
Financial aid awards that are complete prior to the beginning of each semester and available for distribution, including loans and scholarships, are processed by the Cashier’s Office. Tuition, fees, housing and meal plans are deducted from the financial aid proceeds and the remaining funds are sent to Higher One (UWF's contracted refund management system) for disbursement via the method chosen by the student. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all fees and housing and other charges are paid in full by the due date. Any balance due by the student over and beyond the amount that can be covered by available financial aid must be received in the University Cashier’s Office by the fee payment deadline to avoid assessment of the late payment fee. Fees postmarked by midnight on the date due will be processed without assessment of late charges.

The netting of financial aid awards begins after the drop/add period. Late awards of financial aid are processed in the same manner throughout each academic term. All financial aid will be sent to Higher One for disbursement. All degree seeking students will receive an inactive UWF Debit Card at the current address listed on ARGUS. It is the responsibility of each student to keep their current address updated with the University Registrar. Address changes can be made in person or over the web.

UWF Debit Card – DO NOT DISCARD - The information on the card is necessary in order to gain access to the Higher One website. Once logged into the system via the website, the following three options are available for the disbursement of financial aid: 1) Higher One checking account (which activates the UWF Debit Card), 2) ACH funds to an existing bank account or 3) paper check (mailed from Higher One). Note: The UWF Debit Card only becomes active if option 1 is chosen, the Higher One checking account/easy refund option.

All students placed in a deferred fee payment status must confirm the deferred status with the University Cashier or Student Accounts Office. Failure to do so may result in either cancellation of student registration or the assessment of late payment fees.

Financial Aid Status
Students are able to view their grades, schedules, Holds, and Financial Aid information on the World Wide Web via ARGUS at http://argus.uwf.edu.

Tuition Loan Program (TLP)
Eligible students may pay registration and tuition fees in two equal installments. One-half of the total registration and tuition fees is payable by the close of the drop/add period with the remainder payable by midterm. A promissory note must be executed to pay fees on the installment plan and must be submitted to the Cashier’s Office during the fee payment period. Students must visit the Student Accounts Office to complete a TLP promissory note. Students must have a favorable credit rating with the University to be eligible for the Tuition Loan Program. A $15.00 service charge will be added to all TLPs. Contact the Student Accounts Office for detailed information.

Contracts and Fees Paid by Another Agency
Students who are registering for courses which will be partially or fully paid by their sponsoring agencies must bring the contracts or authorization forms and partial payments, if applicable, to the Cashier’s Office during the registration period. Students must confirm the fees-pending status with the Cashier’s Office during the designated fee payment period.

If the authorization is to be mailed to the Cashier’s Office by the agency, it must be postmarked by midnight on the last day to pay fees. The student must confirm third party billing status with the Cashier’s Office during the fee payment period. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the assessment of the late payment fee.

Any change in method of fee payment after the close of the drop/add fee payment deadline will result in a late payment assessment of $100.00. An example is to change from a VA deferment or tuition loan to another type of third party billing arrangement.

Florida Prepaid College Program
The Florida Prepaid College Program was created by the State of Florida to guarantee payment of tuition and may include optional dormitory contract guarantees. The plan excludes local fees (i.e., health, athletic, student activity, laboratory, etc.) which are paid by the student using one of the options described under Methods of Fee Payment and by the deadlines stated in the Academic Calendar. The Cashier’s Office will automatically bill the Florida Prepaid College Program for eligible students. Students who do not want prepaid to be billed must notify the Cashier’s Office each semester by the fee payment deadline. Students using the Florida Prepaid College Program are responsible for paying local fees by the last day of fee payment. A $100 late fee will be assessed if fees are paid after this date. Students eligible for the 100% program must bring their prepaid cards to the Cashier’s Office before the end of the drop/add period.

The cost of books is not included under the Florida Prepaid College Program.

Delinquent Balances
Students who have delinquent balances at the University (loans, library fines, traffic fines, etc.) will have their diplomas, grades, and transcript requests held until satisfactory settlement has been made. A student owing a delinquent balance of $100 or less and which is not more than 120 days past due, will be allowed to register prior to paying the balance. The balance due must be paid by the close of the fee payment period. Failure to do so will result in future registrations being held as well as holds being placed on diplomas, grades, and transcripts until the account is paid in full.

Tuition Waivers
Dual Enrolled or Early Admitted Students
High school students enrolled in dual enrollment or early admission programs pursuant to Florida Statutes articulated acceleration will be exempt from the payment of registration, matriculation, equipment fee, and material and supply fees. Refer to sections on Registration and Admissions for more information.

Florida National Guard
Certain members of the active duty Florida National Guard may be exempt from the payment of one-half of the cost of tuition and fees for courses on a space-available basis only. Students using this waiver may not register for courses subject to the waiver until the last day of registration.

Certain members of the Florida National Guard may qualify for that portion of fees not otherwise waived to be paid directly by the Florida Department of Military Affairs when authorized by that agency. An approved authorization billing must be presented to the Cashier’s Office on the main campus or Fort Walton Beach Campus by the close of the drop/add fee payment period. Authorization presented after that day will be subject to the assessment of the late payment fee.

Foster Care Students
Students for whom the State of Florida is paying foster care board payments, and for whom the permanency planning goals are long-term foster care or independent living, will be exempt from the payment of all undergraduate fees, including fees associated with enrollment in college preparatory instruction or completion of college-level communication and computation skills testing programs. Before a fee exemption can be given, the student should have applied for and been denied State financial aid which would have provided, at a minimum, payment of all undergraduate fees.

Senior Citizens - Florida Residents
Individuals who are 60 years or older and who meet Florida residency requirements may enroll on a space-available basis without payment of the application and registration fee. Contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.

Special Risk Dependent
Dependent children of special risk members as defined in Sections 112.190 and 112.191, Florida Statutes (law enforcement officers and fire fighters), killed in the line of duty are eligible for waiver of tuition and fees under certain circumstances. Contact the University Controller regarding eligibility for these waivers.

State Employee Six Hour Free Course Benefit
State Employees are eligible for six hours of tuition free courses per semester. Refer to the Registration section (State Employees) for detailed procedures and policies.

UWF Employee Tuition Waiver Program
Eligible full time employees are permitted to take up to six credit hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework at UWF per term (fall, spring, summer) without payment of tuition or mandatory fees. Employees may also assign up to six hours of their undergraduate credit hours or up to three of their graduate credit hours to their dependents. Courses such as directed studies, practicums, internships, music and theatre performance, continuing education, and other one-on-one course situations such as theses and dissertations are not authorized.

Late Registration and Late Payment Fees
Provided documentation is received by the institution to indicate extenuating circumstances justifying a waiver, the University Controller may waive the late payment fee and the University Registrar may waive the late registration fee when it is determined that:

1. The University is primarily responsible for delinquency of a student’s account, or
2. Extenuating circumstances exist beyond the control of the student.

Deferred Payments
Deferred payment status for tuition and registration fees may be granted upon application by the student on the following grounds:

Veterans Deferments
Deferral eligibility is guaranteed to students receiving veterans educational assistance benefits from federal or state assistance programs, where such aid is delayed in transmission to the student through circumstances beyond the control of the student.

Veterans and other eligible students receiving benefits under Chapters 30, 32, 35, and 1606, U.S.C., will be entitled to one deferment each academic year. An additional deferment will be granted each time there is a delay in the receipt of benefits.

Each veteran can request a deferment (promissory note) via their enrollment certification in person or through their ARGUS account for the amount of registration and tuition fees due. The VSO will submit the approved promissory note to the University Cashier during the regular fee payment period. Failure to present the promissory note by the deadline will result in the student being assessed the $100.00 late payment fee. If the student does not present an authorized deferment to the Cashier, including the $100.00 late fee, by the close of the fifth week of classes, the student’s registration will be canceled. Petition for reinstatement require the student present an authorized VA deferment promissory note along with a $200.00 late registration and late payment fee in lieu of full payment of tuition and registration fees. (See the procedure outlined in Reinstatement.)

If an eligible veteran’s educational benefits are delayed beyond the deferral period, the deferment may be extended provided an extension is requested by the student via their ARGUS account and granted by the Office of Veterans Services prior to the due date of the original deferment. Additional extensions may be similarly granted until the veteran begins receiving educational benefits. Failure of the veteran to pay the amount of the authorized deferment by the due date or extended date, whichever is later, will result in the student being assessed the $100.00 late payment fee.

Any change in a VA deferment to a National Guard or other military billing status after the fee payment deadline will result in the assessment of the late payment fee of $100.00.

The University reserves the right to deny deferral status to students who have established an unfavorable credit rating.

Third Party Billings
Deferment is permitted provided formal contractual arrangements have been made with the University for payments by an approved third party. The University Controller is charged with the responsibility for negotiating third party contracts.

Refund of Fees
The late payment fee is nonrefundable unless waived by the University Fee Appeals Committee. Requests for refunds and other appeal actions to be considered by the University Fee Appeals Committee must be submitted within six months after the end of the semester to which the refund or appeal action is applicable. Requests made after that deadline will not be considered.

1. Full refunds will be made to the student when a course is canceled by the University or when a student is denied access to a University course.
2. During the Drop/Add Period:
   The per credit hour fee will be fully refunded for each semester hour or course(s) dropped during the drop/add period.
3. After the Drop/Add Period:
1. A refund of 25 percent of the total fees paid will be made if withdrawal from all courses is completed prior to the end of the fourth week of classes. Withdrawals are processed in the Office of the Registrar.
2. In the following instances, the per-credit-hour fee will be refunded upon appeal with appropriate documentation:
1. Call to or enlisted in active military service;
2. Death of the student or death in the immediate family (parent, spouse, child, sibling);
3. Complete withdrawal of the student from all courses due to illness of the student that is confirmed in writing by a physician, stating that completion of the term is precluded; or
4. Exceptional circumstances upon approval of the University Fee Appeals Committee. The student must submit a written appeal to the University Fee Appeals Committee via the Office of the Registrar. Appeals for refunds must be supported by appropriate written documentation.

Return of Title IV Funds (Student Responsibility)
The University of West Florida is required by Federal policy to monitor financial aid students who receive Title IV Funds and withdraw from all courses during the semester. Students who withdraw from all courses prior to the 60% point in the semester are not eligible for 100% of their financial aid.

A calculation will be completed based on the last date of attendance to determine how much the student will be required to repay. The Student Accounts office will determine the amount and bill the student. Contact Student Accounts for exact dates and repayment requirements. (850-474-3441 or stuacct@uwf.edu).

Students who have outstanding balances are not allowed to register for classes until they have satisfied their debt.

Appeal for Late Fee Assessments and Refunds
Student appeals for late payment of fees, refunds of tuition, and other charges after the refund deadline are referred to the University Fee Appeals Committee. All appeals should be submitted in writing, with attached supporting documentation, to the University Registrar. Fee appeals forms are available in that office and on the web at the Registrar’s home page, www.uwf.edu/registrar.

The University Fee Appeals Committee reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs who has final authority over all appeals for late payment of fees.

The filing of an appeal before the Fee Appeals Committee does not extend the due date for fees, tuition loans, VA deferments or other charges while awaiting a decision by the Committee. Such charges not paid by the due date will be assessed the late payment fee.

All questions regarding fee appeals should be directed to the Office of the Registrar at (850) 474-2244.

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