- Wondering how you are going to spend your time this summer?
- Want to get a jump-start on earning college credits?
- Want to be a member of the IUP student body?
We have an answer for you.
IUP at Punxsutawney wants to offer you an exciting program. The Punxsutawney Summer Opportunity Program (PSOP) runs for five weeks in the summer. You will have an opportunity to earn three to four credits in English and three credits in Fine Arts for a total of six to seven credits.
The Fine Arts course was designed especially for our Summer Opportunity students as an immersion in the arts. You will spend Monday–Thursday in the classroom and Friday will take you “on the road” to musical and theatrical performances, as well as on museum and gallery visits. This class will be complemented with your basic or college writing course.
After the summer program ends, you will go home for a short break before returning for the Fall semester. By completing the summer course, you not only will have a head start on earning college credits, but you will also find yourself better prepared for the rigors of being a full-time student.
Students who enroll in the Summer Opportunity Program will be offered on-campus housing for the program and will be guaranteed on-campus housing for Fall and Spring semesters.
You don't want to miss this opportunity! It is sure to be the best investment that you could make in the transition to your new life as a university student.
Financial Aid/FAFSA
If you are attending the Summer Opportunity Program, you will need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). IUP’s School Code is 003277.
You will complete two FAFSA forms. The deadline is June 30. IUP’s deadline for maximum financial aid consideration is April 15.
The 2007–2008 FAFSA will give the Financial Aid office the information to put your aid in place for summer and the 2008–2009 FAFSA will give the Financial Aid office the information to put your aid in place for Fall 2008/Spring 2009.
What Do I Need to Complete the FAFSA?
- For the 2007–2008 FASFA, you will need 2006 tax return information for both parent and student, including W2s and record of any other money earned.
- For the 2008–2009 FASFA, you will need 2007 tax return information for both parent and student, including W2s and record of any other money earned. If you or parent have untaxed income, you must have those records for both 2006 and 2007.
- Some examples of untaxed income sources are as follows: Social Security Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Welfare Veterans benefits records Bank statements, including checking and savings accounts as well as any other asset account.
- Social Security number. Make sure it is correct.
- Driver’s license (if you have one)
- Social Security number of parent
- Alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
Apply On Line
- The FAFSA may be filed on line at the FAFSA website. If needed, a FAFSA worksheet may be printed from this site. The worksheet can assist you with gathering the information that will be requested on the website.
- The FAFSA must be signed by both student and parent. If you would like to sign on line, you must first both request a PIN on the FAFSA website. This PIN is also used to make corrections to your completed FAFSA. Your PIN can be sent to you either through mail or e-mail (e-mail is faster). You do not need the PIN to complete—you can print out a signature page, sign, and mail the signature page of the on-line FAFSA to the federal processor.
The IUP Financial Aid office will put together an award package. You should receive a letter detailing the award or your award.
PHEAA State Grant
- PHEAA State Grant: If you would like to get PHEAA in the summer, you may complete a Summer PHEAA application. This application is available on line at the PHEAA grant website. Please be aware that a student may only receive eight full-time semesters of PHEAA state grant for eight semesters.
- Eligibility Form: This will be sent to you from PHEAA, requesting additional information such as the date student will graduate from high school, name of high school, with whom student lives, etc. Send this back to PHEAA immediately. If this is not completed and returned, the student will not get the grant, even if otherwise eligible.
Loans
Make sure you indicate your interest in student loans on Question 26 of the FAFSA. The school will package loans for you as well as grants. A Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) will be sent to you from AES/PHEAA. If you are eligible for the Perkins Loan, information will be sent to you from the Bursar’s office.
Important: A student receiving a Stafford Loan must also complete the Federal Stafford Loan Entrance Interview. To complete on line, go to the PHEAA website. This can be done before the student receives the MPN. If this is not done, the money will not disburse into the student account.
- Parent Plus Loans: If a student is in need of additional funding, a Parent Plus Loan is another loan program that the family may consider. This loan is borrowed by the parent. If a parent applies for a Parent Plus Loan and is denied (approval is based on credit-worthiness), additional unsubsidized Stafford Loan may be added to the financial aid award. You can apply on line at the PHEAA website or call PHEAA at 800-692-7392 for an application or pre-approval or denial over the phone.
- Alternative Loan Options: These loans are borrowed by the student, but usually the student needs a credit-worthy co-signer. For more information on these loans, please visit the Financial Aid office.
Useful Information
Keep copies of all paperwork you submit. In some cases the Financial Aid office may request further documentation. When completing paperwork, make sure you complete every section on each form. Do not leave any blank items unless instructed to do so. This will hold up the financial aid process.
Contacts
If you have any questions about financial aid, including loans, contact Colleen Casaday, ccasaday@iup.edu, director of Academic and Administrative Services, at 814-938-1164. It is recommended that you contact Colleen concerning financial aid. Colleen works very closely with the IUP Financial Aid office and can easily answer your questions. However, you may contact the IUP Financial Aid office directly at 724-357-2218 or by e-mail at financial-aid@iup.edu.
- Admissions: Contact Darlene Miller at 814-938-6711.
- Billing: If you have questions about billing or payment plan, you can e-mail the Bursar’s office, bursars-office@iup.edu, or call 724-357-2207.
