Granting Access to Your Account

We won't talk to anybody about your account unless you let us.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal U.S. law that states that once a student is over 18 or attending college, only you (the student) have the right to access your records. You must give consent to allow anyone else (including your parents) to access this information. If you do not grant access to anyone else, you will be the only one to receive an account statement and to obtain account or financial aid information over the phone or in person.

There are two different authorizations you should establish if there are other people who will be helping to pay for your education:

1. Authorization to receive copies of your bill and talk to us about your account.

   a. Log in to the Banner Information System and choose “Information Access Authorization” from the Personal Menu to create authorizations.

2. Authorization to see online bills and make payments to your account.

   a. For this access, you will need to set up an authorized payer in our online payment system. For instructions on how to do this, visit Online Payments.

Banking Services

Commercial banking services are available to you on the SPU campus. U.S. Bank is located adjacent to the SPU Bookstore. Three ATM machines are available on campus:

• Outside of U.S. Bank
• In the Student Union Building (Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union)
• In the Weter Hall foyer (Bank of America)

Health Insurance

The University Student Health Center offers basic medical services for all students.

U.S. citizens

To provide complete health care coverage, the University recommends that you review your current plan to determine if your current insurance will cover you out of your home area.

The University offers information on a medical insurance plan for accidents and illness, which is available to all enrolled undergraduate students (and their spouse or dependents). The University recommends this medical coverage to cover unanticipated expenses that could otherwise interrupt educational endeavors.

Enrollment, benefit summary information, and applications for this voluntary plan are available in the Student Health Center and in Student Financial Services (SFS). Please note that formal invitations to participate will be communicated to you on or after July 1.

International students

All international students are required to enroll in the University International Student Medical Insurance plan. Any exceptions to this requirement are subject to the approval of the Health Center. Waivers may only be obtained in the Student Health Center and must be completed and returned to the Health Center prior to the 10th day of the quarter to ensure appropriate coverage enrollment.

Any changes in coverage (i.e., addition or deletion of spouse or child) must be submitted prior to the 10th day of the quarter. Note that international heath insurance charges will be posted to your student account.

Prepare for the First Week of the Quarter

Disbursement of financial aid and financial aid checks should be available by the first week of classes if you have enrolled for the proper credits and have submitted all requested actions and documents by August 1. This includes having all applicable promissory notes signed and loan entrance counseling completed.

You should come to campus prepared to pay for books and supplies (budget about $310 per quarter) from your own resources in case your funding does not arrive the first week of the quarter.

Apply Early and Every Year

Complete the FAFSA each year as soon after January 1 as possible.

You must apply for financial aid every year by completing a new FAFSA or renewal FAFSA. The application is available online on or after January 1. It is highly recommended that you file at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

By filing online, you will reduce the likelihood of processing errors and reduce processing time. Remember, the student and parents of dependent students must use the PIN received from the federal processor when initially filing the FAFSA online.

Financial aid resources are limited. To receive the best possible aid package, apply as soon as possible after January 1. (Remember you are allowed to estimate income and asset figures.) Be prepared to submit tax documents or other information if you are selected for verification. Continuing students are required to submit all financial aid documents before receiving an Offer of Financial Assistance.

Re-admission

Undergraduate students who have been away from SPU for nine quarters (two years) or more and would like to re-enroll must submit all new application materials. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as soon as possible. Students will not receive an Offer of Financial Assistance until they are readmitted.

Your SPU Email Account

Check your SPU email regularly!

All SPU students receive one paper Offer of Financial Assistance. After that you will be notified of changes to your Offer of Financial Assistance, subsequent academic years’ Offer of Financial Assistance, and other critical information concerning your financial aid or student account via your SPU email account.

If you need help setting up or using your SPU email, visit Computer and Information Systems (CIS) or call at 206-281-2982.