Effective Fall 2009, the most recent Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) refund policy went into effect.  Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Refund Policy.

Drop Period – Pertains to the period of time that a student is allowed to add or drop a course on their own through the web or in the Registrar’s Office when open. Drop Periods exist at the beginning of a term. During a traditional term (Fall or Spring) the Drop Period occurs through the 6th calendar day from the start of the term with an additional day for ADD ONLY on the 7th calendar day. During non-traditional terms such as summer sessions, a % chart is used to calculate the Drop Period based on the term length.

Refund % (Reduction in Charges) - Percentages for a refund assume the total bill was paid in full and any funds paid towards tuition and tuition fees would be refunded at the particular %. This excludes financial aid loans and grants as these must follow federal guidelines and regulations allowing the student to keep none, a portion of, or all of their aid disbursement. It is encouraged that students with Financial Aid receive counseling before making decisions to withdraw as the student may personally owe funds to Kutztown University. The refund % can also be understood as a reduction in charges of tuition and tuition fees. Housing and Meal plans may not follow these guidelines as they also utilize consumption of goods and occupancy in their determinations.

Course Withdrawal – This refers to withdrawing from a course or courses but remaining enrolled in some capacity at Kutztown University. Decreasing credits from Full Time to Part Time follows course withdrawal policies.

FULL University Withdrawal / Leave of Absence (LOA) - This refers to withdrawing from ALL registered courses for the term indicated or permanently. Financial Aid may not be retained at its full disbursed amount and it is possible that any issued refunds may be owed back to the University. It is encouraged that students with Financial Aid receive counseling before making decisions to withdraw as the student may personally owe funds to Kutztown University.

What are the major changes from the old policy to the most recent Refund Policy?

The period of time to receive a 100% reduction in charges was increased from 2 days to about 6 days in a typical term and 2 days in most sessions.  This allows MOST, not all, students to actually attend a class to decide if they want to remain in it.

What is the Refund Policy?

Briefly, the Refund Policy has 2 components. One is for a Course withdrawal and one is for a FULL University withdrawal. Course withdrawal allows students to drop a course during the Drop Period for a 100% refund of funds paid for that course (100% reduction in charges for the dropped course). After the Drop Period there is NO REFUND at all. For a FULL University withdrawal there is a declining percentage chart based on the date of University withdrawal.

What is the Refund Policy regarding Course Withdrawals?

In a traditional term (Fall or Spring) a student has through the 6th calendar day (drop period) to drop a course and receive a 100% refund of funds paid for that courses’ tuition and tuition fees (a 100% reduction in charges). AFTER this 6th calendar day there are NO REFUNDS (or reduction in charges) for dropped courses unless there is a Full University withdrawal.

What is the Refund Policy regarding FULL University Withdrawals?

These two policies refer to traditional terms, what about Summer / Winter Sessions?

Summer / Winter sessions follow the course withdrawal policy.

Are there other items of interest in the Refund Policy?

Yes, the Refund Policy addresses a few other items.

1. The Advanced Registration Deposit (ARD) is non-refundable.

2. The Instructional Technology Fee is now non-refundable.

3. Traditional terms have an ADD ONLY day after the Drop Period ends.

What is an ADD ONLY day?

During traditional terms, students will have the 7th calendar day to Add courses to their schedule. Since this is AFTER the conclusion of the Drop Period, you may not drop a course or switch courses – this must be done DURING the Drop Period.

My course starts in the middle of the term, what is the refund policy for this course?

All refund policies are based on the start of the TERM, not the course. Please refer to the terms refund policy regarding course or University withdrawal.

We always encourage a student with Financial Aid to speak to the Financial Aid office before withdrawing.

• Bursar's Office : (610) 683-4133 or email us!
• Registrar's Office : (610) 683-4485
• Financial Aid Office : (610) 683-4077

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