Chapter 3

      The majority of the operating budget of Clayton State University comes from appropriations passed by the Georgia General Assembly and allocated to the institution by the Board of Regents.  Other sources of funds include student tuition, fees, contracts, gifts, and grants, including those from the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education.

      Semester fees are payable on or before registration payment deadlines as published for each semester.  A student’s registration process is not complete until payment is made in full.   It is the student's responsibility to see that his or her tuition and fees are paid even if the funds are provided by financial aid, scholarship, or some other source.

      Checks should be made payable to Clayton State University for the exact amount of the required fees.  During the normal registration period, the University accepts payment online or in person by VISA, American Express, and MasterCard subject to validation and approval.  (Discover Card is accepted in person but as of publication date, Discover is not accepted online.)  Payment of fees may not be deferred.  All fees are due and payable per deadlines published in the Schedule of Classes.

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

·    The charges listed in this chapter were accurate as of press time, but according to the Board of Regents' policy, "All tuition charges...or other charges are subject to change at the end of any academic term."  For up-to date information refer to the Semester Schedule of Classes (on paper or online www.clayton.edu).

·    For fee payment and refund purposes, the first class day of the semester is defined as the first day of the semester for weekday classes as listed in the Schedule of Classes regardless of when the first meeting of any given section of class is actually held.

TUITION

*Determination of residency for the purpose of tuition is established at the time of admission.  See the Admissions Information chapter for official policy on state of residence.

Other Per Semester Fees Required of ALL Students (2003-2004)

a.   Student Activities Fee. A $41.00 per semester fee will be charged for student activities.

b.   Athletic Fee. A $110.00 per semester fee will be charged to support intercollegiate athletics.

c.   Parking Fee. A $15.00 per semester fee will be charged for operation of parking services.

d.   Universal Card Access Fee. A $15.00 per semester fee will be charged for services associated with the universal card (LINX).

e.   Information Technology Fee.     A $38.00 per semester fee will be charged for infrastructure and services relate to information technology.

f.    Health Fee.  A $10.00 per semester fee will be charged for limited health services.

Other Fees – Required for Certain Courses Only (2003-2004)

a.   Telecourse Fee. A $20.00 fee will be charged students who enroll in designated telecourses (non-refundable once classes begin).

b.    Wellness Course Fees. A $35.00 fee will be charged for individual assessment and orientation and materials for the first semester that a student enrolls in PHED 1010. For subsequent semesters of enrollment in PHED 1020, 1030, and 1040, a $20.00 fee will be charged for supplies, etc. (non-refundable once classes begin).

c.     Health Sciences Lab. A $35.00 fee will be charged for designated clinical courses to defray costs for immunizations and other health services.

d.    Natural Sciences Laboratory Fee.  A $20.00 fee will be charged for each laboratory science course to defray the costs for laboratory supplies, equipment, maintenance, calibration, and breakage (non-refundable once classes begin).

e.    Applied Music Fee.  A $20.00 fee will be charged to students who enroll in applied music courses: MUSC 1500, 2400, 2500, 3500, 4400, 4500 (non-refundable once classes begin).

f.      Standardized Testing and Materials Fees.  Certain courses require students to take standardized tests and/or use standard materials. Fees vary with courses.

Other Required Fees – One-time fees and late fees. (2003-2004)

a.   Application Fee. Application fee varies depending on time and method of application; see Chapter Two.

b.   Orientation Fee. A student attending an orientation session may be charged a one-time fee at the time of reservation.  The fee amount varies with the type of session the student chooses to attend.

c.   Enrollment Services Fee. A one-time $15.00 fee will be charged for diploma, graduation, and transcript expenses (non-refundable).

d.   Late Registration Fee. Any student who registers and pays fees once classes have begun for a semester will be charged a late registration fee of $25.00 (non-refundable).

e.   Returned Check Fee.  A $25 fee will be charged for all returned checks (non-refundable).

Books, Software, and Other Course-Related Costs (2002-2003)

      Textbooks, software, and other materials or expenses required for courses at Clayton State University are the responsibility of the individual student.  Textbooks and other course materials are sold at the Campus Store and may also be available from off-campus sources.  Materials may be ordered online from Clayton State University's e-Store, www.Clayton State Universityestore.com.  The cost of course materials varies with the course of study the student pursues; however, the typical full-time student may expect to spend between $250 and $450 or more each semester for course materials.

Notebook Computer Requirement

      Clayton State University requires each student to have ready and regular access to a notebook computer and Internet access that meets the specifications for the student's major program.  Meeting this requirement is the student’s personal responsibility, and it is not covered by tuition and fees.  It may involve purchase or lease of a computer if the student does not already have access to an acceptable machine.   The required technology fee helps define costs for infrastructure and services, but it does not provide a computer or ISP for the student.  See Chapter 4 for details.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

      The Financial Aid Office assists students with financing their education.  For information on financial aid and scholarship programs available at Clayton State University, refer to the Services for Students chapter of          this catalog or go to the Financial Aid website at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/financialaid/default.htm.

Nursing and Dental Hygiene Expenses

      A student enrolling in a program in Nursing or Dental Hygiene should expect additional expenses for uniforms, graduation pins, immunizations, and liability insurance. In the case of Dental Hygiene students, there are costs for instruments.  A list of such costs is available from the School of Health Sciences.

Auditor Fees

      A student who wishes to audit a course will be charged the same fees as a student taking the course for credit.  Requirements for auditing are published in the chapters on Admissions and Academic Information.

Students 62 Or Older (Senior Citizens)

      When space is available students 62 years of age or older may attend Clayton State University without payment of fees, except for supplies and laboratory or shop fees.  Other requirements are included in the Admissions Information chapter.

Regents’ Tuition Remission and Reimbursement Policy

      Full-time employees of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia who are eligible to participate in the Tuition Remission and Reimbursement program should contact the office of Personnel Services for complete information.  Clayton State University participates fully in this program.

Continuing Education Course Fees

      Continuing Education Courses are offered each semester by the Office of Continuing Education.  Academic credit is not awarded for Continuing Education courses.  Fees and refund policies for these courses are listed in  brochures published by that office.

      Refunds are granted only in limited cases as explained below.  All refunds will be issued in the name of the student and by check only. If tuition and fees have been paid by federal or state funds, the refund will be made first to the issuing agency.  Important Note: No refunds will be issued until all checks written to the institution have been authorized for payment by the appropriate financial institution and all University owned equipment has been returned in satisfactory condition.  See the Academic Policies chapter and the Semester Schedule of Classes for information, policies, and procedures on registration, late registration, drop/add (schedule change), and withdrawal.  Any changes in policies will be published in the Semester Schedule of Classes.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For fee payment and refund purposes, the first class day of the semester is defined as the first day of the semester for weekday classes as listed in the Schedule of Classes regardless of when the first meeting of any given section of class is actually held.

1.   Refunds for cancellation of registration or reduction in hours prior to the first class day of the semester. Any student who has registered and paid will receive a full or proportional refund of fees paid (except for those identified above as non-refundable) if the student formally cancels his or her registration or reduces the number of hours taken prior to the first class day of the semester.  (There is no refund for reduction of hours if the student remains enrolled in 12 or more hours since tuition caps at 12 hours.)

2.   Refunds for reduction in hours during the official Drop-Add period. If the drop-add process results in a reduction of hours, the student’s billing for tuition and fees will be adjusted up or down to reflect the hours for which he or she is registered at the end of the Drop-Add period, and a refund will be issued if appropriate. If the student’s registration remains at 12 or more hours, no refund will be issued since matriculation fees cap at 12 hours.  Consult the Semester Schedule of Classes for additional details and procedures concerning refunds. Please remember that certain fees are non-refundable.

Important note: Students who are receiving financial aid (including loans) must be aware that a reduction in hours during the drop-add period may affect the amount of their financial aid award. Since the financial aid award may be reduced, it is possible that a reduction in hours may actually increase the amount of out-of-pocket funds that the student owes to Clayton State University.  Students should carefully consider the financial aid implications of drop-add transactions that result in a reduction of hours.  Students with questions should contact the Office of Financial Aid.

3.  After the end of the drop-add period, no refunds are issued for reduction in hours if the student remains enrolled in any course.  After this point, refunds are issued only for complete withdrawal in accordance with Official Board of Regents' Policy as follows: “The refund amount for students withdrawing from the institution shall be based on a pro rata percentage determined by dividing the number of calendar days in the semester that the student completed by the total calendar days in the semester.  The total calendar days in a semester includes weekends, but excludes scheduled breaks of five or more days and days that a student was on an approved leave of absence.  The unearned portion shall be refunded up to the point in time that the amount earned equals 60%.  Students that withdraw from the institution when the calculated percentage of completion is greater than 60% are not entitled to a refund of any portion of institutional charges.”

Specific implementation details are published each semester in the Schedule of Classes.

Important Note: Students who withdraw from classes due to accident or illness are subject to the above refund percentages and deadlines regardless of how serious the medical situation may be.  (See the Academic Policies chapter for withdrawal policies.)

DEATH AND MILITARY REFUNDS

      A refund of all tuition and fees (except those specifically identified as non-refundable) shall be made in the event of the death of a student at any time during an academic semester. (Contact the Registrar’s Office for details.)

      Military students are entitled to a full refund of tuition and fees paid for a semester of enrollment in the following cases: (1) students who are members of the Georgia National Guard or other reserve components of the Armed Forces who receive emergency orders to active military duty, and (2) military personnel on active duty in the Armed Forces who, before the end of their present station assignment, receive emergency orders for a temporary or permanent change of duty location.  (Contact the Registrar’s Office for details.)

    If a financial institution declines payment of a personal check tendered by a student and returns it to the University, the student will be charged $15.00. If a student check used for payment of registration fees is returned, the student will be assessed a late registration fee in addition to the service charge. A stop payment of a check does not constitute a formal withdrawal from the University or cancellation of registration and is considered a returned check. Official transcripts of credit will not be issued for students whose accounts in the Bursar’s Office are held to be delinquent. If necessary, legal action will be initiated by the University for the collection of debts.  Students who submit bad checks may be required to pay by other methods in the future.