What is the Welcome Center?

The Welcome Center is a one-stop shop that houses Undergraduate Admissions, Office of Student Financial Aid, Cashier's Office, OneCard and Parking, Office of International Student Support, Bursar, Student Accounts, and Enrollment Management. The Welcome Center serves our current and prospective students, who can get all their questions answered about their current status at Wayne State University. The Welcome Center takes pride in helping Warriors of the past, present and future achieve their dreams and aspirations.

Answer: IT'S TRUE!

To retain your financial aid, you have to file the FAFSA every year. What is FAFSA? To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.

You can also download the myStudentAid mobile app in the App Store (iOS) and the Play Store (Android). File the FAFSA early! Putting it off until the last minute may affect your scholarship consideration. We recommend students complete their FAFSA by December.

Financial aid assistance is provided by the Welcome Center Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spring/Summer semester hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, the Office of Student Financial Aid offers hands-on help with FAFSA Friday events throughout the year.

Answer: IT'S TRUE!

• Grants: Are awarded based on the student's financial need and do not require repayment. To obtain these grants, students must complete their FAFSA. Be sure to view federal, state and WSU grants that you may be eligible for.

• Scholarships: Wayne State offers a variety of scholarships to students based on criteria including financial need, academic achievement and leadership qualities. Additionally, check out the Scholarships section of the toolkit for more valuable information!

• Tuition Pledge Programs: Make college more affordable for students. Qualifying students will have zero out-of-pocket costs/expenses for tuition and standard fees for up to four years. Pledge programs include the Wayne Access Tuition Pledge, the Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge, and the Born to Be a Warrior Tuition Pledge.

• Work Study: Federal work-study awards are offered to students who demonstrate financial need and can contribute toward their educational expenses by working part time. Work-study funds are limited, and students will have to apply for job listings that they are eligible for and interested in.

• Other Types of Aid: Students may qualify for specialized types of financial aid based on a variety of factors, such as military and veteran assistance, tuition assistance for Native American Michigan residents, among others.

1. Loans: When you accept and receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college or career school. Loans do not disappear after you graduate. It's important to know that you must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues. If you decide to take out a loan, make sure you understand who your lender is and the terms and conditions of the loan. Student loans can come from the federal government, from private sources such as a bank or financial institution, or from other organizations. Loans made by the federal government, called federal student loans, usually have more benefits than loans from banks or other private sources. Some loans have specific guidelines and limits, so it's important to read the details in the links provided below.
2. Federal direct loans(subsidized and unsubsidized): This is one of the most common and lowest-cost forms of funding education. You must file a complete FAFSA to be eligible. Graduate students are only eligible for unsubsidized Federal Direct loans. Visit the website to learn more about benefits, interest rates, and additional information about Federal Direct loans

a. A subsidized loan is for undergraduate students that demonstrate financial need as determined by their FAFSA. While you are enrolled in school at least half time, the government pays the interest on your loan, therefore, no interest is accrued by the time you graduate. Additionally, the government also pays the interest during the six-month grace period after graduation and during a period of deferment if the borrower is having financial trouble after graduation. If you are in need of a loan, and are eligible for a subsidized loan, this is the better option.

b. An unsubsidized loan is for undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of financial need; however, the interest rate for undergrad students and graduate students differs. A FAFSA is required to be eligible for an unsubsidized loan. Payments for unsubsidized loans can be delayed until after graduation, however, interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed, including while students are enrolled in school. Be aware that the interest will add to the amount you owe. You will have six months to begin repayment and periods of deferment if needed, but interest will still accrue during this time.

c. Federal Parent PLUS loans: Parents of dependent undergraduates can apply for a Federal PLUS loan to help with educational expenses. This loan requires a credit approval, and the student must have a FAFSA filed with Wayne State and beenrolled at least half-time.

d. Federal Graduate PLUS loans: This option allows graduate students to apply for a Federal PLUS loan to assist with educational expenses. They must have a FAFSA on file with Wayne State and be enrolled at least half time.

Private education loans: These are alternative loans that are borrowed through private lenders. Alternative loans usually have higher interest rates and not as many benefits as federal loans. Be sure to read all the information and details provided by the lender, especially information relating to interest, deferment and repayment.

Borrowing limits: The amount of funds you are eligible to borrow each year is limited by factors such as grade level, dependent or independent student status, financial need, and cost of attendance.

Loan counseling: Federal regulations require that first-time loan borrowers complete entrance counseling, which can be done online. Borrowers are also required to complete exit counseling to help manage loans prior to graduation.

Master Promissory Note (MPN): The MPN is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees.

Taking out a loan:

• Step 1: Fill out the FAFSA here
• Step 2: Wait for your Financial Aid award letter and review the loans that you've been approved for
• Step 3: Decide which loans works best for you
• Step 4: Make sure you have all the info you need to understand your loan, repayment options, deferment, interest, and all the important details
• Step 5: Accept those loans through the Office of Student Financial Aid here
• Step 6: Complete your entrance loan counseling and sign your master promissory note.

If you are applying for a private loan, be sure to research private lender options and follow the steps above.

Loan Repayment: Having a plan to repay your loans is important in successfully repaying your loan. Make sure that you know your options, and ask important questions relating to interest rates and deferment options if you cannot make your loan payments. Learn more about your payment options as well as resources that can assist the repayment of your loan(s).

Loan Forgiveness: In certain situations, your federal student loans can be forgiven, cancelled, or discharged.

• Click here to learn more about federal student loan forgiveness and types of forgiveness.
• The bottom of this page provides information about certain loan repayment forgiveness programs.

iGrad: A free learning tool that provides tools and resources for students to handle financial decisions.

As a reminder, before you accept a loan offer, remember that a loan is a debt that you must repay. Although loan forgiveness programs and resources are available, they are only offered for specific circumstances. Otherwise, federal loans only go away if the borrower passes away, or if the loan is repaid in full. So remember: only borrow what you need and make sure you completely understand the condition of the loan(s) before you accept it!

Answer: B & D

The Welcome Center is here to assist students any time of year! However, there are certain times The Welcome Center has more traffic. If possible, we encourage students to plan their The Welcome Center visit early to get all their questions answered and complete required documentation prior to the beginning of the semester. For more information, please visit the SSC website. You can also reach us by email at studentservice@wayne.edu or by phone at 313-577-2100.

If you choose to contact the Welcome Center during a break before the new semester begins, it will allow you more time to get all the documents and information that you need. You will also have more time to get your financial aid status sorted prior to the beginning of the semester, which is always a good thing! If it's possible, make time to touch base early in the day so you can avoid long wait times, finish completing all necessary documents and an overall valuable visit!

The Welcome Center does not only helps you get answers to questions for Financial Aid, Admissions, and Registration, but The Welcome Center also houses the offices below:

Even if you have general questions, need suggestions on who to contact, or just need someone to talk to about any issues, we are here to answer those questions! We have student leaders who are here to help answer your questions as a peer as well as direct you to the right offices. When our physical location is open, our student leaders will be likely be the first faces you see. Our student leaders love to answer questions of what it is like to be a student or give you tips on how to navigate WSU.

Answer: IT'S TRUE!

The Welcome Center will work with students to help them explore all options for support and let them know what they can expect moving forward in resolving their issue(s). The team in the Welcome Center will always aim to help students as much as possible to find a solution.

Additionally, we would love feedback from you when you visit so we can ensure that you leave feeling empowered and set up for success. This will allow us to use the feedback to create an even more positive experience for students.

Moreover, we encourage students to bring a list of questions and to continue asking questions until you understand. If while visiting the Welcome Center you have more questions that come up, you can always ask for more help.

Are you interested in contacting the team at the Welcome Center? Take advantage of this great resource and email them at studentservice@wayne.edu. We strongly encourage you to recognize the Welcome Center and Office of Student Financial Aid as a resource and take advantage of their ability to support student's needs.

Michigan Student Power Network sat down with Enrollment Management and the Welcome Center to acknowledge these questions and affirm support for students who are in need.

We can help you find how to pay your application fee, submit you application, apply for scholarships, how to change your major, how to set up an appointment with an academic advisor, turn in Financial Aid forms, sign for a payment plan and much more! You can find all these answers by visiting our How do I? page here.

Answer: YES!

Wayne State provides resources for low-income students to reduce financial barriers. This includes a variety of academic, financial and nutritional programs that support students in need. Learn more about these valuable resources.

There are many resources available for student in need including the W Food Pantry, they support currently enrolled Wayne State students by providing resources (i.e. non-perishable food, toiletries, and feminine hygiene items) to reduce food and other insecurities they may face.

The Warrior Wardrobe is designed to provide gently used garments to any enrolled student free of charge.

Federal Work-Study: A federal work-study award is offered to students with financial need who may contribute toward their educational expenses by working part time. Apply to work on campus to supplement the cost of your education.

OneCard Discounts: There are awesome perks created specifically for WSU staff and students through the Show Your OneCard & Save program. Visit the show your OneCard and save website for a list of participating businesses where you can get a discount just by showing your card!

WSU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS is part of Student Services and is the university agency dedicated to provide counseling and psychological services for Wayne State students and to provide consultation and outreach to the university community in support of student welfare.

Answer: FALSE!

Students may be eligible to obtain financial aid during spring and summer terms if they are enrolled in at least six credit hours. Though this is not a guarantee, it certainly doesn’t hurt to try!

Students need to go to the financial aid website and complete the spring/summer loan request form. Financial aid will then determine the student's eligibility based on their FAFSA information and how much aid they have used in the given year and how many courses they are registered for. Additionally, the link above provides more information about awards and disbursements.

Generally speaking, students are awarded any portion of the loans that they did not use up during the fall and winter semesters for spring/summer aid as long as they are registered at least half-time (six credits). They may also be eligible to obtain additionalPell Grant funds over the annual limit (fall/winter award) if they are registered for at least six credits.

• Pell Grants are awarded regardless of a loan application and the student will not need to apply for a loan if they only want a Pell Grant.

Moreover, students can also take advantage of federal work-study funds for the spring-summer award period. If you do obtain work study funds for the summer, you will have to find employment. Click here for more information about work-study employment. Additionally, check out the scholarship section of the toolkit to find scholarships that can help pay for your spring/summer term!

Wayne State also provides students with a 30% tuition break for spring/summer semesters. The Office of Student Financial Aid and the Records Office will work together to identify all eligible students for the tuition discount. The discount will be automatically reflected on the student's ebill and Award Summary page in Academica. Students who are eligible can receive the discount even if they do or do not receive financial aid during the spring/summer semester. Check your eligibility and click “Spring/Summer Tuition Break”.

Students may be eligible to receive funds for special programs like study broad. Learn more about aid eligibility for special programs like:

Warrior Way Back (WWB): WWB is a debt forgiveness program for returning students that have not attended WSU for 2 or more years and have an outstanding balance with WSU.

Study Abroad Programs: You may be eligible to receive federal financial aid funds for a study abroad program. Your enrollment in a study abroad program in courses that are approved for credit at WSU, may be considered for financial aid eligibility. File your FAFSA and follow-up to have your aid in order before you leave.

There are also other types of Aid and scholarships that you may be eligible for that you can find here at Other Types of Aid and Scholarships.

May receive funds like AmeriCorps whose members that complete their service earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. This award pays for college, graduate school, or pays back qualified student loans. Members who serve part-time receive a partial award.

Art & Design: The Wayne State University Talent Scholarship program is designed to recognize high school seniors or recent graduates with talent in art and design. Click here to apply for the talent scholaship.

Athletic Awards: The Wayne State University Warriors are members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference GLIAC, NCAA Division II.

Contact WSU Athletics directly for more information about athletic scholarships.

Wayne State University offers various appeal forms here!

If you wish to appeal a financial aid decision, the first step is to speak with the Office of Student Financial Aid to discuss your circumstances and obtain an appeal form (if necessary) that applies to your situation. Many of the forms and documents can be completed and submitted electronically, and paper forms can be mailed, hand-delivered, or faxed to the Welcome Center.

There are several appeal forms available as well. Here is a list of appeals that you will be able to access through the site.

• Scholarship & Grant Deferment Request Form: This form is for students who wish to defer a university grant or scholarship for an upcoming semester due to special circumstances that prevent the use of the award.
• Scholarship & Grant Appeal Form: These forms are for students who would like to be considered for reinstatement of WSU scholarships due to the loss of scholarships because of special circumstances that have affected the student's educational performance.
• Dependency Override Appeal Form: This form is for students who do not meet the federal guidelines to be considered “independent” status for financial aid purposes. Completing this form can potentially result in an override of the federal regulation and change the student's status to “independent” for financial aid purposes.
• Dependent Care Request Consideration Form: This form is for students who would like to request a budget (student expense) adjustment with the consideration of dependent care expenses that are related to the student's attendance at WSU during class and study time.
• Change in Housing Status Form: This form is for students to report a change in their housing status if it has changed from what they originally reported when completing the FAFSA. This change can impact a student's Financial Aid awards.
• Budget Adjustment Request Form: This form is for students to request a budget (student expense) adjustment due to costs associated with educational-related expenses such as dependent care, costs related to a disability, one-time costs of computer purchase for educational purposes, etc.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal: This form is for students who did not fulfill the minimum requirements to make satisfactory academic progress and therefore will be denied financial aid for the following semester. Submitting a SAP Appeal is for students to request financial aid consideration. If the appeal is approved, the student will be on probation.

Answer: D!

There are six methods of tuition payment that Wayne State's Office of the Bursar accepts from students. Which payment methods are best for you?

Here are the methods of payment that are accepted:

• Check payments
• Internet ACH Payments (secure method of paying your tuition bill Online)
• Credit card payments
• Wire payments (international and domestic bank wires for tuition payment)
• Installment Payment Plan (spread educational payments over a scheduled period of time)
• Third-party tuition assistance (tuition assistance through a company/organization)

All tuition payments will go through the Office of the Bursar. Access information about their hours, location, contact information, among other details:

To pay online:

1. Log into Academica
2. Click “Student Resources” tab
3. Click the “Online Payment” tab
4. Follow the prompts

Answer:

If a student does not pay their tuition by the prescribed dates on the eBill for a specific term, the student will be charged a $25 late payment fee if the past due balance is less than $500, or a $40 late payment fee if the balance due is $500 or more. Late fees will then be evaluated on a monthly basis, and the amount will accrue until it is paid in full. To avoid late payment fees, take a look at your eBill for prescribed dates or view the eBill schedule.

Moreover, if you have late payment fees that you are unable to pay, call the Student Accounts Receivable office and speak to staff about your specific situation.

Hours: 9AM - 5PM

bursar@wayne.edu

313-577-3653

Answer:

• If you need help with aid planning, financial aid calculators, determining costs of attendance, financial aid dates and deadlines, as well as navigating financial aid awards and letters, visit this website.

• Learn about the student resources that the Student Senate has implemented at Wayne State, many of which can benefit students that are experiencing financial burdens.

• Visit the financial aid website, for updates, important dates, and other information relating to financial aid.

• Check out iGrad for financial wellness and personalized financial tools you can use to develop plans for budgeting, spending, and saving.

Whenever in doubt, come to the Welcome Center to get all your questions answered. We are here for you. Your success is our success. Every Question is important!

Answer: IT'S TRUE!

To be sure you and your family are being safe while applying for financial aid, The U.S. Department of Education has some advice that can help you avoid all sites that are not administered by them. It is very important that you keep your information safe and secure. Always double and triple check. If you have any concerns at all, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 313-577-2100.

Here is a link to the The U.S. Department of Education site on the Office of Student Financial Aid web-page.

• Seeking help in finding money for school is not something you are obligated to pay for. When seeking assistance from a company, ask yourself questions such as: “what service am I being offered?” and “is this service something I can access for free?” “Do these services and claims sound too good to be true?”
• The FAFSA form is NOT something you have to pay to fill out! There are several websites offering assistance in filling out the FAFSA form in exchange for a fee, and these websites are not associated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education. When filling out your FAFSA, be sure to go to FAFSA.gov, and make sure the spelling of FAFSA is accurate and that it has .gov in it! If you need help, contact Wayne State's Office of Student Financial Aid or the Online help form provided by the Federal Student Aid website. Also, if you're asked for your credit card information during the process of filling out your FAFSA, the site is not legitimate.
• The U.S. Department of Education works with private companies (lenders, servicers, etc.) and they form contracts with these loan servicers who handle billing as well as other services on your federal student loans. Your federal loan servicer will assist you with loan repayment, loan consolidation, etc. and you can find a list of their affiliated loan servicers.

When applying for student aid, there are a number of precautions you can take to prevent identity theft such as:

• Apply for federal student aid by filling out the FAFSA form at the official website or on our myStudentAid mobile app.
• After you've finished completing the FAFSA form Online, be sure to exit the application and close the browser, ensuring that any cookies created during your session will be automatically deleted.
• Don't tell anyone your FAFSA ID username or password, even if that person is helping you fill out the FAFSA form.
• Review your financial aid offers and keep track of the amounts you applied for and received.
• Never give personal information over the phone or Internet unless you made the contact. If you have questions about an offer of aid or about your student loan account, ask someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid at your college, or contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center.
• If any of your identification is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the issuer (e.g., the credit card company or your state's Department of Motor Vehicles) and if necessary, to the police.

Answer:

Meet W, the Wayne State University 24/7chatbot!

Students can now communicate with W the Warrior, our artificial intelligence-powered chatbot. The chatbot allows students to engage in quick and simple text exchanges that support academic success and WSU navigational assistance. You can find the W on our Student Service Center webpage in the bottom right corner here:

If W can't answer your question, we will have one of our human, expert specialist reach out to you personally to make sure to answer all your questions!

Answer: TRUE!

As students, we have to understand that the Welcome Center and the The Office of Student Financial Aid may not necessarily always provide us with the answers that we were expecting. However, after speaking with Enrollment Management, we learned more about how their teams are working on initiatives relating to increasing outreach, improving the office's technology to better support student's needs, developing a debt calculator tool, and even implementing an official outtake process where students can provide feedback about the service(s) they received during their visit.

The team in the Welcome Center can't wait to help you get on track. If you are experiencing a financial aid-related issue and are seeking support, or have questions, contact us at studentservice@wayne.edu or give us a call at 313.577.2100. We are committed to helping and supporting you.

If you decide to contact the Welcome Center, be sure to ask a lot of questions and take good notes. The team in the Welcome Center is here to serve your needs. So, amplify your voice and ask questions!

Wayne State Welcome Center

Address: 42 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

Hours: Open 9AM 5PM

The Welcome Center would like to extend it's gratitude to the Michigan Student Power Network.This project would not have been possible without their dedication to providing students with the resources that they need to succeed.