UW–Madison Financial Aid Session Notes
Opening Reflections and Community
This session opens with a personal routine: the speaker wakes up each morning and identifies three things they are grateful for. First, the opportunity to speak to this group of Patxi's counselors, UW–Madison scholars, and the remarkable community present. Second, gratitude for the Office of Student Financial Aid team and the expertise they will share to support academic pursuits. Third, appreciation for a loving family—the speaker’s wife and two children—who will soon be in similar seats at other institutions, and for the care they provide. The overarching message is that the relationships you build—friends, Badgers, classmates, and roommates—will sustain you through time at UW–Madison and beyond. These relationships form a network that can help you navigate both challenges and new experiences, enrich your time as a student, and influence your life and career long after graduation. The speaker emphasizes relying on these connections to bolster your experience, and they express confidence that focusing on these three areas will enhance your time as the class of 2029 at Camp Randall and during commencement.
Meet the Financial Aid Experts and UW Resources
The speaker introduces the expert team from the Office of Student Financial Aid: Cece Bang, a financial aid administrator in the advising and outreach team; Molly Jo Bausch, also a financial aid administrator in the advising and outreach team; and Jocelyn Diaz de Azores, described as their fearless leader and a wealth of information. The speaker notes that Jo Azores is a twice Badger alum, highlighting personal experience with the student journey. Acknowledgement is given to BANNER, the sister program to Lucky’s Health Pathway for nonresident students, which helps answer emails, call students, and connect them with resources. The overarching goal is to connect students with information and support for financial aid processes throughout their UW–Madison experience.
On Communication, Acoustics, and Access to Resources
The session notes a practical point: the acoustics of the room mean side conversations can be heard, underscoring the importance of maintaining focus and courtesy during Q&A. A QR code will appear on slides to access resources or a Canvas course, and the team invites questions. The team mentions there will be financial aid questions and answers, and includes real-life considerations students may have, such as how refunds can be used and how to access funds efficiently.
Funds, Refunds, and Practical Uses of Financial Aid
Participants are reminded that refund funds can be used for legitimate educational or living expenses: books, a winter coat, saving for next semester, or even signing a lease for housing. The speaker notes a QR code on slides for additional guidance. The two financial aid offers discussed are real-world examples to illustrate how aid is allocated and disbursed.
Example Financial Aid Offers: Two Scenarios
- Student A receives $13{,}568 in financial aid for each fall and spring semester. Their tuition is approximately $6{,}488 and housing/meal plan costs are $5{,}800. The aid received is not a “refund” until it is disbursed to the student’s account; sign up for eRefund so the funds are mailed to the student’s listed address. It is important to ensure the mailing address is up to date so funds can be accessed.
- Student B receives $11{,}068. The difference from Student A arises from a higher student aid index; Buckeyes Pell Pathway does not cover the full need, it only covers the difference between the cost and the aid index. Student B may have a balance owed to the university. If there is a balance and no other pending financial aid, the student is responsible for paying it. If the balance cannot be paid, students are encouraged to contact the office about options such as loans or a payment plan, and to address the balance before tuition due dates (e.g., September 12). The essential advice is to reach out early rather than waiting.
FAFSA: Annual Requirement and Dependency Status
The speakers emphasize that FAFSA completion is required every year. The Department of Education considers all undergraduates dependent on their parents, so parents must be added as contributors on the FAFSA each year, regardless of the student’s independence or self-sufficiency. The message underscores ongoing responsibility to update information annually and to involve parents when required.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Standards and Implications
SAP is introduced as a federal regulation governing all students receiving financial aid. To meet SAP, a student must have a cumulative GPA of at least , denoted as $$ ext{GPA} \