WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE HOMELESS TUITION EXEMPTION?
In order to qualify for a tuition exemption as a result of homelessness, the student must meet the criteria outlined in Florida Statute 1009.25(1) (f): http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2012/1009.25
- A student who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; or
- Primary nighttime residence is a public or private shelter designed to provide temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or
- A public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HOMELESS TUITION EXEMPTION
- Current FPP participants: Completed documentation must be submitted to the Office of Student Access & Success prior to the current semester ending for the exemption to reflect in the subsequent semester’s tuition/fee charges. FPP staff will send a request for renewal documentation two weeks prior to the last day of classes each semester. Tuition exemption requests will be processed by the University payment deadline.
- New FPP participants: Provide documentation of homeless status from an approved external agency. Requests submitted two weeks prior to the semester’s end will be processed for the following semester.
- Student accounts must reflect Florida resident tuition rates.
The Homeless Tuition Exemption Request will be reviewed for renewal on a semester-by-semester basis to determine eligibility based on the Florida Statute 1009.25(1)(f). Homeless Tuition Exemption includes tuition and mandatory fees (including lab fees). Homeless Tuition Exemptions are not retroactive for any prior semester.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Homeless Youth under the McKinney-Vento Act
Tuition and Fee Exceptions are available to students who were provided a letter or card under the McKinney-Vento Act. This documentation allows our institution to consider a student eligible until otherwise conflicting information is received.
Submission Requirements: Please email the McKinney-Vento Act letter to FPP@fiu.edu. Documentation is only requested once and not needed for every term.
CURRENTLY ENROLLED UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE STUDENTS
- Each semester, new and current students must submit the Affidavit of Homeless Status and the Homeless Tuition Exemption Form, and a personal statement addressing their current homeless situation, along with the supporting documentation described above. All documents must be turned in to the FPP staff.
- Register for classes for the semester that the Homeless Tuition Exemption is being requested.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually at www.fafsa.gov to reflect the current homeless status as listed on the FAFSA application. If a change of status occurs during the semester, the FAFSA must be amended to reflect the change of status.
- Complete the University Housing agreement, if applicable, by the established deadline each semester. Fostering Panther Pride program advocates on behalf of the students to secure housing. The housing fees and charges are the student’s responsibility.
Note: All documents submitted will be maintained as part of the student’s official university records. All documentation must be provided on official stationery and include the contact information and the date for which services began/ended. All documents must be submitted in person or via email to FPP@fiu.edu by the deadline.
Submission Deadlines: All documentation must be submitted two weeks prior to the start of the semester. Please allow 7-10 business days for processing.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- All students are to meet with the Fostering Panther Pride (FPP) program staff.
- All students are to meet his/her academic advisor prior to the university’s tuition payment deadline each semester. If needed, develop an Academic Success Plan.
- Any desired class schedule changes should be immediately communicated to FPP program staff prior to a schedule adjustment.
