Dear Prospective Student:

Transcription

1 Dear Prospective Student: Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science in Nursing program at Spalding University. The graduate program in the School of Nursing offers the opportunity to earn the highly regarded Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree. Our program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles as Nurse Practitioners in community health care agencies and private practice. Graduates will be prepared to practice in the advanced practice role, employing strategies based on scientific knowledge, evidence-based practice, ethical decision making, and critical analysis of nursing practice. The MSN Program may be pursued as either a full-time or part-time program of study. Tracks within the Master of Science in Nursing Program The School of Nursing offers the Master of Science in Nursing through the Nurse Practitioner track. The School of Nursing also offers two additional options: the RN to MSN Bridge Option, a program leading to the MSN degree, is an option for Registered Nurses who have earned a Bachelor s Degree in a discipline other than nursing and the Post-Master s Certificate is available for nurses who have an MSN in another content area and desire education as a nurse practitioner or nurse educator. Accreditation The MSN Program at Spalding University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Our graduates consistently excel on certification examinations, in post-graduate employment rates, and in the practice area. Enclosed are admission requirements to our MSN Program as well as detailed information on programs of study. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a conference, please contact Dr. Pamela L. King, at is also welcome: pking@spalding.edu Thank you again for your interest in graduate study in nursing at Spalding University. I look forward to talking with you soon. Sincerely, Pamela L. King, PhD, RN, FNP, PNP Director of Graduate Nursing Program School of Nursing College of Health and Natural Sciences

2 THE MISSION OF SPALDING UNIVERSITY Spalding University is a diverse community of learners dedicated to meeting the needs of the times in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth through quality undergraduate and graduate liberal and professional studies, grounded in spiritual values, with emphasis on service and the promotion of peace and justice. Diverse Community of Learners Spalding University welcomes students, faculty, staff, and administrators, who are diverse in age, experience, intellect, race, class, minority status, gender, religion, and culture. Participation within this inclusive learning environment promotes the acceptance and appreciation of the values and unique life experiences of each individual. Dedicated to Meeting the Needs of the Times Since 1814, Spalding University has been and continues to be a community committed to providing curricula and programs that address evolving needs and to contributing knowledge and understanding derived from teaching, scholarship, and creative activity. Quality Undergraduate and Graduate Liberal and Professional Studies Spalding University provides a stimulating educational atmosphere, personal student/faculty interaction, and individual attention to a student s total learning. Throughout the educational experience, students practice habits of mind, or ways of knowing, that transcend disciplines and cultures; and realize habits of heart that relate understanding and judgment to life. Grounded in Spiritual Values Rooted in the catholic tradition, the Spalding University community embraces individuals of all traditions, encouraging them to live from a personal philosophy centered in a value system beyond self. Service and the Promotion of Peace and Justice Spalding University serves human needs by challenging, encouraging, and supporting members of its community to exercise leadership in applying their learning to the fundamental needs of human life physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual in whatever social or professional context they may find themselves. All are encouraged to recognize moral, social, economic, political, and environmental issues, and to engage actively in the promotion of a just and peaceful world.

3 School of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: When is the last day that I can apply? Admission into the Master of Science in Nursing program occurs once each year. Completed applications must be received on or before February 1 of each year. Classes start approximately the middle of May of the same year. Do I need to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam)? Any applicant that has a GPA of 3.0 or greater is not required to take the GRE. What do I need to do to apply to the MSN Program? 1) Apply to the University at 2) Apply to the program paper application in attached packet; 3) Complete the check list of requirements attached to the paper application. Will any of my course credits transfer if I previously attended MSN classes? Students are allowed to transfer up to 6 credit hours if they match course description(s) of Spalding University courses. Faculty determine if courses are compatible. Is it possible to go into the MSN program directly from a BSN program? license before the program starts in May. Applicants MUST have an RN I have a bachelor s degree in another field. Can I still apply to the graduate MSN program? If an applicant is a registered nurse and has a degree in another field, they may be eligible for the bridge option. All the faculty that I knew while getting my bachelor s degree are no longer accessible. Is there an alternative to the faculty recommendation form? We encourage applicants to get a recommendation from the institution at which they received the degree; however, if that is not possible, the applicant may submit a recommendation form from an educator or education department at the work place. Will I need to find a clinical sites and preceptors? No. Although we appreciate and take into consideration any clinical sites offered, we have a faculty dedicated to finding clinical sites. What days of the week are classes typically held? All MSN classes are held on Wednesdays and/or Thursdays. Do I still need to order transcripts if I graduate from Spalding? Yes, but at no charge. Do I need transcripts from every college and every college course? Yes I don t think I can afford Spalding s tuition. We encourage applicants to meet or speak with someone in our Financial Aid Department. The Financial Aid staff will be able to discuss what options are available regarding college finances. The education that students receive is an investment and will help graduates be more marketable.

4 School of Nursing MSN Graduate Program Program Overview The School of Nursing offers a Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN). The program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced nursing practice in leadership roles and as Nurse Practitioners. Its purpose is to prepare nurses to function in advanced roles of professional nursing in a variety of settings, employing strategies based on scientific knowledge, ethical decision making, and critical analysis of nursing practice to improve the health of the clients that are served. The Master s Program may be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis. The deadline for receipt of applications is February 1 of each year. Tracks within the Master of Science in Nursing Program The School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing through the Nurse Practitioner Track. The School of Nursing also offers two additional options: the RN to MSN Bridge Option, a program leading to the MSN degree, is an option for Registered Nurses who have earned a Bachelor s Degree in a discipline other than nursing and the Post-Master s Certificate is available for nurses who have a MSN in another content area and desire education as a family nurse practitioner or pediatric nurse practitioner. Accreditation The MSN Program at Spalding University is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Admission Requirements 1. Graduate application and payment of non-refundable fee. 2. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited school. Non-BSN degree applicants will have course work and portfolio requirements to complete prior to unconditional admission to the program. 3. Basic nursing degree from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program. Applicants from non-nlnac or CCNE accredited programs in nursing will be reviewed on an individual basis. 4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in nursing (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants with GPA less than 3.0 are welcome to apply. Transcripts will be reviewed on an individual basis. 5. Submission of score from Graduate Record Exam for undergraduate GPA s under Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate study must be provided. 7. Evidence of appropriate undergraduate research and statistics is preferred. 8. Unencumbered current license to practice nursing in Kentucky or Indiana. 9. Two completed recommendation forms: a. one from current or previous supervisor/employer with an advanced degree; and, b. one from current or former academic faculty member who can speak to applicant s ability to successfully complete academic work. 10. Writing requirement: Applicants must submit a typed paper on their professional goals and how graduate study will support those goals (limit 2 pages). 11. Online interview with graduate faculty of the School of Nursing. Deficiencies in undergraduate course work must be completed before students are eligible for full admission. When extenuating circumstances are identified, the Chair of the School of Nursing, upon the recommendation of the graduate nursing faculty, may recommend a student for admission who does not fully meet the criteria stated above. The graduate faculty of the School of Nursing review credentials when all transcripts, letters of recommendation, and GRE test scores have been received. Recommendation for admission to the graduate program is then referred to the

5 Graduate Committee of the University. Student policies for the Graduate Program in Nursing are consistent with the general policies of all Graduate Programs of Spalding University. Requirements for Earning the Master s Degree Completion of the required program of study. A maximum of twelve graduate credits may be transferred from another institution. Grade B or higher in all nursing courses. (B- when used, is acceptable.) Minimum grade point average of 3.0 in support courses, including electives. Students who earn more than one grade of C will automatically be dropped from the program, as well as students who earn one grade of D or F. Completion of the program within an eight-year period with removal of all conditions and incomplete grades. Service Learning Service is a unifying thread that links the University mission statement with the philosophy and curriculum of the School of Nursing and reinforces the uniqueness of the programs. Service learning is defined as volunteer activities that meet community needs, promote an ethic of service and the development of public-minded citizens. The graduate program embraces the concept of service learning and incorporates it into each track. Students complete 25 hours of service learning activities while in the graduate program or 15 hours if enrolled in the post-master s program. For further information, please refer to

6 School of Nursing Masters of Science in Nursing Application Check List Applicant Name: Degree Program: Address: Part Time/Full Time: Cell: Home: Application Spalding University online at Application Graduate Program (paper application-enclosed) 3. Transcript(s) from 1: 2: 3: Degree/GPA: 1: / 2: / 3: / Date degree rec d: 1: 2: 3: 4. GRE Not required if undergraduate GPA is greater than Professional Goal Essay Recommendation #1 (supervisor/employer with an advanced degree) Recommendation #2 (current or former academic faculty) Health Assessment Form License Nursing license Office use: E G F P EM E G F P AF SID 10. License driver s license or state photo ID Have you completed the following? Undergrad Statistics (preferred) Undergrad Research (preferred) Interview Date/ Time: Communication Log: Date: Action: Initials:

7 Application Process: School of Nursing The following items are required: A completed online application to Spalding University A completed application form for Graduate Admission A non-refundable $30 application fee (check payable to Spalding University) One OFFICIAL transcript from EACH college or university attended, (an issued to student transcript is not considered official) Official GRE scores if undergraduate grade point average is less than 3.0 (ETS Institutional code is R1552) A completed recommendation form from an employer/supervisor with an advanced degree A completed recommendation form from a current or former academic faculty An essay of up to 1,000 words describing professional goals Completed Health Assessment form A copy of current a Kentucky or Indiana nursing license or documentation of application An online interview with the School of Nursing faculty All application materials and a non-refundable $30 application fee should be forward to: Phone: or Spalding University School of Nursing MSN Graduate Program Admissions 901 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY SID (office use only) Admission is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability. Spalding University reserves the right to use and publish photographs taken of students. If you do not wish to be photographed, please contact the Marketing Office. NAME Ms. Mr. Last Name First Middle Former Last Name Preferred Name HOME ADDRESS Street Address City State Zip County Home Phone ( ) Cell Phone ( ) Social Security Number Date of Birth Address / / / / Optional Information Required for Government Reports: Sex: Male Female Marital Status: Married Single Divorced Widowed Religious Preference: Race/Ethnicity: American Indian/Alaskan Native Asian Black/African American Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander White More than one race unknown Fathers Education Level: High School Graduate Some College College Graduate Other/Unknown Mothers Education Level: High School Graduate Some College College Graduate Other/Unknown Are you the first generation in your family to attend college? Yes No Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense? Yes No

8 EMERGENCY CONTACT: Name of Emergency Contact Person: Relationship: Telephone: ( ) Alternate Telephone: ( ) EXPERIENCE: - Please list your last two positions (professional or volunteer) including any positions currently held: 1. Employer Name: Position Held City, State, Zip: Telephone: ( ) 2. Employer Name: Position Held City, State, Zip: Telephone: Please list any member of your family who is currently a student at, or who graduated from Spalding University: Name Relationship Year of Graduation Name Relationship Year of Graduation Have you previously applied to Spalding University? Yes No Year If yes, under what name did you apply? List (beginning with the most recent) ALL colleges attended or attending, including Spalding University: College/University Location (City/State) Dates Attended Degree Earned/Date College/University Location (City/State) Dates Attended Degree Earned/Date College/University Location (City/State) Dates Attended Degree Earned/Date College/University Location (City/State) Dates Attended Degree Earned/Date When do you plan to begin classes? Summer (May) Year Do you plan to attend classes: Full Time (9 hours or more) Half Time (6-8 hours) Less than Half time (1-5 hours) Please Select Desired Track: Family Nurse Practitioner Track RN-MSN Bridge (for registered nurses who have earned a Bachelor s degree in a discipline other than nursing) Post Master s Family Nurse Practitioner Post Master s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Tests Taken (if required): GRE Year MAT Year TOEFL Year If required test(s) have not been taken, indicate name of test and anticipated date: I certify that all of the answers I have given in this application for admission to Spalding University School of Nursing Graduate Program are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Spalding University has my permission to use my photograph in University publications and advertisements. Signature of Applicant Date

9 GRE Graduate Record Exam Website = = gre-info@ets.org 1800.GRE-CALL ( ) Local Testing Center Sylvan Learning Center Norwood Office Park 7400 New LaGrange Road Louisville, KY Scores by Phone GRE.SCORE US Outside U.S. & Canada MAT Miller Analogies Test Website = Scoringservices@harcourt.com Local Testing Center University of Louisville Davidson Hall Room # East Brandeis Louisville, KY To order scores Overnight Courier Service The Psychological Corporation The Psychological Corporation Miller Analogies Test c/o Bank of America PO Box Collections Center Drive Chicago, IL Chicago, IL 60693

10 School of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Track 49 Credit Hours MSN Program Core Courses (17 hours) NURS 604 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing 3 NURS 613 Nursing Research 3 NURS 614 Scholarly Synthesis 3 NURS 639 Pathophysiology 3 NURS 625 Advanced Practice and Health Care Systems 3 NURS 626 Informatics/Principles of Evidence Based Practice 2 Track Core Courses (11 hours) NURS 638 Applied Pharmacology 3 NURS 640 Advanced Health Assessment 3 NURS 656 Principles of Pharmacology in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 NURS 680 Health Promotion and Reproductive Health 3 Family NP Specialty Courses (21 hours) NURS 641 Child and Adolescent Primary Care Nursing 3 NURS 649 Adult Primary Care Nursing 3 NURS 673 Clinical Practicum I 3 NURS 677 Clinical Skills and Procedures I 2 NURS 674 Clinical Practicum II 3 NURS 678 Clinical Skills and Procedures II 2 NURS 681 Nurse Practitioner Professional Identity & Internship 5 -student completes 350 clinical hours

11 School of Nursing FAMILY NURSE PRACTIONER FULL TIME SUMMER 1 ST YEAR (PS3) NURS 626 Informatics and Principles of Evidence Based Practice Hours 2 FALL 1 ST YEAR (GR1) NURS 656 Principles of Pharmacology in Advanced Practice Nursing Hours 3 Spring 1 st year (PS2) Hours NURS 641 Child and Adolescent Primary Care 3 1 st Year Total Total NURS 639 Pathophysiology 3 NURS 680 Health Promotion and Reproductive Health 3 NURS 649 Adult Primary Care 3 NURS 640 Advanced Health Assessment 3 NURS 604 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing 3 Total Hours /49 SUMMER 2 ND YEAR (PS3) FALL 2 Hours ND 2 YEAR (GR1) nd Hours SPRING 2 ND YEAR (PS2) Hours Year Total NURS 678 Clinical Skills and NURS 613 Nursing Research NURS 614 Scholarly Synthesis Procedures II NURS 674 Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practicum II 3 NURS 677 Clinical Skills and Procedures I 3 NURS 681 Nurse Practitioner Professional Identity and Internship 5 NURS 638 Applied Pharmacology 2 NURS 673 Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practicum I 2 NURS 625 Advanced Practice and Health Care Systems 3 Total Hours /49

12 School of Nursing FAMILY NURSE PRACTIONER PART TIME SUMMER 1 ST YEAR (PS3) Hours NURS 640 Advanced Health Assessment 3 FALL 1 ST YEAR (GR1) Hours NURS 604 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing 3 Spring 1 st year (PS2) Hours NURS 641 Child and Adolescent Primary Care 3 1 st Year Total Program Total NURS 639 Pathophysiology NURS 656 Principles of 3 Pharmacology in Advanced 3 Practice Nursing Total Hours /49 SUMMER 2 ND YEAR (PS3) FALL 2 Hours YEAR (GR1) SPRING 2 Hours 2 YEAR (PS2) Hours Year Total NURS 677 Clinical Skills and Procedures I 2 NURS 613 Nursing Research 3 NURS 649 Adult Primary Care 3 NURS 673 Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practicum I 3 NURS 680 Health Promotion and Reproductive Health 3 NURS 614 Scholarly Synthesis 3 NURS 626 Informatics and Principles of Evidence Based 2 Practice Total Hours /49 SUMMER 3 RD YEAR (PS3) FALL 3 Hours YEAR (GR1) SPRING 3 Hours 3 YEAR (PS2) Hours Year Total NURS 678 Clinical Skills and Procedures II 2 NURS 638 Applied Pharmacology 2 NURS 674 Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practicum II 3 NURS 681 Nurse Practitioner Professional Identity and Internship NURS 625 Advanced Practice and Health Care Systems 3 Total Hours /49 5

13 School of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing: Post Master s Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner Track For students who have a Master s Degree in Nursing looking to add an additional specialty 40 Credit Hours MSN Program Core Courses (8 hours) NURS 639 Pathophysiology 3 NURS 625 Advanced Practice and Health Care Systems 3 NURS 626 Informatics/Principles of Evidence Based Practice 2 Track Core Courses (11 hours) NURS 638 Applied Pharmacology 3 NURS 640 Advanced Health Assessment 3 NURS 656 Principles of Pharmacology in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 NURS 680 Health Promotion and Reproductive Health 3 Family NP Specialty Courses (21 hours) NURS 641 Child and Adolescent Primary Care Nursing 3 NURS 649 Adult Primary Care Nursing 3 NURS 673 Clinical Practicum I 3 NURS 677 Clinical Skills and Procedures I 2 NURS 674 Clinical Practicum II 3 NURS 678 Clinical Skills and Procedures II 2 NURS 681 Nurse Practitioner Professional Identity & Internship 5 -student completes 350 clinical hours

14 School of Nursing Masters of Science in Nursing Recommendation Form has applied for admission to the following graduate nursing track Applicant Name please print Nurse Practitioner Track Family Nurse Practitioner RN to MSN Bridge Post Nursing Masters Certificate Option Family Nurse Practitioner Pediatric Nurse Practitioner APPLICANT: Please fill in the information request below. Forward one form to each recommender. Two recommendations are required. 1) supervisor/employer 2) current or former academic faculty Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you have the right, if you enroll in the Spalding University School of Nursing, to review your educational records. The act provides that you may waive your right to see recommendations for admission. Please indicate your choice and sign your name. I waive any right that I may have to this recommendation form I do not waive any right that I may have to the recommendation form Applicant Signature: Print Name: Date: RECOMMENDER: The admission procedure for Spalding University School of Nursing requires applicants to gather individual recommendations. Please complete and return this form to Spalding University. Recommender Name: Position or Title: Institution/Agency Name: Address: Signature: Please check the box that best describes your relationship with the applicant: Phone: Date: Faculty/instructor Supervisor or Employer with an Advanced Degree Other If other, please explain: Please rate the applicants overall ability to do graduate level work: Poor Fair Good Excellent Over

15 Please rate the applicant in the areas indicated below: QUALITY OF APPLICANT POOR FAIR GOOD EXCELLENT Intellectual Ability Analytical Ability Problem Solving Ability Ability or Promise as a Leader Oral Communication Skills Written Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Motivation and Energy Level Organizational Ability Sense of Humor Emotional Maturity General Knowledge of Nursing Ability to Meet a Deadline Ability to Work with Others or in Groups Commitment to Nursing Professional Integrity NO OPPORTUNITY TO EVALUATE What do you consider to be the applicant s strengths? What do you consider to be the applicant s weaknesses or areas in need of growth? Please describe some activity or program in which the applicant was involved that illustrates his or her special abilities. Please provide any other information which will assist in evaluating the applicant s ability to successfully complete the graduate program. Please return this form in a sealed envelope with your name written across the seal to the applicant or mail it directly to: Spalding University School of Nursing - Graduate Admissions 901 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY or fax to: MSN Admissions

16 School of Nursing Masters of Science in Nursing Recommendation Form has applied for admission to the following graduate nursing track Applicant Name please print Nurse Practitioner Track Family Nurse Practitioner RN to MSN Bridge Post Nursing Masters Certificate Option Family Nurse Practitioner Pediatric Nurse Practitioner APPLICANT: Please fill in the information request below. Forward one form to each recommender. Two recommendations are required. 1) supervisor/employer 2) current or former academic faculty Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you have the right, if you enroll in the Spalding University School of Nursing, to review your educational records. The act provides that you may waive your right to see recommendations for admission. Please indicate your choice and sign your name. I waive any right that I may have to this recommendation form I do not waive any right that I may have to the recommendation form Applicant Signature: Print Name: Date: RECOMMENDER: The admission procedure for Spalding University School of Nursing requires applicants to gather individual recommendations. Please complete and return this form to Spalding University. Recommender Name: Position or Title: Institution/Agency Name: Address: Signature: Please check the box that best describes your relationship with the applicant: Please rate the applicants overall ability to do graduate level work: Phone: Date: Faculty/instructor Supervisor or Employer with an Advanced Degree Other If other, please explain: Poor Fair Good Excellent Over

17 Please rate the applicant in the areas indicated below: QUALITY OF APPLICANT POOR FAIR GOOD EXCELLENT Intellectual Ability Analytical Ability Problem Solving Ability Ability or Promise as a Leader Oral Communication Skills Written Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Motivation and Energy Level Organizational Ability Sense of Humor Emotional Maturity General Knowledge of Nursing Ability to Meet a Deadline Ability to Work with Others or in Groups Commitment to Nursing Professional Integrity NO OPPORTUNITY TO EVALUATE What do you consider to be the applicant s strengths? What do you consider to be the applicant s weaknesses or areas in need of growth? Please describe some activity or program in which the applicant was involved that illustrates his or her special abilities. Please provide any other information which will assist in evaluating the applicant s ability to successfully complete the graduate program. Please return this form in a sealed envelope with your name written across the seal to the applicant or mail it directly to: Spalding University School of Nursing - Graduate Admissions 901 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY or fax to: MSN Admissions

18 School of Nursing Assuring excellence in nursing practice through innovation in nursing education 845 South Third Street, Louisville, KY (502) Fax: (502) PERSONAL HEALTH STATUS ASSESSMENT AND APTITUDES CHECKLIST (Required for all MSN Students Seeking Admission) Name: Date of Birth: Do You Have Any Allergies To: Yes No Explain: Medications Food Other - i.e. Pollen, Bee-Stings, etc. For each condition noted, check if you N/A Past Current If current, explain. Include have in the past OR are currently any medications taken for this condition. being treated for any of the following (Use the back if more conditions: space is needed). Arthritis Respiratory Conditions Diabetes Epilepsy/ Seizure Disorder Heart Disease Headaches Hearing Disorders Visual Disorders Alcohol/Drug Addictions Bleeding Disorders Muscular-Skeletal Disorders Hepatitis Cancer Other List Any Previous Surgeries (list more recent first) Year Over

19 Communicable Diseases Have you ever had any of the following conditions: No Yes Year Chicken Pox (Varicella)* Measles Mumps Rubella (German Measles) Diphtheria Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Tetanus Tuberculosis * If you have not had Chicken Pox (Varicella) - a laboratory titer will need to be obtained and submitted prior to the program.

20 School of Nursing MSN FINANCIAL AID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Who qualifies for Graduate Student loans? All students are eligible for Direct Federal Student Loans. As long as you have not reached your lifetime loan aggregate limit as in the amount of $138,500 (to include loans for undergraduate and graduate study) and you have not defaulted on a federal student loan, all students are eligible. 2. Are there grants available for graduate students? Once you have received your first Bachelor s degree, graduate students are not eligible for federal grants. 3. How do I apply for loans and for how much am I eligible? You can apply for Federal Student Aid (federal student loans are considered federal student aid) at You will need your prior year s federal tax returns and your prior year s W-2(s). As a graduate/professional student, the maximum amount for which you are eligible is $20,500 in one academic year. 4. How much can I borrow? The maximum amount for which graduate/professional students are eligible is $20,500 for one academic year. If you are starting the MSN program during the summer semester, your federal loans will be split between summer/fall/spring semesters. That is, you will received $6,834 for the summer semester, $6,834 for the fall semester and $6,834 for the spring semester. This totals the $20,500 for one year. 5. When will I receive my refund check? Refunds will be issued after the drop/add period has completed and financial aid is processed. The drop/add period is typically the first week of each semester, regardless of the term, i.e. summer, fall or spring. Financial aid is processed the second week of classes and refunds are issued in the form of a paper check around the third week of classes. Please note that all federal requirements must be satisfied before financial aid is processed. 6. How does taking a leave of absence affect my student loans? If you decide to take a leave of absence, your loans will go into repayment six (6) months after your grace period has ended. The repayment will start six (6) months from the last day attended. This information is reported by the Registrar s Office to the National Student Clearinghouse. After your grace period is up, you will be notified by your lender regarding your repayment plan. Should you experience any type of financial difficulty, we encourage you to talk with your lender regarding your options. 7. How soon after I graduate will my loans go into repayment? Upon graduation, your federal student loans will have a six (6) month grace period. At the conclusion of your grace period, your loans will go into repayment. (Refer to question #6) Graduate Financial Aid Counselor Michelle Standridge ext mstandridge@spalding.edu