Queens University: Student Assistance Levy Explained

The Student Assistance Levy is a mandatory fee applied on a per-term basis to all full-time students at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The fee was implemented in 1993 and is used to improve existing scholarships and student assistance programs, fund the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP), and support the learning environment. The fee is charged in addition to tuition fees and can vary in amount, with some students reporting charges of $16.50.

Student Assistance Levy's purpose

The Student Assistance Levy (SAL) is a mandatory fee for full-time students at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. It was first implemented in 1993, with a fee of $100 per term for full-time students. The revenue generated from the levy is directed to the Student Awards Office, which utilises the funds to enhance scholarships and provide financial assistance to students. The amount charged for the Student Assistance Levy can vary, and there is no ceiling on the fee.

The purpose of the Student Assistance Levy is to improve the financial support available to students at Queen's University. The funds are used to bolster existing scholarships and student assistance programs, ensuring that more students can benefit from financial aid. Additionally, the money collected from the levy is allocated to fund the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) and support the overall learning environment at the university.

The Student Assistance Levy is separate from tuition fees and other charges, and it is applied on a per-term basis. Students may notice the charge for the levy on their student account transactions, typically ranging from $16.50 to $100. While the levy is mandatory for full-time students, part-time students may also be subject to the fee, depending on their enrolment status and the number of units they are taking.

The introduction of the Student Assistance Levy at Queen's University was an initiative of the administration to centralise and streamline the process of providing financial assistance to students. By establishing the levy, the university aimed to create a dedicated source of funding for scholarships and student support, ensuring that a consistent amount of financial aid is available each year. This approach promotes equity and accessibility by providing more opportunities for students to receive the financial help they need to pursue their academic goals.

While the Student Assistance Levy serves a valuable purpose in enhancing student financial assistance, it is important to note that the distribution of funds is managed by the Student Awards Office, and students seeking financial support should direct their inquiries to this department. The office is responsible for evaluating students' financial needs and awarding scholarships, bursaries, and other forms of assistance based on established criteria. Students who believe there may be an error or discrepancy regarding their eligibility for financial aid are encouraged to proactively engage with the Student Awards Office to discuss their concerns.

Student Assistance Levy's implementation

The Student Assistance Levy (SAL) was implemented by the Queen's University administration in 1993 as a mandatory fee for full-time students. The revenue generated from this fee goes towards improving existing scholarships and student assistance programs, funding the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP), and supporting the overall learning environment.

The SAL is charged to students on a per-term basis and there is no ceiling on the amount that can be charged. While the initial implementation of the SAL in 1993 set the fee at $100 for full-time students, the amount has varied over the years, with students reporting charges of $16.50 in their account transactions. These charges are typically broken up and applied across different terms, resulting in multiple charges for the same period.

The funds collected from the SAL are directed to the Student Awards Office, which oversees scholarships and student assistance. The office utilizes the funds to enhance scholarship opportunities and provide financial support to students in need. It is important to note that the SAL is separate from other fees such as tuition, residence, and health insurance, and it specifically contributes to the financial assistance budget of the university.

While the SAL contributes to the financial aid available at Queen's University, some students have expressed concerns about the fairness of the bursary and scholarship distribution processes. There have been instances where students felt that their access to credit was misinterpreted as a sign of financial means, impacting their eligibility for bursaries. However, it is always recommended to discuss any concerns or clarifications regarding fees and financial assistance with the relevant university departments, such as the Student Awards Department or the Office of the University Registrar.

Overall, the Student Assistance Levy at Queen's University aims to support students by enhancing scholarships and assistance programs, as well as providing funding for initiatives like the Summer Work Experience Program. The implementation of the SAL demonstrates the university's commitment to creating a supportive and enriching learning environment for its student body.

Student Assistance Levy's amount

The Student Assistance Levy (SAL) is a mandatory fee for full-time students at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. It was first implemented in 1993, with a fee of $100 per term for full-time students. The revenue generated from the levy is directed to the Student Awards Office, which utilises the funds to enhance scholarships and provide student assistance. Additionally, the funds are used to support the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) and improve the overall learning environment.

Over time, the amount of the Student Assistance Levy has varied, with some students reporting charges of $16.50 on their student accounts. It appears that the fee is now divided and charged per term, resulting in varying amounts across different terms. The Audit Fee, which is non-refundable after the full refund date, is set at 50% of the unit fee, plus the Student Assistance Levy.

The Student Assistance Levy is applied to each term of enrolment, and there is currently no ceiling on the total amount that can be charged. This means that the total cost of the levy for a full academic year could exceed the initial $100 fee implemented in 1993. It is important for students to be aware of this additional cost when planning their expenses and budgets for their time at Queen's University.

While the Student Assistance Levy contributes to important initiatives such as scholarships and student assistance programs, some students have expressed frustration with the fee. There have been concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the fee structure and how the funds are allocated. It is recommended that students who have questions or concerns about the Student Assistance Levy contact the Student Awards Department for more information or to seek clarification on any discrepancies in their student accounts.

Student Awards Office

The Student Awards Office at Queen's University, Ontario, Canada, is responsible for administering financial aid programs to assist students in financing their education. The office provides enrolment management services and offers a range of financial aid options, including government student assistance, scholarships, bursaries, and work programs.

The Student Awards Office is part of the Office of the University Registrar, which supports the academic mission of the university by providing comprehensive enrolment management services to applicants, students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The office is committed to offering accurate, timely, and friendly service to all members of the Queen's community.

One of the fees administered by the Student Awards Office is the Student Assistance Levy. This is a mandatory fee for full-time students, implemented in 1993, with revenue going towards scholarships and student assistance. The levy appears to be charged in varying amounts over the academic terms, with some students reporting charges of $16.50.

The Student Awards Office is the recommended point of contact for students with queries or complaints regarding their fees or financial aid. Students can contact the office via phone, fax, email, or in person, and the office is located on the Queen's University campus in Kingston, Ontario.

Student bursaries

Queen's University offers a variety of bursaries to help students with their financial needs. The General Bursary is one such option, which requires students to apply and be assessed for government student aid, demonstrating their financial need. Students must also qualify for a minimum amount of funding, and their government student loan debt from prior years is considered when evaluating eligibility.

The Alma Mater Society (AMS) at Queen's University also offers grants and bursaries to improve financial accessibility for all students. The Student Graduation Bursary is available to undergraduate students graduating in the year of application, who have paid their AMS membership fee for the previous academic year and can demonstrate financial need. The Academic Accessibility Bursary is another option for undergraduate students who need financial assistance with non-tuition costs like textbooks, lab equipment, and field trips.

Additionally, the Student Experience Bursary aims to enhance the financial accessibility of events run by AMS-ratified clubs or Faculty Societies. Students must demonstrate financial need to be eligible for this bursary. There is no deadline for applications, and they are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Queen's University also has a Student Assistance Levy, implemented in 1993 as a mandatory fee for full-time students. The revenue from this levy goes towards the Student Awards Office to support scholarships and student assistance. While some students may feel that they are paying for a part of the school's financial assistance budget without directly benefiting, the levy helps provide scholarships and bursaries to those in need.

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