Queens University: Student Assistance Levy Explained

what is student assistance levy queens university

The Student Assistance Levy (SAL) is a mandatory fee for full-time students at Queen's University, implemented in 1993. The revenue generated from the fee is used to improve scholarships and student assistance programs, fund the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP), and support the learning environment. The fee is applied on a per-term basis and there is no ceiling on the amount charged. Students who do not pay the SAL by the posted due date are assessed a late fee of $150.

Characteristics Values
Implementation Administered by Queen's University in 1993
Applicability Mandatory for full-time students
Amount $100
Payment Charged per term
Purpose Funding for scholarships, student assistance programs, the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP), and support for the learning environment
Late payment $150 late fee

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Student Assistance Levy (SAL) fee purpose

The Student Assistance Levy (SAL) is a mandatory fee for full-time students at Queen's University, implemented by the administration in 1993. The revenue generated from the levy 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 applied on a per-term basis and there is no ceiling on the amount charged.

The purpose of the SAL is to provide financial assistance to students who may not otherwise be able to afford their education. The funds are administered by the Student Awards Office, which uses the money to help with scholarships and other forms of student aid. The SAL is separate from tuition fees and must be paid by the posted due date to avoid a late fee of $150.

The amount of the SAL has varied over the years, with one student reporting charges of $16.50 in 2013 and 2014, while another source indicates that it was initially implemented as a $100 fee for full-time students. It is not clear if there is a standard amount for the SAL, as the university's website only mentions that it is assessed per term and that there is no ceiling on the amount.

Students who are unable to meet the SAL fee payment deadline but have a proven source of funding can apply for an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA). This allows students to defer payment of their tuition and the SAL without penalty. The APA program was developed to assist students who may have financial difficulties in meeting the payment deadlines.

The SAL is also included in the redirection of OSAP funding by the Government of Ontario. When a student's enrolment is confirmed, a portion of their OSAP funding is redirected to Queen's University to cover the student's tuition, the SAL, and other education-related fees. Any remaining OSAP funding is then deposited into the student's personal bank account.

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Fee amount and payment dates

The Student Assistance Levy (SAL) is a mandatory fee charged to students on a per-term basis. It is used to improve existing scholarships and student assistance programs, fund the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP), and support the learning environment. There is no ceiling on the SAL fee amount. The fee is non-refundable after the full refund date.

The fee payment deadline is the same as the tuition fee deadline. Students who do not pay by the due date will be charged a late fee of $150. The exact due dates are not specified, but Queen's University does not send reminders or invoices for amounts outstanding. Students are expected to regularly check their student financial accounts, which can be accessed online through the SOLUS Student Centre.

For graduate students, the audit fee is set at 50% of the unit fee, plus the Student Assistance Levy. This fee is also non-refundable after the full refund date.

International students are automatically enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) at a single rate for each term of enrolment. Coverage for dependent family members in Canada is mandatory and incurs an additional cost.

Students receiving OSAP (Ontario's financial aid program) receive an automatic deferral on winter term tuition and fees to January 31. The Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA) program allows students, upon approval, to defer payment of their tuition and SAL without penalty to January 31 for the winter term.

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Fee exemptions

International students are charged the international fee unless they qualify for an exemption. The Ministry of Colleges and Universities outlines a number of exemptions which may be applicable to some international students. Each of these cases must be examined individually by fee assessment staff in the Office of the University Registrar.

Students can visit the International Tuition Fee Status Change page for information on exemption categories and how to request an exemption. They can also check out the Financial Aid Overview for information and resources to help fund their education.

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is automatically applied at the single rate to all international students for each term of enrolment. Coverage for dependent family members who will be in Canada with the student is mandatory at an additional cost.

Domestic students who have yet to establish coverage in a provincial/territorial health plan, returning Canadians, or new permanent residents are eligible to apply for OHIP, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. If coverage is needed during the OHIP waiting period, short-term UHIP can be requested by email.

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Fee payment difficulties

Students at Queen's University are expected to pay their tuition fees by the posted due date. If a student does not pay by the due date, they will be assessed a late fee of $150. Students can check their up-to-date account balances online through the SOLUS Student Centre, although the university will not send reminders or invoices for amounts outstanding.

Queen's University offers students several payment methods to pay for the charges on their student accounts. Over-the-counter payments (cash, cheque, Interac) at the Office of the University Registrar are not accepted for tuition. PayPal and email transfers are also not accepted by the university. All transactions involving credit cards are secured using industry-standard TLS encryption as specified by PCI-DSS.

International students are automatically enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and are charged at the single rate for each term of enrolment. Coverage for dependent family members who will be in Canada is mandatory and available at an additional cost. International students can find more information by visiting the Queen's University International Centre (QUIC) website or emailing [email protected].

Domestic students who have yet to establish coverage in a provincial/territorial health plan, as well as returning Canadians and new permanent residents, are eligible to apply for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). During the OHIP waiting period, students can request short-term UHIP by emailing [email protected] and including their student number.

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Fee payment appeals

The Student Assistance Levy (SAL) is a mandatory fee for full-time students at Queen's University, implemented by the administration in 1993. The revenue generated from the levy goes towards improving scholarships and student assistance programs, funding the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP), and supporting the learning environment. The fee is charged on a per-term basis, and there is no ceiling on the amount. Students who do not receive scholarships or bursaries essentially pay for a part of the school's financial assistance budget.

If you are unable to make your SAL payment by the posted due date, you will be assessed a late fee of $150. To avoid this, you can apply for an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA), which allows students to defer payment of their tuition and SAL without penalty to a later date. To be eligible for an APA, you must have a proven source of funding. Your APA request must be sent from your @queensu.ca email address and include your student number.

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged a late fee, you can submit a service charge/late fee appeal. This may be the case if, for example, the late fee was caused by a bank error. In such a case, you can request a receipt for the service charge from the Office of the University Registrar and then seek reimbursement from your bank.

If you are an international student, you may be eligible for an exemption from certain fees. The Ministry of Colleges and Universities outlines a number of exemption categories that must be examined individually by fee assessment staff in the Office of the University Registrar. You can find more information on the International Tuition Fee Status Change page.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may also consider appealing to the Student Awards Department. While this may not directly impact your SAL payment, it could help you access scholarships or bursaries that can offset your overall expenses.

Frequently asked questions

The Student Assistance Levy (SAL) is a mandatory fee charged to students to improve scholarships and student assistance programs, fund the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP), and support the learning environment.

The Student Assistance Levy was implemented in 1993 as a mandatory $100 fee for full-time students. The fee is charged on a per-term basis, and there is no ceiling on the SAL.

The Student Assistance Levy is due by the posted due date. Late payments will be assessed a $150 late fee.

Payment of the Student Assistance Levy can be made to the Office of the University Registrar at Queen's University by the posted due date.

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