Distance Education Disclosure

Course Format and Access

Lionel University courses and programs are 100% distance education with no residency requirement. Dormitory facilities, housing availability, and institutional assistance with housing is not offered and does not apply. All coursework is delivered through our online Learning Management System (LMS), accessible via secured username and password through lionel.edu. This course delivery platform is designed with an easy-to-use student interface. The LMS is used by students and faculty members for course syllabus, course work, and grading. Supported by the course instructor and the accompanying digital textbook, the LMS is the students’ online classroom.

Students may begin classroom orientation shortly after registration. It is recommended that students complete classroom orientation prior to starting their first course. The purpose of classroom orientation is to help the student navigate the LMS, understand the process for successfully completing a course, and utilize all helpful student resources.

 

FERPA

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a U.S. federal law that gives students access to their records and protects the privacy of their education records. Lionel University may not disclose personally identifiable information about students or allow inspection of their education records without written permission unless such action is covered by certain exceptions permitted by the act.

Once a student has registered for courses at Lionel University, all rights provided by FERPA rest with the student even if the student is younger than 18 years old. This applies regardless of country of residence or citizenship.

FERPA grants five basic rights to you as a student:

• To inspect and review the information maintained in your student record.

• To seek an amendment to your records and in certain cases add a statement to the record.

• To consent to disclosure of his/her records (with exceptions).

• To obtain a copy of the institution’s policy.

• To file a complaint with the Department of Education if Lionel University fails to comply with FERPA Policies.

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW.
Washington, DC 20202-4605

Directory Information

Directory Information may be released without written authorization. FERPA defines Directory Information as being information not generally considered harmful such as name, address, enrollment status, telephone, e-mail, place of birth, degree, and awards, etc. 

Lionel University considers the following to be directory information:

• Student's name

• Address

• Telephone number

• E-mail address

• Date and place of birth

• Major field of study

• Enrollment status

• Dates of attendance and graduation

• Degrees, honors, and awards received

If you decide to request that your directory information not be disclosed, please send a request for a Directory Information Block via email to your Success Coach. The request must come from the email address specified in your student record and must include your student ID for us to process it.

Non-Directory Information

Non-Directory Information may only be released to third parties (including parents, spouses, and siblings) with written authorization. If a third-party tuition assistance agreement requires Lionel University to report grades or academic status, only the information required by the agreement will be reported (e.g., Military Tuition Assistance, VA benefits). Some examples of non-directory information are:

• Race, ethnicity, and citizenship

• Grades, GPA, course schedule

• Documents required for admission

• Billing or Financial Aid Information

Giving Access to a Third-Party

You may sign a Third-Party Authorization Form to allow FERPA protected information to be released to a third party. To request the form, email your Success Coach at support@lionel.edu. The request must come from the email address in your student record and must include your student ID for us to process it.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Alcohol and Drug Policy for Faculty, Staff and Students

Background:

Lionel University is committed to achieving an alcohol- and drug-free workplace. Alcohol and other drug abuse is a significant public health problem and has a detrimental effect on the community in terms of increased medical and worker’s compensation claims, medical disability costs, decreased productivity, injuries, theft, and absenteeism. Accordingly, Lionel University has the right and obligation to maintain a safe, healthy, and productive working and learning environment and to protect Lionel University property, operations, and reputation.

Students, faculty, and staff must comply with the federal, state, and local laws concerning alcohol and illegal drug usage, whether on University property or otherwise.  Violations will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials.  Individuals will be subject to Lionel University disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion or separation, pursuant to the University’s policies and procedures.  Our Administration reserves the right to impose one or more disciplinary actions, including successful completion of a substance abuse program as a condition to continue enrollment or employment, at the cost of the individual.

Enforcement Summary:

Based on our commitment to improve the quality of education, all individuals have a personal responsibility to encourage compliance with this policy.

Any employee—faculty member, student, staff member, or administrator—who does not abide by this statement is subject to:

  • Personal action up to and including termination or expulsion, or

  • Satisfactory participation in an educational, assistance, or rehabilitation program related to alcohol and drug abuse that is approved by a federal, state, local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency. The cost of the program will be paid by the individual if not covered by insurance.

  • The decision on the severity of action taken will depend, in part, upon the nature of the offense, the sensitivity of the position held, and the outcome of participation in the program described above.

  • Employees or students who are not terminated or expelled may also be referred to appropriate self-help groups.

Students in violation of the laws regulating alcohol and controlled substances or Lionel University policies concerning alcohol and drugs may receive, in addition to criminal sanctions, Lionel University sanctions including, but not limited to, the following: fines, education programming, probation, or dismissal.

Employees of Lionel University found in violation of laws regulating alcohol or controlled substances, may receive, in addition to criminal sanctions, Lionel University sanctions including: official reprimand, suspension, or termination. Employees in violation will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in their respective employee handbooks.

Education Summary:

All employees receive an annual email that contains the details and ramifications of violating Lionel University's drug and alcohol policy. New employees are provided the information within the first three months of their employment. The drug and alcohol awareness information includes:

  • The content of this policy.

  • The extent and nature of the abuse problem, including national and Lionel University statistics, as well as social, personal, and health risks.

  • Recognition of symptoms of abuse and discussion of recent perspectives on the problems (i.e., focus on prevention, environment, and norms rather than only on full-blown addiction, value of early intervention, process of addiction, and health risks).

  • Referral information on available counseling, rehabilitation, and self-help groups.

  • Penalties to be imposed for violation of this policy.

Assessment Summary:

Assessment activities to guide program development will be conducted by the Administration and results will be used to evaluate and guide program development. Assessment, at a minimum, will include the following information:

  • An appraisal of the environment for subtle causes of alcohol and drug abuse;

  • The collection and use of summary health and counseling client information;

  • The collection and use of summary data from drug-related disciplinary actions.

Notification to Faculty Staff and Students

This letter is sent electronically on an annual basis.

*******************************************************************

Dear Students and Faculty,

As a Federal requirement for higher education institutions, Lionel University is sending an annual notification to students and faculty members per the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and Drug and Alcohol Prevention Regulations.

It is Lionel University’s position that no student or faculty member should use drugs or alcohol while attending class or while on Lionel University’s campus. Lionel University does not condone the use of any illegal drug or alcohol whatsoever for any student or faculty member.

Please review the following information pertaining to drugs and alcohol while attending Lionel University.

Sanctions

  1. Students in violation of the laws regulating alcohol and controlled substances or University policies concerning alcohol and drugs may receive, in addition to criminal sanctions, University sanctions including, but not limited to, the following: fines, education programming, probation, or dismissal. Students in violation will be subject to judicial system policies and procedures as outlined.

  2. Employees of Lionel University found in violation of laws regulating alcohol or controlled substances or University policies concerning these substances, may receive, in addition to criminal sanctions, University sanctions including official reprimand, suspension, or termination. Employees in violation will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined.

  3. Any student facing a drug-related conviction may not qualify for federal aid.

Health Risks Associated with Drugs and Alcohol

There are multiple health risks associated with drugs and alcohol, and these substances can affect various parts of the body, including liver, muscles and bones, nose, lungs, stomach, brain, heart, pancreas and intestines, sex organs, immune systems, and blood vessels.

Counseling, Treatment, and Rehabilitation

Lionel University will provide information about local counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation for students or faculty members when needed based on the student’s need. Please contact the school for information.

End of Letter:

*******************************************************************

Detailed Policy on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention

To comply with federal regulations, Lionel University is required to send an annual notification to students and faculty members per the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and Drug and Alcohol Prevention Regulations.

As required by law, Lionel University administration will also conduct an annual review of its program to (a) determine its effectiveness and implement changes if needed and (b) ensure that the sanctions developed are consistently enforced. This annual meeting is part of the Compliance Committee’s annual meeting held during the first quarter of each year.

It is our intent and obligation to provide a drug and alcohol-free, healthy, safe, and secure working and learning environment.  Staff, faculty, and students are expected and required to adhere to this policy.  Staff, faculty, and students are not permitted on the premises if under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In addition to the aforementioned requirement, all staff, faculty, and students will adhere to the following:

  • The unlawful manufacture distribution, possession, dispensing, or use of a controlled substance on company premises or while conducting company business off campus is absolutely prohibited.  Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, dismissal of the student, and may include legal consequences as allowed by federal, state, and local laws.

  • We recognize drug and alcohol dependency as an illness and a major health problem.  We also recognize drug and alcohol abuse as a potential health, safety, and security problem.  Employees and students needing help in dealing with such problems may contact the Human Resources Department to obtain a listing of centers specializing in drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation. Lionel University will make every appropriate effort to assist a member of the staff, faculty, or student body.

  • Employees must, as a condition of employment, abide by the terms of the above policy and report any conviction under a criminal drug or alcohol statute for violations occurring on or off company premises while conducting business.  A report of a conviction must be made to the Director of Accounting/Finance within five days after the conviction.  (This requirement is mandated by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.)

  • Students suspected of engaging in drug or alcohol abuse on campus or in classes may be removed from class and possibly expelled. Lionel University has the right to request a drug or alcohol test from a student as part of our pledge to assist a student in rehabilitation and to remain as a student in the University.

  • An employee of the institution may be required to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test at any time.  Refusal to consent to such testing established by the company shall be considered to constitute that employee’s resignation for personal reasons.  An employee who tests positive will be subject to immediate termination at the sole discretion of the company administrators.

  • Any student, faculty, or member of the staff may be reported to local authorities if any parts of this policy are violated. Lionel University may also require certain rehabilitation be completed before a faculty, staff, or student may return to the University.

  • Lionel University promotes an alcohol-free workplace at all times.

  • All faculty and staff members are required to acknowledge Lionel University’s drug and alcohol-free policy upon employment.

Summary of  Sanctions

It is the intent of Lionel University to institute fair and effective sanctions against persons who violate this policy which may also result in a violation of federal, state, or local laws.

  1. Students in violation of the laws regulating alcohol and controlled substances or company policies concerning alcohol and drugs may receive, in addition to criminal sanctions, company sanctions including, but not limited to, the following: fines, educational programs on substance abuse, probation, or dismissal. Students in violation will be subject to judicial system policies and procedures as outlined.

  2. If Lionel University suspects a student may be abusing a substance such as illegal drugs, alcohol, or prescription drugs, the student may be asked to leave the premises or class. Lionel University has the right to notify the local authorities.

  3. Lionel University may require satisfactory participation in an educational, assistance, or rehabilitation program related to alcohol and drug abuse that is approved by a federal, state, local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.

  4. Employees of Lionel University found in violation of laws regulating alcohol or controlled substances or University policies concerning these substances, may receive, in addition to criminal sanctions, company sanctions including official reprimand, suspension, or termination. Employees in violation will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined.

  5. The severity of the action taken by the company will depend, in part, upon the nature of the offense, the sensitivity of the position held for faculty and staff, time to graduation for students, the decision of the appeal committee, and the outcome of an approved substance abuse program as outlined above.

  6. Faculty, staff, and students not expelled may also be referred to appropriate self-help groups.

Summary of Laws in California related to Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol Laws

1)   Persons under 21 years of age are prohibited from purchasing, attempting to purchase, or possessing intoxicating liquor.

2)   It is a crime for those licensed to sell alcoholic beverages to sell or otherwise supply intoxicating liquor to persons under 21 years of age.

3)   California prohibits selling or supplying intoxicating liquor to persons who appear to be intoxicated.

4)   A person commits the crime of driving while intoxicated (DUI) if that person operates a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated or drugged condition. In California, a driver with eight-hundredths of one percent (.08 percent) of alcohol by weight in his or her blood is guilty of DUI and is presumed to be intoxicated without further evidence as to how the driver’s motor skills or operation of the automobile have been affected.

5)   A person under 21 years of age may be charged with zero tolerance if he or she has one-hundredth of one percent (.01 percent) or higher of alcohol is his or her system when operating a motor vehicle.

6)   Penalties for violation of California’s alcohol laws or alcohol-related traffic laws can include admin per se license suspension, criminal license suspension, fines, jail time or community service, DUI school, installation of ignition interlock device (IID), sr-22 filing and loss of driving privileges.

Drug Laws

1)   All manufacture, sale, use, or possession of controlled or imitation of controlled substances violations are felonies with these exceptions:

  1. titPossession of 28.5 grams or less of marijuana is an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $100. (Ca. Health & Safety Code § 11357(b).)

  2. Possession of more than 28.5 grams of marijuana is punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both. (Ca. Health & Safety Code § 11357(c).

  3. Penalties include fines, probation, and jail terms. A student may lose eligibility for Title IV funds if convicted of a drug-related charge while using Title IV funds.

Summary of how the company may collect information about Drugs or Alcohol

1)   A member of the faculty may observe a student behaving out of character or discussing drugs in class and disrupting class.

2)   Anonymous tips from a credible source.

3)   Directly from the person in question.

4)   Students reporting odd behavior.

5)   Using security cameras on campus.

6)   Background checks before hiring faculty and staff.

7)   Professional and character references.

Health Risks Associated with Drugs and Alcohol

There are multiple health risks associated with drugs and alcohol, and these substances can affect various parts of the body, including liver, muscles and bones, nose, lungs, stomach, brain, heart, pancreas and intestines, sex organs, immune systems, and blood vessels. Alcohol and drug use can also impair one’s ability to absorb and retain information and cause long-term brain damage.

For more information on how drugs and alcohol affect the body and how to avoid them, please view this free resource: http://www.drugfreeworld.org.

Common symptoms of substance abuse include but are not limited to the following:

*Odor of alcohol on the breath

*Unexplained changes in personal or professional relationships

*Deteriorating work performance

*Mood swings, increased anxiety, depression

*Unusual scarring or bruising

*Deterioration in appearance

*Social isolation

*Increased irritability

*speech, coordination, memory problems

*eye redness, irritation

Counseling, Treatment, and Rehabilitation

Lionel University will provide information about local counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation for students or faculty members based on the student’s need. Please contact any member of Lionel University staff to reach out for assistance. A qualified member of Lionel University staff will assist you with locating help.

Treatment of Substance Abuse Problems--Where To Go For Help

Lionel University believes that the most effective responses to instances of substance abuse rely on appropriate identification of the problem and the availability of effective, confidential assistance. Individuals with substance abuse problems are encouraged to seek such assistance and appropriate treatment options. The company also encourages members of the community to care about each other and to express concern for and to offer help to those engaged in substance abuse.

Faculty can provide individuals with advice about company policies and procedures, and the appropriate off-campus services.

Medical and Rehabilitation Leaves

Generally, the company provides rehabilitation leave to faculty and staff seeking treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. The company will make reasonable efforts to keep the basis of medical and rehabilitation leaves confidential.

Students seeking a medical leave and who plan to return may submit a written request for a leave of absence (LOA). The request must include the reason for leave and date of return. A Leave of Absence cannot exceed 180 days.

Students on an approved LOA are not considered withdrawn. Students seeking a medical leave should send a written request to the Student Affairs Committee (studentaffairs@lionel.edu).  A physician or mental health professional must provide a written recommendation for the medical leave. Readmission for students on medical leave is contingent on a physician's or mental health professional's written recommendation.  The Student Affairs Committee must approve the petition to return from a medical leave. A medical leave can be taken at any point in the quarter.

Faculty/staff members seeking a rehabilitation leave should contact the Chief Academic Officer. Any faculty or staff member who acknowledges a problem with drugs or alcohol, and who decides voluntarily to enroll in a rehabilitation program, may be granted a reasonable accommodation.  This accommodation may include time off without pay and/or an adjusted work schedule provided the accommodation does not impose an undue hardship on the institution.

The costs of participation will be paid by the faculty member or the faculty member's health insurance provider.

Off-Campus Resources

The following resources may be helpful to individuals with substance abuse problems:

Alcoholics Anonymous (805) 962-3332

Al-Anon (805) 899-8302

Cocaine Anonymous (805) 969-5178

Narcotics Anonymous (805) 569-1288

Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (800) 662-4357

The following resources may be helpful to people who are in a relationship with an individual with a substance abuse problem or who grew up in a drug or alcohol affected, or other types of dysfunctional homes.

Adult Children of Alcoholics 1-800-331-0503

Co-Dependents Anonymous (888) 444-2359

Al-Anon (805) 899-8302

Summary of federal laws and policy that support a drug-free and alcohol-free campus

1)   Pell Grant and Guaranteed Student Loans effective July 1987

2)   The Drug-Free Workplace Act, effective March 1989

3)   The Drug-Free Schools and Community Act Amendments, effective October 1990

Summary of this policy

1)   No student, faculty, or staff member should be in possession of, use, or distribute drugs and alcohol on campus or at any institutional activities.

2)   Applicable legal sanctions under local, state, and federal law for unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or controlled substances are clearly outlined and available to view in the annual distribution of this information.

3)   A description of the health risks associated with drug and alcohol use.

4)   Referral and treatment information.

5)   A clear statement of disciplinary actions that the University will impose on students and employees who may violate this policy.

Financial Student Aid

LOSS OF AID ELIGIBILITY ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG-RELATED OFFENSES AND HOW TO REGAIN ELIGIBILITY (as taken directly from Volume 1 of the Student Financial Aid Handbook).

The chart below illustrates the period of ineligibility for FSA funds, depending on whether the conviction was for sale or possession and whether the student had previous offenses. (A conviction for sale of drugs includes convictions for conspiring to sell drugs.)

Possession of Illegal Drugs

1st Offense - 1 year from date of conviction

2nd Offense - 2 years from date of conviction

3+ Offenses - Indefinite period

Sale of Illegal Drugs

1st Offense - 2 years from date of conviction

2nd Offense - Indefinite period

3+ Offenses - Indefinite period

If the student was convicted of both possessing and selling illegal drugs, and the periods of ineligibility are different, the student will be ineligible for the longer period.

Schools must provide each student who becomes ineligible for Title IV aid due to a drug conviction a clear and conspicuous written notice of his loss of eligibility and the methods whereby he can become eligible again.

A student regains eligibility the day after the period of ineligibility ends or when he successfully completes a qualified drug rehabilitation program or, effective beginning with the 2010–2011 award year, passes two unannounced drug tests given by such a program. Further drug convictions will make him ineligible again.

Students denied eligibility for an indefinite period can regain it after successfully completing a rehabilitation program (as described below), passing two unannounced drug tests from such a program, or if a conviction is reversed, set aside, or removed from the student’s record so that fewer than two convictions for sale or three convictions for possession remain on the record. In such cases, the nature and dates of the remaining convictions will determine when the student regains eligibility. It is the student’s responsibility to certify to you that she has successfully completed the rehabilitation program; as with the conviction question on the FAFSA, you are not required to confirm the reported information unless you have conflicting information.

When a student regains eligibility during the award year, you may award Pell, ACG, National SMART, TEACH, and Campus-based aid for the current payment period and Direct and FFEL loans for the period of enrollment.

Standards for a Qualified Drug Rehabilitation Program

A qualified drug rehabilitation program must include at least two unannounced drug tests and must satisfy at least one of the following requirements:

  • Be qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly from a federal, state, or local government program.

  • Be qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly from a federally or state-licensed insurance company.

  • Be administered or recognized by a federal, state, or local government agency or court.

  • Be administered or recognized by a federally or state-licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.

If you are counseling a student who will need to enter such a program, be sure to advise the student of these requirements. If a student certifies that he has successfully completed a drug rehabilitation program, but you have reason to believe that the program does not meet the requirements, you must find out if it does before paying the student any FSA funds.

Drug Convictions

HEA Section 484(r)

34 CFR 668.40

Drug Abuse Hold

The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 includes provisions that authorize federal and state judges to deny certain federal benefits, including student aid, to persons convicted of drug trafficking or possession. The CPS maintains a hold file of those who have received such a judgment, and it checks applicants against that file to determine if they should be denied aid. This is separate from the check for a drug conviction via question 23; confirmation of a student in the drug abuse hold file will produce a rejected application and a separate comment from those associated with responses to question 23. See the ISIR Guide for more information. 1–16 Vol. 1—Student Eligibility 2010–11 FSA HB JUL 2010

End of Policy.

(Last updated March of 2023)

Transfer Policies

Transfer and Award of Academic Credit

University transfer credits are determined by the receiving institution. Each institution is responsible for determining its own policies and practices with regard to the transfer and award of credit. It is the receiving institution’s responsibility to provide reasonable and definitive policies and procedures for determining a student’s knowledge in required subject areas. Lionel University will furnish transcripts and other documents necessary for a receiving institution to judge the quality and quantity of the work completed by its students. Be advised that the work reflected on the transcript may or may not be accepted by a receiving institution.

Transfer Credit

Credit transfer depends on:

  1. The educational quality of the institution from which the student transfers.
  2. The comparability of the nature, content, and level of credit earned.
  3. The appropriateness and applicability of the credit earned to the programs offered by the receiving institution, in light of the student’s educational goals.

Accreditation: Accreditation speaks primarily to the first of these considerations, serving as the basic indicator that an institution meets certain minimum standards. Lionel University gives careful attention to the accreditation conferred by accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA and/or the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). CHEA is a non-profit organization of colleges and universities that has a formal process of recognition that requires recognized accrediting bodies to meet the same, generally accepted minimum standards for accreditation. USDE has a governmental process of recognition that requires recognized accrediting bodies to meet federal standards ensuring that education provided by accredited institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality.

Comparability and Applicability: Comparability of the nature, content, and level of transfer credit and the appropriateness and applicability of the credit earned in programs offered by the receiving institution are important in the evaluation process. This information is obtained from catalogs and other materials and from direct contact between staff at both the receiving and sending institutions.

Admissions and Degree Purposes: There may be differences between the acceptance of credit for admission purposes and the applicability of credit for degree purposes. A receiving institution may accept previous work, place a credit value on it, and enter it on the transcript. However, that previous work, because of its nature and not its inherent quality, may be determined to have no applicability to a specific degree to be pursued by the student.

Unaccredited Institutions: Institutions of postsecondary education that are not accredited by CHEA-recognized accrediting bodies may lack that status for reasons unrelated to questions of quality. Such institutions, however, cannot provide a reliable, third-party assurance that they meet or exceed minimum standards. That being the case, students transferring from such institutions may encounter special problems in gaining admission and in transferring credits to accredited institutions.

Foreign Institutions: In most cases, foreign institutions are chartered and authorized by their national governments, usually through a ministry of education. Although this provides for standardization within a country, it does not produce useful information about comparability from one country to another. The Council on International Education Exchange, Council on Evaluation of Foreign Credentials, National Liaison Committee on Foreign Student Admissions, and National Association of Foreign Student Affairs can assist with information or guidelines on admission and course placement of foreign students. Equivalency or placement recommendations are evaluated in terms of programs and policies of the individual receiving institution.

Validation of Extra-Institutional and Experiential Learning for Transfer Purposes: Transfer-of-credit policies encompass educational accomplishment attained in extra-institutional settings as well as at accredited postsecondary institutions. Recommendations provided by the American Council on Education’s Office, credit-by-examination programs, and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning help to determine credit equivalencies for various modes of extra-institutional learning.

What this means to you

Lionel University accepts previous general education and elective coursework from an institution that is (or was at the time the course was completed) accredited by an organization recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA. Transfer credit is only applied to degree programs and is not accepted for certificate completion.

Transferable coursework from outside institutions must be:

  • Relevant (a logical addition to your course of study)
  • Reliable (accredited institution, military education, CLEP, AP, etc.)
  • Verifiable (via official transcripts)
  • Completed with a grade of C or higher

Here are the types of credit accepted:

  • Relevant undergraduate general education or electives completed with a grade of C or higher through an institution accredited by an organization recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA
  • Credit by Examination including:
    • Chauncey Group International - DSST Program (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
    • College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)*
    • Excelsior College Exams (formerly ACT-PEP, formerly Regents College Exams)
    • College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Program
    • Relevant NCCA-accredited or ISSA personal training certifications may be transferred in with successful passing of corresponding competency exams with 75% or higher (BS - maximum of 4, AS - maximum of 2, Master Trainer certificate - maximum of 1)
    • Professional Military Education (non-academic experience and training) evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) as academic credit.

Please Note: Lionel University’s school code for the CLEP examination is: 4898.

Credit earned in repeatable required courses may be applied only once to the degree requirements.

Some study abroad programs, upon approval, may satisfy some general education and/or elective requirements.

Relevant experiential learning as gained through the military and evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) for undergraduate credit can satisfy some general education or elective requirements. Official military transcripts are required. This institution does not award credit for any other prior experiential learning.

Credit awarded for experiential or equivalent learning, including credit-by-examination, cannot exceed 25 percent of the credits required for the degree.

Articulation Agreements

Lionel University holds articulation agreements with:


  • Huntington University of Health Sciences
  • American College of Healthcare Sciences USA (ACHS), Portland, OR
  • United States Sports Academy (USSA)

Huntington University of Health Sciences

Lionel University students who transfer to Huntington University of Health Sciences have their coursework evaluated on a course-by-course basis to determine which of the Huntington University of Health Sciences general education requirements and discipline requirements have been met. Graduates of Lionel University’s AS in Exercise Science program will qualify for junior year standing upon admission to the Huntington University of Health Sciences BS in Nutrition program.

American College of Healthcare Sciences USA (ACHS)

ACHS accepts Lionel University certificate courses (PTR) with a grade of B or higher for transfer credit. The student must successfully complete all admission requirements and enroll as a new student at ACHS within five years following completion at Lionel University to receive transfer credit under this agreement. Upon enrolling at ACHS and submitting official Lionel University transcripts, the ACHS Registrar will note the appropriate award of credit to the student’s transcript without additional charge. This credit will be recorded as “Transfer Credit” on the academic transcript and will be excluded when calculating the student’s grade point average. There will be no cost to the student for Transfer Credit obtained in this manner. Please be aware that the administrative fee structure at ACHS is subject to change.

United States Sports Academy (USSA)

USSA will admit qualified students from Lionel University associate’s degree program
into its Bachelor of Sports Science Degree Program. USSA will also admit qualified students from Lionel University into its Master of Sports Science in Sports Exercise Science program. The Bachelor degree program offers majors in Sports Coaching, Sports Management, Sports Strength and Conditioning, and Sports Studies. Admission fee will be waived for any student graduating with an AS degree from Lionel University.

Articulation agreements are subject to change. Confirm the terms of these agreements with the articulating institution before you enroll.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

A completed program application and official transcripts from the conferring institution are required to facilitate credit evaluation. Transcripts for comparable Lionel University undergraduate courses completed in a country other than the United States must be evaluated by an outside credential evaluation company before they are submitted to Lionel University. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org) members are acceptable sources for foreign credential evaluation and translation services. Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Credit for experiential learning from NCCA-accredited personal training courses or ISSA courses is awarded upon successful passing of corresponding competency exams with a score of 75% or higher (BS program: maximum of 4, AS program: maximum of 2; Master Trainer certificate: maximum of 1). Competency exams must be completed within the students first term in Lionel University. Applicants must submit proof of certification to registrar@lionel.edu. (Note: Transferred certification courses do not result in an ISSA certification.)

Lionel University operates on a quarter system and courses are awarded quarter credit. If a student transfers over credit taken at a semester based institution, the credit is converted to the quarter equivalent. One quarter credit is equivalent to two-thirds of a semester credit.

Any course or credit recommendation (institutional or non-institutional) approved to transfer to Lionel University degree requirements is evaluated on the quarter credit worth in addition to standards of educational quality to determine the applicability to Lionel University degree requirements.

Credits applied towards degree requirements are recognized only for the quarter credit required for that specific degree requirement. No additional credit will be awarded beyond the quarter credits required.

The prospective student must provide the following documentation:

  • Official college/university transcripts (must come from conferring institution)
  • Proof of certification (if submitting NCCA-accredited / ISSA LLC certification courses for consideration)
  • Course outlines and/or catalog from awarding institution
  • Military-earned credit:
    • Joint Services Transcript (JST)
    • Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript
  • Official standardized examination results:
    • Award of academic credit toward the degree program of enrollment is assessed on the basis of test scores and the appropriate subject area
    • Lionel University will award transfer credits for exams that are associated with the current Lionel University curriculum

Once the Transfer Credit Evaluation is complete, accepted transfer credit is applied to the degree plan and supplied to the applicant. The institution will maintain a written record of an applicant’s previous education and training, the record will clearly indicate that credit has been granted if appropriate, and the degree requirements will be shortened accordingly. To appeal the results of a transfer credit evaluation, contact the Office of the Registrar.

Competency Exam Policy

Relevant experiential learning from NCCA-accredited personal training courses within the Fitness and Wellness industry (including ISSA LLC) can be transferred in to satisfy core or elective credit in Lionel University degree programs. Credit will be awarded upon successful passing of a competency exam with a 75%. All competency exams must be completed within the students first term in Lionel University. If an exam is not completed in the first term, a $15 fee will be charged to the student in order to take the exam. Students are allowed two attempts to pass the exam. After two unsuccessful attempts, transfer credit will not be awarded.

NOTICE CONCERNING TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDITS AND CREDENTIALS EARNED AT OUR INSTITUTION

The transferability of credits you earn at Lionel University is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the (degree, diploma, or certificate) you earn in the educational program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the (credits or degree, diploma, or certificate) that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending Lionel University to determine if your (credits or degree, diploma, or certificate) will transfer.

Cost of Attendance

Estimated Total Annual Expense

Tuition is due on a quarterly basis. Based on the tuition rate of $333 per credit, quarterly tuition for a full-time student enrolled in 15 credits is $4,995. The estimated total annual expense is $14,985 (45 quarter credits completed per year). The estimated total tuition and fees for the FSA eligible programs funds are:

Master Trainer Certificate
30 quarter credits + Fees
$11,394

Associate of Science in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Personal Training 
90 quarter credits + Fees
$31,769

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
180 quarter credits + Fees
$62,254

Master of Science in Exercise Science
45 quarter credits + Fees
$20,055

Estimates based on tuition rate of $333 per credit hour and a $22.50 proctor fee for each course taken. Number of credits and courses take for a degree programs can vary by electives chosen.

Before applying for financial aid, students and parents should assess all the costs associated with attending Lionel University. The Financial Aid office establishes standard budgets, which reflect standard costs for students during a typical quarter of enrollment.  Actual expenses vary among students depending upon lifestyles, priorities, and obligations.

Undergraduate

23-24 Undergraduate Cost of Attendance Grid

Graduate

23-24 Graduate Cost of Attendance Grid

 

Refund Policies

Student’s Right to Cancel

Refunds, if applicable and requested, will be made within 30 days of request via the original payment method.

If cancellation occurs at any time within 7 calendar days after the institution accepts enrollment, the student may request a refund of all money paid to the institution. 

Refund Calculation

Undergraduate and graduate courses:

  1. The course start date is considered the first class.
  2. Cancellation up through 60% of the duration of the term will result in a prorated refund. Rate is computed by dividing the number of term days through the date of cancellation by the total days in the term.
  3. Cancellation after 60% of the duration of the term will result in no refund for the term.
  4. Students who withdraw as a result of physical incapacity are entitled to a prorated refund through the end of the term. Medical documentation required.

Self-paced certificate courses:

  1. The first completed assignment is considered the first class.
  2. Cancellation before 60% completion of course assignments will result in a prorated refund computed on the number of assignments completed to the total assignments in the course.
  3. Cancellation after completing 60% of the course assignments will result in no refund.
  4. Students who withdraw as a result of physical incapacity are entitled to a prorated refund through the end of the enrollment period. Medical documentation required.
  5. Beyond the conclusion of the original 6-month enrollment period, students enrolled in self-paced certificate courses are no longer eligible for refunds in any amount.

Students who have received federal student aid funds and cancel up through the 60% point are entitled to a refund of moneys not paid from federal student aid program funds, if applicable.

Iowa students are entitled to a 100% refund of tuition through the first day of class.

Iowa students who withdraw before the final day of class will receive a prorated refund, calculated by multiplying the amount of tuition the student was charged by a ratio of the number of calendar days remaining/incomplete in the term as of the withdrawal date, as compared to the total calendar days in the term.

Lionel University accepts cancellation in any manner. However, California state statutes require that students verify cancellation in writing. Therefore, please supplement any verbal requests with written notice within 30 days. Written notice can be in any form including email (registrar@lionel.edu) or mail (1015 Mark Ave, Ste 1013, Carpinteria, CA 93013).

The institution reserves the right to cancel a student’s enrollment for violations of student conduct, including, but not limited to, a student’s lack of attendance.


Refund Policy Examples

Undergraduate courses:

Total course length in days Total tuition ÷ Number of days completed in the course

Refund Policy Example – Student Paid $3,996 total tuition # Days 31 / 70 = 44% $3,996 * (1 - 0.44) = $2,237.76 net refundable tuition

Refund Policy Example – Student Responsibility $3,996 total tuition # Days 31 / 70 = 44% $3,996 * 0.44 = $1,758.24 net student responsibility = Refund amount

This is an example only. Student finances are individualized and vary from student to student.

Graduate courses:

Total tuition ÷ Total course length in days = Refund amount Number of days completed in the course

Refund Policy Example – Student Paid $2200 total tuition # Days 31 / 70 = 44% $2200 * (1 - 0.44) = $1232 net refundable tuition

Refund Policy Example – Student Responsibility $2200 total tuition # Days 31 / 70 = 44% $2200 * 0.44 = $968 net student responsibility

This is an example only. Student finances are individualized and vary from student to student.

Self-paced certificate courses:

Total number of course assignments Course cost ÷ Number of course assignments completed Course cost– Refund amount + $25 (S&H) Total amount student is responsible for paying

Refund Policy Example – Student Paid $675 total tuition # Assignments 4 / 10 = 40% $675 * (1 - 0.40) = $405 net refundable tuition

Refund Policy Example – Student Responsibility $675 total tuition # Assignments 4 / 10 = 40% $675 * 0.40 = $270 net student responsibility = Refundable tuition

This is an example only. Student finances are individualized and vary from student to student.

Return of Title IV (R2T4)

Title IV funds are awarded to a Lionel University student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, ceases to attend, is dismissed, or fails to return from an approved leave of absence, the institution will determine the amount of aid the student earned. This will determine any Title IV aid that must be returned to the US Department of Education or disbursed to the student as a post-withdrawal disbursement.

The calculation is based on the number of days completed by the Last Date of Attendance (LDA) or official withdrawal notice, divided by the total days the student was scheduled to attend during the quarter at the time the student ceased attendance in all courses.

Up through the 60% point in the student’s scheduled enrollment, the earned amount of Title IV funds is prorated through the withdrawal date or LDA. After the 60% point, the student will earn 100% of the Title IV funds disbursed for their scheduled enrollment. Any unearned portion of FSA funds that were disbursed must be returned to their respective programs. Lionel University will return any FSA funds used to pay institutional charges as determined by the R2T4 calculation. The student may be required to return unearned grant funds to the Department of Education via direct payments, or Direct Loan funds via the terms of the Master Promissory Note. A student may receive a post-withdrawal disbursement if the student earned more federal financial aid than was disbursed. The institution will return funds or offer to issue post-withdrawal disbursements of Direct Loan funds within 45 days of the date it determined the student withdrew.

The student is responsible for repaying the institution for any balance on their account resulting from the institution returning FSA funds originally used to cover tuition and fees on the student’s behalf. After any FSA funds have been returned, the student’s balance will be displayed under the Financial tab of the student portal. Failure to pay the balance in full will result in a financial hold being placed on the student’s account. Students on financial hold are not permitted to register for classes (or, in some cases, remain registered in class).

If the student does not repay grant funds that are owed to the US Department of Education within 45 days of being notified, the account will be turned over to the Department as an overpayment. Students who owe an overpayment of Title IV funds are ineligible for further disbursements of FSA funds at any institution until the overpayment is paid in full or satisfactory payment arrangements have been made with the Department.

Order of Refund

Refunds are allocated in the following order:

  • Unsubsidized Direct Loans
  • Subsidized Direct Loans
  • Federal Parent (PLUS) Loan
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Other federal, state, private, or institutional aid for which a return of funds is required

 

Withdrawal Procedures

Dropping or Withdrawing from a Course

Students are asked to discuss dropping a course with their Success Coach. A student may drop a course without receiving a “W” if they drop by the last day of the first week of class. The final withdrawal deadline is the end of the 3rd week in a 5-week course and the end of the 6th week in a 10-week course. Students who officially withdraw from a course before the final withdrawal deadline will receive a “W.” Beyond the final withdrawal deadline, grades will be calculated as points earned, divided by the total course points. All deadlines are in the institution’s time zone.

The refund procedure and schedule described above shall apply to all drops and withdrawals. For veteran students, the VA Office will be notified of all dropped courses or withdrawals

Withdrawing from the School

Official Withdrawal: Students can request withdrawal from the school in any manner. California state statutes require that students verify cancellation in writing. Therefore, please supplement any verbal requests with written notice within 30 days. Written notice can be in any form including email (billing@lionel.edu) or mail (1015 Mark Ave suite 1013, Carpinteria, CA 93013).

Unofficial Withdrawal: Students who cease attendance and do not provide official notification of their intent to continue in their classes may be considered for administrative withdrawal.

 

Students with Disabilities

Lionel University does not discriminate on the basis of disability. Lionel University has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794).

Lionel University does not discriminate in admission or access to our program on the basis of age, race, color, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or any other category protected by local, state or federal laws. Applicants who are persons with disabilities, as defined in paragraph 104.3(j) of the regulation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, may apply for admittance into the program. Lionel University will work with the applicant or student to determine whether reasonable accommodations can be effective and/or are available.

Lionel University's ADA Compliance Coordinator:  Cory Schierberl | registrar@lionel.edu | 800-650-4772 

is responsible for coordinating compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Request for Accommodation

If you would like to request academic adjustment or auxiliary aids, please contact your Success Coach. You may request academic adjustments or auxiliary aids at any time.

Any qualified individual with a disability requesting an accommodation or auxiliary aid or service should follow this procedure:

1) Notify your Success Coach in writing of the type of accommodation needed, date needed, documentation of the nature and extent of the disability, and of the need for the accommodation or auxiliary aid. The request should be made at least four weeks in advance of the date needed.

Email: support@lionel.edu

2) Your Success Coach will respond within two weeks of receiving the request.

3) If you would like to request reconsideration of the decision regarding your request, please contact your Success Coach within one week of the date of the response. Please provide a statement of why and how you think the response should be modified.

Section 504 Internal Grievance Procedure

Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The Law and Regulations may be examined in the office of Cory Schierberl who has been designated to coordinate the efforts of Lionel University to comply with Section 504. The Compliance Coordinator can be contacted by phone number at 1-805-364-0612 or by email at support@lionel.edu.

Any person who believes she/he has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may file a grievance pursuant to the procedure outlined below. Lionel University will not retaliate against anyone who files a grievance in good faith or cooperates in the investigation of a grievance.

Procedure:

Grievances must be submitted to Cory Schierberl, 1-805-364-0612 or by email at support@lionel.edu the Section 504 Grievance Compliance Coordinator, within thirty (30) days of the date, the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.

A complaint must be in writing, containing the name and address of the person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought.

The Section 504 Grievance Compliance Coordinator (or his designee) shall investigate the complaint (i.e., identify and obtain relevant evidence, identify and obtain statements from relevant witnesses) and afford all interested persons an opportunity to submit relevant evidence. The Complainant may also present witnesses relative to the complaint.  The Section 504 Grievance Compliance Coordinator will maintain the files and records relating to such grievances. The Section 504 Grievance Compliance Coordinator will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than 30 days after its filing.

The person filing the grievance may appeal the decision of the Section 504 Grievance Compliance Coordinator by writing to Lionel University’s Executive Director, Dr. Salvatore A. Arria, 1015 Mark Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013 who can be reached at 800-650-4772 or by email at  sarria@lionel.edu within 15 days of receiving the Section 504 Grievance Coordinator’s decision.  The Executive Director shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after its filing.

The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the U. S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

Lionel University will take all steps to prevent recurrence of any harassment or other discrimination and to correct discriminatory effects where appropriate.  Lionel University will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled persons are provided other accommodations, if needed, to participate in this grievance process. The Section 504 Compliance Coordinator will be responsible for such arrangements.

 

Copyright Infringement

Copyright Infringement and Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Policy

Course enrollees agree that all Information within the institution's courses, course texts, accompanying workbooks, and websites, etc. are protected by intellectual property rights, including copyrights, trademarks and other proprietary rights, which rights are valid and protected in all media existing now or later developed, and contractually agree not to create derivative works based on the Information and not to use the Information for the purpose of enhancing competing works.

Course enrollees are granted a limited license to use, search, display, or print the Information contained on the institution's websites for their own personal non-commercial use only, provided the Information is not modified and a copy of this agreement is attached to any copies that are made. Any other use of the Information is strictly prohibited. None of the Information may be otherwise reproduced, republished or re-disseminated in any manner or form without the prior written consent from the institution.

All rights, including copyright, in any information which are linked to but not hosted on the Site continue to be owned by their respective owners.

Note that by using the institution's websites, you signify your agreement to this and future Copyright Notices. Your continued use of the institution's websites subsequent to changes to this Copyright Notice will mean that you accept the changes.

Copyright Law

Copyright is a form of legal protection provided by U.S. law, Title 17 U.S.C. §512(c) (2), which protects an owner’s right to control the reproduction, distribution, performance, display and transmission of a copyrighted work. The public, in turn, is provided with specific rights for fair use of copyrighted works. Copyrighted works protect original works of authorship and include

  • Books, articles and other writings
  • Songs and other musical works
  • Movies and television productions
  • Pictures, graphics, and drawings
  • Computer software
  • Pantomimes and choreographic works
  • Sculptural and architectural works

Specific information on copyright law and fair use may be found at the following sites:

Copyright Infringement

The copyright law provides the owner of a copyright the exclusive right to do the following:

  • Reproduce the work in copies.
  • Prepare derivative works based upon the work.
  • Distribute copies of the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease or lending.
  • Perform the work publicly.
  • Display the copyrighted work publicly.
  • Perform the work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission in the case of sound recordings.

The copyright law states, “Anyone who violates any of the exclusive rights of the copyright owner is an infringer of the copyright or right of the author.”

Generally, under the law, one who engages in any of these activities without obtaining the copyright owner’s permission may be liable for infringement.

Peer-to-Peer File Sharing

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing is a general term that describes software programs that allow computer users, utilizing the same P2P software, to connect with each other and directly access digital files from one another’s hard drives. Many copyrighted works may be stored in digital form, such as software, movies, videos, photographs, etc. Through P2P file sharing it has become increasingly easy to store and transfer these copyrighted works to others, thus increasing the risk that users of P2P software and file-sharing technology will infringe the copyright protections of content owners.

If P2P file-sharing applications are installed on your computer, you may be sharing someone else’s copyrighted materials without realizing you are doing so. As a user of any of the institution's networks, recognizing the legal requirements of the files that you may be sharing with others is important. You should be careful not to download and share copyrighted works with others.

The transfer and distribution of these works without authorization of the copyright holder is illegal and prohibited.

Violations and Penalties under Federal Law

In addition to Lionel University sanctions under its policies as more fully described below, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or statutory damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For willful infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.

Lionel University Plans to Effectively Combat Unauthorized Distribution of Copyrighted Material; Student Sanctions

A student’s conduct in the University’s virtual classrooms and websites is subject to and must fully conform to the Student Code of Conduct policy and any other applicable Lionel University policies.

The University may monitor traffic or bandwidth on the networks utilizing information technology programs designed to detect and identify indicators of illegal P2P file-sharing activity. In addition to, or as an alternative, the University may employ other technical means to reduce or block illegal file sharing and other impermissible activities.

The institution will also provide for vigorous enforcement and remediation activities for those students identified through the University Digital Millennium Copyright Act policy as potential violators or infringers of copyright.

Disciplinary sanctions may be imposed on students identified as violators or infringers of copyright. Sanctions will be based on the seriousness of the situation and may include remediation based on a comprehensive system of graduated responses designed to curb illegal file sharing and copyright offenses through limiting and denial of network access or other appropriate means. These sanctions may be in conjunction with additional sanctions through the University’s Student Code of Conduct, or other University policy applicable to the particular situation.

Students who are subject to professional codes of conduct that apply to their enrollment at the University shall be sanctioned according to the requirements of the respective code.

 

Federal Aid Programs

Types of Federal Financial Aid Programs

Financial Aid consists of grants and loans provided by the federal government to those who can demonstrate eligibility. Each type of aid has specific eligibility requirements. Qualifying students may be eligible for more than one type of aid.

Generally, to be eligible for Federal Student Aid, a student must:

  • Demonstrate financial need (except for certain loans).

  • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate or state-specific equivalency credential, or complete a high school education in a home-school setting that is treated as such under state law.

  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizens

  • Have a valid Social Security Number.

  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school.

  • Not be in default on a federal student loan at any school or owe money on a federal student aid grant overpayment.

  • Certify that he or she will use Federal Student Aid only for educational purposes.

  • Be attending at least half-time (for loan program only).

  • Not have property subject to a judgment lien for any debt owed to the United States Government.

The student will need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form in order to apply for Federal Student Aid. The form can be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Lionel University's federal school code is: 042434

The student’s actual eligibility amounts will be determined from the information reported on the FAFSA.

Students are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Financial Aid or the Military office to determine if potential institutional financial aid assistance may be available to assist a student with extenuating circumstances.

Need-Based and Non-Need-Based Federal and State Financial Aid

Students are potentially eligible for a variety of aid programs; some are need-based and some are non-need based as determined by the information provided and verified on the FAFSA.

How Eligibility for Need-Based Aid is Determined and How Need-Based Aid is Awarded

Students are awarded financial aid based on the student’s financial need. Financial need is determined by a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) (computed from information provided on the FAFSA) as compared to Lionel University’s Cost of Attendance (COA). Those who have a positive number remaining after the EFC is subtracted from the Cost of Attendance may qualify for some need-based aid sources. To meet with federal regulations, Lionel University defines the neediest students as those whose EFC = $0.

Resources Included in Financial Aid Packages are awarded as follows in this order:

1. The Pell Grant is awarded to students who meet the federal criteria as determined by EFC levels. The amounts of the award vary as the federal government determines.

2. Student Loans are awarded last. Students are offered their maximum loans based on dependency status (dependent or independent) and by level in college (first year or second year). Those who have completed less than 36 units at Lionel University are first-year students and those who have completed 36 units or more at Lionel University are second-year students. 

Below are the programs Lionel University currently participates with:

Grants

Federal Pell Grants

The Pell Grant is aid that does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded to students who have a financial need as determined by the U.S. Department of Education standards. Annually, the U.S. Department of Education determines student eligibility for this Grant. For the 2023-24 award year, the maximum Pell Grant for a full-time student attending three quarters in the Award Year is $7395.  Students eligible for a Pell Grant may qualify for less depending on their Estimated Family Contribution and enrollment status (number of credits taken) each quarter. Not all students will qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. 

A student is eligible to receive a Pell Grant for up to 12 semesters or the equivalent. If a student has exceeded the 12-semester maximum, he or she will lose eligibility for additional Pell Grants. Equivalency is calculated by adding together the percentage of Pell eligibility that he or she received each year to determine whether the total amount exceeds 600%.

For example, if Mike’s maximum Pell Grant award amount for the 2022-2023 school year was $5,550, but he only received $2,775 because he was only enrolled for one semester, he would have used 50% of his maximum award for that year. If during the following school year (2023-2024), he were to enroll three-quarter time for the entire year, he will use 75% of his maximum award for that year. Together, he will have received 125% out of the total 600% lifetime limit.

Loans

Direct Loans are loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of a student’s education after high school that tend to have less interest than alternative loans. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education, though the entity the borrower deals with, the loan servicer, can be a private business. The Borrower Rights and Responsibilities Statement issued by the Department of Education with the Master Promissory Note includes information regarding use of the loan money, information the borrower must report to the Department of Education after the loan is received, the amount the borrower may borrow, the interest rate, payment of interest, the loan fee, repayment incentive programs, disbursement information, loan cancellation, the grace period, loan repayment information, late charges and collection costs, demand for immediate repayment, defaulting on the loan, consumer reporting agency notification, deferment and forbearance options, discharge, loan consolidation, Department of Defense and other federal agency loan repayment, and Americorps program education awards.

A Disclosure Statement is issued to the borrower by the Department of Education once the Department receives a loan origination record from the school. A Notice of Disbursement(s) Made Letter is issued to the borrower by the Department of Education once the Department receives a disbursement that was made to the borrower.

Federal student loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options, including, but not limited to, income-based repayment, income-contingent repayment plans, and loan forgiveness benefits, which other student loans are not required to provide. Federal Direct Stafford loans are available to students regardless of income. Before taking out loans, students should visit the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans to learn more.

Subsidized Federal Direct Loan

The Subsidized Federal Direct Loan program provides low-interest loans through the U.S. Department of Education’s Direct Loan Program.  It is awarded on the basis of need and tends to have less interest than private loans.  The maximum annual loan amount for undergraduate students is $3,500 for the first academic year, and $4500 for the second academic year, and $5,500 for the third and fourth academic years. In addition, the Department of Education will remove origination and other fees (if applicable). Beginning July 1, 2012, only undergraduate students are eligible for subsidized loan funding. The Federal government pays the interest while the student is in school, in grace, and during deferment periods. Effective for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2012, interest begins accruing on these loans when the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment status. Repayment begins six months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. The minimum repayment amount is $50 per month, but it may be greater depending on the amount borrowed.  

However, subsidized Federal Direct loans provide many flexible repayment plans as outlined in the loan counseling materials. Payments are based on the repayment plan selected by the student. Current interest rates can be found at the Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans.

Borrowers with other outstanding loans may be able to consolidate eligible loans and make only one monthly payment. Please refer to the loan entrance counseling materials found at https://studentaid.gov/app/launchConsolidation.action for additional information.

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan

Unsubsidized Student Loans are federally guaranteed loans that are available for students who desire to pursue education, but lack the financial resources to do so. These loans are not based on financial need. Interest on the unsubsidized student loans starts to accrue as soon as the loan is disbursed to the school. The federal government does not pay the interest on the loan while the student is in school. These are fixed interest loans and a student is not required to start making repayments while he or she is in school. Students are not required to make interest or principal payments until 6 months after graduation or dropping below half-time. These loans can be used to pay for the total expenses of your education: tuition, housing, reading materials, and other expenses related to studies. 

https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans

Student loan borrowers are responsible for all interest that accrues on the loan while in school, in grace, and during deferment periods. The student may elect to make interest payments while in school to avoid the capitalization of interest and to lower the overall repayment debt. Loan repayment will begin six months after the student leaves school or attends less than half time.

The interest rate for undergraduate unsubsidized loans can be found at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans

Please see the Financial Aid Administrator at the school to receive further information regarding the maximum Unsubsidized Federal Direct annual loan amounts for the second or subsequent academic years.

All federal loans will be reported to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) as part of the student’s financial aid history. The information will be accessible to authorized agencies, other post-secondary institutions, lender and Federal loan servicing agencies. 

Lionel University does participate in the PLUS Loan program. Students are encouraged to contact the Lionel Financial Aid Team at 800-650-4772 x3 or financial-aid@lionel.edu, to review the PLUS loan option.

State Aid Programs

If you were in Foster Care prior to reaching the age of 18 in California, please access the following resource:

https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/Help/FosterYouth.asp

Lionel University does not currently participate in the Cal Grant program for California residents.

Please refer to the following website to determine if there are any other forms of California State Aid apply to you:

http://www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?id=33

If you believe you qualify for other forms of funding through California or your state of residency, please refer to the particular agency providing the aid to inquire about requirements, and contact the Financial Aid Office to include it in your financial aid package.

 

TITLE IX OFFICE

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces, among other statutes, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Lionel University is committed to providing a work and school environment free of unlawful harassment or discrimination.

Title IX Coordinator:
  • Jenette Buffum
  • 1013 Mark Ave
  • Carpinteria CA 93013
  • 800-650-4772
  • jbuffum@lionel.edu

Lionel University ensures that its employee(s) designated to serve as Title IX Coordinator(s) have adequate training on what constitutes sexual harassment, including sexual violence, and that they understand how the institution’s grievance procedures operate. Because complaints can also be filed with an employee’s supervisor or Human Resources, These employees also receive training on the institution’s grievance procedures and any other procedures used for investigating reports of sexual harassment.

TITLE IX POLICY

Lionel University is committed to providing a work and school environment free of unlawful harassment or discrimination. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Lionel University prohibits discrimination based on sex, which includes sexual harassment and sexual violence, and Lionel University has jurisdiction over Title IX complaints which should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator. Employees of Lionel University are required to take our mandatory Sexual Harassment and Prevention Training upon hire and every two years thereafter. Lionel University policy prohibits harassment or discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information or any other basis protected by the federal, state or local law.

Lionel University TITLE IX and anti-harassment policy applies to all persons involved in the operation of the institution, and prohibits unlawful harassment by any employee of the institution, as well as students, customers, vendors or anyone who does business with the institution. It further extends to prohibit unlawful harassment by or against students. Any employee, student or contract worker who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. To the extent a customer, vendor or other person with whom the institution does business engages in unlawful harassment or discrimination, the institution will take appropriate corrective action.

As part of the institution’s commitment to providing a harassment-free working and learning environment, this policy shall be disseminated to the institution’s community through publications, the school website, new employee orientations, student orientations, and other appropriate channels of communication. Lionel University provides training to key staff members to enable the institution to handle any allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence promptly and effectively. Lionel University will respond quickly to all reports, and will take appropriate action to prevent, to correct, and if necessary, to discipline behavior that violates this policy.

TITLE IX Definitions

Sexual Harassment 

Is defined as unwelcome is defined as unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, other verbal or physical sexual conduct, or any other offensive unequal treatment of an employee, student, or group of employees or students that would not occur except for their sex when:

  1. The advances, requests or conduct have the effect of interfering with performance of duties or studies or creating an intimidating, hostile, or otherwise offensive work or academic environment.
  2. Submission to such advances, requests or conduct is explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic achievement or advancement.
  3. Submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions.

Sexual Harassment is a violation of Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended in 1972, (42 U.S.C. S2000e, et. seq.), and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1691, et. seq.), including the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and is punishable under both federal and state laws. Forms of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, sexist remarks or behavior, constant offensive joking, sexual looks or advances, repeated requests for dates, unwelcome touching, promise of reward for sexual favors. Students, faculty or staff who experience sexual harassment are encouraged to make it clear to the alleged offender that such behavior is offensive. However, failure to comply with this provision does not defeat the investigation. Includes quid pro quo harassment perpetuated by an educational institution’s employee; and all other forms of sexual harassment, where the conduct is “so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive” that it denies the victim equal access to education, as set forth by the Supreme Court in Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education.

Sexual Violence 

Means physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent. A number of acts fall into the category, including sexual assault or harassment based on sexual orientation, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Alleged sexual violence against another may also constitute a crime resulting in an additional, independent law enforcement investigation falling outside of this Grievance Policy. These acts will not be tolerated at Lionel University as such acts are inappropriate and create an environment contrary to the goals and mission of Lionel University. Any such acts will be thoroughly investigated and will subject an individual to appropriate disciplinary sanctions and/or possible action by appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Sexual Assault 

Includes rape, acquaintance rape, fondling, incest, and statutory rape, as well as other forms of non-consensual sexual activity.

Domestic Violence 

Means a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, a person who is co-habitating with or has co-habitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred, or any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s act under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.

Dating Violence 

Means a violence act committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the following factors: the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse  or threat of such abuse and dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.

Stalking 

Means “engaging in a course of conduct (two or more acts including but not limited to acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, or by any action, method, device or means, follows, monitors observes, surveils, threatens or communicates to or about a person or interferes with his or her property that is directed at a specific person and would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. “Reasonable persons” means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim. “Substantial emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. “Course of conduct” is two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property.

Consent 

Means voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity by verbal agreement or active and willing participation in sexual activity. Someone who is incapacitated or under the age of consent under state law cannot consent. Past consent does not imply future consent. Silence or an absence of resistance does not imply consent. Consent to engage in sexual activity with one person does not imply consent to engage in sexual activity with another. Consent may be withdrawn at any time. Coercion, force, or threat of either invalidates consent.

Clery Act

Lionel University is a distance education only institution, as such students are never present for enrollment, student services, study, work, or internships etc. therefore, according to HEA Handbook for Campus Safety, the institution is exempt from reporting or compliance with the Clery Act as there are no student statistics to report on.

Prohibited Conduct under TITLE IX

This policy strictly prohibits sexual or other unlawful harassment or discrimination as well as sexual violence, as defined above. Sexual or other unlawful harassment or discrimination includes any verbal, physical or visual conduct based on sex, race, age, national origin, disability or any other legally protected basis if:

  1. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s education or employment;
  2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for decisions concerning that individual’s education or employment; or
  3. it creates a hostile or offensive work environment, which means the alleged conduct is sufficiently serious to limit or deny a student’s or employee’s ability to participate or benefit from the education program.

Unlawful harassment or discrimination may include racial epithets, slurs and derogatory remarks, stereotypes, jokes, posters or cartoons based on race, national origin, age, disability, marital status or other legally protected categories. Sexual harassment is conduct based on sex, whether directed towards a person of the opposite or same sex, and may include explicit sexual propositions, sexual innuendo, suggestive comments, sexually oriented “kidding” or “teasing”, practical jokes, jokes about or displays of obscene printed or visual material, questions about sexual fantasies, preferences or history, and physical contact such as patting, pinching, or intentionally brushing against another person’s body. Gender-based harassment, including acts of verbal, nonverbal or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping are strictly prohibited, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.

 

TITLE IX Grievance Procedure

NOTICE

If you believe that you have experienced or witnessed harassment or sexual violence, notify your instructor, supervisor, or the Title IX Coordinator as soon as possible after the incident. Do not allow an inappropriate situation to continue by not reporting it, regardless of who is creating the situation. No employee, contract worker, student, vendor or other person who does business with the institution is exempt from the prohibitions in this policy. Supervisors are required to refer all student harassment complaints to the Title IX Coordinator. In order to facilitate the investigation, your complaint should include details of the incident or incidents, names of the individuals involved and names of any witnesses. Actual Notice has occurred once the Title IX Coordinator has knowledge, or any other official who has the authority to institute corrective measures on behalf of the institution has notice.

 

TITLE IX FORMAL or INFORMAL PROCESS

In some cases, if the situation warrants the institution may offer an informal process only after a formal complaint has been filed. All parties to the complaint must give voluntary, informed, written consent to proceed to an informal process. All parties will be given written notice disclosing the allegation, the requirements of the informal resolution process including any consequences of participating in the informal process which may include the forfeiture of any formal process rights. Additionally any party may withdrawal from the informal process to resume the formal grievance process at any time with written notice to the Title IX Coordinator. Informal process will not be offered in the case of a formal complaint involving allegations that an employee sexually harassed a student.

 

TITLE IX SUPPORTIVE MEASURES

Supportive measures may include:

Referral to counseling, medical, and/or other health services

Offering adjustments to academic deadlines, course schedules, etc.

Academic Support

Financial Aid Counseling

Modifying class or work schedules;

Placing mutual restrictions on contact between the parties;

Changing work or housing locations; and/or

Providing leaves of absence

Implementing contact limitations (no contact orders) between the parties

 

PERSONNEL

Title IX Coordinator

Investigator(s)

Decision Maker (Adjudicator)

Facilitator

Advisor to the parties

 

TITLE IX GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

All parties will be treated equitably. The goal of remedies are to provide, preserve or restore equal access to education and activities.

Objective evaluation of evidence. The grievance process will ensure objective evaluation of all relevant evidence. Credibility will not be determined based on status as a complainant, respondent, or witness.

All personnel are trained using approved materials. The training materials are available in the Title IX hearing personnel training. 

TITLE IX hearing personnel training

All personnel involved in the live hearing process will attend training in order to effectively perform their duties. Training Lionel University offers can be found on this site and at the link below: 

 

PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE

A Respondent is presumed not responsible, any finding of responsibility will come at the conclusion of the grievance process

 

TITLE IX HARASSMENT TIME FRAME OF PROCESS

  1. Notification happens
  2. Investigation conducted within 5 days and
  3. Written results of investigation will be given to all parties to the complaint within 30 days of Notification
  4. Hearing will be set within 5 days of results of investigation and be completed not more than 25 days
  5. Results from hearing will be delivered in writing to all parties by the Title IX Coordinator within 10 days of conclusion of live hearing.
  6. The entire process will generally take no more than sixty (60) days.
  7. From time to time delays or extensions of our time frames may be necessary. Delays or extensions of the institution’s will be “temporary,” “limited,” and “for good cause,” and we will notify all parties of the reason for any such short-term delay or extension.

 

RANGE OF OUTCOMES

Warning or censure

Disciplinary probation

Loss of privileges or exclusion from services or organizations

Restrictions

Suspension

Dismissal or expulsion – For students this may include removal from or expulsion from school including any school resources, all rights and privileges the institution provides, and any other services the institution provides present or future.

Holds on enrollment or registration, degree’s, transcripts, financial aid.

In the case of any employee or faculty up to and including termination. Repeated behavior will be subject to any and all of the above as appropriate.

 

TITLE IX STANDARD OF EVIDENCE

Lionel University has adopted a Preponderance of Evidence standard for determining responsibility for all formal sexual harassment proceedings. This standard of evidence will be used in all formal proceedings whether the respondent is a student, employee, or faculty member.

 

TITLE IX RIGHT TO APPEAL

Every Party has the right to appeal the result of a grievance decision. The party must file an appeal, in writing, with the Title IX Coordinator within 15 days of the decision. The Title IX Coordinator shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after its filing.

 

TITLE IX- Investigation of Complaints

All notifications of Harassment are investigated by trained team-members of the institution in order to determine if immediate supportive measures need to be taken, or to stop, prevent and remedy the situation. Investigation does not necessarily lead to formal grievance complaint, the complainant has a choice to in many circumstances decide to pursue formal, informal, or no further investigation depending on the severity of the issue the TITLE IX Coordinator may need to escalate but will do everything in their power to keep the investigation private. Investigators are either the Title IX coordinator, or picked from a number of trained team members. Conflict of interest as well as expertise in certain areas are considered in the assignment of an investigator. See Anti-Harrassment and Discrimination Policy, Time Frame of Process, Harrasment process flowchart,  or TITLE IX TRAINING DOCUMENTS for more information.

 

TITLE IX- Retaliation Prohibited

Lionel University will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint, and will not tolerate retaliation by students or employees. If you believe you have been retaliated against, you should promptly notify your supervisor, and Human Resources or the Title IX Coordinator.

 

TITLE IX Reporting Requirements

Victims of sexual misconduct should be aware that the institution’s administrators must issue timely warnings for incidents reported to them that pose a substantial threat of bodily harm or danger to other members of the campus community. Lionel University will make every effort to ensure that a victim’s name and other identifying information is not disclosed, while still providing enough information for community members to make safety decisions in light of the danger. Lionel University reserves the right to notify parents/guardians of dependent students regarding any health or safety risk, or a change in student status.

 

TITLE IX Additional Information

Employees should contact Human Resources for more information or any questions related to this policy. Students may contact the Title IX Coordinator with any questions related to this policy. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) investigates complaints of unlawful harassment of students in educational programs or activities. This agency may serve as a neutral fact finder and will attempt to facilitate the voluntary resolution of disputes with the parties. For more information, visit the OCR website at: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/.

Version: 2020/08/14 

 

Applying for Aid

Applying For Federal Student Financial Aid

Each student interested in receiving financial assistance must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or provide a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) if the FAFSA was previously completed for the current award year. The FAFSA is free to fill out, and students do not need to pay for assistance completing it.

The Financial Aid Office will use the results of the FAFSA to determine the student’s financial aid eligibility. Students should refer to www.studentaid.ed.gov, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, for more detailed information about filling out the FAFSA.

Verification

A student’s application may be selected for a process known as verification. The verification process requires the school to validate certain information submitted on the FAFSA. The student will be required to submit supporting documentation. Need-based Federal Student Aid funds will not be awarded until the verification process has been completed.

If the verification process is not completed, the student will be responsible for making payments to the school to cover the amount owed for which aid was not received.

Each year the U.S. Department of Education requires schools participating in the distribution of federal student aid to verify the consistency and accuracy of data submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This verification process involves the review of tax documents and household information to ensure the accuracy of the FAFSA application. To complete verification, students and parents, as applicable, are asked to submit federal tax documents and forms to the Financial Aid Office.

Who is selected: The Department of Education has methods of identifying possible mistakes on the FAFSA data fields. Any student who completes a FAFSA may be chosen for verification by the Department of Education or the Financial Aid Office.

If deemed necessary, Lionel University may require verification for an undergraduate student who has submitted a special circumstance review form.

Students selected for any of the reasons listed above will have the Verification Forms (Independent or Dependent) emailed to them. To avoid delays in the award packaging and disbursement process students should complete the forms and return them to the Financial Aid Office via upload to their Populi student portal as soon as possible.

Submitting forms and documents: Scanned documents should be uploaded to the student's Financial Aid Application for the appropriate award year, under the "Financial Aid" section of the Financial tab of their Populi student portal. Financial Aid staff are notified when documents are uploaded. To be opened by Lionel University, emailed documents should be clearly labeled with a subject and text in the body of the email.

If possible, using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (discussed below) is the easiest and most secure way to verify income and tax information.

Some students selected for verification will be required to provide a notarized Statement of Educational Purpose. The original document with signatures is required, so these must be mailed directly to the Financial Aid Office.

Always keep a copy of submitted documents for your records.

The Financial Aid Office will verify all mandatory items identified by the U.S. Department of Education:

  • Household size
  • Number of household members in University
  • Adjusted gross income
  • Income tax paid
  • Education credits
  • IRA Deductions and Payments
  • Tax exempt interest Income
  • Untaxed portions of IRA Distributions
  • Untaxed portions of Pensions

In addition, some students will be required to verify High School/GED completion status as well as complete a statement of Educational Purpose. Lionel University can also verify discretionary items as we see fit.

After the initial verification document request has been met, Lionel University will compare the information provided on the FAFSA and might ask for additional information if we find discrepancies that cannot be explained.

Conflicting Information

Students are responsible for reporting accurate information on the FAFSA, regardless of whether a student is selected for verification. If Lionel University has access to information it considers to be in conflict, the student may be asked to explain discrepancies, provide supporting documents and/or make corrections to their FAFSA to resolve the issue.

If the conflicting information is not resolved, Federal Student Aid funds will not be awarded and the student will be responsible for making payments to the school to cover amount owed for which aid was not received.

Changes to Eligibility

Students whose financial aid information requires reprocessing, based on the verification process or resolution of conflicting information, may have FAFSA corrections electronically processed by Lionel University. Any corrections will generate an updated Student Aid Report (SAR) which will be sent to the student by the Central Processing System (CPS). The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) may change based on the corrections made.

If a student received a financial aid estimate before completing verification and resolving all conflicting information, his or her aid eligibility will be reevaluated by financial aid staff. Students are notified via email if awards change.

If conflicting information is discovered after aid is awarded or disbursed, Lionel University must resolve the conflicting information and the student will be required to repay aid received in excess of his/her eligibility. All conflicts must be resolved regardless of whether the student was selected for verification or not.

Timeline and deadlines: Please allow three weeks for the verification process to be completed, once all items have been submitted. The process may take longer if we receive incomplete documents or require additional information.

Financial aid funds cannot be officially disbursed until verification is completed. Return the requested documents to us as soon as possible.

To avoid a delay in the processing of your aid and having a hold placed on your account; verification must be completed by the registration deadline for your first quarter you intend to receive aid in a school year. Please ensure that the results of your FAFSA have been received by the Financial Aid Office at least 35 days prior to the quarter start date to allow enough time to receive instructions and gather verification documents. Deadlines are summarized below:

WINTER 2024: JANUARY 02 - MARCH 10

 

Session A / Full Term

Session B

Submit 2023-2024 FAFSA

Nov 30, 2023

Jan 15, 2024

Complete Verification
(If selected)

Dec 18, 2023

Jan 29, 2024

Accept Financial Aid Package

Jan 13, 2024

Feb 17, 2024

Complete Loan Counseling and Master Promissory Note

Jan 13, 2024

Feb 17, 2024

Winter 2024 Census Date: Jan 7, 2024. Pell Grant amounts will not include Session B courses added after this date. Further details on page 50 of the catalog.

SPRING 2024: APRIL 01 - JUNE 09

 

Session A / Full Term

Session B

Submit 2023-2024 FAFSA

Mar 01, 2024

Apr 05, 2024

Complete Verification
(If selected)

Mar 26, 2024

Apr 30, 2024

Accept Financial Aid Package

Apr 14, 2024

May 14, 2024

Complete Loan Counseling and Master Promissory Note

Apr 14, 2024

May 14, 2024

Spring 2024 Census Date: April 7, 2024. Pell Grant amounts will not include Session B courses added after this date. Further details on page 50 of the catalog.


SUMMER 2023: JULY 03 - SEPTEMBER 10

 

Session A / Full Term

Session B

Submit 2023-2024 FAFSA

May 31, 2023

Jul 05, 2023

Complete Verification
(If selected)

Jun 25, 2023

Jul 30, 2023

Accept Financial Aid Package

Jul 14, 2023

Aug 13, 2023

Complete Loan Counseling and Master Promissory Note

Jul 14, 2023

Aug 13, 2023

Summer 2023 Census Date: Jul 9, 2023. Pell Grant amounts will not include Session B courses added after this date. Further details on page 50 of the catalog.

FALL 2023: OCTOBER 02 - DECEMBER 10

 

Session A / Full Term

Session B

Submit 2023-2024 FAFSA

Sep 12, 2023

Oct 17, 2023

Complete Verification
(If selected)

Sep 24, 2023

Oct 29, 2023

Accept Financial Aid Package

Oct 03, 2023

Nov 07, 2023

Complete Loan Counseling and Master Promissory Note

Oct 13, 2023

Nov 12, 2023

Fall 2023 census date Oct 8, 2022.

If student does not submit a FAFSA, FAFSA corrections or verification documents by the above dates, aid may still be disbursed. However, it may be on a delayed schedule which may lead to a hold on a student's future registration if there is a balance due.

Documents: In addition to the Verification Forms (Independent and Dependent), as applicable, students and parents chosen for verification will be required to confirm the accuracy of their income and federal tax information via the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA (preferred) or an IRS Return Transcript which can be ordered at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. If these options are not feasible, a copy of the correct year's IRS Tax Return signed and dated by the student, spouse or parent as applicable is also acceptable.

When completing this process, students submit IRS documents from the tax year two years prior to the school year (Prior-Prior Year). For example students completing the FAFSA for 2022-2023 award year use information from their 2020 federal income tax return filing.

Students who filed electronically should be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA or request a Tax Return Transcript within 2 weeks. If a paper return was filed, either process may take 6-8 weeks to be available. For a step by step demonstration of the IRS DRT process, please watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZNRdk3iXeM.

Any person who filed an amendment to a Tax Return will need to obtain further IRS documents will need to be obtained.

If any of the following apply to the student or parent, he or she cannot use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool:

  • The student/parent indicated they are not required to file a federal income tax return. A letter verifying the non-filing status from the IRS is required instead.
  • The student/parent indicates they have not yet filed a tax return but they are required to do so.
  • The student/parent does not have a valid Social Security Number.
  • The student/parent marital status changed after filing taxes in the relevant year.
  • The student/parent or their respective spouse filed a tax return with the status of Married Filing Separately.
  • The student/parent is married, and either they or their respective spouse filed as Head of Household.
  • The parents' marital status is "Unmarried and both parents living together."
  • The student/parent filed an amended tax return.
  • The student/parent filed a Puerto Rican or foreign tax return.

 

Distribution

Methods of Distributing Aid Among Students

Financial aid is awarded based on an academic year or award year as defined on a program-by-program basis at the school. Disbursement of aid varies by the type of assistance.

Federal Aid

Lionel University notifies the borrower by email of the anticipated date and amount of the loan disbursement and the student’s right to cancel all or part of the loan or disbursement and procedures and time by which the student must notify the school that he or she wishes to cancel the loan or disbursement. 

Lionel University disburses financial aid funds to eligible students in one disbursement per quarter. The first disbursement of Federal Direct Loan funds for a first-year, first-time borrower will be 30 days after the first day of the first attended class. Financial aid funds will be applied first to institutional charges. The remaining balance will be mailed to the student in the form of a paper check.

Students may provide Lionel University with written authorization to hold any credit balance created by Federal Student Aid funds on account. Federal Pell Grant funds will be held until the end of the award year, while Federal Direct Loans will be held until the end of the Academic Year. If explicitly stated in the student's authorization, those funds may be used to cover other allowable institutional charges incurred in the Award Year or Academic Year. Any Federal Student Aid funds still on account at the end of their respective year will be returned to the Federal Direct Loan programs to reduce student debt . Funds will be returned to their Direct Unsubsidized Loans prior to their Direct Subsidized Loans. Any funds that can not be returned to a student loan because there is no balance to reduce will be issued directly to the student via check.

Financial Aid awards accepted by the student are disbursed by the business office and will appear as a payment on the student portal/POPULI as a direct credit reducing the balance due. Financial aid funds that exceed institutional charges create a credit balance that will be issued directly to the student via mailed check or held on account if a student has provided written authorization to do so. Students may review their pending charges, pending aid, invoices, payments and balances in the Financial tab of their Populi online student portal.

State Aid

State Aid is distributed to students who meet the eligibility criteria as described in the specific state aid program requirements. Students should call the financial aid office for additional information on available state aid programs.

Institutional Aid (Scholarships)

The school may offer various types of scholarships to students enrolled in specific programs of study or who have met the published criteria. The number of scholarship recipients varies from year to year depending on the funding available and the number of eligible applicants. For additional information on available institutional scholarships, students should contact the Financial Aid Office at the school. Students are also encouraged to seek additional scholarship programs not administered or awarded by the school.

 

Completion, Graduation and Transfer-Out Rates

Data Reported to IPEDS For 2018-19 Reporting Year

  Students that completed within 150% of normal time to completion
Recipients of a Pell Grant 60%
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan that did not receive a Pell Grant 0%
Did not receive either a Pell Grant or Subsidized Stafford Loan 40%
Men
  Total completers within 150% Total transfer-out students
Nonresident alien 0% 0%
Hispanic/Latino 0% 100%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 0%
Asian 0% 0%
Black or African American 0% 0%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0% 0%
White 33% 33%
Two or more races 0% 0%
Race and ethnicity unknown 0% 0%
Total men 25% 25%
Women
  Total completers within 150% Total transfer-out students
Nonresident alien 0% 0%
Hispanic/Latino 0% 0%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 0%
Asian 0% 0%
Black or African American 0% 0%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0% 0%
White 0% 0%
Two or more races 0% 0%
Race and ethnicity unknown 0% 0%
Total women 0% 0%
Total men + women 20% 20%

 

 

Rights and Responsibilities

Rights and Responsibilities of Aid Recipients

Rights

Students applying for and receiving financial aid have a right to the following:

1. Information on all financial assistance available, which includes all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.

2. Disclosure of deadlines for applications of each financial aid program and for any supporting documentation.

3. Specific information regarding fees, tuition, and the refund policy for those who drop out of school (withdraw).

4. An explanation of how students are selected for receipt of financial aid and how financial need is determined. This process includes a consideration of costs of tuition and fees, books and supplies, personal and miscellaneous expenses, etc., plus the student’s income and assets, parental contribution, other financial aid (such as scholarships) and so on.

5. Knowledge of what resources is considered in the calculation of student need.

6. Knowledge of how a financial aid package is determined.

7. An explanation of various programs awarded in the student’s financial aid package. If a student feels unfairly treated, a reconsideration of the award may be requested.

8. An explanation of the portion of financial aid the student received that must be repaid and what portion is grant aid or work study and does not need to be repaid. If the aid is a loan, the student has the right to know what the interest rate is, the total amount to be repaid, when the repayment is to begin, and the conditions of deferment and cancellation.

9. Knowledge of how Lionel University determines whether students are making “satisfactory academic progress” and the consequences of not meeting this requirement.

10. A student has the right to challenge or appeal the student’s financial aid award or any other decision of the Financial Aid Office pertaining to the student, which does not fall under the jurisdiction of federal or state regulations. The right includes answers to questions, explanations of policies and decisions and request for reconsideration.

Responsibilities

Students applying for and receiving financial aid are responsible for the following:

1. Reviewing and considering all information about Lionel University’s academic programs before enrolling.

2. Completing all the application forms ACCURATELY AND COMPLETELY and submitting them to the right place on time. If this is not done, financial aid could be delayed. Since errors cause misunderstanding and misrepresentation of information provided, errors must be corrected before any financial aid can be received. Intentional misreporting of information on application forms for federal financial aid is a violation of the law and is considered a criminal offense subject to penalties under the U.S. Criminal Code, and subjects the student’s application to denial. Additionally, regulations require that all cases of suspect fraud emanating from misrepresentation, be reported to the Office of the Inspector General.

3. Promptly returning all additional documentation, verification, corrections and/or new information requested by either the Financial Aid Office or the agency or agencies to which an application was submitted.

4. Reading and understanding all forms that the student is asked to sign.

5. Notifying the lender (if the student has a loan) of changes in the name, address or school enrollment status.

6. Performing the work that is agreed upon in accepting a college work-study award.

7. Knowing and complying with the deadlines for application or reapplication for aid.

8. Knowing and complying with the institution's Federal Aid Refund Policy.

9. Repaying financial aid funds if it is determined that the student was ineligible to receive the funds.

 

 

Student Loan Information

Terms and Conditions of Direct Loans

Direct Loans for Students

As a result of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, beginning July 1, 2010, federal student loans will no longer be made by private lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. Instead, all new federal student loans will come directly from the U.S. Department of Education under the Direct Loan Program.

On July 6, 2012, the President signed into law the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP 21). This law places a limit on Direct Subsidized loan eligibility for new borrowers on or after July 1, 2013.  A first-time borrower is no longer eligible for Direct Subsidized loans once the borrower has received Direct Subsidized loans for a period of 150% of the length of the borrower's educational program.  The borrower also becomes responsible for accruing interest during all periods as of the date the borrower exceeds the 150 percent limit. For detailed information on 150% Loan Limit visit Time Limitation on Direct Subsidized Loan Eligibility For First Time Borrowers:

http://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/attachments/051613DirectSubsidizedLoanLimit150PercentAnnounce1Attach.pdf

A first-time borrower is a borrower who has no outstanding balance of principal or interest on a Direct Loan or FFEL loan on July 1, 2013.  Borrowers who had a loan balance which has been paid in full prior to receiving loans after July 1, 2013 becomes a first-time borrower.

How do I request a Direct Loan?

#1) Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov

#2) Return all documents requested by the Financial Aid Office to complete your FAFSA application.

#3) Go to https://studentloans.gov to complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and the Direct Loan Master Promissory Note.  Click the Log In button.  You will need the username and password you use to complete the FAFSA (FSA ID). Once you are signed in, click on Complete Entrance Counseling and follow instructions.

NOTE: If you have received Direct Loans prior to attending Lionel or previously completed Direct Loan Entrance Counseling, you do not need to complete the entrance counseling again.

Once you finish entrance counseling return to https://studentloans.gov and click Complete Loan Agreement for a Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan (MPN).

You will need reference information for two people with different U.S. addresses who have known you at least 3 years.  The first reference should be a parent or legal guardian.  NOTE:  If you have completed a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) within the last 10 years, you can confirm your MPN status by clicking on the link Completed MPNs at the left-hand side of the screen.

Are there fees for my Direct Loan?

The origination fees or all Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans can be found at  https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized#additional-charges

When will I receive my loan money?

Student loans are paid in up to three equal disbursements during the selected loan period.  For one-quarter loans, the loan is paid in two equal disbursements during the quarter, approximately 21 days after the start and midpoint. 

In accordance with federal regulations, no loan money may be released sooner than ten days prior to the beginning of a quarter.  If you are a first-time Direct Loan borrower, the first disbursement will be 30 days after the the first day of the first course you attend.

IMPORTANT!  To receive Direct Loan funds, you must be enrolled at least half time (6.0 units). Please note the start date of your classes will affect when you will receive your student loan. Please refer to the Schedule of Class Start Dates to determine the start date of your classes:

Class Start Dates

How do I receive my loan money?

The Direct Loan is delivered to the student through Lionel University. Disbursements will be applied to the student's allowable charges and the student will receive any excess funds by check mailed to the address on file.

Please note - checks CANNOT be picked up!

When do I pay my Direct Loan back?

After graduating, leaving school, or enrolling less than half time, a student will have a six-month "grace period" before the first loan payment is due. All Direct Loans must be paid back with interest. Typically a student will have 10 years to repay their Direct Loan.

Terms and Conditions of Direct Loan Deferments

Information regarding the various deferments available to student and parent loan borrowers is available at the Department of Education website https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans

Terms of Loans Received, Repayment Schedules and Repayment

Generally, borrowers will have 10 to 25 years to repay their loan, depending on the repayment plan they choose. The loan servicer will notify the borrower of the date the first payment is due. If a repayment plan is not chosen by the borrower, the borrower will be placed on the standard repayment plan, with fixed monthly payments for up to 10 years. Repayment plans can be changed at any time by contacting the loan servicer. Information about standard repayment, extended repayment, graduated repayment, income contingent repayment (not available for parent PLUS loans), and income-based repayment can be found at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans

Loan Entrance Counseling

Recipients of the subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct loans must attend entrance counseling prior to the first disbursement of loan funds. The following information will be included in the Loan Entrance Counseling that is available online at http://StudentLoans.gov

  • Explanation and use of the Master Promissory Note (MPN).

  • Effect of accepting the loan on eligibility for other aid.

  • Seriousness and importance of the repayment obligation.

  • Option of paying interest on Unsubsidized Stafford and Graduate PLUS loans while in school.

  • Interest accrual process and interest capitalization when a borrower elects not to pay interest or if the interest is not paid by the US Department of Education.

  • Definition of half-time enrollment.

  • Consequences of not maintaining at least half-time enrollment.

  • Importance of contacting the appropriate office at the school if the student plans to withdraw before completing the academic program to allow the school to provide exit counseling to the borrower.

  • Obligation to repay the loans even if: the borrower does not complete the program or does not complete the program within the regular time for completion, is unable to find employment, is dissatisfied with the school/program, or does not receive the services purchased from the school.

  • The importance of repayment and the consequences of default, including adverse credit reports, Federal offset, and other Federal delinquent debt collection procedures and litigation.

  • Sample monthly repayment amounts based on a range of levels of indebtedness or the average cumulative indebtedness of other loan borrowers within the same academic program as the borrower.

  • Information regarding the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and how a borrower can access and monitor his or her loan records.

  • Name and contact information of the person the student can contact with questions regarding rights and responsibilities or loan terms and conditions.

  • For first-time borrowers, explanation of the limitation on eligibility for Direct Subsidized Loans and possible borrower responsibility for accruing interest, including: (1) the possible loss of eligibility for additional Direct Subsidized Loans; (2) how a borrower’s maximum eligibility period, remaining eligibility period, and subsidized usage period are calculated; (3) the possibility that the borrower could become responsible for accruing interest on previously received Direct Subsidized Loans and the portion of a Direct Consolidation Loan that repaid a Direct Subsidized Loan during in-school status, the grace period, authorized periods of deferment, and certain periods under the Income-Based Repayment and Pay As You Earn Repayment plans; and (4) the impact of borrower responsibility for accruing interest in the borrower’s total debt.

Loan Exit Counseling

Students are required to attend a financial aid loan exit counseling session prior to graduating or shortly before ceasing enrollment of at least half-time study. Students who seek withdrawal from the school should see the Financial Aid Office to obtain exit counseling. Several topics presented at the entrance counseling session are again presented at the exit counseling. Exit counseling is required for all graduated, withdrawn, or dismissed students prior to exiting the institution as well as when a student ceases to attend at least half-time. If a student leaves school or chooses to postpone their education, the student should meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to understand the financial impact of this decision and to attend loan exit counseling. Exit counseling includes the following information:

  • Explanation of all repayment plans available.

  • Comparison of each type of repayment plan, including average projected monthly payments and the difference in interest and total payments.

  • Explanation of the terms and conditions to obtain full or partial loan forgiveness or discharge.

  • Explanation of the terms and conditions under which a borrower may obtain a deferment or forbearance.

  • Debt management strategies to assist the student in successful loan repayment.

  • Information regarding the average anticipated monthly repayment amount based on the student loan borrower’s actual indebtedness or the average indebtedness of student borrowers in the same academic program receiving the same types of loans.

  • A review of the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and the student’s obligation to repay the loan.

  • Explanation of the student’s responsibility to repay the loan even if the student did not complete the program, did not complete the program within the regular completion time for that program, is unable to obtain employment, or is dissatisfied with the education received.

  • Explanation regarding the consequences of default, including adverse credit reports, Federal offset, other Federal delinquent debt collection procedures and litigation under Federal law.

  • Effects of loan consolidation, including the effect on total interest and fees to be paid, length of the repayment term, effect on borrower benefits on underlying loans (grace periods, deferment, loan forgiveness, and loan discharge), option to prepay or change repayment plans, and how borrower benefits may differ between lenders.

  • Explanation of the tax benefits available to the student.

  • Information concerning the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and how the student can use NSLDS to access his or her records.

  • Information regarding the services offered by the student loan Ombudsman’s Office.

  • Information containing: (1) descriptions of federal student assistance programs, (2) the rights and responsibilities of student and institutional participants, (3) ways in which students and prospective students can assess the debt burden and monthly and total repayment obligations for their loans.

  • For first-time borrowers, explanations of (1) how a borrower’s maximum eligibility period, remaining eligibility period, and subsidized usage period are calculated; (2) the sum of the borrower’s subsidized usage periods at the time of exit counseling; (3) the consequences of continued borrowing or enrollment including: (a) the possible loss of eligibility for additional Direct Subsidized Loans and (b) the possibility that the borrower could become responsible for accruing interest on previously received Direct Subsidized Loans and the portion of a Direct Consolidation Loan that repaid a Direct Subsidized Loan during in-school status, the grace period, authorized periods of deferment, and certain periods under the Income-Based Repayment and Pay As You Earn Repayment plans; (4) the impact of borrower becoming responsible for accruing interest on total student debt; and (5) the Department of Education will notify the student borrower whether he or she is responsible for accruing interest on his or her Direct Subsidized Loans.

  • The student’s obligation to keep the lender informed.

  • The name and address of the lender.

In addition, the Financial Aid Office is responsible to collect the following information as part of the exit counseling and provide the information to the U.S. Secretary of Education within 60 days of receipt:

  • Name

  • Address

  • Social Security Number

  • References

  • Driver’s License Number and State

  • Expected Permanent Address

  • Name and Address of Next-of-kin

  • Name and Address of Known or Expected Employer

National Student Loan Data System

National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U. S. Department of Education’s central database for Federal Student Aid. Student financial aid information is submitted to the NSLDS from schools, guaranty agencies, the Direct Loan program, the Pell grant program, and other Department of Education programs. NSLDS Student Access provides a centralized, integrated view of Federal Student Aid loans and grants so that recipients of funds from these programs can access and inquire about the Federal Student Aid loans and/or grant data. Once a student’s data is reported to NSLDS, this site and all of the student’s information contained within is accessible to Financial Aid Administrators, and guaranty agencies. In addition, students may access their own financial aid information by visiting this site. All users must sign-in and be an authorized user.

To access the site, visit www.nslds.ed.gov

Federal Student Aid Ombudsman

Students should contact the Financial Aid Administrator at the school with any questions or concerns regarding Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans.

If a situation exists that a Financial Aid Administrator cannot resolve, students should follow procedures in the school catalog regarding Problem Resolution.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Ombudsman Office for student loan issues is also available. The Ombudsman operates as a neutral party and informally researches and attempts to resolve a borrower’s issue. 

Student borrowers can contact the Office of the Ombudsman via:

Online Assistance: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/disputes/prepare

For more information about submitting FSA feedback, go to 

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/disputes/prepare/contact-ombudsman

 or call 877.557.2575.  

The mailing address is:

U.S. Department of Education

FSA Ombudsman Group, 

P.O. Box 1843

Monticello, KY 42633

Fax number: 606-396-4821

If you have additional questions, please contact our office by emailing your financial aid advisor or by calling the Financial Aid office at 800-650-4772.

Referral of Overpayment and Fraud Cases

If Lionel discovers that a student received an overpayment of federal funds, the school will attempt to adjust subsequent financial aid disbursements. If this is not possible, the student will be required to repay the overpayment amount. Any applicant failing to repay the overpayment will be referred to the U.S. Department of Education for collection. Such applicants will be ineligible for future Federal student aid funds.

If an applicant misreports information or alters documents for the purpose of increasing his/her eligibility or for fraudulently obtaining Federal funds, the applicant will be reported to the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education. 

Consumer Information from the U.S. Department of Education

Students and financial aid staff should reference the U.S. Department of Education websites for information regarding the regulations, requirements, and application for Federal Student Aid.

Financial Aid sites:

U.S. Department of Education: www.ed.gov

Applying for Federal Student Aid: www.fafsa.ed.gov

Information for Students: www.studentaid.ed.gov

Loan Code of Conduct Policy

This code of conduct is applicable to all officers, employees and agents of Lionel University with responsibilities (directly or indirectly) with respect to private student loans. Lionel University officers, employees, and agents subject to this policy are prohibited from doing any of the following, either on their own behalf or on behalf of Lionel University:

* Participating in a revenue-sharing arrangement with any lender by which the lender pays a fee or provides other material benefits to the University or any officer, employee or agent subject to this policy in exchange for the University’s recommendation of that lender or its loan products;

* Receiving gifts from a lender, a guarantor, or a loan servicer;

* Accepting any contracting arrangement that provides financial benefit from any lender or affiliate of a lender;

* Directing borrowers to particular lenders or delaying loan certifications;

* Requesting or accepting from any lender any offer of funds to be used for private education loans in exchange for the University providing the lender with a specified number of loan volume of, or preferred lender arrangement for private education loans;

* Requesting or accepting any lender’s assistance with call center or Office of Financial Aid staffing; and

* Receiving anything of value from any lender, other than reimbursement for reasonable expenses, in exchange for service on an advisory board, commission, or group established by a lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors.

Any employee who is offered any gift or monetary compensation from a lender should contact the Financial Aid office for clarification and guidance before responding favorably to that offer.

Should an employee subject to this policy inadvertently accept a gift or other type of monetary compensation from a lender, that employee must immediately notify the Department’s Director or Dean. The amount received, the name of the employee or agent, a brief description of the activity and the dates of the activity for which the expenses were paid or provided must be reported to the Department’s Director or Dean. The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for reporting this information annually to the Secretary of the Department of Education.

The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for notifying all officers, employees and agents of this requirement annually.

1. Federal regulations require all institutions that participate in the federal Title IV student loan programs to adopt a code of conduct that meets the requirements of 34 C.F.R. § 601.21.

If you have additional questions, please contact our office by emailing financial-aid@lionel.edu or calling 800.650.4772.

 

Private Loans

Lionel University financial aid office advises that an alternative private loan option can be used after all federal direct loan options have been exhausted, as federal direct loans generally have better benefits and lower interest rates. We encourage students to apply for federal direct loans before applying for an alternative loan.

Lionel University Financial Aid office does not promote or endorse any specific private lender.

Any student applying for a private education loan at Lionel University must complete a FAFSA form in order to ensure that all available waivers and grants are available to the student, as well as to encourage students to make use of low-interest loans available through the Department of Education (subsidized if eligible). Student borrowers at Lionel University are counseled to compare the terms and conditions of Department of Education loans with the terms and conditions of private education loans to determine the more favorable borrowing option.

Private loans may have fixed or variable interest rates. Private student loan lenders can offer variable interest rates that can increase or decrease over time, depending on market conditions. The interest rate on a private loan may depend on the borrower’s credit rating. Private student loans have a range of interest rates and associated fees. Students should determine the interest rate of, and any fees associated with, a private student loan prior to accepting the loan as part of a financial aid award package. Questions regarding private student loans should be directed to the lender or to the school’s Financial Aid Office.

Upon request, Lionel University will provide the self-certification form for private education loans required under Sec. 128(e)(3) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1638(e)(3) and the information required to complete the form, to the extent that Lionel University possesses the information.

 

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Minimum Standards

For undergraduate programs, all students must maintain at least a 2.0 institutional
grade point average (GPA) and earn two-thirds of the credits they attempt. Students must meet the program requirements within 150% of the published length of the program in the undergraduate programs. For example, a student can attempt a maximum of 135 credits in order to complete the required 90.

For graduate programs, all students must maintain at least a 3.0 institutional grade
point average (GPA) and can repeat a maximum of two courses.

The following can have a negative impact on satisfactory academic progress:

  • Course grade below C: Course grades below C count as credits attempted and complete, but negatively impact GPA. This impacts minimum standards.
  • Failed course: A failed course counts as credits attempted but not complete, and has a negative impact on GPA. This impacts minimum standards and maximum time frame.
  • Incomplete: Incompletes count as credits attempted but not complete. This impacts minimum standards and maximum time frame. Incomplete grades are automatically replaced with the final course grade at the conclusion of the subsequent quarter. The course grade is calculated as points earned divided by total course points. The resulting letter grade will impact credits earned and GPA accordingly.
  • Withdrawal: Withdrawals count as credits attempted but not complete. This impacts minimum standards and maximum time frame.
  • Repeated Course: Credits from both course attempts are counted as credits attempted. Completed credits will count toward credits complete. Only the highest grade received will be included in GPA.
  • Transfer Credit: Accepted transfer credits count as attempted and complete credits. This impacts maximum time frame.

Evaluation Point

Academic progress is evaluated at the end of each 10-week quarter, after grades are official.

Warning, Ineligible, Probation, Disqualified, Appeal

Warning: Students who do not meet minimum standards will be placed on Warning until the next evaluation point. Students are notified in writing via email.

Students on Warning must complete an Academic Meeting with a Success Coach. Requesting and scheduling an Academic Meeting is the student’s responsibility. Failure to complete an Academic Meeting may result in a hold on future registration.

Students on Warning may remain eligible for federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs as long as they are demonstrating positive academic progress.

Students are eligible to be removed from Academic Warning if they are able to meet the minimum GPA and earn the required credits by the end of the Warning period.

Ineligible: Students who demonstrate negative academic progress by the end of the warning period (next evaluation point) become ineligible for all federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs, pending successful appeal. Any received tuition benefits will be adjusted according to governing regulation.

Students who demonstrate positive academic progress (C or better in all attempted courses) at the end of the warning period will remain eligible for all federal funding for the following academic term.

Appeal: On occasion, serious circumstances such as injury, illness, or death of a relative can cause a major disruption in a student’s ability to successfully complete coursework. If students believe that they can present mitigating circumstances for failing to meet minimum standards, they must make an appeal in writing. To appeal, students must complete an Appeal to Continue Study questionnaire and submit the questionnaire to studentaffairs@lionel.edu. The Appeals Committee will review the appeal, make a decision, and send a written response to the student via email. Students who are reinstated through the appeal process will be reinstated on Probation.

Probation: Students who successfully appeal ineligibility will be permitted to take courses on Probation. Students on Probation must complete an Academic Meeting with a Success Coach and follow an Academic Recovery Plan, which may require the student to fulfill specific terms and conditions such as taking a reduced course load or enrolling in specific courses. Requesting and scheduling an Academic Meeting is the student’s responsibility. Failure to complete an Academic Meeting and Academic Recovery Plan may result in a hold on future registration.

Students on Probation may remain eligible for federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs for one payment period (until the next evaluation point). To qualify for further Financial Aid and/or outside financial assistance, the student must meet minimum standards or be making progress on an Academic Recovery Plan.

Students are eligible to be removed from Probation if they are able to meet the minimum GPA and earn the required credits by the end of the Probation period.

Disqualified: Students who do not meet minimum standards by the end of the Probation period (third evaluation point) and are not making progress on an Academic Recovery Plan are subject to disqualification and the student’s eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs is terminated. Disqualified students may be prohibited from enrolling in classes for one term.

Disqualified and ineligible students who choose not to appeal or who fail an appeal are permitted to take courses at their own expense until they are able to meet minimum standards. Admission as a regular student is subject to availability at the time of academic recovery

Ineligible to Continue: Students who complete the associate’s degree program below the minimum standards (GPA below 2.0 or attempt more than 135 credits to complete the program) are disqualified from being accepted into Lionel University bachelor’s degree program.

 

Course Materials

Course Materials and Textbooks

Lionel University is required to provide students who are Pell eligible with a method to obtain required books and supplies by the seventh day of each term if the student was eligible to receive a disbursement of title IV, HEA funds as of 10 days prior to the beginning of the term, and those funds would have created a credit balance on the student’s account.

To facilitate this, digital textbooks for all courses are embedded in the online classroom at no charge. Unlimited access is available one week prior to the course start and throughout the duration of the class. 

 

State Authorization

The U.S. Department of Education requires an institution offering distance education programs to acquire authorization from the states in which it operates. Specific regulations vary from state to state. Lionel University (ISSA) is working in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education, as well as agencies within states and territories, to comply with required authorizations, so that we can provide educational access to students across the country. ISSA will continue to make a good faith effort to pursue state authorization from all states and districts of the United States and its territories.

State Authorization for Distance Education Programs and Students Protection

All U.S. States and Territories require post-secondary educational institutions to be legally authorized to provide post-secondary educational instruction in their geographic locale. Many of these state laws and regulations also apply to online, distance and correspondence educational instruction offered in that state. As such, Lionel University and its online/distance education programs must be authorized in certain states prior to offering those courses or programs to students residing in those states.

Admission of applicants outside the State of California to an online degree, certificate or individual online course offered by Lionel University, is dependent on Lionel's ability to secure authorization from the applicant's state of residence if such authorization is required. Lionel delivers online education programs and courses throughout the United States. All programs have been approved by California's Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. However, many states have prescribed an "authorization" process for out-of-state institutions delivering online programs to their residents to ensure quality post-secondary education, to preserve the integrity of an academic degree, and to instill greater consumer protection for its student citizens. Lionel has taken steps to protect its students and operations through nationwide compliance: by obtaining authorization, approval, exemptions and waivers; or confirming that Lionel University can operate without such authorization because the state's laws do not pertain to an accredited institution or to Lionel's activities in that state.

Why It Matters To You

Before the institution can accept an enrollment from an online student for either a program or a course, the University must be in compliance with the regulations regarding distance education in the state in which the student resides.

States in which the institution has obtained authorization, a formal exemption and or are not required under various state jurisdictions and the effective dates:

State Date Status
Alabama 8/9/2017 Authorized
Alaska 7/23/2014 Authorized
American Samoa 2/22/2017 Exempt
Arizona 11/10/2014 Not required
Arkansas 10/30/2015 Authorized
California 5/6/2013 Authorized
Colorado 9/17/2014 Not required
Connecticut 11/10/2014 Not required
Delaware 11/28/2016 Authorized
District of Columbia 4/13/2016 Not required
Florida 8/26/2014 Not required
Georgia Pending In Progress
Guam 2/4/2017 Not Required
Hawaii 9/15/2014 Exempt
Idaho 11/12/2014 Not required
Illinois 8/29/2014 Authorized
Iowa 11/13/2015 Authorized
Indiana 11/20/2014 Authorized
Kansas 10/20/2017 Authorized
Kentucky 10/13/2014 Exempt
Louisiana 9/23/2014 Not required
Maine 12/5/2014 Exempt
Maryland 9/21/2016 Authorized
Massachusetts 10/16/2014 Not required
Michigan 1/18/2017 Authorized
Minnesota 9/25/2017 Authorized
Mississippi 12/5/2014 Not required
Missouri 8/12/2014 Not required
Montana 4/1/2015 Authorized
Nebraska 10/21/2014 Not required
Nevada 11/10/2014 Exempt
New Hampshire 11/11/2014 Not required
New Jersey 10/20/2014 Not required
New Mexico 12/29/2014 Not required
New York 10/12/2017 Authorized
North Carolina 10/22/2014 Not required
North Dakota 11/22/2016 Exempt
Ohio 9/17/2014 Not required
Oklahoma 9/15/2014 Not required
Oregon   Not Authorized
Pennsylvania 7/1/2017 Authorized
Rhode Island 11/11/2014 Not required
South Carolina 8/26/2014 Not required
South Dakota 11/17/2014 Authorized
Tennessee 10/14/2014 Not required
Texas 8/27/2014 Exempt
Utah 7/22/2014 Exempt
Vermont 11/19/2014 Not required
Virgin Islands 2/27/2017 Exempt
Virginia 9/3/2014 Not required
Washington 9/22/2014 Not required
West Virginia 12/17/2014 Not required
Wisconsin 8/19/2014 Not required
Wyoming 6/30/2017 Authorized

Required postings:

Arkansas:

Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board certification does not constitute an endorsement of any institution, course or degree program. Such certification merely indicates that certain minimum standards have been met under the rules and regulations of institutional certification as defined in Arkansas Code §6-61-301.

California:

Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education

1625 North Market Blvd. Suite S-202

Sacramento, CA 95834

Phone: 916-574-7720

http://www.bppe.ca.gov

Indiana:

The Indiana Board for Proprietary Education

101. W. Ohio St., Suite 670

Indianapolis, IN 46204-1984

Maryland:

The Maryland Higher Education Commission

6 N. Liberty Street, 10th floor

Baltimore, MD 21201

Lionel is subject to investigation of student complaints, by the Office of the Attorney General or the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Complaints should be directed to:

Maryland Attorney General

Consumer Protection Division

200 St. Paul St.

Baltimore, MD 21202

410-528-8662 / 888-743-0823 (toll free)

Minnesota:

Lionel University is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.

Minnesota Office of Higher Education

1450 Energy Park Dr., Suite 350

St. Paul, MN 55108

http://www.ohe.state.mn.us - 651-642-0533

 

Complaint Resolution

Lionel University strives to resolve all student complaints in a fair and expedient manner. Students with unresolved grievances may file an appeal with the Chief Academic Officer via email at studentaffairs@lionel.edu. Include a description of the concern, attempts to resolve, and desired outcome. Please submit grievances within thirty (30) days of the incident. The Chief Academic Officer will issue the institution’s final decision. Students may appeal the final institutional decision with DEAC or the student’s state authorizing agency. DEAC contact information and state agencies that require catalog posting are listed in the Accreditation and Approval Section of the student catalog.  Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible after the event occurs; some of the procedures below have specific deadlines for filing grievances or complaints.

If a student feels that the issue remains unresolved after a reasonable effort to follow the University's internal grievance procedures, the student may contact these entities to file a formal complaint:

  • Lionel University is a private institution that is approved to operate by the Bureau for Private

    Postsecondary Education (BPPE) of the State of California. BPPE by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau’s Internet website www.bppe.ca.gov.

  • Lionel University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).  A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the DEAC by phone or mailing:

    Distance Education Accrediting Commission

    1101 17th Street, N.W., Suite 808

    Washington, D.C. 20036

    (202) 234-5100

    www.deac.org

Out-of-State Complaint Resolution Contacts

Distance students residing outside of California may file a formal complaint with their home state authorizing agency, ideally after exhausting internal avenues, by using the links below:

Alabama Kentucky North Dakota
Alaska Louisiana Ohio
Arizona Maine Oklahoma
Arkansas Maryland Oregon
California Massachusetts Rhode Island
Colorado Michigan South Carolina
Connecticut Minnesota South Dakota
Delaware Mississippi Tennessee
District of Columbia Missouri Texas
Florida Montana Utah
Georgia Nebraska Vermont
Hawaii Nevada Virginia
Idaho New Hampshire Washington
Illinois New Jersey West Virginia
Indiana New Mexico Wisconsin
Iowa New York Wyoming
Kansas North Carolina  

 

 

Contact Information

Contact Information for Obtaining Financial Aid Assistance

Enrolled or prospective students can address any questions they have about financial aid to a financial-aid@lionel.edu or they may call (800) 650-4772 and request a Financial Aid representative.

Financial Aid offices are open Mon - Fri 9AM - 4PM Pacific Time.

Students and financial aid staff may also reference the U.S. Department of Education websites for information regarding the regulations, requirements, and application for Federal Student Aid. There is no user fee for using Financial Aid sites.

U.S. Department of Education: www.ed.gov

Applying for Federal Student Aid: www.fafsa.ed.gov

Information for Students: www.studentaid.ed.gov

 

Availability of Employees for Information Dissemination Purposes

The University is required to designate an employee or group of employees to assist enrolled or prospective students in obtaining all of the information specified below. If the University has designated one person for an area of responsibility, that person shall be available, upon reasonable notice, to any enrolled or prospective student throughout the normal administrative working hours listed. If more than one person, often an entire office, is designated, their combined work schedules have been arranged so that at least one of them is available, upon reasonable notice, throughout the normal administrative working hours listed.

  • Institutional and federal financial aid information – Financial Aid Office (financial-aid@lionel.edu)

  • Accreditation, Approval and Licensure of Institution and Programs – Registrar’s Office (registrar@lionel.edu)

  • Academic Programs – Registrar’s Office (registrar@lionel.edu)

  • Transfer of Credit Policies – Registrar’s Office (registrar@lionel.edu)

  • Cost of Attendance – Financial Aid Office (financial-aid@lionel.edu)

  • Net Price Calculator – Financial Aid Office (financial-aid@lionel.edu)

  • Refund Policies – Billing Office (billing@lionel.edu)

  • Withdrawal Procedures – Registrar’s Office (registrar@lionel.edu)

  • Employee Information – Human Resources – (805) 364-0603

  • Students with Disability – ADA Compliance Office (registrar@lionel.edu)

  • Gainful Employment Information – Financial Aid Office (financial-aid@lionel.edu)

  • Admissions/Readmissions – Admissions Office (admissions@lionel.edu)

  • Graduation/Retention Rates – Registrar’s Office (registrar@lionel.edu) 



Goals & Outcomes

Institutional Goals

  • To serve fitness professionals by developing programs that are beneficial and of interest to the fitness industry

  • To enhance professional development of fitness professionals by facilitating opportunities for learning and individual growth

  • To establish standards and guidelines for the delivery of quality and professional fitness services and business practices, as well as the development of ethics standards for fitness professionals

  • To collaborate with public and private industries on the development of programs and services to increase the awareness of fitness education and its benefits to individuals and communities

  • To network with other industry organizations to advance fitness education, careers and professional practices by initiating and disseminating research findings.

Institutional Objectives

  • To graduate students who are prepared for the fitness industry

  • To enroll a wide range of qualified students from across the globe interested in personal growth, job acquisition, career advancement or higher education goals in the health and fitness industry.

  • To recruit and retain effective and qualified staff and faculty committed to distance education.

  • To provide students skills, support systems and information they need to succeed in the fitness industry and higher education aspirations.

  • To tie student assessments to our strategic planning

  • To provide relevant and up to date curriculum deliverable through online means.

  • To investigate, research and implement relevant technology as beneficial to the delivery of online education.

Institutional Outcomes

To turn our vision into a reality and to accomplish our mission, Lionel University strives for the following outcomes:

TRAINER/CLIENT

1. To administer policies and programs with the priority being the best interests of public health and well being.

STUDENTS

2. To produce students that are inspirational leaders, academically sound, and professional in their fitness and health related profession.

3. To nurture students' abilities to be lifelong learners

4. To promote the use of professional behaviors in the work environment

5. To enable the skills necessary to exercise autonomous judgment in professional endeavors as employees or business owners.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

6. To support faculty scholarship, teaching excellence, and service to Lionel University, community and professional activities

7. To support faculty leadership in the development of contemporary curricula

8. To promote student learning by utilizing best instructional practices

CULTURE

9. To focus on helping one student at a time.

10. To focus on student success in daily studies, preparation and testing (competence)

11. To promote an organizational culture that respects open communication, job ownership, and teamwork between all divisions; Public, Education and Professional.

12. To encourage sharing the impact that a healthy active and productive lifestyle creates on all people and society at large.

13. To expect ethical behavior and integrity in all staff actions.

14. To support professional advocacy in working with external constituencies 

QUALITY

15. To focus on regular quality improvements to enhance institutional effectiveness

GROWTH AND INNOVATION

16. To search out and embrace change and innovation in processes that enhances educational outcomes

17. To responsibly grow Lionel University based on society's need for our programs and the availability of resources and personnel to support the improved health and well being of our society as a whole.

18. To provide visionary educational models that address student learning needs

STEWARDSHIP

19. To manage all school operations ethically, economically, safely and efficiently

 

Student Disclosures

Student Disclosures Document