Code of Conduct for Student Loans

 

Ohio University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Stafford Loan Program. Loans offered through this program are the Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans for students, the PLUS Loan for parents of dependent students and the Grad PLUS Loan for graduate students.

Ohio University has in addition to the federal loan program, a private loan program to which students may apply. This program is through private banks and agencies and a student must apply directly to these entities for additional loan funding.

In compliance with the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act, Ohio University has established a Code of Conduct by which all loan programs directly administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships must adhere.

 

Revenue Sharing

Ohio University prohibits all Student Financial Aid employees from any revenue-sharing arrangements with any lender, guarantor or servicer.

Ohio University prohibits all Student Financial Aid employees from promoting or recommending any product from said lender, guarantor or servicer.

 

Gifts

Ohio University prohibits any Student Financial Aid employee from accepting or soliciting any gifts from a lender, guarantor or servicer. The term "gift" is defined as any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan or other items valued at more than a de minimis amount. This also includes any services, transportation, lodging, or meals, whether provided in kind, by purchase of a ticket, payment in advance or by reimbursement.

 

Contracting Arrangements

Ohio University prohibits any Student Financial Aid employee from accepting compensation for serving on a board of directors of a lender, guarantor or servicer.

 

Preferred Lender Lists

The preferred lender list presented is a list of lenders that Ohio University has worked with in the past and with whom borrowers have had positive experiences. They were selected for the excellent terms and benefits they provided to borrowers.

Ohio University allows students the freedom to choose any private loan lender, regardless of the list provided. Ohio University does not assign a specific lender nor will we prohibit or delay a certification based on the student's choice.

 

Offers of Funds for Private Loans

Ohio University prohibits acceptance of offers of funds for private loans including funds for opportunity pool loans from any lender, guarantor or servicer in return for special concessions toward a lender, guarantor or servicer.

 

Advisory Board Compensation

Ohio University prohibits any Student Financial Aid employee from accepting any form of compensation from a lender, guarantor or servicer for serving on an advisory board, commission or other group established by such lender, guarantor or servicer or a group of lenders/guarantors.

 

Staffing Assistance

Ohio University and the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will not accept any offer from a lender, guarantor or servicer for staffing assistance within said office.

This Code of Conduct will be the policies by which the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will conduct their student loan programs.