These FAQs help faculty and staff understand how the Course Plan of Study (CPOS) process may affect students’ financial aid and direct students to the appropriate resources for assistance.
1. What is CPOS, and why is it important?
CPOS determines whether a student’s enrolled courses apply toward the requirements of their declared degree program for applicable financial aid purposes. Courses that do not meet the applicable requirements may be excluded when calculating eligible credit hours.
As a result, a student’s total enrolled credit hours may differ from the number of hours eligible for certain types of financial aid.
2. How can students determine whether their courses count toward their degree?
Students should review their Graduation Planning System (GPS) audit in FlashLine and consult their academic advisor if a course does not appear to fulfill a degree requirement or if their academic plan needs to be reviewed.
Electives may count if they fulfill applicable degree requirements. Courses taken for a minor may not count unless they also satisfy an applicable requirement of the student’s declared degree program.
3. How can CPOS affect financial aid eligibility?
CPOS-eligible credit hours may affect enrollment status and eligibility for certain types of financial aid. Generally, undergraduate students need 12 eligible credit hours to meet the full-time enrollment requirement for federal financial aid.
For example, a student enrolled in 12 credit hours with only 9 eligible hours may not qualify for the same level of aid as a student with 12 eligible hours.
Important: Kent State merit scholarships may have separate enrollment requirements, such as a minimum number of Kent Campus credit hours. Scholarship requirements and CPOS eligibility should be evaluated separately.
4. What should students do before adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses?
Students should consult their academic advisor about degree requirements and contact the FBE Center about potential financial aid implications before making schedule changes.
Dropping courses may reduce eligible credit hours, affect financial aid eligibility, or result in a repayment obligation. Withdrawing from all courses may also affect current and future aid and may require a Return of Title IV Funds calculation.
Adding a course does not automatically restore eligibility. The course must meet applicable requirements, and the student must satisfy the relevant aid program rules.
5. Who should students contact for CPOS questions or issues?
- Academic advisor: Questions about degree requirements, course applicability, electives, minor requirements, or the GPS audit. Advisors can review the student’s academic plan and determine whether updates are needed.
- FBE Center: Questions about financial aid eligibility, eligible credit hours, potential repayment obligations, or how a CPOS issue may affect financial aid.
Academic advisors determine academic degree requirements; the FBE Center explains the potential financial aid implications.
6. What if a student believes their GPS audit is incorrect or their CPOS issue has not been resolved?
Students should contact their academic advisor to review the GPS audit and determine whether an update or correction is needed. Additional review may be required before financial aid eligibility changes.
Resolution times vary depending on the issue and the offices involved. Faculty and staff should avoid promising a specific timeline and encourage students to monitor their Financial Aid Dashboard in FlashLine for updates, outstanding requirements, and financial aid information.
Key Message for Faculty and Staff
Encourage students to check before changing their schedule.
A student’s enrolled credit hours may differ from their financial aid-eligible credit hours. Encourage students to review their GPS audit, consult their academic advisor about degree requirements, and contact the FBE Center before adding or dropping courses that could affect their financial aid.
