The University of Akron

Happy Holidays!

Website: uakron.edu/pfa | On Facebook: Zip Parents

In this issue:

  • University services available over the holidays
  • Billing and financial aid for spring classes
  • Housing services over break
  • Schedule spring classes before break
  • Save the Date – Parents Winter Weekend!
  • Making the grade


University services available over the holidays

The University is closed Thursday, Dec. 25, through Sunday, Jan. 4, and will reopen at 8 a.m., Monday, Jan. 5, 2015.

The spring 2015 semester will begin Monday, Jan. 12.

Learn more about UA services available over the holidays.

All of us here at the University wish you and your family a warm holiday season and Happy New Year!


Billing and financial aid for spring classes

The due date (to have made the payment in full or sign up for the payment plan) for the spring 2015 semester is Monday, Jan. 12, 2015. See ways to pay.
  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed every year and is available starting Jan. 1. You can estimate your 2014 tax information, submit the FAFSA, and go back after you have filed your taxes for the most accurate information.
  • Financial Aid will be disbursed Friday, Jan. 2. Please note, the Financial Aid Office, along with the entire University, is closed during this time, and will reopen Monday, Jan. 5. See UA services over the holidays.
  • The due date (to have made the payment in full or to sign up for the payment plan) for the spring 2015 semester is Monday, Jan. 12, 2015.
  • Remember: Your student has certain privacy rights on campus. The FERPA release allows the University to disclose information in person, or by phone, to individuals authorized by the student. The FERPA form can be found on our website. Otherwise, UA cannot share any unauthorized information, such as amount due, financial aid, etc.
  • A student can also authorize parent access to the eBill, Make a Payment and the Payment Plan signup through My Akron. Go to my.uakron.edu, enter the student’s UAnet ID and password, click on “Student Center,” then Finances.


Housing services over break

The residence halls will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, and reopen at noon on Friday, Jan. 9. Learn about staying in the hall over break and services.

Students who live off-campus and have a house that will be unoccupied for a period of time can sign up for a free, periodic house check through a partnership with University and city of Akron Police. Registration is now open. See the details and sign up online.


Schedule spring classes before break

For several weeks advisors have been reminding students to schedule for spring classes. Some students are required to schedule classes with their academic advisor. Please check with your student and encourage him or her to enroll in spring classes as soon as possible. Information about payment deadlines is further down.

Scheduling an advising appointment in the remaining weeks before winter break may be more difficult, so please encourage your student to meet with his or her academic advisor to schedule spring classes before leaving for winter break.


Save the Date – Parents Winter Weekend!

The PFA Council is excited to host the first Parents & Family Winter Weekend, Feb. 21-22, 2015. Share the Akron Experience as you spend time connecting with your student and experiencing what makes being a Zip so special.

We hope you can join us and many other families at Winter Weekend. Online registration, as well as more information and a schedule of events will be available in the new year, and announced in the PFA Newsletter.


Making the grade

Students can begin viewing grades in My Akron beginning Saturday, Dec. 6. Grades become official on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Keep in mind, a grade put into the system one day by an instructor will not appear until the next day. Based on semester and cumulative grade point average (GPA), a few things may occur:
  • Make the Dean’s or President's List: Qualifying students will receive a congratulatory letter from the dean of the college or vice president of the division of the academic unit, or the President.
  • Your student will be awarded a Merit Achievement. Merit is UA’s way of alerting hometown newspapers of campus student involvement and recognition. Learn more. You may also get an email when we award your student achievements.
  • Students who did not meet the minimum GPA of 2.0 will receive a letter with information about next steps. Your student should read the letter and follow any instructions. The student’s academic advisor will meet with the student to discuss ways to improve academic performance and make recommendations and referrals that are appropriate for the situation.