ELIGIBILITY: All current student athletes (SAs) who are deemed Pell-eligible through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and those receiving countable aid who have an unmet financial aid as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid are eligible to apply for support from the SAF. Applications may be submitted at any time; however, those received by October 1st of the current academic year will be given first consideration. Efforts will be made to assure that funds are used by SAs in all sports sponsored by the NCAA and in a manner that reflects our commitment to gender equity.

PROCESS OF APPLICATION: SAs must fill out a FAFSA to determine their status as a Pell recipient. Thereafter, SAs will submit application for funds to the Compliance Office. The application will specify the purpose of the request. When approving applications for funds the compliance office, faculty athletics representative and the financial aid office will consider the following: 1) has the student received this fund in the past, and if so, has he/she turned in all necessary receipts; 2) is the student athlete a Pell recipient; 3) if not Pell eligible, is the student athlete receiving countable aid and showing unmet financial aid; 4) is the request for an expenditure within the list of approved items. Within thirty days of receipt of funds the SA will submit documentation that the funds were used for the purpose for which they were requested.

YOUR STUDENT ACCOUNT WILL BE CHARGED FOR RECEIPTS THAT ARE NOT TURNED INTO THE COMPLIANCE OFFICE.

USE OF FUNDS: All funds received by the University of Maryland will be used to directly benefit student athletes. Funds may be requested for the following reasons:

1. Medical or Dental Expenses not covered by another insurance policy (Must have authorization from the training staff to receive reimbursement or payment)
2. Costs associated with student-athlete or family emergencies
3. Purchase of expendable academic course supplies
4. Rental of non-expendable course supplies required for all student-athletes enrolled in the course
5. Clothing and essential expenses ($500 limit) - Clothing requests are limited to professional attire only (e.g. use for job interviews, team travel, etc.)