Federal regulations require Friends University to verify that federal financial aid is used only for courses that apply to a student’s officially declared degree or program of study. This process is called Course Program of Study or CPOS.
CPOS is important because federal financial aid may only pay for classes that count toward your current major, minor, concentration, certificate or required program coursework. If you register for a course that does not apply to your program of study, that course may not be eligible for federal financial aid.
Why CPOS matters
Keeping your major or program up to date helps ensure that your financial aid is applied correctly and that you stay on track to complete your degree on time.
Students should make sure their major in Banner is accurate before registering for classes. If your major is incorrect, courses that should count toward your degree may not be recognized as eligible for financial aid.
Even if you do not receive financial aid, keeping your major current helps Friends University communicate with you about program updates, course requirements and other changes that may affect your path to graduation.
What students should do
Before registering each semester:
- Confirm that your major or program of study is correct in Banner.
- Review your degree requirements.
- Meet with your academic advisor to make sure your courses apply to your declared program.
- Contact the Registrar’s Office if your major needs to be updated.
- Contact Financial Aid if you have questions about how CPOS may affect your aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPOS?
Course Program of Study is the process used to determine whether the courses in your schedule apply to your officially declared degree or program requirements.
Why does CPOS affect financial aid?
Federal financial aid can only be applied to courses that are required for your declared program of study. Courses outside your program may not count toward your financial aid enrollment level.
What happens if I take a class that does not count toward my program?
You may take classes that are not required for your program. However, those courses cannot be covered by federal student financial aid. Twelve credits of degree applicable courses are required as an undergraduate for financial aid to be disbursed at the full-time rate.
I’ve looked at my schedule and won’t be enrolled full-time for the spring semester. Should I drop a class now and retake it in the spring to maintain full-time status?
Dropping a course solely to maintain Course Program of Study (CPOS) eligibility is generally not recommended. Withdrawing from a course can affect your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), particularly your course completion rate, which may impact your eligibility for future financial aid.
If you have questions about your specific situation or believe there are extenuating circumstances, please contact your Academic Advisor before making changes to your schedule.
What types of financial aid are considered federal financial aid?
Federal financial aid may include:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Kansas Comprehensive Grant (if applicable)
- Federal Direct Student Loans
- Federal PLUS Loans
- Federal Work-Study
If you have questions about your financial aid package, please contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance.
How can I tell whether the courses I’ve registered for count toward my program of study?
After registering for classes, log in to Banner and view your class schedule. CPOS information is typically available within 24 hours of registration.
Each course will display one of the following statuses:
- In Review – Your course is currently being evaluated for CPOS eligibility.
- Yes – The course applies to your program of study.
- No – The course does not apply to your current program of study.
If you have questions about a course’s eligibility, contact your Academic Advisor or the Financial Aid Office for guidance.
What if my major is wrong in Banner?
Update it as soon as possible. Your listed major determines which courses are considered part of your program of study.
Who should I contact with questions?
For course selection and degree requirements, contact your academic advisor. For questions about financial aid eligibility, contact the Financial Aid office at 316-295-5100 or financialaid@friends.edu.