Consumer Information

Our Consumer Information site is intended to supplement information provided in our Catalog and other publications. Stevens - The Institute of Business & Arts is committed to providing it's students and prospective students the information they need to make decisions about their education.  This supplemental information may be located, either in publications, on our website, or on a third-party website (e.g., the College Navigator website maintained by the National Center for Education Statistics). This page also serves to notify current and prospective students regarding the availability and location of consumer information in accordance with certain state and federal laws applicable to our school. For assistance with any of the consumer information discussed herein, prospective and current students may send inquiries to consumerinfo@siba.edu.

Title IX

Stevens-The Institute of Business & Arts prohibits the discrimination of any prospective student, student, faculty or staff member on the basis of gender, sexual orientation or identity, nationality, race, or immigration status. Anyone who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination or sexual harassment while employed or enrolled at Siba should contact Siba's Title IX Coordinator immediately. Siba's Title IX Coordinator is Cynthia Musterman, J.D. She can be reached by email anytime at CMusterman@siba.edu or during regular campus hours at 314.421.0949. Ms. Musterman is a licensed attorney who has been trained in the field of sexual harassment and adjudication of hearings at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, MO.

Distribution of the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Formula Grant

Siba administration is pleased to announce that on April 22, 2020, we applied for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) formula grant, authorized by Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief  & Economic Security (CARES Act), on behalf of our students, by signing and submitting to the U.S. Department of Education a Certification and Agreement that we will use at least 50% of grant funds received to provide financial relief to our students. To read the full report, click here.
In May 2020, Siba also received an HEERF institutional grant. To see how that grant is being allocated, click here for our quarterly report.
In March 2021, Siba applied for and received a supplemental grant (the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act/CRRSA) to provide further relief for students affected by COVID-19. To read the full report, click here.
In August 2021, Siba applied for a grant from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) which was created by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to provide further relief for students affected by COVID-19. Click here to read the September report. To read the full December report, click here.  To read the full March report, click here. To read the full June report, click here.

Catalog

Siba's catalog contains a wide variety of consumer information, including information relating to academic programs, facilities, courses, costs, financial aid, and institutional policies. Click here to see the catalog.
Questions relating to our catalog can be emailed to consumerinfo@siba.edu.

Accreditation

Stevens-The Institute of Business & Arts is proud to be accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a private, non-profit, independent accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education.

Accreditation assures students that an institution has met the standards of a respected voluntary peer review process. The integrity and honesty of an institution is fundamental and critical to the process, thus accreditation serves as an indication of institutional quality. Accredited schools agree to, and must meet or exceed, the ACCSC Standards of Accreditation. Siba employs professional faculty, offers facilities and equipment to the public designed to meet the educational objectives of the institution, and ensures that the financial and organizational structure of the school has stability and permanence in the educational community.

Since 1965, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) has been at the forefront of establishing and advancing quality education at postsecondary schools and colleges. To learn more about ACCSC, visit their website at www.accsc.org.

Siba will also make available upon request a copy of our accreditation, licensure, or approval documentation. To request a copy of any such documentation, students should submit a written request to consumerinfo@siba.edu.

Academic Programs

Siba offers degree programs in Business Administration, Fashion Development & Merchandising, Graphic Design, and Interior Design. Detailed information about our programs is available in our online course catalog. You may also click on each of the programs above to be linked to their respective pages on our website.

We encourage prospective students to visit our programs pages for the additional information they offer. Prospective students should also note that Siba continually considers changes in program content, materials, schedules, and sequences of courses in our programs in the interest of improving our student’s education experience, or where deemed necessary due to industry changes, academic scheduling, or professional requirements. Students may inquire as to whether any plans exist for improving or otherwise altering a particular program by emailing consumerinfo@siba.edu.

Textbooks

Textbooks are rented to students each term at the cost of a $250 textbook and lab fee. Textbooks for each course are outlined in the respective class' syllabi. Questions relating to textbook information may be directed to consumerinfo@siba.edu.

Campus & Facilities

Siba’s 21,000+ square foot campus is located at 1521 Washington Avenue, in a 4-story historical building that was completely renovated in 2010. The campus is situated in the heart of the St. Louis Loft district, within walking distance of attractions such as the City Museum, the main branch of the St. Louis Public Library, Busch Stadium, Scottrade Center, St. Louis Union Station, the Gateway Arch, America’s Center, as well as numerous parks, coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The campus is accessible by public transportation, and there are a number of public parking lots close by.

The interior of the building was designed specifically for Siba’s needs and provides ample space for instruction, study, and social interaction. The equipment for the students’ training is up-to-date and complies with standards of the business and design worlds.

Questions relating to facilities may be directed to consumerinfo@siba.edu.

Career Services

Our Career Services Department offers a variety of practical resources that teach students to create a compelling resume, interview successfully, network, and behave professionally in a variety of situations. We also work one-on-one with students to coordinate internships and externships in their field.

While Siba does not and cannot guarantee that its graduates will obtain employment, or employment in any particular field, we are committed to fully preparing graduates to enter the workforce. For more information about Career Services or to speak with our Career Services director, please contact Steve Asher. You can also visit our Student Resources page to learn more.

Campus Faculty and Other Instructional Personnel

Individuals may request the names of the faculty and instructional personnel employed at a Stevens - The Institute of Business & Arts by emailing consumerinfo@siba.edu or by visiting our webpage.

Student Achievement

Federal Retention Rate: In accordance with federal law, Siba also must make available the retention rates it reports to the U.S. Department of Education. The Federal Retention Rate, as defined by the Department, is a measure of the rate at which students persist in their educational program at an institution, expressed as a percentage. More specifically, each year it is the percentage of first-time degree- or certificate-seeking students from the previous fall who either re-enrolled or successfully completed their program by the current fall. Like the Student-Right-to-Know graduation rate, the Federal Retention Rate is calculated at the school level (i.e., there is one rate for the entire school, not a rate for each specific program). Siba has a 67% retention rate of certificate – or degree-seeking first-time full-time undergraduate students seeking a Bachelor's degree. This data can also be obtained from the College Navigator site.

Graduation & Placement

Click here for a list of positions our graduates are prepared for upon receipt of their degrees.

Student placement information is tracked by Career Services offices and records are verified by a 3rd party verification company.

Federal Student-Right-to-Know Graduation Rate: Pursuant to the Student Right-to-Know Act, Siba determines and makes available each year the graduation rate of degree-seeking, first-time, full-time, undergraduate students. It’s important to note that the Student Right-to-Know graduation rate is calculated at the school level. In other words, there is one rate for the entire school, not a rate for each specific program. Certain institutions also are required to calculate and distribute graduation or completion rates for students receiving athletically related student aid, as well as transfer-out rates. These requirements are not applicable to Siba.

The Student Right-to-Know rate is based on a "cohort” study; that is, a group of students who are first-time freshmen who are enrolled full-time and are degree-seeking is identified in a fall term and their graduation rate is measured over a period of time ( i.e., the total number of students in the cohort who earn either a degree, a certificate, or who successfully completed a two-year-equivalent transfer-preparatory program). The rate does not include students who left the school to serve in the armed forces, on official church missions, or in the foreign service of the federal government. Students who died or were totally and permanently disabled also are excluded.

The most recent Student-Right-to-Know graduation rate is available on the U.S. Department of Education’s College Navigator website, located here. In addition to providing the overall graduation rate, the College Navigator website also provides the Student-Right-to-Know graduation rate disaggregated by:

• Gender
• Major racial and ethnic subgroup (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education)
• Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant
• Recipients of a subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant
• Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or subsidized Stafford Loan

Services for Disabled Students 

Stevens-The Institute of Business & Arts (Siba) is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to individuals with documented disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, as amended (ADA).

Students and applicants with disabilities are not required to disclose the condition, but it is up to the student or applicant to initiate a request to the college for academic adjustments to be made based on the disability.

Academic adjustments may include reducing the student’s course load, providing note takers, recording devices, sign language interpreters, extended time for testing, and/or equipping school computers with screen-reading, voice recognition, or other adaptive software or hardware. In some rare cases, a course may be substituted with another one if that is deemed appropriate by the Academic Dean, who also serves as Siba’s Disability Services Coordinator. Applicants should be aware that academic adjustments do not include the provision of personal attendants, individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices or services of a personal nature, such as tutoring and typing.

Procedure for Requesting an Academic Adjustment:

Applicants should prepare a written request for an academic adjustment that includes the following:

1.         A description of your disability, with supporting documentation of the diagnosis by a medical doctor, psychologist, or other qualified diagnostician that includes the date of the diagnosis, credentials of the professional providing the diagnosis, how the diagnosis was reached, information about how the disability affects your daily life activities, and information about how the disability affects your academic performance.

2.         A description of the accommodations you feel are necessary for you to complete your chosen program at Siba.

The written request should be submitted to the Disability Services Coordinator, Dr. Emilee Schnefke, via email at ESchnefke@siba.edu, the U.S. Postal service at 1521 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103, or hand delivery.

The earlier the request is submitted, the better. Once the request is received, a meeting will be scheduled by Dr. Schnefke that will include the applicant and members of the Siba faculty who teach in the program in which the applicant wishes to enroll, to determine whether the request for accommodations is reasonable and/or if there are alternative accommodations that might be more effective.

After that meeting, Dr. Schnefke, along with appropriate faculty and staff, will review all information and make a determination as to whether reasonable accommodations can be made for the applicant without lowering or waiving any essential requirements of the applicant’s chosen degree program. This review period may take as little as one week, but in no case will it exceed 90 calendar days. After the review, the applicant will be notified in writing of the school’s official response to the applicant’s request. Applicants may appeal this response per the procedures outlined in the Appeals/Grievance Procedures section on page 62 of the Siba Catalog.

To receive more information about the civil rights of students with disabilities in education institutions, you may contact the U.S. Department of Education at:

Customer Service Team
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
Washington, D.C. 20202-1100

Phone: 1-800-421-3481
TDD: 1- 877-521-2172
Email: ocr@ed.gov
Web site: www.ed.gov/ocr

Immunization Policy

Siba currently does not have a policy for vaccinations

Transfer of Credit

Prospective and current students should never assume:

• that Stevens - The Institute of Business & Arts will accept credits earned at another institution; or
• that another institution will accept credits earned at Stevens - The Institute of Business & Arts.

Transfer credit is credit recognized from another educational institution. During the admissions process, applicants may request that credits earned at another post-secondary educational institution be transferred to Siba. All requests for transfer of academic credit must be accompanied by official transcripts from institution(s) previously attended and will be evaluated on an individual basis. Only courses taken at accredited post-secondary institutions where the student has earned a grade “C” or better will be considered for transfer.

Some graduates decide at the time of graduation, or at a later date, to further their education at another college or university. Course transferability, regardless of the institutions involved, is always determined by the accepting educational institution. Graduates or students who are considering transferring from Siba to another institution should inquire at the Admissions Office of the college or university to which they wish to transfer, and ask for an evaluation of their Siba transcripts (along with any other transcripts they may have) for the purpose of transferring those credits to that institution.

Additional information regarding the transfer of credit to other institutions is available in the Siba catalog.

Questions relating to transfer of credit may be directed to consumerinfo@siba.edu.

College Navigator Website

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a division of the U.S. Department of Education, is the primary federal entity responsible for collecting and analyzing data related to postsecondary education in the United States. Each year, NCES collects a broad range of information from postsecondary institutions through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Much of this information is then sorted, organized, and presented to the public on the College Navigator website, which is managed by NCES.

Information pertaining to Stevens - the Institute of Business & Arts The College Navigator website is located at the following this link.

Gainful Employment

Stevens - The Institute of Business & Arts opted for the early implementation of recession of the Gainful Employment regulation.

Student Body Diversity

Pursuant to federal law, colleges and universities must make available to current and prospective students information about student body diversity, including the percentage of enrolled, full-time students in the following categories:

• Male
• Female
• Self-identified members of a major racial or ethnic group
• Federal Pell Grant recipients

This and additional information relating to the student body diversity at Siba can be accessed on the U.S. Department of Education’s  College Navigator website.

Questions relating to student body diversity may be directed to consumerinfo@siba.edu.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Stevens - The Institute of Business & Arts seeks to ensure the accuracy and privacy of student records. To this end, our organization adheres to the guidelines of the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), as amended, a federal law that protects student information and affords students who are currently or were formerly enrolled, regardless of their age or status in regard to parental dependency, the following rights with respect to their education records.

• The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the institution receives a request for access.
• The right to request the amendment of education records the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
• The right to provide written consent before the institution discloses personally identifiable information from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con­sent.
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Following, we have set out a more detailed discussion of each of these rights and guidance regarding the manner in which they may be exercised.
• The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the institution receives a request for access.

1. With certain exceptions, an “education record” is defined under FERPA as any record (1) from which a student can be personally identified and (2) that is maintained by the institution. A student wishing to inspect his or her education records should submit to the Registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The school will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Registrar, the Registrar will advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed. Copies of requested educational records will only be provided in the event that circumstances effectively prevent a student from exercising the right to inspect and review the education records requested and no other feasible arrangements can be made. In such instances, a fee may be charged to cover the production of copies. The right to request the amendment of education records the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. To question the accuracy of education records, students should first informally confer with the custodian or originator of the record at issue. A student who then wishes to ask the school to amend a record should write the official responsible for the record, clearly identifying the part of the record that he or she believes should be amended and the basis for why it should be amended. If the school decides not to amend the record, it will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing with school officials regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing. Note: The above procedure shall not be available to challenge the validity of a grade or score given by an instructor or any other decision by an instructor or official, but only whether the recording of such grade or decision is accurate or complete. The right to provide written consent before the institution discloses personally identifiable information from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con­sent. Students may consent to their school disclosing personally identifiable information from the student’s education record to a third party. This consent must be made to the Registrar, in writing, signed and dated by the student, and must (1) specify the records to be disclosed, (2) state the purpose of the disclosure, (3) and identify the party to whom the disclosure is to be made. This release requirement is applicable to disclosures to parents or other family members who inquire about a student’s education record. Significantly, there are instances in which a school is permitted to disclose a student’s education records without consent. Examples of such instances include, but are not limited to: responding to school officials with a legitimate educational interest; in compliance with a judicial order or pursuant to a lawfully issued subpoena; to officials of another school in which the student is enrolled or seeks or intends to enroll (in these cases Siba intends to forward the information upon request); in the event of a health or safety emergency involving the student; or to parties otherwise authorized to receive the information pursuant to FERPA.FERPA also permits institutions, within established guidelines, to disclose without a student’s consent information the institution deems “directory information.” This provision of FERPA enables institutions to provide beneficial services to students such as verifying enrollment for insurance purposes, verifying degrees earned for employment purposes, providing basic contact information so that students may contact each other, and so on. Siba has identified the following items as “directory information”: name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, major field of study, credit hours earned, degrees earned, honors and awards received, participation in official school activities, and most recent previous educational agency or institution. Students may request that directory information not be released. That request should be made to the Registrar. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Students wishing to file complaints relating to FERPA matters may submit such complaints to the following office of the U.S. Department of Education, which administers FERPA:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901

In addition, Siba encourages students to file any such complaints or concerns via the Student Grievance Procedure located in the school’s Catalog.

Students with questions regarding their rights pursuant to FERPA, or desiring additional guidance concerning the appropriate manner in which to exercise such rights at their school, can contact consumerinfo@siba.edu.

Drug Abuse Prevention

Stevens-The Institute of Business & Arts is keenly interested in promoting the academic, social, and spiritual achievement of all its students, as well as their physical and emotional health and safety. This policy states the necessary commitment between the college and the students that will encourage a healthful study and work environment. The guidelines specified herein apply to all full and part-time students, both residents and commuter, as well as to all visitors.

In compliance with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), Stevens Institute of Business & Arts has adopted the following policy: No student, whether on the Stevens-The Institute of Business & Arts campus or at an off-campus, college-sponsored activity, shall engage in using, selling, bartering, loaning, giving, procuring for furnishing for another, keeping or transporting for sale, bartering or loaning, directly or indirectly, any illegal drug, drug paraphernalia (roach clips, water pipes, cocaine spoons, etc.), or alcoholic beverage. All students are responsible for the contents of their vehicles, residence apartments, or any other personal property.

Drug or alcohol abuse can cause damage to body organs, physiological processes, mental and emotional health or even cause death. In addition, drug or alcohol abuse may cause harm to others. With those facts in mind, Stevens Institute of Business & Arts has a wellness educational program by which students can become educated toward prevention of alcohol and drug abuse. Scheduled informative meetings will focus on education and treatment. Speakers will encourage students to be informed and responsible for themselves and their peers.

Information regarding Siba's drug and alcohol abuse prevention program and policies is available HERE Questions relating to policy can be directed to consumerinfo@siba.edu.

Campus Safety and Security

Siba recognizes that campus security and safety are important issues. In recognition of this fact, and in keeping with applicable federal requirements, the college publishes a Campus Safety and Security Report each year. This Report discloses information concerning campus safety and security policies and procedures, as well as statistics regarding certain types of crimes reported to the campus and local law enforcement during the prior calendar year. Among other things, each Report includes policies and procedures relating to:

• Security Awareness
• Security of and Access to Campus Facilities
• Possession, Use, and Sale of Alcoholic Beverages of Illegal Drugs
• Sex Offenses and Offenders
• Reporting of Crimes and Emergencies
• Crime Statistics

This Report thus provides students, prospective students, employees, and prospective employees with key information regarding the security of the campus and surrounding areas, and ultimately, creates a safer, more secure campus environment.

The most recent Campus Safety and Security report can be read here: 2024 Campus Security Report.  To request a paper copy of the Campus Safety and Security Report, or for assistance with any of the information discussed therein, individuals may contact consumerinfo@siba.edu.

Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures

Siba's policy on Emergency Procedures is available by clicking here .

Fire Safety Report

To review Siba's most recent Fire Safety Report, click here: 2023-2024 Fire Inspection.

Copyright Infringement

Stevens-The Institute of Business & Arts (“Siba”) complies with all U.S. Copyright laws and regulations (Title 17, U.S. Code). These laws prohibit the unlawful reproduction and distribution of copyrighted works, which include the following categories:

• literary works
• musical works, including any accompanying words
• dramatic works, including any accompanying music
• pantomimes and choreographic works
• pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
• motion pictures and other audiovisual works
• sound recordings
• architectural works

The legal penalties for violation of U.S. Copyright law can include injunctions, fines and/or jail time. Educational institutions can be subject to substantial damages for copyright infringement using the institution’s network resources.

It is against Siba policy for any student or employee to reproduce, distribute, perform, or publicly display copyrighted material, or to make any copyrighted material into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner. Use of Siba’s network, internet access, storage devices, computers, and multifunction devices to facilitate a copyright infringement is strictly prohibited. This includes the use of unlicensed and/or unauthorized peer-to-peer file services that promote copyright infringement. Violation of this policy by a Siba student or employee will result in disciplinary action as appropriate under the circumstances up to and including expulsion or termination from Siba and other legal actions.

All Siba students and employees are expected to comply with applicable copyright laws. Should Siba be notified of a claimed copyright infringement or become aware of facts and circumstances from which infringement is apparent, it will respond promptly by removing or disabling access to the claimed infringing material. In addition, Siba reserves the right to disable or restrict user access to its computers, network, internet, and multifunction devices in the event of a copyright infringement.

U.S. Copyright laws do not grant unlimited rights to copyright owners. The laws provide exceptions in which use of copyrighted material is considered “fair use” and is allowed (see 17 U.S.C §107). This section contains a list of the various purposes for which the reproduction of a particular work may be considered fair, such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. The following factors are to be considered in determining whether or not a particular use is fair:

• The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes.
• The nature of the copyrighted work.
• The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole.
• The effect of the use upon the potential market for, or value of, the copyrighted work.

Students and employees should review the circular, “Copyright Basics,” published by the United States Copyright Office for an overview of copyright law. This circular can be found at https://siba.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/circ01.pdf. Additional information can be found on the website of the United States Copyright Office, www.copyright.gov.

Student Complaints

Any student who has a complaint relating to Siba's policies or procedures (or their application in a particular instance), the administration of Title IV funds, a disciplinary action, or anything else concerning their experience at Siba, may submit that complaint to any or all of the following:

Cynthia Musterman, President
Stevens-The Institute of Business & Arts
1521 Washington Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63103
CMusterman@siba.edu

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges
2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 247-4212
www.accsc.org

A copy of the ACCSC Complaint Form is available at the school and may be obtained by contacting Cindy Musterman (cmusterman@siba.edu) or online at www.accsc.org.

U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
www.ed.gov

Missouri Department of Higher Education
205 Jefferson Street
P.O. Box 1469
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1469
http://dhe.mo.gov

Missouri Attorney General's Office
Supreme Court Building
207 W. High St.
P.O. Box 899
Jefferson City, MO 65102
https://ago.mo.gov

Constitution Day

Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or who by naturalization have become citizens.

Each year on September 17, Siba celebrates Constitution Day through activities and educational programming. In the event September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, Constitution Day activities are held during the preceding or following week. Below we have provided links to Constitution Day resources available on the Internet.

Questions relating to Constitution Day may be directed to consumerinfo@siba.edu

About the Signers
Charters of Freedom
Constitution Day, Inc.
Founding Fathers
The Constitution Game
Hi-Res Images
Independence Hall
Constitutional Initiative
Interactive Constitution
James Madison Papers
National Constitution Center
Ratification

U.S. Voter Registration

Siba recognizes the right to vote as one of the fundamental, cherished elements of American democracy. As you know, it is a right that has been secured and maintained only at great cost, with many Americans having made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure its preservation. Indeed, even today, people across the world struggle to win the right to vote for their own people.

Because registering to vote is the first step one can take toward a lifetime of responsible, effective citizenship, Siba encourages its students and employees to register to vote, and to exercise this powerful and beloved right. For your convenience, we also have set out select state voter registration websites below:

Illinois: https://ova.elections.il.gov/
Missouri: http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/re...

Individuals also may visit their local post office to obtain a voter registration form, or visit the U.S. Election Assistance Commission at http://www.eac.gov/voter_resources/register_to_vote.aspx to obtain a National Mail Voter Registration form. Each state has a different deadline for voter registration, but in most states, individuals will need to register at least 30 days before an election.

Students or employees with questions regarding voter registration may request assistance via email at consumerinfo@siba.edu.

Cost

The cost of tuition at Siba is $315 per quarter credit hour. The only additional fee charged by Siba is a $250 textbook rental/resource fee per academic term that covers the use of:

1. All equipment on campus, including computer hardware & software, printers, copiers, WiFi, paper, and library resources, and;
2. The rental of all textbooks and instructor handouts used in each class.

Students should also expect to incur some tool and supply costs associated with certain programs:

1. Interior Design (A.A.S. & B.A.) supplies will cost between $575 and $600; and
2. Graphic Design (A.A.S. & B.A.) program supplies cost between $350-$500.

Financial Aid Information

Information regarding Financial Aid is available through Siba's Financial Aid Office. For general inquiries, please email financialaid@siba.edu. Students and prospective students may reach out directly to Siba's Financial Aid Director, Chrissa Siampos, by calling (314) 421-0949, ext 1120 or by emailing csiampos@siba.edu.

Types of Aid
Federal Financial Aid is available to Siba students in the form of Pell Grants, Subsidized Loans, Unsubsidized Loans, and PLUS Loans. Students wishing to take out Federal loans must complete online Entrance Counseling and attend Entrance Counseling provided by the Director of Financial Aid at Orientation.

Pell Grant amounts vary depending upon need and do not have to be paid back by the student. Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan amounts vary and depend on the student’s grade level in school. A student’s ability to qualify for a subsidized loans also depends on the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) that is determined from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A students' total financial aid award is subject to their EFC, cost of attendance, the number of credit hours they are taking, and whether they are Independent or Dependent.

• Click here to see a list of annual loan limits.
• Click here to see examples of estimated monthly repayment plans under the standard repayment plan.

Siba also offers periodic need and merit based scholarships provided by the non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization  The Siba Scholarship Fund. The school also accepts all scholarships from schools, churches, civic groups, and other organizations. Siba does not offer state aid programs. Siba does not offer any employment that is a part of the financial aid package or FSA funds for study abroad programs.

How to Apply
Students wishing to take out Financial Aid must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In order to have the FAFSA sent to Siba, the student should include Siba's school code (008552) where prompted on the FAFSA. In addition to the FAFSA, students must complete a Loan Release form and Siba Loan Borrowing Policy. Forms are available for download on Siba's financial aid webpage. New students may be required to complete Entrance Counseling in order to receive their aid. Additionally, they will be required to have an active Master Promissory Note on file which explains the terms and conditions of their Title IV, HEA loans.

Each term the Pell and loan funds are electronically deposited in the student’s account.

Students who wish to borrow money beyond the cost of tuition may do so for education-related expenses only. These funds will be paid to students in the form of a check after the first week of school for returning students and 30 days after the first day of school for new students. This check will be made available in the Financial Aid office.

Adhering to requirements from the Department of Education, Siba submits student loan and Pell data to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Information is accessible to authorized users only. Students may access their own NSLDS record by clicking here.

Some FAFSA's may be selected by the Department of Education for a process referred to as verification. Click here for Siba's verification policy and procedure.

Exit Counseling
Siba is committed to ensuring that students are fully aware of all their options when it comes to student loan repayment. Students are individually counseled on repayment during exit counseling when they withdraw or graduate, at which time students are required to complete online counseling through the Department of Education website. A number of repayment options are available to students. To see sample loan repayment plans and learn more about your options from the Department of Education, click here. Repayment of loans and assessment of any interest may or may not be deferred until six months after graduation or leaving school, depending on the type of loan. If you are having trouble repaying your Federal loans, you can consider your options for repayment, forbearance, deferment, and more by clicking here.

All loans, plus interest, must be repaid, including any money taken out above the tuition amount for school related/living expenses.  You do not want to burden yourself with unnecessary debt.  Furthermore, taking out extra money each quarter could result in there not being enough federal student aid available for you to complete a bachelor degree program.  The maximum amount an undergraduate independent student or dependent student with a PLUS loan denial, can borrow is $57,500. The maximum amount an undergraduate dependent student can borrow is $31,000.  This amount includes the extra money borrowed beyond tuition.  Once you reach this limit, you will not be able to borrow Title IV subsidized or unsubsidized loans to complete your degree at any college or university.

The only money that you do not have to repay is a Pell Grant.  Not everyone qualifies for Pell Grants and Pell Grants will not cover all of your tuition costs.  Starting with the 2012-2013 award year the Department of Education put a cap of 600% Pell eligibility for undergraduate students.  For students attending full time, this translates to 6 years of eligibility. That time is extended for students who attend part-time. If you received Pell Grants at a previous school this will count towards your 600%.

There are severe penalties for defaulting on your student loans and you cannot discharge student loans by filing Bankruptcy.  If you default on your student loans, the government can seize your income tax refund, garnish your wages, and deny you additional federal student aid. Defaulting on your loans will severely damage your credit rating, which could result in being denied access to credit cards, automobile loans, and home mortgages.

Payment Plan Policy

All students who plan on using Title IV Funds to help pay for tuition and/or fees must have their FAFSA completed prior to attending classes. Any new or returning student who does not have a complete FAFSA will not be issued textbooks.

All first time, first term students who are required to submit additional documentation to complete or supplement their FAFSA must provide that documentation to the financial aid office prior to the 30th calendar day of the quarter. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, if a student fails to provide the required documentation during that period, he/she will not convert to permanent enrollment status, and will be asked to re-apply for admission when the required documents can be submitted.

All private payments for tuition and fees are due in full on the first day of each academic term. Payment plans are available, but must be initiated and requested by the student. Typical plans consist of 2 equal payments of the total amount due, and each payment will be due on or before specific dates during the term. In every case, however, the first payment of at least 1/2 of the total amount due MUST be made prior to the student attending any classes.

Failure to make subsequent payments on time may result in one or more of the following:
1) The student’s schedule for the next term will be put on hold;
2) The student’s transcript will be put on hold;
3) The student will not be allowed to enroll the following term; and/or
4) The student may not be allowed to complete the current quarter for which there is an unpaid balance.

Any student who experiences hardship in paying their tuition charges under the terms of their payment plan is encouraged to speak to the Financial Aid office as soon as possible.

Financial Aid Code of Conduct
Siba's Financial Aid Code of Conduct is available by clicking here.

Additional information is available at https://siba.edu/prospective-students/financial-aid as well as in our catalog.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Education hosts various, free websites available to students that provide information regarding the regulations, requirements, and application for Federal Student Aid, including www.ed.gov, www.fafsa.ed.gov, www.ed.gov.

Questions relating to financial aid may be directed to the Financial Aid Director or to financialaid@siba.edu.

Satisfactory Academic Progress/ Federal Aid Eligibility Requirements 

Federal regulations require Siba to establish a satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policy to ensure all students are making reasonable progress toward completing their degree. In determining whether a student is making satisfactory academic progress, there are two categories of minimum requirements that must be met: (1) the percentage of classes successfully completed in relation to the number of classes attempted (Rate of Progress), and (2) cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

SAP Review

The academic records of each student will be reviewed at the end of each academic year (one academic year equals three quarters) of enrollment to determine if the student is in compliance with Siba’s SAP policy.

SAP Requirements

The chart immediately following identifies in three columns the specific checkpoints during the student’s program that minimum GPA requirements and minimum percentage of courses successfully completed compared to those attempted, must be met, in order for a student to be in compliance with Siba’s SAP policy.

Associate Degrees

Credits Attempted	Required Rate of Progress	Required CGPA
0-45	55%	1.7
46+	66.67%	2.0

Bachelor Degrees

Credits Attempted	Required Rate of Progress	Required CGPA
0-45	55%	1.7
46-90	65%	1.85
91+	66.67%	2.0

Failure to Maintain SAP

Students failing to meet the established guidelines must file an appeal to his/her Academic Dean. The appeal must be based on one of the following: student injury or illness, the death of a relative, or similar special circumstance. The appeal must explain why SAP standards were failed and what has changed that will allow the student to make SAP at the next evaluation. The Academic Dean will make the determination whether to grant or deny the appeal.

If the appeal is granted, the Academic Dean will develop an academic plan that, when followed, will insure that the student will meet the standards by a specific time. Students who fail the SAP check after the end of the probationary payment period may not continue to receive aid, and will be dismissed from the college.

Maximum Time Frame

The length of a Bachelor’s degree at Siba ranges is 182 quarter credit hours (See pages 18-25 of the Catalog). The length of Associate of Applied Science degrees at Siba ranges from 90-94 quarter credit hours (See pages 26-29 of the Catalog). The maximum time frame permitted for completing a program is determined by multiplying the number of credit hours in the degree by 1.5 or 150%. Students who exceed their maximum timeframe of 150% of the credit hours in their degree before completing that degree will no longer be eligible for federal financial aid.

If a student changes his/her program of study or increases the credential of his/her program (e.g. enrolls in a B.A. or B.S. after being enrolled in an AAS program), the maximum time frame of the new program or increased credential will be calculated by using the number of credits required to complete the new program or increased credential. The credit hours required to complete the new program or credential will be adjusted (and accordingly, so will the maximum time frame to complete) by any credit hours that are being transferred into the new program or increased credential, whether they be from Siba or another institution (See Transfer of Credits policy on pages 6-8). All attempted credit hours from the previous Siba program or credential that are required by the new program or increased credential will be used to calculate whether the student is making SAP.

Transfer Hours

Credit hours accepted from another institution will be used in the student’s rate of progress and maximum timeframe calculations, but not their cumulative grade point average.

Failed Courses

Failed courses must be repeated until required competencies are met. When a failed course is repeated and passed, the passing grade will be used in calculating CGPA, replacing the previous 0.0 or “F” calculation. However, all credits attempted will be used in the student’s rate of progress and maximum timeframe calculations. Students will be charged additional tuition when they fail a course and are required to repeat it. Students who have passed a course but wish to repeat it may do so free of charge, provided there is an open seat in the class. The highest grade earned in repeated courses will be the grade used in the CGPA calculation.

Course Withdrawal and Satisfactory Academic Progress

When a student withdraws from a course after the 1-week drop/add period, the credits from that course will be included in the student’s rate of progress and maximum timeframe calculations. The “W” grade will not affect the student’s CGPA calculation.

Graduation requirements include a minimum GPA of 2.00 and earning the required credits for the respective program of study.

Withdrawal and Refund Policies 

Withdrawal from Classes
If a student withdraws from a class after the last day of the first week, but before end of the last day that the class is scheduled to meet, the student’s transcript will reflect a “W” (withdrawal) for that particular class. If a student fails to attend a class for three weeks in a row, he/she will be administratively withdrawn from the class, and his/her transcript will reflect a “W” (withdrawal) for that particular class. Students who do not withdraw from a class prior to the last class meeting (and do not qualify for administrative withdrawal) will receive a grade of “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F.” Students will be charged tuition for all classes from which they are voluntarily or administratively withdrawn.

Students changing their schedules need to be very careful about maintaining satisfactory academic progress, meeting required graduation criteria, and carrying the required number of courses to qualify for federal financial aid.  Any student wishing to drop, add, or withdraw from a class should contact his/her Academic Dean.

Withdrawal from Siba
The procedure for a student to officially withdraw from school prior to the start of the term, or during the term, is to notify the President, Academic Dean or Financial Aid Director in writing, via standard mail, email or hand-delivery.

Return of Federal Financial Aid
Siba's Return to Title IV Policy is available by clicking here.

Questions relating to withdrawal and refunds policies may be directed to consumerinfo@siba.edu.

Leave of Absence Policy

Students who wish to temporarily discontinue their enrollment at Siba may formally request an approved leave of absence by completing a Leave of Absence Form, which can be obtained from the Office of the Academic Dean. Siba's full leave of absence policy can be found by clicking here.

Cost of Attendance

Siba charges tuition by the quarter at $315 per credit hour. Additional charges includes a $250 quarterly textbook rental fee. Interior Design students may spend between $575 and $600 on supplies, Graphic Design students may spend between $350-$500 on supplies in each of the Associates in Applied Science and Bachelor's programs. You can learn more about the cost of our programs by visiting Siba's tuition and fees webpage. Additional considerations such as cost of living and transportation costs are calculated with our Net Price Calculator located on our Financial Aid Page. Questions relating to cost of attendance may also be directed to consumerinfo@siba.edu.

Net Price Calculator

The purpose of the Net Price Calculator is to give first time, full-time students (and their parents) a better idea of what their “estimated” educational cost will be.

The estimates provided by the Net Price Calculator will provide you a general snapshot of what you can expect for planning purposes. The estimate provided is based on cost of attendance and financial aid provided to students in that program in the most recent award year ( e.g., 2014-2015). It is important to understand, however, that cost of attendance and financial aid availability change year to year, and awards are determined on an individual basis. Moreover, not all students receive financial aid. Therefore using the information provided, while helpful for planning, may only provide a partial overview of what you can expect to receive in financial aid.

Also, please keep in mind that actually applying for financial aid is a separate process. In order to receive a federal financial aid award, for example, an eligible student must first submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or “FASFA.".

Also, we have included the following glossary terms below, which may help explain the meaning of the terms used in the Net Price Calculator and how they relate to you.

• Estimated total price of attendance: Also referred to as the Cost of Attendance (COA). The cost of attendance is based upon average costs and educational expenses for a student in your category. The cost of attendance helps us to determine your financial aid award, but does not reflect the amount you owe Siba. You will receive a bill that shows your actual charges.
• Estimated Tuition & Fees: This number represents the cost of tuition for classes and any applicable fees.
• Estimated Room & Board: This amount is an average figure based on information gathered by Siba each year. It is expected that additional financial aid proceeds will be used to pay living expenses.
• Estimated Books and Supplies: This is an average amount you might spend on books and supplies.
• Estimated Other Expenses: Also referred to as Miscellaneous and Personal. This is an estimate of what you might spend during the school year on personal items, clothing, recreation and travel, and is not an amount billed by Siba.
• Estimated total Grant Aid: The median amount of grant aid, which is aid that does not have to be repaid (also known as gift aid) received by Siba students in your category. This amount includes Federal Aid (such as Pell Grant), as well as State & Institutional grant aid. It does not include any outside scholarships you may receive.
• Estimated net price: This is the price of attendance minus any grant aid you receive.

To access the Net Price Calculator please click here.

Questions regarding the Net Price Calculator may be directed to Siba's Financial Aid Director or submitted via email to financialaid@siba.edu

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