The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) enacted in 2008 amends and extends the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965. The HEOA contains numerous federal reporting and disclosure requirements. This page provides information to students, families, and the general public as called for in this act.
Notice of Availability of Institutional and Financial Aid Information
Each institution must annually provide to all enrolled students a notice of the availability of the information that is required to be made available to students under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or "FERPA"), and under The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA). This information is available on Lawrence’s website as specified under each of the headings below.
Contact Information for Assistance in Obtaining Institutional or Financial Aid Information
Admissions and Financial Aid makes this information available through mailings, emails, and their website.
Student Financial Aid Information
The Financial Aid office makes this information available to prospective students via mailings and current students via emails. Information can also be found at the financial aid website.
Financial aid as it relates to study abroad can be found on the Off-Campus Programs website.
Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations
A student convicted of a federal or state drug offense that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV federal financial aid is ineligible for federal student aid.
The chart below illustrates the period of ineligibility for federal student aid funds.
| Number of Offenses | Possession of Illegal Drugs | Sale of Illegal Drugs |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Offense | 1 year from date of conviction | 2 years from date of conviction |
| 2nd Offense | 2 years from date of conviction | Indefinite period |
| 3rd Offense and beyond | Indefinite period | Indefinite period |
In accordance with HEOA, institutions must inform all eligible borrowers enrolled in the institution about the availability of and their eligibility for grant assistance from the state, and provide sources of information about grant assistance from other states to borrowers from other states. This information is made available through emails, meetings with students, and our web-based interface for university records (Voyager).
Student Loan Information Published by Department of Education
In accordance with the HEOA, institutions must provide information published by the Department of Education to students at any time that information regarding loan availability is provided. The Financial Aid office makes this information available to student through our web-based interface for university records (Voyager) and the financial aid website.
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education's central database for federal student aid. Federal Stafford, Perkins, and Parent PLUS loans will be submitted to NSLDS and will be accessible by guarantee agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system. For each new federal loan borrowed, and for any changes made to the amount of a loan, a Disclosure statement will be sent to the borrower.
Entrance Counseling for Student Loan Borrowers
In accordance with HEOA, institutions must provide a first-time borrower of a FFELP or a Federal Direct Loan (other than consolidated or Parent PLUS loans) comprehensive information on the terms and conditions of the loan and of the borrower’s responsibilities. Notification about this counseling is made through email and our web-based interface for university records (Voyager).
Exit Counseling for Student Loan Borrowers
Each institution must also provide counseling to borrowers of loans under the FFEL, Federal Direct Loan, or Perkins Loan programs (other than consolidated or Parent PLUS loans) shortly before the student borrower ceases at least half-time study at the institution. Notification about this counseling is made through email, campus mail for current students, mail, and our web-based interface for university records (Voyager).
Students and parents may consider a private educational loan beyond any need-based aid administered by the Lawrence University Financial Aid Office. Upon request to the Financial Aid office, a Self-Certification Form for private loans will be made available to the borrower.
Lawrence University adheres to a Student Loan Code of Conduct and does not endorse one private loan over another. A private loan comparison list is made available to assist in searching for loans; however borrowers are not limited to this list and may select a lender not on the list.
Additional information about private student loans can be found on the financial aid website.
Privacy of Student Records - FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords all students who attend a postsecondary education institution certain rights with respect to their educational records. They are:
Our required notification to students is published in the Lawrence Student Handbook, but it is also available on the website. Admitted students are notified of their rights under FERPA in a letter from the office of admissions on behalf of the Center for Academic Success. Within the student portal (known as Voyager), each term enrolled students have to agree and indicate they have read statements about student opportunities, obligations, and responsibilities - one of which is FERPA.
College Navigator is a free information tool to help guide prospective students and parents through the entire college process. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has a search tool to help explore over 7000 colleges and universities.
Lawrence University is committed to providing opportunities for all students to succeed academically. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990/2008) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973), Lawrence has a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of disability and offers academic accommodations to students with disabilities who need them to benefit from the educational programs of the university; students must initiate all requests.
Academic accommodations are reasonable adjustments or necessary forms of assistance provided to students who are at a disadvantage due to a disability such as a physical or sensory limitation, attention or cognitive processing deficit, learning disability, or physical or mental health condition. Accommodations are also available to those who are temporarily disabled while recovering from illness or injury. Information about the process including an overview, eligibility, and requesting accommodations is available online. An academic accommodation is considered to be reasonable when it (a) does not fundamentally alter the program nor substantially change an essential element of the curriculum, and (b) does not cause an undue hardship to the university. Reasonable academic accommodations include things like:
• Modified materials or procedures – such as large print texts, additional time to complete exams, or a reduced-distraction setting for testing.
• Auxiliary aids and services – such as an FM system for audio, text-to-speech aids, smart pen with recording capabilities, or note-taking services.
• Environmental adjustments – such as a more accessible classroom, priority seating, or alternative furniture.
Lawrence offers accessibility services for students with disabilities. Accessibility Services can provide all appropriate information and advice. Because courses vary in their required activities (discussion, lab, performance, etc.), Lawrence works with eligible students to determine reasonable accommodations for each course or other academic requirement. Arrangements are made through Accessibility Services. Contact Accessibility Services in person (233 Mudd Library), by phone (920-832-7206), or by email.
In accordance with the HEOA, institutions must make available to current and prospective students information about student body diversity, including the percentage of enrolled, full-time students by gender, race/ethnicity, and Pell grant recipient status as reported in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment and Student Financial Aid surveys.
In accordance with the HEOA, each institution must make available to prospective and enrolled students information about the price of attendance, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation costs, and any additional costs. This information can be found under Financial Aid on the Lawrence website, which includes comprehensive fee details and a cost of attendance worksheet.
Lawrence's net price calculator is intended for new first-year, undergraduate students.
Refund Policy, Requirements for Withdrawal, & Return of Financial Aid
Lawrence's refund policy, requirements and procedures for official withdrawal, and requirements for the return of financial aid are detailed in the current year course catalog.
The Lawrence Online Bookstore, operated in partnership with Akadémos, provides book information for all scheduled courses. Book information includes required and recommended textbooks, ISBNs, prices, and purchase or rental options. Courses listed in the class schedule have a “View book information” link that connects to the information in the online bookstore.
Educational Programs, Instructional Facilities, & Faculty
Educational Programs
The course catalog contains information about Lawrence's academic programs, including current programs, facilities, and faculty in accordance with the HEOA. The Strategic Plan includes ambitions and objectives to help Lawrence achieve its long-range vision and have direct and lasting impact in five distinct areas at Lawrence: curriculum, community, student success, affordability and resources.
Instructional Facilities
The 88-acre Lawrence campus is situated on a bluff overlooking the historic Fox River and contains 62 instructional, residential, recreational and administrative facilities. Campus and parking maps are available. More detailed parking information is available.
Björklunden vid Sjön, a 441-acre estate on Lake Michigan in Door County, serves as the college’s northern campus, hosting curricular retreats and seminars for students each weekend throughout the academic year and continuing education seminars during the summer for alumni and the public. A map and directions to Björklunden are available.
Lawrence has 57 classrooms, 4 performance halls, 17 computer labs, and 22 teaching labs and studios. A detailed list of technology installed in each room is available.
Faculty
A list of current and emeriti faculty are included in the course catalog.
Transfer of Credit Policies & Articulation Agreements
Transfer credit policies can be found in the current year course catalog under Academic Procedures and Regulations. A transfer student is defined as anyone who has attempted the equivalent of at least 12 credit hours at a regionally accredited college or university after completion of secondary school or who has achieved an Associate of Arts degree.
In 2014, Lawrence and the University of Wisconsin (UW) entered into an articulation agreement allowing students to transfer credit from the UW two-year college system to Lawrence University. The relationship between University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Fox Valley has been maintained through a special partnership. Prospective transfer students should apply for admission to receive a transfer credit evaluation.
Lawrence is accredited as a degree-granting institution by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is in good standing. The Conservatory of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) in good standing. Our chemistry department and program are approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and students completing a chemistry major are ACS-certified. Lawrence's teacher certification is in accordance with Certification Rules PI 34 of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Accreditation and Licensing documents are maintained by the Office of the President. Requests to review these materials can be made by contacting the Office of the President at 920-832-6525.
Copyright Infringement Policies and Sanctions
In accordance with the HEOA, institutions must annually make available to current and prospective students the institution's policies and sanctions related to copyright infringement, including computer use and file sharing.
Technology Services has several policies about Acceptable Use, Computer Use, Electronic Communications, File Sharing & Copyright Violations, and an Internet Code of Conduct. Computer use policies are also found in the Lawrence Student Handbook; violations of the regulations of computer use as stated in I.K.1.00 through I.K.4.01 of the student handbook will be regarded as direct violations of the Honor Code or Social Code and will result in sanctions deemed appropriate by the residence hall director or dean of students.
Teacher Preparation Program Report
Teacher certification is available to Lawrence students, alumni, and graduates from other colleges and universities. Per HEOA requirements, each institution must provide a report annually to the state and to the general public. The states submit to the Department of Education (DOE), and make available to the public, an annual report containing institutional and state-level information. The Department makes the state reports available to the public. For more information go to the DOE website.
Program Standards
Lawrence’s liberal arts approach to teacher education is in accordance with Certification Rules PI 34 of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Lawrence students must demonstrate mastery of the 13 Teacher Education Program Standards to complete the program and be certified for licensure. These standards incorporate the Wisconsin Teacher Standards (PI 34.02) with added standards for understanding the discipline's connections with the liberal arts and sciences and understanding the role of education in a democracy and the relationship between school and society.
EPP Annual Report
Lawrence is included in the Wisconsin Department of Instruction's annual report on educator preparation programs. As a selective liberal arts college, Lawrence attracts students from across the country and around the world. Many of our graduates apply for a Wisconsin license and then seek a teaching license in their home state or employment overseas, where they are often among the top-ranked teachers in their schools.
Title II Report
Lawrence meets the reporting requirements of Section 207 of Title II of the Higher Education Act. Our pass rate is 100%. Copies of the most recent report are available from the Director of Teacher Education. Please contact the Education Department at (920) 832-6714.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 requires that an institution of higher education has adopted and implemented a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by both students and employees. Lawrence University is required to provide the campus community information regarding the policies and resources of the University in regards to drug and alcohol use. Lawrence University employees and students are also subject to applicable Wisconsin state laws.
This information is intended to help individuals understand the health risks associated with the use of drugs and alcohol in an effort to assist individuals in making informed decisions.
The HEOA requires institutions to make available to current and prospective students information about institutional policies regarding vaccinations. Lawrence's practices can be found on the Medical History and Physical Examination form on the Health Services website.
Prior to coming to campus, the student must provide proof of immunization to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. This can be done by showing either receiving 2 doses of MMR vaccine or lab results/diagnosis from doctor of history of disease. Also, Lawrence University requires that a 3 dose series of Hepatitis B vaccine be at least initiated, or a serum titer proving immunity. If the series is not complete before coming to campus, the student will be expected to complete the series while here on campus. Immunization for Meningitis is not required, but strongly encouraged. All of these vaccines are available on campus at the Health Center.
Information about Hepatitis B and Meningitis can be found on the Health Services website. Wisconsin State Statute 36.25(46) requires that all students who will be residing in a campus residence hall receive yearly information regarding the risks associated with Hepatitis B and Meningococcal disease and the effectiveness of the vaccines available to prevent these diseases. The student who resides in campus housing must affirm whether he or she has received vaccinations against Meningococcal disease and/or Hepatitis B, and must provide the dates they were received, if any. The parents of minor students must provide this information. Lawrence University requires that the Hepatitis B vaccine be initiated as a condition for enrollment. Immunization for Meningitis is strongly encouraged. Both vaccines are available on campus at the Landis Health Center, but it is recommended that you receive them prior to coming to campus.
Campus crime and fire safety data are required to be submitted annually as part of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Higher Education Opportunity Act. The most recent three years of data are available from the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education.
Lawrence emails its students, faculty, and staff an annual Safety, Security, and Fire Safety Report. The report details Lawrence's security policies and procedures, crime and fire statistics, and fire safety.
Missing Student Notification Policy
In compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act’s Missing Student Notification Policy and Procedures, it is the policy of the dean of students’ office to actively investigate any report of a missing student who is enrolled at the university and living in campus housing. For purposes of this policy, a student may be considered to be a ‘missing person’ if the person’s absence is contrary to their usual pattern of behavior and/or if unusual circumstances may have caused this absence. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to, a report of suspicion that the missing person may be the victim of foul play, has expressed suicidal thoughts, is drug dependent, is in a life-threatening situation, or has been with persons who may endanger the student’s welfare.
Each student has the option through their Voyager account to identify an individual to be contacted by Lawrence University in the event that the student is reported missing.
If a member of the university community has reason to believe that a student is missing, the office of campus safety should be notified. Upon receiving notification, safety staff, residence hall staff and staff in the dean of students’ office will make reasonable efforts to locate the student to determine their health and well-being. These efforts may include, but are not limited to, checking the student’s room, class attendance, ID card usage, locating the student’s vehicle, talking with friends, and calling the student’s reported cell phone number. As part of the investigation, the university reserves the right to contact the student’s emergency contacts to help determine the whereabouts of the student.
If upon investigation, it is determined that the student has been missing for at least 24 hours, student life staff will notify the designated missing student contact and appropriate law enforcement. College officials will work in collaboration with law enforcement officers to resolve the situation.
This information is found in the Lawrence Student Handbook.
The Sexual Harassment and Assault Resources & Education group (SHARE) educates the campus about Lawrence’s sexual misconduct policy and offers prevention and education programming. SHARE confidential resources help members of the Lawrence community who have experienced sexual harassment, assault, or exploitation connect with the resources they need. More information and the policy are available on the SHARE website.
In accordance with the HEOA, institutions must make available to current and prospective students the retention rate of certificate- or degree-seeking, first-time undergraduate students as reported to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) on the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems (IPEDS) Fall Enrollment Survey.
In accordance with the HEOA, each institution must annually make available to prospective and enrolled students the completion or graduation rate of certificate- or degree-seeking, first-time, full-time, undergraduate students as reported to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) on the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems (IPEDS) Graduation Rate Survey. A student is counted as completed or graduated if they earn a degree or certificate within 150 percent of normal time for the student's program. For Lawrence, this means the percentage of entering students who complete their degree within six years. Institutions are allowed to exclude from graduation rate calculations those students who leave school to serve in the Armed Forces, on official church missions, or with a federal foreign aid service; or are deceased or totally and permanently disabled.
Lawrence is not required to disclose graduation and transfer-out rates for students receiving athletically related student aid, since our institution does not offer such aid. Lawrence is also not required to disclose transfer-out rates for students, since our mission does not include providing substantial preparation for students to enroll elsewhere. However, disclosure of graduation rates disaggregated by sex, race/ethnicity, and financial aid status is required and can be found under Student Outcomes.
The Career Center prepares an annual First Destination Report about Life After Lawrence. The graduating class is surveyed, and research continues for six months after graduation with a goal of at least 80% of the graduating class. Statistics for the most recent year as well as prior years can be found on the Career Center webpage.
Employment Placement
A sample of organizations who hired Lawrence graduates within the past five years can be found on the Student Outcomes webpage under the Employment Placement subheading.
Job Placement Rates
Since Lawrence does not advertise job placement rates for purposes of student recruitment, this HEOA requirement does not apply to Lawrence.
Graduate and Professional Education
A sample of schools attended by recent graduates can be found on the Student Outcomes webpage under the Graduate and Professional School Outcomes subheading.
Intercollegiate Athletic Program Participation Rates & Financial Support Data
The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) Survey is an annual report submitted by coeducational institutions that participate in Title IV (the federal student financial aid program) and have a set of intercollegiate athletics programs. The report overviews Lawrence’s commitment to providing equitable opportunities for men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletics teams. The information includes varsity athletics participation rates, coaching demographics, and financial data.
The data submitted to the United States Department of Education (DOE) for the annual EADA can be accessed at the Equity in Athletics Data Analysis website.
Institutions are required to make this report available to campus community members including students, prospective students and the public by October 15 each year in order to comply with DOE regulations. If you wish to obtain a paper copy of these documents please contact us at (920) 832-6760.
This HEOA requirement does not apply to our institution since Wisconsin has same day voter registration.
Student Consumer Complaint Process
As an institution authorized to provide postsecondary education in the State of Wisconsin, Lawrence University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Anyone may review the University’s accreditation status by clicking the HLC mark of affiliation on this Consumer Information page.
Lawrence University seeks to resolve all student concerns in a timely and effective manner. Students who have questions or concerns are encouraged to follow the steps below.
The University offices listed below provide administrative means to resolve most of the concerns a student might have. It is expected that students will contact these offices and use the University’s procedures to address concerns in as timely a manner as possible.
If the University office has not adequately addressed the concern, a student may submit a complaint using the appropriate process below.
The University maintains records of written complaints from enrolled students, including date, summary of the complaint, person or office charged to investigate the complaint, and resolution or actions taken in response to the complaint.
If a University office or procedure has not resolved the concern, a study may wish to submit a complaint to the appropriate agency below.
The Division of Trade and Consumer Protection of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection is prepared to receive and review student consumer complaints regarding alleged fraudulent or abusive practices by a college or university in the delivery of postsecondary academic programs and activities, including, for example, fraud or false advertising. Complaints may be filed with the Division in written or electronic form by accessing the following link: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/FileConsumerComplaint.aspx.
The Office of the Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin is authorized to investigate and prosecute violations of State consumer laws, including laws relating to deceptive advertising, credit, charitable solicitations, telecommunications, telemarketing, and sales. The Office cooperates with other States, the Federal Trade Commission, and other federal agencies in addressing national consumer protection issues. Further, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Consumer Protection litigates cases that are referred to the Department by other States’ agencies. Complaints may be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Consumer Protection at the following link: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dls/consumer-protection/how-file-consumer-complaint.
The Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education enforces several Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the Department of Education. These include laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, English learner status, actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnicity characteristics, sex (including pregnancy, parental status, and sex stereotypes), disability, or age. Information on how to file a complaint is provided at the following link: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html.
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent body responsible for the accreditation of programs offered by Lawrence University. The HLC relies on regular contact with the university to ensure quality higher learning. Accredited institutions are required to submit quality assurance and quality improvement arguments, evidence, and reports and federal compliance forms and to participate in comprehensive evaluation visits. If the HLC receives a complaint that raises issues regarding an institution’s ability to meet accreditation criteria, HLC will forward a copy of the complaint to the institution and request a formal response. Complaints may be filed with Higher Learning Commission at the following link: https://www.hlcommission.org/Student-Resources/complaints.html.