Registration Blocks
The Office of the Bursar blocks all student accounts with outstanding balances. These blocks prevent registration for future terms. You can check your balance and any blocks (they are also called service indicators) on your account in LOCUS. LOCUS will indicate if your block is from the Bursar, the Wellness Center, or the Dean's Office. The information below provides tips for clearing financial blocks placed by the Bursar. You may need to contact other offices to resolve additional service indicators. The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) cannot lift registration blocks placed on your account.
Finalize Your Financial Aid Processing
If all awarded financial assistance has not been disbursed to your account, you may need to complete additional steps or submit additional documents to OSFA. You can check the status of your financial assistance awards through LOCUS; simply log in, click "Finance," and then click "My Financial Aid Status." For more information, please contact OSFA at: 773.508.7704, or e-mail: lufinaid@luc.edu. Generally, it will be at least five business days for documents to be reviewed by OSFA staff, so it is to your benefit to submit any needed information to OSFA before you are scheduled to register for classes.
Apply for Additional Funds
If all your financial aid has disbursed and additional funds are needed to bring your account balance to $0, you may want to consider applying for additional loans. Credit-based alternative loans are available for students and Federal PLUS Loans are an option for parents of dependent students. To begin the process of applying for either type of loan, click the appropriate link above. All steps must be completed, the aid must be disbursed, and your current balance must be at $0 before the registration block will be released by the Bursar.
It is recommended that you begin the process of obtaining an alternative or PLUS loan at least two weeks before registration.
Remember: You must apply for enough to cover your entire balance owed to the university before the Bursar will remove any blocks on the registration. Be sure you account for any loan processing fees when calculating the amount to borrow. All loans borrowed will be evenly allocated between the fall and spring semesters, so set the loan amount at a level that will cover the balance needed for the academic year. For example, if you owe $2,200 for the fall semester, the loan you apply for now must be a minimum of $4,400. Your account balance LOCUS will help provide an idea of the funds needed for each term.
Special Circumstances
If your family has experienced a change of circumstance affect your financial situation (loss of employment, death of a parent, etc.), you may complete a Special Circumstance Appeal (PDF) to request a reevaluation of your financial aid eligibility. The form allows you to describe the financial changes in detail and the impact it has on your ability to meet your educational expenses. Appropriate documentation (i.e., federal tax returns, medical bills, unemployment benefits statements) is required. Any award adjustment will be contingent upon your eligibility and the availability of funds. OSFA can work with Bursar to combine the appeal review and consideration for registration. Generally, it will be at least five business days for documents to be reviewed by OSFA staff, so it is to your benefit to submit any needed information to OSFA before you are scheduled to register for classes.
Frequently asked questions about special circumstances
Contact the Bursar
If all your financial aid has disbursed and you cannot apply for additional loans, your registration will not be opened until the balance is paid in full. If you need additional information or wish to discuss the situation, contact the Office of the Bursar at 773.508.7705.