Census Date
The census date typically marks the end of the Add/Drop Period for the semester. At 11:59:59pm on the last day of the Add/Drop Period each semester, the Financial Aid Office takes a "snapshot" of all students' enrollment to lock in their official enrollment for financial aid eligibility and reporting purposes.
The number of credits you are registered as of the census date determines the amount of financial aid you will receive. The Financial Aid Office will compare your enrolled credits as of the census date with the number of credits for which you were awarded financial aid to determine if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements for each aid program listed. Adjustments to your aid will be made accordingly, and your aid may increase, decrease, or even be canceled.
- If you increase or reduce your credit load before the census date, your financial aid may be adjusted, as appropriate, based on your enrollment level.
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If your aid is reduced and a balance due to Salem State is created on your student account, you will be responsible for payment.
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- If you add credits after the census date, your aid will not be increased.
Roster Verification
Once the Add/Drop Period closes, and the Financial Aid Office has locked in your credits, faculty will begin verifying their class rosters regarding what students are in the class and if they are currently attending, stopped attending (and when), or never attended. If a professor reports that a student never attended or stopped attending before the end of the Add/Drop Period, your aid will be adjusted.
It is imperative to check your schedule before the Add/Drop Period ends to be sure you are officially enrolled in the courses you are attending. You must attend all classes you are enrolled in, or your financial aid will be adjusted accordingly. For more information, please review the Attendance and Walk-Away Policy.