Cash Advance Privileges

Advances of $50.00 or Less (Non-Financial Aid Approval)

During the current semester, students may be eligible for up to a $50.00 cash advance under the following circumstances:

  • Cannot have written more than two (2) bad checks to the University;
  • Current account balance must be zero (0);
  • Must be currently enrolled as a student at FSU;
  • Must present a valid student ID card;
  • Must be below the maximum of three (3) cash advances of $50.00 or less during the current semester;
  • A minimum of 30 days must have expired since the last cash advance.

The cash advance is due on the next monthly invoice (billing statement). No cash advances are granted during semester breaks.

Advances Between $50 and $100 (Financial Aid Approval Required)

Any student may request in person a cash advance for educational expenses, provided the estimated financial aid funds are sufficient to cover the request. This will include any financial aid awarded and can be approved by any Student Service Representative.

Documentation must be provided with most requests. For example, if a student has already charged the maximum amount of books to their student account, and still needs to purchase additional books, the student can request a cash advance for the remaining purchase price. The student will need to obtain a written estimate from the Bookstore and bring it to the Timme Center for Student Services. The student must also present a valid student ID card.

Requests will be considered as of 7 days prior to the 1st day of classes. Advances for additional B & N bookstore purchases for textbooks are only accepted during the specified bookstore charge dates at the beginning of each semester.

The Student Service Representatives and Business Operations Manager reserve the right to use professional judgment in determining any deviation from the stated policy.  These requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis prior to financial aid disbursing to the student account.

Emergency Cash Advances of More Than $100 (Financial Aid Approval Required)

Any student may request, in person (or via fax if on internship or an off-site student), an emergency cash advance of up to $500 per semester. These requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis prior to financial aid disbursing to the student account.

The definition of an emergency for this purpose is a situation which will prevent the student from attending class.  
Examples of emergency situations include:

  • Pending eviction proceedings
  • Pending gas or electric utility shut offs
  • Books (for students who were not allowed to charge their books at the bookstore)

Students will be required to submit documentation supporting their request for an emergency advance.

In order to be considered for an emergency advance, all of the following must apply:

  • Student must have an active direct deposit account set up
  • All financial aid requirements must be complete
  • Student must have enough financial aid excess to cover advance
  • Emergency need must exceed $400 book advance (if applicable)
  • May be requested only during pre-determined dates for each semester