At the beginning of the Fall and Spring Terms Student Financial Services gives students that meet specific criteria the ability to use a portion of their Financial Aid to pay for books at the University Bookstore and purchase meal plans through Aramark.

When does this service take place?

This service typically starts a few days before the start of classes and ends on the last day of drop/add. Specific Dates will be posted on the following websites: http://www.fgcu.edu/cashiers/ &  http://www.fgcu.edu/AS/FinancialAid/

How does this service work?

All the necessary information is stored on your Eagle ID card. The University Bookstore and/or the Meal Plan Office will swipe your Eagle ID card and your Financial Aid will be reduced up to $1,000.00 (this amount varies depending on the amount and type of Financial Aid you are awarded). When you log onto Gulfline you will see a charge on your account for your purchases. When your Financial Aid is disbursed this charge will be paid off. You must have an Eagle ID in order to take advantage of this service.

What can I spend this money on?

This service allows you to use your excess Financial Aid to purchase books through the University Bookstore and/or to purchase a meal plan through Aramark. It is up to you on how you want to split your purchases. For example: If you have $1,000.00 in excess Financial Aid you have the option to use the entire amount at the bookstore, or the entire amount to purchase a meal plan, or you could choose to use a portion of your aid at both places. 

What types of Financial Aide can be used for this service?

Private Scholarships
Foundation Scholarships
Grants
Bright Futures
Loans
Florida Prepaid

The sum of the Financial Aid listed above must be greater than your Total Account Balance to take advantage of this service.

What criteria do I have to meet to take advantage of this service?

Students must meet the following criteria in order to use this service:

1. Listed below are the types of Financial Aid available for use with this service and their respective criteria that must be completed prior to the beginning of the Financial Aid Bookstore / Meal Plan Buying Days.

**Please note Private Scholarships, Foundation Scholarships, Grants, Bright Futures, and Loans require the Terms and Conditions to be completed.

Private Scholarships
a. No additional requirements required.

Foundation Scholarships
a. The thank you letter must be completed
b. The picture must be taken

Grants
a. No additional requirements required.

Bright Futures
a. No additional requirements required.

Loans
a. The loan must be accepted
b. A lender must be accepted (first time borrowers only)
c. An entrance interview must be completed (first time borrowers only)
d. The Master Promissory note must be electronically signed (first time borrowers only)

Florida Prepaid
A current copy of your Florida Prepaid Card must be signed and submitted to the Cashiers Office.

**Please note if you have been selected for the Verification Process it must be completed prior to the beginning of the Financial Aid Bookstore / Meal Plan Buying Days in order for you to take advantage of this service.

2. Your Financial Aid must be greater than your Account Balance by a minimum of $25.00. Your Account Balance includes all University Financial obligations for your current term, all unpaid balances from past terms, and all Housing installments. 

For Example:

 If all criteria in #1 are met this student would be able to use $1,000.00 of their excess Financial Aid to purchase books at the University Bookstore and/or a meal plan through Aramark.

For a detailed explanation of the account detail screen on Gulfline please review this link: http://www.fgcu.edu/Cashiers/accountdetail.html

3. All criteria listed above must have been completed prior to beginning of the Financial Aid Book / Meal Plan Buying Days.

How much can I spend?

This depends on your account balance and the amount and type of Financial Aid you will be receiving. The maximum amount that is allowed to be spent is $1,000.00. However, in order to spend this amount you must have an excess of $1,000.00 after all University Financial obligations have been satisfied. 

Is there anyway to spend more than the maximum amount?

No, the maximum amount allowed to be spent is $1,000.00 and there is no way for this to be increased.

Can I use this service to buy books online through the University Bookstore?

No, this service is only available in person at the University Bookstore.

Where do I go if this service is not working properly for me?

Please contact the ID Card Office at 590-SMILE