Intentionally misreporting information on financial aid application materials is a violation of law, subject to fine and/or imprisonment. A student should be aware that s/he will be held responsible for the integrity of any financial aid information submitted either by the student or on his/her behalf.
Applying for and receiving federal and university financial aid funds requires that a student (and parents, if necessary) complete and submit various applications, forms, and other documents. The integrity of these documents and the accuracy of the information presented through them are critical to the financial aid process. While the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA) has systems in place to identify and resolve discrepancies in information it receives, in the case where information and/or documentation intentionally misrepresents a student’s financial need, federal, state, and institutional offices and agencies are defrauded.
If there has been intentional misrepresentation, the student will be referred to the Director of the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for possible disciplinary action. The University of Florida will also refer all credible cases of suspected misrepresentation and fraud to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General, in compliance with federal requirements. If it is determined that a violation has occurred, the consequences may include, but are not limited to, making full restitution of grants and loans for which the student is not entitled, withholding of future disbursements until the matter is resolved, and obligation to pay the resulting balance on the student account. Cases involving omission are not referred to the Department of Education. However, any ineligible funds received must be returned, and the student will be responsible for the balance on the student account.
