Navigating the Loras College Student Portal: A Comprehensive Guide

Loras College, Iowa’s first higher education institution, provides a comprehensive online student portal to streamline various administrative and academic processes. This article serves as a guide to understanding and utilizing the features available on the Loras College student portal.

Introduction

The Loras College student portal is designed to help students manage their academic, financial, and residential life efficiently. From orientation registration to financial aid management and housing applications, the portal acts as a central hub for accessing essential information and completing required tasks.

Key Features and Functionalities

The student portal offers a range of features aimed at enhancing the student experience. These features include:

1. Orientation Registration

Transitioning into the Loras community begins with orientation. The student portal allows accepted students who have submitted their deposit to sign up for orientation sessions. These sessions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis due to limited space. A Loras Admission login and password are required to access the available Orientation and Registration dates. For questions or concerns, students can contact student life at 563.588.7731.

2. Financial Aid Management

The portal facilitates the management of financial aid by allowing students to sign and return their financial aid award letter. During orientation, students learn about financial aid and loan options. The Office of Financial Planning processes student loans and provides information about federal loan eligibility. First-time borrowers of federal direct loans are required to complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note on studentaid.gov before loan proceeds are disbursed. Half of the net total loan amount will be applied to each semester. Loras disburses federal funds to students ten days before the start of the term, and the anticipated disbursement amount for each semester will appear as pending aid on the semester’s first two billing statements.

3. Billing and Payment Procedures

The student portal provides access to undergraduate billing and payment procedures. Students can set up their student account to view payment plans and billing policies. Loras College requires all students to make payments in accordance with a payment plan. By registering for classes, students agree to adhere to this plan. Students can pay the balance in full before the start of the semester (August 15 for the fall term and December 15 for the spring term) without penalty. For those wishing to make monthly payments, the payment plan amount can be found under the "installment payment plans" section of the online student account. The final payment for the fall and spring semesters (November and March) should cover the account in full. May term payments are included in the spring payment plan, while summer term payments are due in full by June 15.

Loras College accepts cash or checks at the Business Office in Keane Hall. Electronic Check payments (ACH) and credit card payments can be made online through the student account. ACH payments allow secure payments directly from a checking or savings account without additional fees. Credit cards are accepted with a 2.85 percent convenience fee ($3 minimum).

4. Housing Application

Living on campus is a significant part of the Loras experience, fostering lifelong friendships. The housing application opens in late December or early January, and housing assignments are sent out by June 30. After receiving their housing assignment, students can rent a bed loft and a microwave/fridge combo through bedloft.com, with delivery to their room. Students are responsible for assembling the loft.

5. Vehicle Registration and Parking Permits

Students who plan to park on campus must register their vehicle and purchase a parking permit. Campus parking permits are valid annually from August 1 to August 1. The parking permit for student parking areas costs $200.

6. Accessing Statements and Payment Plans

Statements are published online around the first of each month, regardless of whether there is a balance due. Students are encouraged to open the statement monthly to avoid late fees. The Statements tab on the menu bar allows students to view or download the statement. All students with an outstanding student account balance on July 1 and/or December 1 will be enrolled in a monthly installment payment plan for the upcoming term (four payments per term). Students must make the minimum monthly payments by the designated due date to avoid a $50 non-refundable service charge. The Tuition and Fees Payment is the monthly payment due on the account, and students can change the dollar amount if they wish to pay a different amount.

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7. Making Deposits and Payments

The portal allows students to make deposits for various items, such as a May term course or a semester study abroad program. Payments can be made by cash or check at the Business Office in Keane Hall, or electronically via ACH or credit card through the student account. For 529 College Savings Plans, the account owner must initiate a withdrawal request from the plan, including the student’s name and ID number on the remittance.

8. FERPA Form and Parent Access

Students can complete the FERPA form with their parent or guardian’s information through the portal. This allows parents to access certain student information. Both parent and student usernames will continue to work individually, but if a password is reset or parent access is removed, the linked student will no longer appear when the parent logs in.

9. Withdrawal Policies and Procedures

A student who has preregistered for or is attending classes but decides not to attend Loras College must notify the retention coordinator in writing. If a student leaves the College for any reason, the student account becomes due immediately. An outstanding balance on the student account results in the account being coded as delinquent. According to federal refund policy, the student’s official withdrawal date determines the percentage of earned aid/charges. Official withdrawal dates can be affected by the student’s engaged attendance in courses as reported by faculty. Institutional charges are adjusted through the fourth week of classes, and withdrawals after this period do not receive a refund. Federal financial aid is adjusted until the student has passed the 60 percent point in the semester. After the twentieth day of class, financial aid will not be adjusted when a student drops a class.

Students who move in but withdraw from school on or before the first day of class will be charged 5 percent of the cost of room and board. Students who are still enrolled but can move off campus or drop a meal plan will have charges adjusted on the same percentage basis as is used for students withdrawing from school. If a student terminates a housing contract after residence, the student is responsible for buying out the remainder of the contract at 50 percent of the remaining costs, except for first-year students.

Additional Resources and Opportunities at Loras College

Beyond the student portal, Loras College offers a variety of resources and opportunities to enhance the student experience:

Campus Activities and Organizations

Loras College offers over fifty clubs, organizations, and intramural activities. These provide opportunities for students to make connections, plan campus activities, lead service projects, and try new sports.

Athletic Programs

Loras College has a winning reputation in athletics, providing excellent facilities and coaching to help student-athletes reach their potential.

Commitment to Affordability

Loras College is committed to helping students make their degree affordable by partnering with each student and family to understand their unique financial needs.

Catholic Identity

The Catholic identity of Loras College inspires a commitment to responsibility, excellence, service, and respect.

Campus Visits

Prospective students are encouraged to visit Loras College to experience the campus and meet students, faculty, and staff. Personalized visits can be tailored to individual interests. Group visits are also available for middle schools, high schools, and organizations.

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