Consumer Information

This page is designed to provide students, their families, and BVU staff with a wide range of information that is available through a variety of resources on campus. We hope that you will find this information helpful. If you would prefer to get the information in writing, you may request it from the appropriate office. For additional information, you may also access our catalog online.

Each topic includes a brief description, a link to more information when available, and the office that can provide additional information; the Director of the Office of Financial Assistance can also provide information when needed.

Information Related to Financial Aid

Financial Aid Related Information

Additional specific information for Graduate & Professional Studies students and Graduate students is available. These links will provide you with information pertaining to:

  • The process of applying for financial assistance and how eligibility is determined.
  • Need-based and non-need based state, institutional, and private/local assistance programs.
  • Need based and non-need based federal financial assistance, including application procedures, general eligibility guidelines, and award amounts.
  • The terms and conditions of any federal loans, including a sample repayment schedule.
  • The rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance.
  • Information regarding the availability of federal student aid for study abroad opportunities.

Additional information is also available for:

Code Of Conduct for Educational Loans

Iowa Code Section 261E.2 and Sections 487(a)(25) and 487(e) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, require the development, administration, and enforcement of a code of conduct governing educational loan activities.

Financial Assistance Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

This policy addresses the criteria for remaining in good academic standing academically at BVU. Good academic standing is necessary to continue to be eligible for federal, state and institutional financial assistance.

Preferred Lender Arrangements

Schools that participate in preferred lender arrangement must disclose detailed information about the terms and conditions of the loans offered, why the school chose the particular lender and the method used to select the lenders.  Other required information can also be found on the link provided.

A paper copy of the BVU Annual Report on Preferred Lender Arrangements may be requested from the Office of Financial Assistance.

Return of Title IV Funds Policy

Students who withdraw from the university may be entitled to a refund of charges and financial assistance.

Student Employment

Review the terms and conditions of employment that may be part of a financial assistance package.

Study Abroad

Information about the process and aid available for study abroad.

Verification Policy

This policy addresses the process and timeline for submitting documents required when a student is selected for verification.

Withdrawal Process and Institutional Charges Policy

This policy will detail the correct procedure to follow if you find the need to withdraw from BVU during a term/semester.  Information is also available on BVU's Administrative Withdrawal Policy.


General BVU Information

Accreditation

Buena Vista University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (since 1927), 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL, 60602, 312.263-0456, www.hlcommission.org. Special accreditations for specific undergraduate programs include Athletic Training: Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE); Education: Iowa Department of Education; Social Work: Council on Social Work Education (CWSE).

Buena Vista University holds membership in Iowa College Foundation; Iowa Association of Independent Colleges & Universities Campus Compact; Iowa Campus Compact; Association of Governing Boards (AGB); Association of American Colleges & Universities; The Council for Adult & Experiential Learning (CAEL); Council for Higher Education Accreditation; Association of Presbyterian Colleges & Universities; Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE); Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference; National Collegiate Athletic Association; and American Association of University Women.

Additional information is available through the Office of Academic Affairs or in the specific information for majors that require additional approval or licensure, as found in the BVU Catalog.

Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support Data

This report describes our athletic program participation rates and expenses related to athletics at BVU.

Campus Safety

Campus Security and Fire Safety Report

BVU's annual report provides students, employees, and visitors with an overview of the University's security resources, policies and procedures, as well as crime and fire statistics.  The report is updated annually and also includes information related to missing persons. Click on the report link on the website to find the latest report.

Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures

This policy explains the procedures for an orderly evacuation, should one be necessary. 

Completion/Graduation Rates

The completion/graduation rate of all full-time, first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates.

Consumer Information on College Navigator Website

The Department of Education is required to post 26 items for each institution on this website.

Copyright Policies

Describes BVU's expectations for academic honesty and the penalties for violating federal or institutional copyright laws, including those related to the institution's technology system.

Costs

Costs for tuition, fees and room and board and an estimate of other related expenses.

Degrees

Current Degree and Educational Training Programs offered. Contact the Office of Academic Affairs or the Registrar's Office for more information.

Drug And Alcohol Prevention And Abuse Information

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy

Drug and Alcohol abuse, prevention and awareness information, along with information relevant to institutional policies related to drug and alcohol use.

Policy on Financial Aid Eligibility for Drug Convictions

This policy describes the financial aid penalties for the illegal possession or sale of drugs.

Facilities

Physical facilities that relate to academic programs at BVU.

Facilities and Services available to students with disabilities (Storm Lake campus)

Nearly all buildings on the Buena Vista University campus are handicapped accessible. Students seeking assistance regarding accessibility should contact the following individuals:

  • For assistance with the academic program, including accessibility of courses, laboratories, or academic materials, students should contact the the director of the Center of Academic Excellence, 712.749.1237.
  • For assistance with the co-curricular program, such as residence halls, food service, student activities, or other programs, students should contact the dean of students in the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business/Siebens Forum, 712.749.2123.

Facilities and Services available to students with disabilities (Graduate & Professional Studies)

Nearly all buildings are handicapped accessible. Students seeking assistance regarding handicapped accessibility should contact their BVU Graduate & Professional Studies director.

Faculty

Faculty and instructional personnel.

FERPA

Student's rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Job Placement Information

Information is available on BVU's job placement data, including the types of employment our graduates have obtained and the types of graduate programs in which our graduates have enrolled.

Student Body Diversity

Review statistics for enrollment by gender, race/ethnicity and financial need.

Textbook Information

Please refer to the BVU Registrar site to find information pertaining to required text books, by course, their costs and ISBNs.

Please refer to the Book Voucher Policy to determine if you are able to use a credit balance to purchase books before the start of a term/semester.

Transfer of Credit - Undergraduate

This information will detail the policy for acceptance of course work taken elsewhere. For information on transfer of credit for any of our graduate programs, please see the corresponding area of the BVU Catalog. In addition, information is also available on BVU's articulation agreements.

Vaccination Policy

This policy offers a description of required medical forms, insurance waiver, and required and recommended immunizations for students living in university residence halls.


Miscellaneous Information

State Certification

This link provides students with contact information for filing a complaint with any state in which a student resides while attending BVU.

Voter Registration

Information pertaining to how to registered to vote.