Code of Conduct

The staff of Jacksonville State University Office of Financial Aid is committed to the highest standards of professional conduct.  We are members of NASFAA, The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and abide by the NASFAA Statement of Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct.   

An institutional financial aid professional is expected to always maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct in carrying out his or her responsibilities, specifically including all dealings with any entities involved in any manner in student financial aid, regardless of whether such entities are involved in a government sponsored, subsidized, or regulated activity.  In doing so, the Office of Financial Aid at Jacksonville State University is bound by the following:

  • Refrain from taking any action for his or her personal benefit or could be perceived to be a conflict of interest.
    • Employees within the financial aid office will not award aid to themselves or their immediate family members. Staff will reserve this task to an institutionally designated person, to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
    • If a preferred lender list is provided, it will be compiled without prejudice and for the sole benefit of the students attending the institution. The information included about lenders and loan terms will be transparent, complete, and accurate. The complete process through which preferred lenders are selected will be fully and publically disclosed. Borrowers will not be auto-assigned to any particular lender.
    • A borrower's choice of a lender will not be denied, impeded, or unnecessarily delayed by the institution, even if that lender is not included on the institution's preferred lender list.
    • No amount of cash, gift, or benefit in excess of a de minimis amount shall be accepted by a financial aid staff member from any financial aid applicant (or his/her family), or from any entity doing business with or seeking to do business with the institution (including service on advisory committees or boards beyond reimbursement for reasonable expenses directly associated with such service).
  • Refrain from taking any action he or she believes is contrary to law, regulations, or the best interests of the students and parents he or she serves.
  • Information provided by the financial aid office is accurate, unbiased, and does not reflect any preference arising from actual or potential personal gain.
  • Be objective in making decisions and advising his or her institution regarding relationships with any entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid.
  • Refrain from accepting staffing assistance from any lender, except under certain limited circumstances specified in statute and regulation.
  • Disclose to his or her institution, in such manner as his or her institution may prescribe, any involvement with or interest in any entity in involved in any aspect of student financial aid.
  • Failure to comply with this policy will lead to disciplinary action.