Appeal Guidelines

Appeal Guidelines for Financial Aid
 

If your academic performance does not meet established satisfactory academic performance standards - you are ineligible for financial assistance. Guidelines are in place to ensure you are progressing appropriately toward your chosen academic pursuit.

To remain eligible for financial aid you must:

  • Be a regularly enrolled student in an approved degree or certificate program.

  • Enroll only in courses that are required for your declared degree or certificate program.

  • Be on PACE by completing at least 67% of all attempted semester credit hours.

  • Maintain at least a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

  • Complete requirements for an associate degree within maximum timeframe (150% of hours in major).

Students placed on Financial Aid Suspension based on failure to meet one or all of the established standards may submit a Letter of Appeal for any of the following reasons:

  • The death of a relative

  • An injury or illness of the student

  • Other special circumstances

You may present “Special Circumstances” as the basis of your appeal IF the following criteria apply:

  • Unusual/extraordinary situation

  • Involved Circumstances beyond your control

  • Occurred during the pertinent period of enrollment

  • Significant enough to result in academic performance to fall below established standards


Specific guidelines for written appeals:

  • Put some effort into it.

  • Be honest & thorough - Clearly explain the basis of your appeal.

  • Provide separate documentation to support basis of appeal.


Acceptable documentation examples:

Failure to provide documentation WILL result in a denied appeal.

  • Death certificate

  • Physician statement

  • Court document

  • Affidavit

Financial Aid personnel will not be responsible for deciphering and/or interpreting large volumes of random medical records, bills, insurance statements, depositions or irrelevant paperwork.

  • You will have one chance to present your case. Multiple letters will not be accepted.

  • Typed, 12 point, Times New Roman

  • Full Name, student ID, signature, date

  • Attach degree works degree plan

  • Attach SAP appeal cover sheet


Notifications & Timelines:

Notifications regarding appeal requirements, appeal status, and appeal decisions are sent only to your Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ email account. Please check your Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ email account regularly.

Make payment arrangements with cashiering to ensure you are not dropped for nonpayment. Registering for classes at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ will result in a financial obligation to the school. You are financially responsible for your student account.

Do not stop attending class while awaiting decision. Failure to continue courses may result in denial of a pending appeal.


Important reminders:

  • Financial aid is designed to help with your college expenses.

  • There are no guarantees that all costs will be covered. (be prepared to have your books and supplies when classes begin each term)

  • FAFSA is just the starting point for determining your financial eligibility.

  • It is your responsibility to keep yourself academically eligible. Poor academic performance on your part may void financial aid eligibility.