SAP Appeal Process: Appeal Process: Students may make an appeal of the Notification of Unsatisfactory Academic Progress – Denial of Financial Aid within 30 days of the notification. The appeal form must be submitted in writing to the SAP APPEALS COMMITTEE (forms are available online at http://www.tusculum.edu/faid/forms.html). Submitting an appeal is not a guarantee that eligibility will be reinstated. Your appeal must state the reason(s) for having unsatisfactory progress, what has changed about that situation that will allow academic progress, and supporting documentation. It is the student’s responsibility to submit the appeal form and all necessary documentation supporting the circumstances of the appeal within the above timeframe. Any appeal received after the 30 day period is not guaranteed to be heard by the committee. The terms for re-establishing eligibility will be set forth in the committee’s response. An appeal decision may impose limitations upon aid eligibility, duration of aid eligibility, and/or future minimum academic standards.

- • the appeal is approved, the student is placed on Probationary Status and is eligible for aid for • the appeal is approved, the student is placed on Probationary Status and is eligible for aid for one semester; during which time the student must make use of the Tusculum University Academic Resource Center and/or the Tutoring Center. After completion of the one semester of allowable aid, the student’s SAP will be re-evaluated. A student will be eligible to receive aid for another semester if they now meet the SAP standards at the time of being re-evaluated or if they are following the academic plan, utilizing resources, and showing successful progress toward regaining eligibility.
- • the appeal is denied, the student is not eligible for federal and state assistance until such time • the appeal is denied, the student is not eligible for federal and state assistance until such time that they meet each of the requirements shown above for PACE, GPA, and Maximum Timeframe. The Committee will offer the student optional payment arrangements via the College’s payment plan and the student can pursue private outside educational loans.

It is recommended that students consult with the Office of Financial Aid Staff prior to submitting any appeal. Reasonable appeals may include, but are not limited to:

- • time frame appeals resulting from Concurrent Majors/Change of Major/Change of • time frame appeals resulting from Concurrent Majors/Change of Major/Change of Degree Program/Transfer credits that do not apply to degree program. If approved, a maximum number of remaining terms of eligibility will be determined and aid eligibility will cease after those defined terms.
- • Illness/Accident/Injury - acceptable documentation could include a doctor’s note (on • Illness/Accident/Injury - acceptable documentation could include a doctor’s note (on letterhead), hospital bills and/or insurance statements, police accident reports, etc.
- • of Immediate Family Member - acceptable documentation could include a copy of the • of Immediate Family Member - acceptable documentation could include a copy of the death certificate or published obituary.
- • Impediments to Study Habits - acceptable documentation could include doctor’s or • Impediments to Study Habits - acceptable documentation could include doctor’s or counselor’s notes (on letterhead), description of circumstances from faculty or staff member, and/or statements from family members; the student should include a statement explaining an established plan to address the concerns and/or improve study habits.

Academic Plan- Plan- When it has been determined that a student has been unable to meet the SAP requirements, in addition to the appeal an “Academic Plan” is required. The “Academic Plan” will be developed by the student’s Academic Advisor with any needed guidance from the Office of the Registrar. If the student’s appeal is approved, the “Academic Plan” must be followed each semester to maintain financial aid eligibility.

If the student does NOT meet the SAP policy requirements and the “Academic Plan” is NOT being followed the student becomes ineligible for federal and state aid.