Satisfactory Academic Progress
All matriculated students, even if they do not receive Federal Title IV financial
aid, must maintain satisfactory academic progress. To read the complete policy and
regulations, click here.
Withdrawal from Classes
If a student withdraws from classes, the student may be required to repay a portion
of any federal or state financial aid that was received for use during that period.
A complete refund of tuition and fees will be issued if a student cancels a registration
before the first day of classes. Once classes begin, refunds are prorated based on
the official date of withdrawal (or non-attendance) from class(es). If a student drops
credits or withdraws from the college, or if an express semester class is cancelled,
the student may be responsible for all or part of any unpaid charges. If the student
is eligible for an amount of earned aid not yet received, the student will be contacted
by the Student Accounts Office. Refund monies are distributed back to financial aid
accounts in accordance with federal and state regulations. Contact the Student Accounts
Office with refund and calculation questions at (845) 687-5099.
Withdrawal from College
Financial aid recipients withdrawing from the College MUST secure a clearance signature
from the Financial Aid Office. This requirement is to ensure that all matters regarding
financial aid awards, refunds, and student loan obligations are taken care of prior
to leaving the College. Students not contacting the Financial Aid Office will be billed
for any refund overpayment received, and will be unable to re-enroll until such time
that the overpayment has been returned to the U. S. Department of Education (or the
college in some cases). Students with Direct Loans (Stafford and Unsubsidized Stafford)
must complete an exit interview at www.studentloans.gov.
Non-Attendance
If a student fails to attend class(es), the student may be required to repay a portion
of any federal or state financial aid that was received for use during that period.
In some cases, financial aid awards can be cancelled, and the student would be required
to repay the financial aid award(s).
Overawards
It is the student's responsibility to advise the Financial Aid Office of all scholarships,
outside awards, or other resources that the student may receive. If at any time it
is discovered that the student has been over awarded financial aid, the student is
responsible for repaying the amount that exceeds eligibility regardless of the reason
for the over award.
Verification
Students/parents sometimes make errors on their application. Colleges are required
to have procedures for verifying the reported information.
A Student Aid Report can be selected for verification:
Students must provide all requested verification documentation.
Required Verification Items include:
Loss of Student Eligibility for Federal Aid Due to Drug Conviction
The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 provide that a student is ineligible for federal
student aid if convicted, under federal or state law, of any offense involving the
possession or sale of a controlled substance during a period of enrollment in which
federal student aid was received. Federal aid can be grants, student loans, and/or
college work study. The period of ineligibility begins on the date of conviction and
lasts until the end of a statutorily specified period. The student may regain eligibility
early by completing a drug rehabilitation program or if the conviction is overturned.
The question on the FAFSA regarding drug offenses asks about convictions for possessing or selling illegal drugs, if the offense occurred during a period of enrollment when students were receiving federal student aid (grants, loans, and/or work-study). When answering this question, convictions that have been removed from the student's record do not count. Also, convictions that occurred before age 18, unless the student was tried as an adult, do not count.
Even if you are not eligible for federal aid, you may be eligible for state aid or aid from your school financial aid office. If you become eligible for federal financial aid (for example, if your eligibility date arrives or if you complete an acceptable drug rehabilitation program), notify the financial aid office. If you are convicted of possessing or selling drugs after you submit your FAFSA, you must notify your financial aid office immediately. You will lose your eligibility and be required to pay back all aid you received after your conviction.
For more information on this topic please visit www.fafsa.gov.
