Appeal Process for Financial Aid Reinstatement
If you have been disqualified from receiving financial aid, either for exceeding the maximum time-frame or for failing to meet the GPA or pace (completion rate) standards, you are entitled to go through the appeal process for financial aid reinstatement. Federal law allows schools to approve appeals if injury, illness, death of a relative, or other special circumstances affected a student's ability to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
HOW TO APPEAL FOR FINANCIAL AID REINSTATEMENT
STEP 1) Make an appointment to see a Financial Aid Counselor.
Call the SMC Financial Aid Office to schedule an appointment with an Academic Counselor. The number for SMC Financial Aid is (310) 434-4343.
STEP 2) Meet with the Financial Aid Counselor
Be prepared to discuss your specific educational goal (AA, vocational certificate, or transfer) and major at the meeting with the Financial Aid Academic Counselor. Together you will create a Financial Aid Educational Plan.
STEP 3) Write an Appeal Letter.
After reviewing the guidance below, briefly address all points in a typed "appeal letter." This should then be submitted - along with your educational plan and any supporting documents to the SMC Financial Aid Office by the following deadlines:
For Summer 2011: August 1, 2011
For Fall 2011: December 9, 2011
For Spring 2012: June 1, 2012
WHAT SHOULD YOUR APPEAL LETTER SAY?
A: For students who failed to meet the minimum GPA or pace (completion rate) standards:
In the appeal letter, you need to first specify your academic goal at SMC (AA, transfer, or vocational certificate) and your declared major. If you plan to transfer to a 4 year school, please indicate that in your appeal, as well.
Then, per Federal guidelines, you need to explain each item listed below:
1. Why you failed to maintain SAP (satisfactory academic progress)
2. If there were extenuating circumstances (such as illness, injury, death of a family member, or other special
circumstance) that affected your ability to do well academically - these items should be noted. (Documentation
regarding these circumstances should be included with your appeal.)
3. What has changed that will allow you to now meet the SAP requirements for GPA and or pace (completion rate.)
B. For students who have exceeded the maximum time frame without finishing their academic program:
In the appeal letter, you need to first specify your academic goal at SMC (AA, transfer, or vocational certificate) and your declared major. If you plan to transfer to a 4 year school, please indicate that in your appeal, as well.
Then, per Federal guidelines, you need to explain:
1. Why you failed to finish your academic goal (AA, transfer, or vocational certificate) within the maximum time
frame.
2. If there were extenuating circumstances (such as illness, injury, death of a family member, or other special
circumstance) that affected your ability to complete your educational goal within the maximum time frame -
these items should be noted. (Documentation regarding these circumstances should be included with your appeal.)
3. When you will finish your academic goal at SMC.
4. What has changed so that you can assure SMC (and the Department of Education) that you will finish your
academic goal.