Financial aid has undergone several changes. The changes will be multifaceted, but they ensure that students are successful at the college, according to Tina Bunch, Financial Aid Scholarships Officer.
“The government needs to see that students are completing their educational programs and moving on to either continue their education or becoming a part of the workforce,” she said.
Bunch recommends that transfers students meet with an academic upon their arrival at the college. This ensures that the financial aid office knows how many actual transfer hours will count toward the transfer students’ degree program.
“That has to be determined before we award any federal funding,” Bunch said. “The way we determine that is through an appeal. The student will have to appeal to get aid if they have transfer hours.”
Students also have a maximum timeframe to complete their degree or certificate program. This simply means students may attempt up to 150 percent of the program requirements.
“During this 150 percent time period, the student can receive federal funding but if you exceed that number than your federal funding will be suspended,” Bunch said. “There is an appeal process for this as well.”
If a student does not complete their degree within the 150 percent time frame, Bunch said they could complete the appeal process if there are extenuating circumstances that prevented them from completing the program within the allotted time.
But she said students should know that the appeal process may take a few weeks to review, so if the student owe a balance at the time fees are due other arrangements should be made, such as utilizing the FACT payment plan.
Failed courses may be retaken as many times as needed, but Bunch said that the repeated classes will count toward the 150 percent. She urges students to try to get it right the first time and utilize the numerous support services available here on campus.
Grades are also vital because to maintain financial aid eligibility students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and must complete 67 percent of the cumulative classes they have attempted.
“Change in the beginning can be a difficult adjustment for some, but we must keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to assist students in obtaining their educational goals in the most efficient way possible,” Bunch said.
SERVICE BOX
what you need to know:
- You need to meet with an academic advisor
- An appeal must be completed at approved by an academic advisor
- The form is at www.sinclair.edu/services/financialaid or in Building 10.
- You must complete your degree in the allotted time frame
- You must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0
- You must complete 67 percent of your cumulative classes