Tuition Appeal Policy and Procedure

Withdrawal and Tuition Refund Appeals

In the case of extenuating circumstances that are beyond the student's control, a student may appeal for an exception to the University refund policy. A student must officially withdraw from all courses prior to beginning the appeals process. The statute of limitation for appeal is ninety-days from the end of the term in which the courses for which the tuition being appealed were offered.

Informal Appeal/Automatic Refund

If a student drops all courses for a given term, an informal appeal for a full refund may be made to the Registration Office. An informal appeal requires that the withdrawal is completed and request for tuition refund is made prior to the end of the sixth week of the term (defined by the deadline for automatic withdrawal - W). To be eligible for an automatic refund the condition for withdrawal must meet one or more of the following criteria and must be accompanied by appropriate documentation as specified below:

• Physical and/or mental illness that prevents the student from completing course(s).
  
  Documentation: Letter on letterhead from the physician for physical illness or psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional for mental illness. The letter must specifically state that the student was advised to withdraw due to illness.

• Serious illness or death of immediate family member that prevents the student from completing the course(s).
  
  Documentation: (for illness) Letter on letterhead from the physician for physical illness or psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional for mental illness.
  
  Documentation: (for death) Memorial Service folder, notice in the paper or copy of death certificate.

• Job relocation or loss of employer reimbursement eligibility due to involuntary job loss.
  
  Documentation: Letter on letterhead from immediate supervisor or human resource administrator.

• Unexpected increase in job responsibilities, required change in work schedule, or required travel that prevents completion of all courses.
  
  Documentation: Letter on letterhead from immediate supervisor or human resources administrator that specifies dates of increased workload or travel.

The documentation, as listed above, must be submitted to the Registration Office prior to the end of the sixth week of the term. If the documentation is adequate and establishes a condition that prevents the student from completing the course(s), appropriate adjustments will be made to the student's account. If conditions do not merit an automatic refund, the student may make a formal appeal. Registration or Bursar's Office staff reserves the right to request that a formal appeal be made if, in their judgment, conditions and/or documentation are inappropriate or dubious.

Formal Appeal

In cases where circumstances do not fit the criteria for an informal appeal, the end of sixth week (automatic "W") deadline has passed, or an informal appeal is not accepted, a formal appeal for full or partial refund may be filed. Petition forms are available at the Bursar's Office, University Hall, Room 223. Completed forms and support documentation must be submitted to the Bursar's Office. Petitions are reviewed and decided by the Tuition Appeals Committee, which meets once per month. The decision of the Committee is final and is communicated to the student by letter.

NOTE: In accordance with Federal, State and Institutional regulations, approval of an appeal may require forfeiture of any financial aid proceeds received, which may result in an outstanding balance owed to the University.

Students Financial Liability: It is the students responsibility to know and abide with the Universitys payment and refund policies. By completing registration, you agree to pay the total amount of tuition and other charges set forth, whether or not you attend these courses. It is your responsibility to drop any courses you do not attend, or do not plan to complete.