Appeals Process
Students on financial aid suspension may appeal in writing to the Office of Financial Aid. Appeals must be submitted by August 1 in order to review for the upcoming fall semester. The written appeal must include the following:
- A description of the extenuating circumstances that prevented the student from meeting the SAP standards. The student must demonstrate that they understand the reason behind the failure to meet the SAP standards.
- A description of the course of action and/or change in situation that will allow the student to meet the SAP standards by the end of the next semester or at the next SAP evaluation period. Include specific plans to rectify the SAP suspension status.
- Documentation which supports the statements made in the appeal.
The Financial Aid Appeals Committee may request that the student submit an academic plan signed by the student's academic advisor if the student will not be able to meet the SAP standards by the end of the next semester of enrollment. The Office of Financial Aid will notify the student by email if such documentation is needed for the appeal.
The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will review the appeal and notify the student by email within ten business days of the decision. All decisions made by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee are final.
If the appeal is granted, students will be placed on financial aid probation for one semester and are expected to meet SAP standards by the end of the semester. If, at that time, the student does not meet SAP standards, the student will be suspended from financial aid and may appeal based on extenuating circumstances. If the student is successful, the student will be removed from probation and placed in good standing for financial aid eligibility. In order to be successful, the student must meet all of the SAP standards by the end of the probation period.
If the student is placed on an academic plan as a condition of the appeal and is following the plan, the student shall remain eligible for financial aid during the time period indicated in the terms and conditions of the academic plan. The academic plan may only be modified with prior approval of the academic advisor and/or relevant student services office.
Appeals should be delivered to the Office of Financial Aid in person, or by:
Email: finaid@hood.edu
Fax: 301-696-3812
If students are unable to fax or email appeals, they may submit all required documentation by postal mail to:
Office of Financial Aid
Hood College
401 Rosemont Avenue
Frederick, MD 21701