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The Student Financial Aid program is designed to assist eligible students in meeting the costs of attending Surry Community College. Financial assistance includes several types of aid: grants, private loans, scholarships, and student employment. Financial aid awards may include one or more types of aid. Only students who have been accepted for admission and completed the necessary requirements will be offered financial assistance. An enrolled student must reapply for aid for each new academic year that they return.
Anyone interested in financial aid information may contact the Financial Aid Office which is located in Student Services. Information is available which explains the opportunities and responsibilities in more detail. Financial assistance is awarded without regard to the student’s race, religion, national origin, age, sex, or disability.
Financial Aid Application Process
Students should:
- Complete an Application to Surry Community College and provide all information required by the Admissions Office (including but not limited to declaring a major requiring 16 or more credit hours, providing necessary transcripts and completing any required testing).
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, (FAFSA) online at www.studentaid.gov. Students must specify in the appropriate section that they will be attending Surry Community College, by entering the Title IV Federal School Code 002970. Students who do not have internet access at home should contact the Financial Aid Office for other options. These include, but are not limited to, completing the application on campus, completing the application on the Federal Student Aid mobile app, or requesting a hard copy of the application. Once the FAFSA is processed by the Department of Education, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which reports what their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be.
- Once the FAFSA application is processed, the Financial Aid Office may send the student an email requesting additional documentation. Documentation should be returned to the Financial Aid office as soon as possible, as it will be used to complete the student’s aid file.
- When the aid office determines what types, and amounts of aid students are eligible for, students will be notified via email or their KnightLife account.
To receive notification of eligibility, a student should complete an aid application by the following priority dates:
- Fall Semester: June 1
- Spring Semester: October 1
- Summer Semester: March 1
Students with incomplete files will be required to use personal funds or apply for tuition assistance through the Nelnet Payment Plan deferred tuition payment plan. Subsequent eligibility may allow for a late award of aid after the semester begins.
Federal Pell Grant Program
The Federal Pell Grant program is an aid program designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students who are pursuing a degree, diploma or certificate. Award amounts are based on family size, income and assets. Federal Pell Grants are intended to be the “floor” of a financial aid package and may be combined with other forms of aid in order to meet the full costs of education. Students seeking financial assistance apply for this type of aid when completing the FAFSA.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is sponsored by the federal government and was authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1972. A limited number of these grants are available to students who have “exceptional financial need and are enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours)” in a degree, diploma or eligible certificate program. Students who complete the FAFSA and have a 0 EFC on the SAR are considered for this grant. Priority is given to early applicants.
Federal Work Study Program
Part-time jobs are available for students wishing to earn money to help pay for part of their college expenses. The jobs may be on- or off-campus with a public or private non-profit agency. The amount of work varies and is determined solely on need as determined by the Financial Aid Office. Students applying for work study must complete the full financial aid application process, as well as the Work Study Application, and must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit-hours) in a degree, diploma or certificate program. This type of aid is paid to the student in the form of monthly wages. There is no repayment. All work study related forms can be accessed from the website on the “Work Study” page or in hard copy in the Financial Aid Office.
Student Loan Program
In addition to completing the FAFSA, additional applications and paperwork will be required for those interested in applying for a loan. While Surry does not participate in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, students who qualify may apply for an alternative loan through one of our approved lenders. For additional information, students should contact the aid office or visit the website at www.surry.edu, click on Paying for College, and select Student Loan Search under Resources.
Scholarships
The Surry Community College Foundation, Inc., provides scholarships based on financial need and the criteria determined by individuals, business, industry, and community groups that contribute to the scholarship program. Additional local scholarships are available.
Interested students should visit the College’s website, scroll over Paying for College and click the Scholarships link for additional information on the available scholarships and to access the application link. Please consult with your designated counselor if you have additional questions.
Conditions of Financial Aid Awards
Awards are contingent upon the actual receipt of appropriate funds from the federal and/or state governments by Surry Community College.
The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to revise or cancel an award because of changes in the student’s financial or academic status. NOTE: All Students receiving aid must maintain Satisfactory Progress as outlined in Standards of Progress for All Aid Recipients at Surry Community College.
All financial aid received from non-college sources are to be reported to the Financial Aid Office.
If an award includes the Federal Pell Grant, the amount shown is based on assumed full-time enrollment (12 hours), unless otherwise indicated. If a student enrolls for less than full-time, the grant will be reduced proportionately.
No financial aid will be paid for any AUDITED (AU) and/or CREDITED (CR) classes. If a student audits or credits a class for which he/she has received financial aid, he/she may have to repay a prorated amount to the Financial Aid Office. Retroactive aid will not pay for classes in which a student received a “W”, “INC”, “AU”, “CR” or “NS.”
If an award includes the Federal Work-Study Program, the amount given represents that maximum amount the student may expect to earn during the period of the award, with the hourly rate of pay being at least the current federal minimum wage. The award is contingent upon job availability, availability of funding, job performance of student, and at least half-time enrollment.
If an award includes the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, please note that this grant is equal to or less than one-half of the total aid offered. Since this grant may not exceed one-half of the total amount of financial aid awarded through the institution, the student may not accept the Federal SEOG only; SEOG is not available for less than half-time enrollment.
It is the policy of the Financial Aid Office to allow students access to their funds on registration day for each semester. Refund checks will be issued at designated times throughout the semester.
If the student WITHDRAWS AT ANY TIME during the semester, he/she MUST visit the Financial Aid Office so that the amount of his/her repayment can be determined. (See withdrawal calculation policy.)
Continuation of the aid is not automatic. To renew the aid for the following year, the student must complete a new financial aid application. Failure to comply with the above conditions could result in the loss of financial assistance.
The information the student provides to the Financial Aid Office and the amount of the award received is confidential. The student’s need for assistance in continuing his/her education and the amount of the money required are matters of private concern to the student. In order to share financial aid information with anyone other than the student, a signed release form must be on file with the Financial Aid Office, for a one-time release, or the FERPA release authorization eform, which is available in the student’s myknightlife account.
The student must affirm that any funds received under the programs listed on the award letter will be used solely for expenses related to attendance at Surry Community College. He/she must also understand that he/she is responsible for repayment of a prorated amount of any funds which cannot reasonably be attributed to meeting educational expenses related to the attendance at Surry Community College.
Withdrawal Calculation Policy
Students receiving financial aid must follow official withdrawal procedures. Students may be required to repay a portion of aid funds used at the time they withdraw or receive a late disbursement for time in attendance.
To comply with this policy, an aid recipient must:
Follow official school withdrawal procedures, which are found in the college catalog.
The “last date of attendance” will be used to calculate the repayment/refund amount of aid due. Repayment/refund pertains only to students completely withdrawing from all classes or to those who have been paid incorrectly.
The school will calculate: the total amount of aid that the student received from the Pell Grant program, SEOG, and any other federal funds; the total amount of the same aid that was used for tuition, fees, books, and supplies (charged to the student’s account); the total number of days the student attended classes and compare this number to the total days in the semester. This calculation will give the College the percentage of the semester completed by the student. If the student has completed at least 60 percent of the semester, no further action is taken, and the student will not be required to repay funds. The 60% dates for each semester are available on myKnightLife.
The school will apply the percentage of the semester completed to the amount of aid the student received to determine the amount of aid they are eligible to have for the days enrolled. If the student used more aid than he/she was eligible to receive, according to the days in attendance, the student must repay to the school an amount equal to “funds overspent x 50 percent.” NOTE: If the student owes a repayment on federal funds, the money must be repaid in full to the school within 45 days, or the student will be ineligible for further aid. The student’s account can be referred to the U.S. Department of Education for collection and can result in garnishment of wages and/or tax refunds.
*If a student does not officially withdraw, the Financial Aid Office will get the last date of attendance as reported by the instructor. In accordance with our attendance policy, this will be the last date attended in a seated course or the last date that an assignment was completed (NOT last date of login) for an online course. Any dispute with reported dates must be addressed with Academics.
*If the student used less aid than he/she was entitled to receive according to the days in attendance, the school owes the student a “post-withdrawal disbursement.” The school will notify the student of the amount and date of availability of the funds. Students must claim the funds within 14 days or the disbursement will be voided. A mathematical example showing the application of this policy is available upon request from the Financial Aid Office.
Standards of Academic Progress for All Aid Recipients at SCC
To receive financial aid, a student must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a recognized program of study. This includes any student receiving grants, scholarships, work study, or any other type of financial assistance through Surry Community College. Such progress, according to the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs, is defined by two standards.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Standard
A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. This requirement applies to all degree, diploma and certificate programs.
Pace of Progression Standard
This standard involves two requirements:
- Completion Rate Requirement - To meet the minimum requirement, a student must successfully complete 67% of the cumulative credit hours attempted. Example: if a student attempts 12 credit hours in a semester, he/she must successfully complete 8 credit hours(12 hours attempted x 67% = 8 hours). Successful completion is defined as earning a grade of “A,” “B,” “C,” or “D.” In some programs (e.g., Nursing), a “D” does not satisfy the course completion requirement.
- Maximum Timeframe - The maximum timeframe for a student to complete a program is 150% of the published length of the program as outlined in the College catalog. Example: if a degree requires 75 credit hours, the student may attempt a maximum of 113 credit hours before exceeding eligibility for financial aid (75 credit hour program x 150% = 113). The equivalent of one academic year of credit (30 hours) is allowed for required remedial coursework. If a student elects to pursue additional programs at Surry Community College (SCC), the Financial Aid Office will deduct the credit hours for the completed (graduated) program from their total attempted hours. This calculation prevents them from exceeding 150% on subsequent programs. In order for a student to pursue subsequent degrees without penalty the graduated program must be reflected on the transcript.
Procedures
Transcripts of all aid recipients will be reviewed at the end of each semester by the Financial Aid Office. From this review, a determination will be made as to the satisfactory progress of each financial aid recipient. This review will include the student’s total academic history at Surry Community College, including remedial or developmental classes. In order to receive aid, a student must be making satisfactory progress regardless of whether he or she has previously received aid.
The “Fresh Start/In-House Transfer” exclusion policy does not apply to the grade point or pace rate calculation used to qualify students for federal aid.
Eligibility Status
SATISFACTORY
Satisfactory status is met with the minimum, cumulative standards of a 2.0 GPA and 67% pass rate.
WARNING
Students will be placed on financial aid warning for one semester if they fail to meet the required GPA and/or overall cumulative completed credits percentage standards. While on warning, students may still receive financial aid.
To be removed from financial aid warning status, students must attain the required cumulative GPA and/or cumulative completed credits percentage standards by the end of their warning period. Students will be suspended at the end of their warning semester if they fail to attain the required standards.
SUSPENSION
If students do not attain the required cumulative GPA and/or cumulative completed credits percentage during their warning period, or exceed their maximum timeframe of 150 percent of the published degree credits required to complete their program, they will be placed on financial aid suspension. While on suspension students are not eligible for most financial aid programs. (Exceptions include some private loan programs. Students must check with private lenders to determine if they offer loans to students not meeting SAP requirements.) Students may attend SCC, at their own expense, until they attain the cumulative GPA and cumulative completed credits percentage requirement. To regain financial aid eligibility, the student’s record must reflect that he/she has met these requirements. If a student failed to meet these standards due to unusual circumstances, he/she has the right to appeal his/her SAP suspension status.
PROBATION
Students will be placed on financial aid satisfactory progress probation if a satisfactory academic progress appeal is approved. Students are eligible for financial aid while on probation. During the probationary semester, students must attain the required cumulative GPA and cumulative completed credits percentage or students must successfully follow the academic plan submitted with their SAP appeal. Students who are placed on a plan must attain a minimum 2.5 GPA and 75% Pass Rate for the semester. Failure to attain the required GPA and/or cumulative completed credits percentage will result in Termination of financial aid eligibility. If a student does not attain the required GPA and/or cumulative completed credits percentage but meets the minimum 2.0 GPA and 67% Pass Rate standard, will be reinstated once they have a satisfactory standing.
WARNING NEAR MAXIMUM TIMEFRAME
Students who have attempted approximately 100% of the maximum allowable credit hours for their program of study will receive a courtesy notification status of Warning Near Maximum Timeframe. Students receiving this status will continue to receive financial aid until they reach 150% of their program of study, at which time they will have their financial aid suspended and be assigned a status of Maximum Timeframe.
MAXIMUM TIMEFRAME
Students who have attempted the maximum allowable credit hours, 150%, of their program of study will have their financial aid suspended.
TERMINATION
Students who have successfully appealed their SAP status but failed to meet the standard for the semester will be placed on Termination. A student that is terminated is unable to receive financial aid and must pay until they are deemed to be in satisfactory status as a result of meeting the minimum requirement of a 2.0 GPA and 67% Pass Rate for their program.
Treatment of Selected Grades
WITHDRAWALS
Credit hours for which a student receives a grade of “W” are counted as “attempted” but not “completed” hours. A withdrawal therefore hinders academic progress.
INCOMPLETES AND FAILING GRADES
Credit hours for which a student receives a grade of “I”, “F” or “R” are counted as “attempted” but not “completed” hours. In addition, grades of “F” negatively affect GPA. “Incompletes” may also hinder academic progress.
TRANSFER CREDIT
Upon enrollment at SCC, transfer students are considered to be making satisfactory progress. Transfer credits factor into both the completion rate calculation and financial aid eligibility.
AUDIT AND NO SHOW
Grades for auditing (“AU”) or “No Show” (“NS”) do not denote “attempted” coursework. Consequently, neither designation is factored into the grade point average or completion rate. Moreover, a course showing either designation does not meet financial aid requirements.
PROFICIENCY (CREDIT BY EXAM)
Since “Credit by Exam” (“CR”) involves no enrollment hours; it is not factored in an application for financial aid. However, proficiency credits are counted in each component of the Pace of Progression standard.
REPEAT COURSES
For financial aid purposes, all hours attempted, including hours for repeated courses, will factor into each component of a student’s academic progress.
DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES
Grades for courses numbered less than 100 (e.g., ENG 080, DMA 010, RED 090, etc.) are excluded from GPA and Completion Rate calculations. In calculating the 150% Maximum Timeframe, the equivalent of one academic year of credit (30 credit hours) is allowed for required developmental coursework.
Summer Session
Credit hours attempted during a summer session, as in the fall or spring semester, will be included in the calculation of satisfactory academic progress. Students must still enroll in 12 credit hours during the summer to be considered full-time.
Complete Academic Record
Progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate must take into account a student’s complete academic record at SCC, whether or not that student has received financial aid for the entire time of enrollment. Such a record includes courses taken through Career and College Promise (CCP) and the Early College High Schools. To be eligible for financial aid, a student completing course work in more than one program must meet college and financial aid academic progress standards for each.
Appeal Process
Students who have been suspended from receiving financial aid will be allowed one appeal process. To appeal a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) decision, a student must explain in writing to the Financial Aid Office the reason why he/she did not meet satisfactory progress requirements and what has changed about their situation that will allow for successful completion. In addressing an appeal, SAP may take into consideration special circumstances such as accident, extreme hardship, illness, or death. Documentation to support the appeal is required.
The Director of Financial Aid will review the appeal and will communicate his/her decision to the student by email. If the appeal is approved, the student will be placed on probation for one semester.
The semester(s) of that probation will require the student complete 75% of the classes in which he/she is enrolled, maintain a 2.5 GPA for the probationary semester. The FAO will continue to monitor the student’s progress each semester until the student returns to satisfactory academic standing or graduates from the active program. If the student fails to meet the requirements of probation or if the appeal is denied, the student must pay to attend until they are in satisfactory standing. The student may request a review at the end of each semester to evaluate their progress toward satisfactory standing.
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