Any student has the right to appeal the denial or suspension of financial aid. The appeal must be submitted with current appeal forms. It should contain an account of the circumstances that warrant the granting of the appeal.

The Financial Aid Office will not accept or review an appeal that is incomplete or lacks appropriate documentation. Keep a copy of all documentation submitted. Please read the specific instructions included on each form, and follow the directions fully. Do NOT substitute one kind of form for another even if you are submitting the same information. An improper form will cause the student file to have an 'Incomplete' status, and may delay disbursement of funds.

1. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal
2. Maximum Credit Hour Appeal

1. The standard(s) the student failed to meet.
   1. Has the student failed to meet one standard or a combination of standards?
   2. If GPA and/or completion standards have been failed, the student must complete the SAP Appeal Form.
   3. If Maximum Time Frame only has been failed, the student must complete the Maximum Credit Hour Appeal Form.
   4. If the student failed to meet GPA and /or completion, in addition to Maximum Time Frame, the student must complete both forms.
2. Financial aid appeal history

In some cases, a student’s failure to be in compliance with one or more areas of SAP is due to events beyond the student’s control. If such mitigating circumstances can be documented for the specific semester(s) when the SAP standards were not met, the student may submit a completed SAP Appeal form with all required documentation.

An appeal must be based on significant mitigating circumstances, circumstances that seriously affected the student’s academic performance. Examples of possible mitigating circumstances are:

• serious illness
• severe injury
• death of a family member
• other similar situations

1. Complete the SAP Appeal Form
2. Provide a detailed personal statement explaining the circumstances that caused failure to meet the minimum academic requirements for financial aid. This statement should include:
   1. the date(s) the circumstance occurred.
   2. how this circumstance personally affected the student.
   3. steps taken by the student to resolve the circumstances.
   4. an explanation of the ability to return to school and be successful.
   NOTE:  Do not discuss a need for financial aid as part of the rationale for reinstatement of Title IV Federal Financial Aid. It will be assumed by the Financial Aid Appeal Committee that any student filing an appeal is doing so based upon financial need.
3. Provide documentation from an impartial third party (not a family member, friend, or roommate). Examples include: physician, counselor, lawyer, social worker, teacher, religious leader, employer, death certificate, divorce decree, etc.
   Documentation:
   1. must include the name of the person providing the statement and their relationship to the student.
   2. must support the claims made in by the student in the detailed personal statement.
   3. should confirm an ability to return to school and be successful.
   4. must be signed and notarized or on letterhead.

Remember- submission of the appeal does not guarantee approval. Students are responsible for payment of their tuition regardless of their financial aid status.

The UVU Financial Aid Appeal Committee understands many students face difficult and on-going challenges due to family responsibilities, health issues, financial obligations, etc. However, all students must meet all SAP standards each semester regardless of the challenges and difficulties they may face. Students are expected to create their own plan to overcome their individual challenges and maintain academic success each semester. We encourage students to seek help from campus and community resources to ensure their academic success. Please consult with a Financial Aid Counselor if unaware of resources that may be available to help students.

Please be aware an appeal is a request for an exception to the SAP policy. No student should expect to have multiple appeals approved during his or her academic career at UVU. Students are expected to meet all the SAP standards each semester.

Students may receive aid for a maximum of 150% of the published length of their educational program.

If a student has attempted over 150% of the published length of the required credit hours for his or her program, the student may complete the Maximum Credit Hour Appeal Process.

1. The student should fill out the Maximum Credit Hour Appeal form (PDF) with his or her academic advisor.
2. On this form, explain in detail the reason for exceeding the maximum number of credit hours allowed for the degree program and not having reached graduation.
3. Be realistic in filling out this appeal. Students must comply with the plan specified on the appeal in order to remain eligible for financial aid.

The Financial Aid Appeal Committee will review the appeal. The Committee’s decision will be based on the individual circumstances as detailed on the form, personal statement, and supporting documentation. Submission of an appeal neither guarantees an adjustment to a student’s award nor prevents the accrual of late fees on any unpaid student account balances. Students are responsible for their tuition and any late fees they may receive regardless of this appeal.