Page 59 - SU Catalog 2017_18

58 Southern Union State Community College Southern Union State Community College
5. Academic suspension: When a student is suspended, whether the
student serves the suspension or is readmitted upon appeal, the student
is not eligible to receive financial aid for the duration of the suspension.
To regain eligibility, the student must attain the minimum cumulative
GPA required for the number of credit hours attempted, or make a
2.0 GPA for the term (taking 12 or more hours for that term).
6. Change in program: A student may change his/her program of study;
how ever, this may cause the student to exceed the maximum time
frame for financial aid. All hours attempted at Southern Union and all
transfer hours accepted in all programs are counted in the maximum
time frame allowed for the student’s current program of study.
7. Review process: Academic progress will be assessed at the time a
student is awarded financial aid, and reviewed each academic year.
8. Regaining eligibility: In order to regain eligibility, a student must attend
Southern Union at his/her own expense until the standards outlined in
this policy are met.
9. Appeal process: A student who loses his/her financial aid because of a
failure to meet these academic progress requirements may appeal if
there are extenuating circumstances. The student must submit a
completed Financial Aid Appeal Form and supporting documentation
of the extenuating circumstances. The student will be allowed to appeal
one time. All appeals will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee
and the decision of the committee is final. Each student will be notified
in writing as to the outcome of his/her appeal. An approved appeal is
void after three (3) consecutive semesters of non-enrollment.
10. The Pell Grant duration of eligibility will be 600%, which is the
equivalent of 12 full-time semesters. The Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used
(LEU) limit of 600% will apply to all Pell recipients regardless of when
they first began receiving Pell Grant funds.
C. Types of Financial Assistance
1. Grants
Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is an entitlement program, which means all students who qualify
will be awarded the grant. This grant is intended for “exceptionally needy”
students, as defined by federal guidelines and determined by completing the
FAFSA. Each student completing the FAFSA is assigned an “EFC” number,
which indicates the student’s “expected family contribution.” This EFC number
measures the student’s ability to pay for college. The neediest students are those
who have a zero (0) EFC. Pell Grant award ranges are based on
Congressional appropriations. Award amounts will also vary based on student
enrollment status. Students are not required to be full-time, but the amount of the
grant is prorated for less than full-time enrollment.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The SEOG is a grant program for the neediest students (those who qualify for the
Pell Grant). Funds are very limited, so those students who complete the FAFSA
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by April 1 will receive priority consideration. Awards are generally $1,000 per
academic year.
Alabama Student Assistance Program
The ASAP is a grant for exceptionally needy students (Pell Grant recipients) who
are Alabama residents. Funds are very limited, so those students who complete the
FAFSA by April 1 receive priority consideration. Awards are generally $300-$1,000
per academic year and dependent on funding from the state.
2. Employment
Federal College Work Study
The College Work Study Program is for students who have financial need and
would like a part-time job to help pay college expenses. Students do not have
to qualify for a Pell Grant but must complete the FAFSA to determine financial
eligibility. Interested students should contact the Financial Aid Office to receive
a job assignment if eligible. Students generally make minimum wage and work Information Financial
10-15 hours per week.
Institutional Work
Students who do not have financial need but would like part time employment may
be assigned campus jobs. Applicants are required to complete the FAFSA. Job
opportunities are limited, and students should apply early. Students make minimum
wage and work about 10 hours per week.
3. Loans
William D. Ford Direct Loans
On July 6, 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-
21) (Public Law 112-141) was enacted. MAP-21 added a new provision to the
Direct Loan statutory requirements (see HEA section 455(q)) that limits a first
time borrower’s eligibilility for Direct Subsidized Loans to a period not to exceed
150 percent of the length of the borrower’s educational program. Under certain
conditions, the provision also causes first-time borrowers who have exceeded the
150 percent limit to lose the interest subsidy on their Direct Subsidized Loans.
Note: Only first-time borrowers on or after July 1, 2013 are subject to the new
provision. Generally, a first-time borrower is one who did not have an outstanding
balance of principal or interest on a Direct Loan or on a FFEL Program Loan on
July 1, 2013.
Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for a Direct Loan. First-
time borrowers must complete an entrance counseling session and sign a promis-
sory note online at www.studentloans.gov. The student is the borrower, repay-
ment generally begins six months after the student graduates or drops below
half-time enrollment status.
Students must be enrolled for at least six semester hours to receive a loan.