Student Rights and Responsibilities
As a recipient of financial aid, I understand my rights and responsibilities are as follows:
- To be eligible for the full amount of Pell awarded, I must be a full-time student (12 or more credit hours). If I drop below full-time status, my award will be reduced or, in some cases, eliminated. I must enroll in at least six credit hours to receive the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Direct Loan, Iraq Afghanistan Service Grant, or Tuition Incentive Program (TIP).
- It is my responsibility to report any changes in income or assets that may result in an adjustment of my financial needs.
- I am not eligible for this award if I defaulted on a Perkins or Stafford loan or if I owe a repayment on a federal grant.
- To be eligible for this award, I must comply with satisfactory academic progress standards. The financial aid website, www.wcccd.edu, provides detailed policy and appeals process information.
- To receive work-study funds, I must be enrolled in at least six credit hours and then secure employment through the Office of International Programs and Global Partnerships.
- I must enroll and take classes in an eligible degree or certificate program to receive financial aid funds.
- I am aware that my classes must count toward my program of study in order to be eligible for financial aid. It is my responsibility to ensure that my classes are actually required for my program before enrolling.
- The District Financial Aid Office has the right to review, adjust, or cancel the financial aid award at any time due to notification from the U.S. Department of Education, a change in the student’s FAFSA, financial, marital, or academic status, or because of adjustments (changes) in federal or state regulations, funding or computational errors. Students may accept any number of awards or other financial assistance from public or private sources or both. However, the total assistance may not exceed the cost of attendance.
- I have the right to obtain information regarding financial aid programs through WCCCD and may discuss my award and related information with appropriate college financial aid staff.
- I may file an appeal regarding my aid award or denial of aid based on extenuating circumstances or new information that I provide. In responding to my appeal, the financial aid office must comply with all state and federal laws. All appeals MUST be made to the financial aid office in writing.
- Financial aid is not automatically renewed for the next year. I must apply with the U.S. Department of Education, complete the required forms in a timely manner, and maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible.
- I am responsible for completing all classes for which I registered. If I fail to do so, my financial aid award will be recalculated, which may result in the reduction or loss of any financial aid awarded to me.
- I am responsible for monitoring my student email, Web Gate messages, and other Web Gate information to remain updated on all financial aid information. I understand that all formal communication from WCCCD will be delivered to my WCCCD email account.
- If I receive student loans, I must update my contact information with WCCCD and my loan servicers until my loans are paid in full.
