St. Clair County Community College 2005-2006 Catalog
FINANCIAL AID
123 Acheson Technology Center (ATC), 810-989-5530
college education is one of the most important investments you can make. SC4 believes that anyone who desires a college education and is capable of doing college work should have the opportunity to attend. The college understands that students often need help to finance their education. Through a combination of federal, state, and private community funding sources, SC4 will work to help eligible students meet college expenses. Many programs base their awards on financial need but some programs have other requirements such as academic achievement.
Students with questions concerning the financial aid process are encouraged to either call 810-989-5530 or stop by the Financial Aid Office. Staff members are available to meet with students to discuss financial aid options and provide assistance with completing the process. The Financial Aid Office is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. For additional information on financial aid, consult: The Student Guide, published by the U.S. Department of Education and The 5 Ws of Financial Aid, published by the Michigan Department of Treasury. Reliable Internet sources for financial aid information are "The Financial Aid Page" at www.finaid.org; U.S. Department of Education at www.studentaid.ed.gov; or Michigan Student Financial Aid at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid. All programs, criteria, and funding are subject to change without notice.
FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION PROCESS
All students seeking financial aid at SC4 must first complete an Application for Admission to the college. To be considered for financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed each academic year. Returning students may substitute the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Renewal Application for the FAFSA if they receive this application in the mail from the federal processor. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office or high school counseling offices. Students may also complete the application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students MUST include SC4's Title IV code, 002310, on their FAFSA to ensure the college receives their financial aid application.
The application process takes approximately four weeks to complete; therefore students are encouraged to apply for financial aid as early as possible. Although Federal Pell Grants and student loans are awarded on a continual basis throughout the year, other state and federal grants, as well as student employment (work-study), are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited funds exist in some programs and they may be depleted early.
An additional SC4 Financial Aid Request Form is required for the Spring and Summer sessions. The application will be available in the Financial Aid Office in mid-February.
DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY
Most awards are made to students that have demonstrated financial need. The Federal Methodology Formula measures a family's ability to pay college expenses by assessing its financial strength. Family/student income and assets, family size, retirement needs of parents, and number of children in college are just some of the factors considered with the Federal formula. As a result of the FAFSA application (which supplies the data used in the formula), each student will receive an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Using the Federal Methodology, this is the amount that the student/family could reasonably contribute toward educational expenses.
COST OF ATTENDANCE student demonstrates need when the Cost of Attendance MINUS the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is greater than zero. The Cost of Attendance is an average of what it will cost to attend a particular institution for an academic year. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, travel costs, and miscellaneous personal expenses. These costs are used only to calculate financial aid eligibility. Actual costs will vary from student to student. The Cost of Attendance for the average in-district, full-time student at SC4 is approximately $9,000 per year. For detailed information on cost of attendance at SC4, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Awarding Process
Students are selected to receive financial aid based on program eligibility requirements, deadlines, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Funds are limited in some programs and awarded to early applicants who meet all requirements. Award amounts are based on demonstrated financial need, cost of attendance, enrollment status, program limitations, and the availability of funds. SC4 awards financial aid in the following order: grants and scholarships, work-study programs, and loan programs. The type of financial aid offered depends on the amount of need, program regulations, other funding sources, dependency status, and availability of funds.
Awards may be adjusted based upon the enrollment status of the student according to the following:
• Full-time = 12 or more credit hours
• Three-quarter time = 9-11 credit hours
• Half-time = 6-8 credit hours
• Less than half-time = less than 6 credit hours
Returning SC4 Financial Aid Students
Students must reapply for financial aid each academic year. Program criteria, funding, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress is used in determining eligibility for aid. In addition, students cannot owe an overpayment on any federal grant program, be in default on any student loan, or have borrowed in excess of the student loan limits at any institution.
Attendance at Multiple Institutions
Students cannot receive financial aid at another institution and SC4 concurrently. Students will be responsible for any overawards and will not be eligible for further aid until the funds are recovered.
STUDY ABROAD
Students may be eligible for federal assistance while attending a study abroad program that is approved for credit by SC4.
DISBURSEMENT OF FINANCIAL AID
Students who have been awarded grants, scholarships, or loans will have their accounts credited toward the cost of tuition and fees. Remaining funds will be transferred to the bookstore one week prior to the beginning of each semester and will remain on the bookstore account through the last day to add and/or drop with a refund.
Any remaining funds after tuition, fees, and bookstore charges will be disbursed to the student after the conclusion of the institutional refund period. Credit balances from grant and/or loan awards will be refunded to the student as soon as possible, but no later than 14 days from the date the credit balance occurs on the student account.
Students are responsible for payment of any remaining balance after all financial aid has been applied.
FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
The following section provides a brief description of the financial aid programs available at SC4. Enrollment requirements vary by program and can range from less than half-time to full-time enrollment each semester. Awards are based on meeting eligibility criteria, satisfactory academic progress, and the availability of funding. Generally, grants and scholarships are tax free if they are used for qualifying tuition and course-related expenses. Questions regarding tax issues should be directed to the IRS or your tax preparer.
Grant Programs
Federal Pell Grant
This is a federal grant program for students without a bachelor's degree enrolled in an undergraduate program who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The award range is set by the federal government each academic year and currently ranges from $400-$4,050. Enrollment requirements range from less than half-time to full-time depending on individual eligibility.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This is a federal grant program for students without a bachelor's degree enrolled in an undergraduate program who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The award is determined by the college and is based on funds available each year. Enrollment requirements range from less than half-time to full-time depending on individual eligibility.
Michigan Educational Opportunity Grant (MEOG)
This state grant provides up to $1,000 per academic year to students with exceptional need who enroll for a minimum of six credit hours per semester, are citizens or permanent residents, and have been continuous residents of Michigan for 12 months. The college determines the award amount.
Michigan Adult Part-Time Grant (MAPTG)
This state grant program provides up to $600 per academic year to students with financial need who enroll for three to eleven credit hours per semester. Students must be considered as independent students according to Federal guidelines, must have been out of high school at least two years (other than GED), are citizens or permanent residents, and have been continuous residents of Michigan for 12 months.
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
This is a high school completion program that offers to pay for the first two years of college and beyond for identified students who graduate from high school or complete their GED before age 20. Contact the Office of Scholarship and Grants at 1-888-447-2687 for application information.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Students are encouraged to pick up a copy of the Scholarship Book available in the Financial Aid Office between February 1 and mid-March. The Scholarship Book contains current scholarship offerings, criteria, and deadline dates. The Financial Aid Office also advertises scholarships as they become available through the Student Bulletin, a weekly newsletter distributed throughout the campus. The following is a list of scholarships that have been made available to students attending SC4:
Acheson Memorial Scholarship
Helen Alexander Scholarship
K. Altherr Memorial Endowment
American Association of University Women _ Past Presidents Scholarship
Vera Andrus Scholarship
Robert Ange Scholarship
Theodora Beard Memorial Scholarship
Wilford Beauvais Memorial Scholarship
Irvin and Agnes Bedford Scholarship
Donald Bezenah Memorial Scholarship
Del James Blessinger Scholarship
Blessinger Grant in Aid
Blue Water Chapter of Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel
Blue Water Garden Club Scholarship
Blue Water Sportfishing Scholarship
Blue Water Women Lawyers
Board of Trustees Grant
Board of Trustees Honors Scholarship
Board of Trustees Scholarship
Clara E. and Joseph M. Bourke Memorial Scholarship
Emerson and Lucilda Brown Scholarship
Edward Bush Memorial Scholarship
Mayme Bush/Inez Innes Memorial Scholarship
Cardiology Associates of Port Huron Scholarship
Clay Township Good Fellows Scholarship
Howard D. and Annabelle Crull Scholarship
DECA Leadership Scholarship
Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship
Jane Deprez/Huron Family Practice Scholarship
Don and Wilhelmena DesJardins
Grace Donaldson Scholarship
E & A Credit Union Scholarship
Educational Support Personnel - MEA/NEA Scholarship
Erie Square Gazette Scholarship
Virginia Fadell Memorial/Grace Goodwin Scholarship
Foreign Language Scholarship
Fort Gratiot Lions Club Scholarship
Theron and Eleanor Godbold Endowment
Charles Myron Gossman Scholarship
James H. Halamka Memorial Scholarship
Donna Jean Hale Memorial Scholarship
Raymond and Mary Haley Memorial Scholarship
Gar and Leda Henry Sports Scholarship
Hispanic Council of St. Clair County Scholarship
Kahmann Memorial Scholarship
Robert and Marilyn Kovach Scholarship
League of Catholic Women Scholarship
Hazel and Harold Lewis Memorial Scholarship
Little Brothers - Little Sisters Scholarship
Alfred Maxwell Memorial Scholarship
Hobart and Beverly Meharg Scholarship
McMillan/Tillman Scholarship
Marian Pollock Moore Scholarship
Bessie I. Mueller Endowment
E. B. Mueller Endowment
Mueller Brass Scholarship
Norman Nursing Scholarship
Nursing Program Scholarship
Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship
Pine River Plastics Scholarship
Police Officer's and Fire Fighter's Survivor Scholarship
Port Huron Garden Club Scholarship
Port Huron Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship
Port Huron Lion's Club Scholarship
Port Huron Police Association Scholarship
Port Huron Rotary Club Scholarship
Port Huron Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship
Prestolite Endowment
Prichard Scholarship
Prichard Nursing Scholarship
Mary Regling Memorial Endowment
Gordon and Marlene Rady Scholarship
River District Hospital Auxiliary - McFern - Smelzer Scholarship
Keegan Robinson Memorial Scholarship
St. Clair County AFL-CIO Scholarship
St. Clair County Community College Alumni Association Scholarship
Carl Schwedler Memorial Endowment
Clarence Scott Memorial Scholarship
Student Government Scholarship
Sydney Spofford Scholarship
Carl Steinborn Memorial Endowment
Student Services Grant
Beverly L. Tansky Memorial Scholarship
Watson Bros. Centennial Scholarship
WGRT Broadcasting Scholarship
Vivian Williams Minority Scholarship
For further information regarding scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Office, Room 123 ATC. Students are also encouraged to seek additional scholarship information from high school counseling offices; fraternal, civic, state, and national organizations; and employers who issue information through their own publications.
Michigan Competitive Scholarship Program
This state scholarship program provides up to $1,300 per academic year to students who achieve required scores on the ACT exam, who demonstrate financial need, are citizens or permanent residents, and have been continuous residents of Michigan for 12 months. The State of Michigan determines the award.
Michigan Merit Award Program
This is a merit-based scholarship program for high school seniors. Students who meet Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) High School Testing (HST) scores and other criteria to be determined by the Michigan Merit Award Board will be eligible for a $2,500 non need-based scholarship.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
This work-study program provides funds for part-time employment on campus as well as some off-campus locations. Employment normally is limited to 20 hours a week for students who enroll for a minimum of six credit hours a semester, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and demonstrate financial need.
Michigan Work-Study (MWS)
This work-study program provides funds for part-time employment on campus. Employment is for students who enroll for a minimum of six credit hours a semester, maintain satisfactory academic progress, demonstrate financial need, are citizens or permanent residents, and have been continuous residents of Michigan for 12 months.
College Payroll Student
The college employs a limited number of students with specialized skills who are not eligible for Federal Work-Study or Michigan Work-Study programs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Tax Credits
The 1997 Taxpayer Relief Act created two tax credit programs for college students. The Internal Revenue Service provides the requirements for the Hope Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit Programs. Questions regarding tax issues should be directed to the IRS or your tax preparer. Visit www.IRS.gov for additional information.
Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver
Native North Americans of at least one-quarter quantum blood as certified by the person's tribal association and who are legal residents of Michigan may be eligible for a tuition waiver. Call 616-458-4078 for additional information.
STUDENT LOAN PROGRAMS
Federal and State Loan Programs
To qualify for a loan, a student must complete the FAFSA as well as a loan request form available in the Financial Aid Office. All students must participate in entrance and exit counseling as a condition of loan acceptance. Money from federal loans is disbursed in several payments. The amount of a loan is determined by the student's financial need, the student's enrollment status, other aid received, and program limits. The school, not the lender, determines eligibility for a Federal Stafford or Federal PLUS Loan. If reasons are documented and explained to students in writing, financial aid administrators may decline to certify an otherwise eligible loan application. In addition, a loan may be certified for an amount less than that for which the student would otherwise be eligible. Interest rates, repayment terms, and borrowing limits vary with each loan program.
Federal Stafford Loan Program
This low-interest loan program is available to students who attend college at least half-time. To receive a Subsidized Stafford Loan, the student must demonstrate financial need. This loan is exempt from interest accrual until six months after the student ceases attending on at least a half-time basis. The Unsubsidized Stafford Loan has the same terms as a Subsidized Stafford Loan, except borrowers are responsible for interest that accrues while they are in school, and the loan is not based on need. The interest rate is variable, but capped at 8.25 percent. The interest rate is determined in June each year.
Federal PLUS Loans
Federal PLUS Loans are for parents who want to borrow money to help pay for their dependent children's educations. The interest rate is variable, but capped at 9%. The interest rate is determined each June. Parents who have no adverse credit history are eligible for PLUS Loans.
Michigan (MI) Alternative Student Loan Program
The MI-Loan Program is not based on need; however a student must apply first for need-based aid before applying for a MI-Loan. Loans may range from $500 up to the full cost of attendance. Information and applications are available by contacting the Michigan Higher Education Student Loan Authority, P.O. Box 30051, Lansing, MI 48909 or by calling 1-800-877-5659.
Private Donor Loans
The following are loan funds that have been established to assist eligible students attending SC4. For complete details and application materials, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Jeff Jones and Stephen Endean Memorial
Mary Koerber Memorial Loan
Phelps Loan
Donald Shephard Memorial Loan
Joseph and Elizabeth Stowe Loan
Townley Medical Education Loan
All of the Private Donor Loans are interest free. Students are still responsible for the repayment of the loan.
WITHDRAWALS, REFUNDS, AND RETURN OFTITLE IV FUNDS
The SC4 refund policy is printed in the Tuition and Fee Information section of this catalog. There are additional implications to consider before dropping classes or completely withdrawing from all courses during a semester in which a student receives financial aid. One implication is the effect that withdrawals can have regarding the student maintaining satisfactory academic progress. The complete policy is printed in the section below. Another issue is the Return of Title IV Funds Policy. Title IV programs include Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Return of Title IV Funds is the process of calculating the student's earned and unearned portion of Title IV aid when a student completely withdraws from classes before 60 percent of the semester has passed. For example, if a student completes only 30% of the semester before completely withdrawing, the student has earned only 30% of the aid package awarded to them. If the student received more aid than earned, the college and/or the student may then be required to return some of the funds awarded. Owing money to a federal program may prevent the student from receiving further financial aid. You will be responsible for repaying any unearned aid that you were not entitled to receive. Further information regarding the Return of Title IV Funds policy is available in the Financial Aid Office.
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY FOR FINANCIAL AID RECIPIENTS
All financial aid recipients are required to meet satisfactory academic progress guidelines established by SC4, pursuant to Federal regulations. This policy applies to all students receiving assistance from any financial aid program we administer. Federal regulations require that the policy include reviewing enrollment periods in which the student did not receive aid, as well as the semesters they did receive aid. This policy is separate from the college's general probation policy and is monitored each semester the student receives aid.
To receive financial aid, the student must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate. The following guidelines describe the requirements necessary to maintain financial aid eligibility at SC4:
1. Eligibility Requirements _ Each semester a student must:
a) Have successfully completed at least 67% of all of the SC4 credit hours attempted or be a first-time student at SC4, and
b) Maintain a cumulative SC4 grade point average of at least 2.00, and
c) Along with transfer credits, not have attempted (whether or not earned) more than 93 credit hours or 150% of the student's official SC4 academic program requirements. This is true whether or not financial aid was received or the student paid for some classes from his/her resources.
2. Evaluation of Eligibility
Eligibility is determined at the time a student applies for financial aid and is reviewed each semester. To establish initial eligibility for financial aid as a current SC4 student, it is required that the past SC4 academic record be reviewed even if the student paid for the classes out of his/her own resources. Applicants who have not made satisfactory academic progress are notified by mail.
3. Appeals
A student whose financial aid has been terminated may appeal in writing. All appeals should include appropriate documentation. Extenuating circumstances considered for appeals include personal illness or accident, serious illness or death within an immediate family, or other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the student. Students in extended credit hour programs and/or second-degree programs may submit appeals.
Acceptable documentation includes letters from a physician, attorney, social service agency, or parole officer; or a copy of a death certificate, divorce decree, and/or academic records. Submission of an appeal does not guarantee reinstatement of eligibility for financial aid. The student will be notified of the appeal results in writing. An appeal may result in a denial of reinstatement, a reinstatement of the student's eligibility, or a probationary period. All appeal decisions are final.
4. Probation
Financial aid applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements will be granted a semester of probationary financial aid to move toward acceptable grade point average or completion rates. This also applies to students who did not meet initial eligibility requirements. Students who fail to make satisfactory academic progress after the probationary semester will be terminated from financial aid eligibility until they meet the standard or have an acceptable appeal. While on probation, financial aid for the next semester will not be disbursed until FINAL GRADES from the previous semester are available. It is the student's responsibility to contact the Financial Aid Office to initiate action for reinstatement of financial aid. Loans may be awarded to students on probation if tuition and fees are not covered by other resources.
5. Reinstatement
A student may be reinstated after meeting one of the following conditions. (Classes taken at institutions other than SC4 are not considered for reinstatement purposes.)
a) The student has taken without funding from the Financial Aid Office at least 6 credit hours and has passed those 6 credit hours with a 2.00 or higher semester grade point average. The student will be placed on a probationary semester of aid. Students on probation will be monitored and evaluated one semester at a time; or
b) The student has taken without funding from the Financial Aid Office enough credits to meet the grade point average and completion rate requirements. The student will be reinstated without probation; or
c) The student meets the grade point average and completion rate requirements after a probationary semester. The student will be reinstated without probation.
6. Grades and Successful Completion
Credit hours attempted include all grades recorded on the transcript of A, B, C, D, E, I, W, R, S, U and Z. Repeated courses are identified on the transcript and are considered as credit hours attempted. Successful grades are A, B, C, D and S. Financial aid cannot be used to cover the cost of courses previously taken and for which the student has received a C grade or better. A grade of D is considered a passing grade. Financial aid may be used toward repeated courses for which a C- grade or below was previously received. Unsuccessful grades are E, I, W, R, U and Z. Unsuccessful grades are considered attempted and not passed for purposes of determining satisfactory academic progress. Students with Z grades will need to have their grade point average re-computed for financial aid purposes.
7. Audits and Credit by Exam
Classes taken for audit or credits earned by exam are not considered when determining financial aid eligibility.
OMBUDSMAN FOR STUDENTS
The U.S. Department of Education provides an Office of the Ombudsman to help resolve loan disputes and problems. The following options are available for contacting the Office: Call toll free at 1-877-557-2575, visit the website at www.sfahelp.ed.gov, or write to: Office of the Ombudsman, Student Financial Assistance, U.S. Department of Education, Room 3012, ROB #3, 7th and D Streets, SW, Washington DC 20202-5144 HOUSING LISTS
The Financial Aid Office maintains a listing of housing opportunities available in the Blue Water Area. For further information, please visit the Financial Aid Office, Room 123 ATC, or call 810-989-5530. You may also go to www.vacancylist.net/bwrha/vacancyResultsShort810.asp