Financial Aid

There are several sources of financial aid for Southern Crescent Technical College students. Students may call the Financial Aid Office at (770) 228-7368 for Griffin, (706) 646-6386 for Flint River, or (770) 228-7323 for Henry Campus or visit the office for additional information. Students may be eligible for more than one type of financial aid. Special Admit students are ineligible for any Financial Aid Assistance.

By accepting financial aid awards, students are agreeing to be liable for all tuition, fees, and/or other monies paid on their behalf or directly to them should the financial aid source fail to provide adequate funds or should the student prove to be ineligible for financial aid. To decline awards or if the student does not agree to the previous statement, he/she must come to the Office of Financial Aid and decline the awards in writing.

Sources

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Direct Stafford Loan
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Federal Work Study (FWS)
Foundation Scholarships
HOPE Grant
HOPE Scholarship
HOPE Zell Miller Scholarship
HOPE Zell Miller Grant
Georgia HOPE GED Voucher
Hope Career Grant
Student Access Loan (SAL)
Dual Enrollment (High School)

Financial Aid: To Apply

For financial aid, including HOPE, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov) at least four weeks prior to the registration date.
A Student Aid Report (SAR) is mailed or emailed directly to the student from the Federal Processing Center. An electronic version of the Student Aid Report (SAR) will be sent to the financial aid office at SCTC by the federal processors if the student enters Southern Crescent Technical College’s school code (005621) on their FAFSA.
For the HOPE Scholarship (degree programs only), submit a completed HOPE Scholarship Evaluation Request Form to the Registrar’s Office. The form may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid or on the financial aid webpage at www.sctech.edu.
Please refer to www.GAfutures.org for more information on state funded programs.
Report to the Office of Financial Aid all types and sources of assistance received

Priority Deadlines:

In October, students can begin applying for Financial Aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Application for financial aid is completed once a year.

All students seeking financial assistance are required to complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. SCTC’s priority deadlines are:

Fall Semester – July 1
Spring Semester – November 1
Summer Semester – April 1

If selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education, the student must submit an IRS transcript of federal tax return and a Verification Worksheet (available in the Financial Aid Office) to receive Federal Funds.

Drug Conviction and Financial Aid Eligibility

If a student has a federal or state drug conviction during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving federal aid, the student is disqualified from federal financial aid funding. Students self-report this information on the FAFSA. Question 23 on the FAFSA form asks if the student has ever been convicted of a drug related offense. Answering this question falsely, if discovered, could result in fines up to $20,000, imprisonment, or both. In situations of conflicting information, the School is required to confirm this information. Students convicted of drug offenses committed while receiving Federal Financial Aid may be ineligible for federal financial aid for one (1) or more years from the date of conviction.

Federal Aid includes:

Federal Student Loans
Federal Grants
Federal Work Study

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to students who have not earned a four-year degree and are enrolled in a diploma or degree program of study. Most of our technical certificate of completion (TCC) are program eligible for the Pell Grant. The amount a student receives is determined by the federal processors. Full-time enrollment for purposes of Pell is based on 12 semester hours for a degree or diploma program (including summer term). If a student does enroll for at least 12 credit hours, Pell awards will be adjusted based on credit hours. Students must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. It takes approximately two weeks to receive the results of this application. Students should be prepared to pay their first semester fees if sufficient time is not allowed for the necessary processing. All Pell awards are good through summer term each aid year. Students must reapply for Pell each aid year by completing a new FAFSA.

Learning support, provisional, adult education, continuing education, transient, and special admit students are not eligible for federal financial aid benefits.
Not all Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) programs qualify for Federal Pell Grant funding.

Note: Students with a Baccalaureate Degree cannot receive Federal Pell Grant funding.

Federal Pell Grant Recalculation Policy

SCTC awards PELL Grants based on a projected full-time enrollment status. The Pell Grant amounts are then prorated based on the enrollment level of the student during each term. The College utilizes the student’s latest census date for all classes when disbursing federal Pell each semester and Pell awards will be issued based on the enrollment level calculated at that time. For more information regarding Federal Pell Grants, please go to: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/pell.

Financial Aid Repeated Course Policy

Federal regulations limit the number of times a student may repeat a course and receive financial aid for that course. The following regulations apply to all students (regardless of grade-level):

A student may receive aid to repeat a previously passed course (earned grade of D or higher) only one additional time. This includes course(s) transferred from another institution where a passing grade was earned.

Federal regulation, passed means any grade higher than “F”, regardless of any school or program policy requiring a higher qualitative grade or measure to have been considered to have passed the course.

A student may receive Title IV funds (federal financial aid) for retaking a course they failed, regardless of the number of times the course was attempted and failed.

Retaking courses in which a “W” was received is not considered repeating courses.

Once a student has completed any course twice with a passing grade, they are no longer eligible to receive aid for that course.

If a student decides to retake a course that is not aid eligible, a recalculation of aid will be done to exclude the credits for that course.

This rule applies whether or not the student received aid for earlier enrollments in the course. All repeated courses affect financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

A repeated course, along with the original attempt, must be counted as attempted credit hours. All students must successfully complete 66% of cumulative attempted hours by the end of each term.

Please note, the repeat course policy for financial aid differs from the Academic Affair’s Repeating Courses Policy.

Gainful Employment

For more information on Gainful Employment, visit https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/

Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU)

A federal law effective with the 2012/13 school year that limits the amount students can receive in the Federal Pell Grant. Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) includes all awards received prior to the 2012/13 year, some students will already be ineligible at the start of the year. Others will have some eligibility but not enough to receive 100 % of their award. It includes any Pell Grant award received at any school and it’s a limit to receive it at any school. Students can’t transfer and receive additional awards at another school. There are no exceptions and it isn’t possible to appeal. The school has no legal ability to award a student beyond the limit.

The limit is 6 years of full time attendance. It’s prorated for part time students. It’s calculated based on 600% of annual awards. When students are awarded a Pell Grant, he/she is given a maximum annual Pell Grant award. If students attend full time for two semesters you receive 100% of it. If he/she attend half time for two semesters receive 50% of it. Each semester students receive a percentage. When that total reaches 600% you’re no longer eligible for the grant. Students you must be eligible for the Pell Grant to receive the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant FSEOG). Once a student has reached the limit, you aren’t eligible for either grant.

Students may view their Pell Grant used by logging into https://studentaid.gov/. The https://studentaid.gov/ portal is where students can find and track their financial aid history. Students will need their federal student ID to access the system.

To read more about the LEU and how it’s calculated including examples click on the link below for a message from the U.S. Department of Education:

LEU greater than 450% but less than or equal to 500% - These students likely will have full eligibility for 100% of their Pell Grant scheduled award, unless a later disbursement moves their LEU to greater than 500%.
LEU greater than 500% but less than 600% - These students will not have full eligibility for a Pell Grant, but likely will have eligibility for a portion of that scheduled award.
LEU 600% or higher – These students will have no Pell Grant eligibility for the award year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFCs) will be considered first for a FSEOG. Just like Pell Grants, the FSEOG does not have to be repaid. Not all students will be awarded this fund as FSEOG funds are limited.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan Programs

Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are federal student loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education at a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school. The U.S. Department of Education offers eligible students at participating schools Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Subsidized Loans :

The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan
- while student is enrolled at least half-time,
- for the first six months after student leaves school (referred to as a grace period*), and
- during a period of deferment (a postponement of loan payments).

*Note: Students who received a Direct Subsidized Loan that was first disbursed between July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2014, will be responsible for paying any interest that accrues during the grace period. If student chooses not to pay the interest that accrues during the grace period, the interest will be added to the principal balance.

Unsubsidized Loans:

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need.
The school determines the amount students can borrow based on the cost of attendance and other financial aid students receive.
Students are responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods.
If students choose not to pay the interest while they are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, their interest will accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan).

Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six semester hours) to received loan funds.

Not all Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) programs qualify for Direct Loans.

Unusual Enrollment History

Unusual Enrollment History (UEH) flags: Beginning in 2013-14, some Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSAs) may be flagged for "unusual enrollment history" by the U. S. Department of Education as a result of the student having received federal Pell Grants at multiple institutions in recent years. Flags "2" and "3" require that the current institution review the student’s enrollment history and determine whether or not the student is enrolling only long enough to receive cash refunds of federal student aid.

NOTE: The Southern Crescent Technical College Financial Aid Office, in the process of reviewing a student's UEH flag, will check the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) for complete enrollment history.

How to resolve: All students with UEH flag 3 and some students with UEH flag 2 will be required to provide to Southern Crescent Technical College’s Financial Aid Office their academic transcripts or grade reports from all colleges and universities attended during the review period. If Pell Grants were received and credit hours (passing grades: A, B, C, or D) were not earned at each institution attended during these award years, the student may be determined ineligible for further federal financial aid. The Financial Aid Office has the authority to require an official academic transcript from any/all colleges attended during the review period if documents submitted are unclear.

• If the Student Aid Report (SAR) includes UEH flag 3, please complete the Unusual Enrollment History Review form found at Financial Aid Forms and submit to the Financial Aid Office along with all required documentation.
• If the student’s SAR includes UEH flag 2, Southern Crescent Technical College’s Financial Aid Office will notify the student if they will be required to complete the Unusual Enrollment History Review form.

Appealing the ineligibility determination:

If a student has been determined by Southern Crescent Technical College’s Financial Aid Office to be ineligible for federal student aid on the basis of (or lack of) documentation, he/she may appeal the determination by contacting the Financial Aid Office.
Regaining federal student aid eligibility:
Students whose aid eligibility is denied as a result of their UEH can be re-considered for federal student aid after meeting with an academic advisor, enrolling for two academic terms only in courses that are required by their program, not dropping or withdrawing from (officially or unofficially) any courses after the term begins, and meeting the College's standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). To review the complete SAP policy, visit Financial Aid Forms page.
Annual, Aggregate, and Lifetime Limits, and Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements:
• Federal Pell Grants may be received for up to twelve (12) full-time semesters. (Pell Grants received for part-time attendance are pro-rated against the 12 full-time semesters.)
• All financial aid programs are subject to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements, which measure students' progress toward program completion. Components of SAP are a minimum GPA, minimum completion rate, and maximum time frame. For complete SAP details, see SCTC SAP Policy.
To help students achieve academic success before exhausting federal financial aid limits, students should seek academic advising when planning their course schedules and throughout their college experience. When facing academic difficulties, students are encouraged to seek tutoring and other support services through their advisor.

Federal Work Study Program (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study Program, FWS, provides a method for post-secondary education students to earn funds that are used towards their education. The FWS program helps students earn monetary awards towards their post-secondary education. The program is based on financial need and students must be accepted into the program to qualify. The program encourages community service work and work related to the recipient’s course of study.

Eligibility Requirements:

Current and completed FAFSA on file
Must have need, as established by the Federal Processor
Enrolled in at least 6 semester hours

HOPE Grant

The HOPE Grant is the Georgia state tuition assistance program funded by the Lottery for Education to assist eligible students enrolled in a certificate or diploma program. The HOPE Grant has a lifetime cap of 63 semester hours that will pay towards a certificate or diploma program. All courses including learning support count towards the 63 semester hour cap. To be eligible for the HOPE Grant, a student must declare Georgia as their legal domicile residence for at least twelve (12) consecutive months immediately prior to the first day of class of the school term for which HOPE Grant payment is sought if they graduated from a Georgia high school – twenty-four (24) consecutive months if they did not graduate from a Georgia high school - be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien, and not have any student loan defaults or recent controlled substance convictions. Male students born as of 1/1/1960 or thereafter must have registered with the Selective Service between the ages of 18 and 25 and must provide their Selective Service number.

Students applying for any HOPE funds (Scholarship/Grant) must apply on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Students must have a 2.0 GPA at the 30^th semester hour to remain eligible.
Students who lose eligibility at the 30^th semester hour can regain eligibility once at the 60^th semester hour with a 2.0 GPA and HOPE will pay for the remaining 63 hours of eligibility.
Students with a baccalaureate degree or higher cannot receive HOPE Grant.
Learning support coursework and Dual Enrollment coursework are excluded from GPA calculation and checkpoints. GPA calculati
Students are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship until seven years from the date of the student’s high school graduation, home study completion, or successful GED test, if the student meets all other requirements. The expiration of eligibility date will be June 30^th of the seventh academic year following the student’s date of high school graduation, home study completion, or successful GED test.
ons at the checkpoints will begin with fall term grades. Learning support coursework tuition will continue to be paid by the HOPE Grant.
The HOPE Grant will pay for 63 semester hours. The term that a student meets the cap, the Grant will pay only for hours up to the cap. Example: A student has 60 semester hours at the end of fall semester. The student registers for six credit hours spring semester. The HOPE Grant will only pay for three credit hours spring semester.
Effective Fall 2019, the HOPE Grant will pay $76.00 per credit hour.

HOPE Scholarship

The HOPE Scholarship is the Georgia state tuition assistance program funded by the Lottery for Education to assist any eligible student accepted into a degree program. Full-time enrollment is not required. The student must be a Georgia resident. The Georgia Residency requirements for the HOPE Scholarship will continue to be set at 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the school term for which HOPE Scholarship payment is sought if they graduated from a Georgia high school – twenty-four (24) consecutive months if they did not graduate from a Georgia high school.

Students are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship until seven years from the date of the student’s high school graduation, home study completion, or successful GED test, if the student meets all other requirements. The expiration of eligibility date will be June 30^th of the seventh academic year following the student’s date of high school graduation, home study completion, or successful GED test.

The FAFSA must be completed and processed in order to apply for the HOPE Scholarship. Once a student has completed 30 degree-level hours, he or she can request a HOPE Scholarship evaluation be completed by the Registrar’s Office. At that time, to qualify, he or she must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Students may renew the HOPE Scholarship for the sophomore, junior, and senior years by maintaining a 3.0 GPA, reapplying, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

The HOPE Scholarship program pays $76.00 per credit hour. Students are responsible for remaining balance.

Beginning fall term 2011, learning support coursework will be excluded from attempted hours. However, all learning support coursework previously counted in attempted hours will remain in the attempted hours calculation. Beginning fall term 2011, the HOPE Scholarship will no longer pay for learning support coursework.

Students can lose and regain eligibility once beginning fall term 2011. Any previous gains/losses prior to fall term 2011 will not apply.

Students who lost the HOPE Scholarship twice prior to fall term 2011 but have regained eligibility, may continue to receive the HOPE Scholarship. If the student loses the HOPE Scholarship after receiving it fall term 2011, they will not regain it again.

Students who received the HOPE Scholarship prior to summer term 2011 are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship until June 30, 2099, regardless of high school graduation date. First time HOPE Scholarship recipients, summer term 2011 or later, are bound by the seven-year rule.

For students who have not received a HOPE Scholarship award prior to summer term 2011, an expiration date will be set for each student as June 30th of the seventh academic year following his or her high school graduation.

For students who graduated from a home school program or received a GED, the date of the student’s home school completion/graduation or the GED test date will be used as the basis for determining the seven-year expiration date.

A student who has not received HOPE Scholarship payment prior to Summer term 2011, and meets all other eligibility requirements for HOPE Scholarship, may receive the HOPE Scholarship until June 30^th following the completion of the seventh full year after the first of one of the following events has occurred:

His or her high school graduation date; or
The graduation date of the student’s high school class if the student withdrew from high school prior to his or her
graduation date; or
His or her Home Study completion date; or
His or her successful GED test date.

A student that serves on active duty in the military during the seven-year period after his or her high school graduation, Home School completion or successful GED test date will have that active duty period of his or her military service added to the seven-year limit.

A student who is enrolled during a term that begins prior to his or her expiration of eligibility date and ends after his or her expiration of eligibility date may be paid for the term.

A student who received a HOPE Scholarship award prior to summer term 2011 (FY2012) is not subject to the Seven Year Limit.

The HOPE Scholarship will pay for 127 semester or 190 quarter hours. The term that a student meets the cap, the scholarship will pay only for hours up to the cap. Example: A student has 124 semester hours at the end of fall semester. The student registers for six credit hours spring semester. The HOPE Scholarship will only pay for three credit hours spring semester.

Students with a baccalaureate degree cannot receive HOPE.

No book allowance or fees will be paid by HOPE.

For complete and current information regarding Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and Grant Program Regulations, visit the web site at: www.GAfutures.org or call for more information in metro Atlanta at (770) 724-9000 or toll free in Georgia at 1-800-505-GSFC (4732).

The Georgia HOPE GED Voucher

The GED Voucher of $500.00 is awarded to students receiving a GED. This is a one-time only award to be applied to the costs of attending an institution of higher education. The HOPE voucher accompanies the GED diploma. To receive the $500.00 voucher award, students must be enrolled in a program of study leading to a technical degree, diploma, or certificate.

Students receiving a HOPE GED voucher should submit it to the financial aid office for processing. In order for the financial aid office to process the voucher, students must complete a FAFSA for the current academic year in which they plan to utilize the GED voucher. Students must also meet the Georgia residency requirements, not have a defaulted student loan, register for Selective Service (males only), and not be convicted of a drug-related felony within two semesters of enrollment.

Zell Miller Scholarship

The Zell Miller Scholarship program is for students who have demonstrated academic achievement and that are seeking a college degree. Zell Miller Scholarship pays 100% of tuition; students will be responsible for fees. Generally, to become eligible, a student must graduate from an eligible high school with a 3.70 GPA and a minimum score on the SAT/ACT. For more information, review the Zell Miller Scholarship Regulations online at: www.GAfutures.org.

Zell Miller Grant

The Zell Miller Grant Program provides grant assistance to residents of Georgia pursuing Certificates or Diplomas at Georgia’s public eligible postsecondary institutions. The Zell Miller Grant Program does not include a high school academic requirement, however, recipients are required to have a minimum postsecondary cumulative grade point average of 3.5 at the end of each term. The Zell Miller Grant pays 100% tuition; students will be responsible for fees. The purpose of the Zell Miller Grant Program is to encourage Georgians to obtain technical education in order to increase the knowledge and skills of Georgia’s workforce.

Hope Career Grant

Beginning with the fall semester 2013, SCTC students who are receiving the HOPE Grant may also be eligible for additional financial assistance from Georgia’s Hope Career Grant Award.

To qualify, an SCTC student must be fully admitted to the college, enrolled in an eligible program and receiving the HOPE Grant for the same term.

The amount of the Hope Career Grant Award is a fixed amount for each term of enrollment:

Program of Study	Enrolled Hours	Award Amounts
Commercial Truck Driving	9 or more (one term only)	$1000.00*
Hope Career Grant Programs	9 or more credit hours	$ 500.00
Hope Career Grant Programs	3 – 8 credit hours	$ 250.00
Hope Career Grant Programs	1 – 2 credit hours	$ 125.00

*Eligibility for the Hope Career Grant Award for the Commercial Truck Driving program is for one term only. The HOPE GED Grant, HOPE Grant, and Hope Career Grant Award can be awarded in the same term, if all other eligibility requirements are met up to cost of attendance. High school students in Dual Enrollment programs are not eligible for the Hope Career Grant Award.

Seven Year Limit

A student who has not received HOPE Scholarship payment prior to Summer term 2011, and meets all other eligibility requirements for HOPE Scholarship, may receive the HOPE Scholarship until June 30 following the completion of the seventh full year after the first of one of the following events has occurred:
1. His or her high school graduation date; or
2. His or her Home Study completion date; or
3. His or her successful GED test date; or
4. His or her petition date where his or her diploma was received pursuant to the local school board in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 20-2-281.
A student is not eligible for payment for any term prior to the date used to determine his or her Seven Year Limit.
A student that serves on active duty in the military during the seven-year period after his or her high school graduation, Home Study completion or successful GED test date will have that active duty period of his or her military service added to the Seven Year Limit.
A student who is enrolled during a term that begins prior to his or her expiration of eligibility date and ends after his or her expiration of eligibility date may be paid for the term.
A student who received a HOPE Scholarship award prior to Summer term 2011 (FY2012) is not subject to the Seven Year Limit.

10 Year Scholarship Expiration Date

Regulation Note: Students who qualify for the 10 Year Expiration:

Must receive their first ever HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship payment Summer term 2019 or later (FY 2020 or later). Eligibility ends on June 30th of the 10th full year following whichever occurs first:

High school graduation date OR
GED test date OR
Home study program completion date OR
Petition date if high school diploma was received from the local school board in accordance to O.C.G.A. 20-2-281

Student Access Loan (SAL)

The Student Access Loan (SAL) Program is a need-based, low interest loan program administered by the Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA). The SAL Program may be funded by state general funds, proceeds from the Georgia Lottery for Education and public and/or private donations. The purpose of the program is to assist with the affordability of a college education at one of Georgia’s public technical colleges and encourage timely persistence to the achievement of postsecondary credentials. The loans, or portions of the loans, are forgivable for recipients who graduate with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in the program that the loan was originally borrowed under.

Students applying for SAL must meet all general eligibility requirements, citizenship, Georgia residency, enrollment status, satisfactory academic progress, selective service, defaulted loan, Drug-Free Act, and incarcerated.

All students applying for SAL must complete a FAFSA and an application with Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) at www.GAfutures.org . GSFC shall designate an open application cycle period for the state fiscal year and only collect applications during such period. Application cycle periods are subject to available funding and application volume. The application process is first come, first serve with priority to our SAL recipients and HOPE and Zell Miller Scholars.

Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours). Students cannot borrow more than $3,000 in an award year and no more than $1,500 in one term. The aggregate loan limit per borrower may not exceed $12,000. Borrowers are required to make monthly Keep In Touch (KIT) payments while enrolled in school and while in grace period (six months). Monthly KIT payments will be due each month, approximately sixty days after the first loan disbursement and in accordance with the repayment schedule set by Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA). Students must exhaust all federal funding before receiving a SAL.

Things to know

Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA) will have open Application Process all year until funds are depleted.
There is priority processing given for prior SAL applicants, Hope Scholarship and Zell Miller Scholarship recipients. Any following selections will be based on first come, first serve until all funds are depleted.
Selection does not guarantee approval; your eligible postsecondary institution may decline the loan or certify for a reduced amount based on financial aid status.
GSFA will notify applicants via email when approved or denied.
If approved applicants will receive a Promissory Note packet via email or mail (student’s preference) which MUST be returned to GSFA in 14 days or GSFA will administratively cancel the application.
After 40 days if the application is not certified or denied by the postsecondary institution GSFA will administratively cancel the application.
Loan disbursements are sent directly to the student’s chosen eligible postsecondary institution and are not transferable.
If you apply for this loan, you understand that this is a private education loan that must be repaid and cannot be combined or consolidated with federal loans
Borrow smart! When applying for a loan, request only the amount of funds needed for your educational costs and that you can repay.

Students who are in default on their KIT payments with GSFC may not be eligible for aid until their accounts are back in good standing. Students will be required to submit a clearance letter from GSFC.

Dual Enrollment (Formerly Move On When Ready)

The new Dual Enrollment Program combined Accel, HOPE Grant Dual Enrollment and old Dual Enrollment programs. It provides for participation in Dual Credit Enrollment for eligible high school and home study students. These students earn postsecondary credit hours and simultaneously meet their high school graduation or Home Study completion requirements as Dual Credit Enrollment students.

State revenues provide funding for this program. The award amount received by eligible students and the total amount of funds appropriated for the program is established each year by the Georgia General Assembly during the prior legislative session and is subject to change during the Award Year.

Any student who is entering tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade at an eligible high school within the State of Georgia and any Home Study program operated pursuant to O.C.G.A. 20-2-690 may be able to enroll as a Dual Enrollment student. A student must be admitted and classified as a Dual Credit Enrollment student by an eligible postsecondary institution. A student is eligible for Dual Enrollment Program funding up to a maximum of 15 hours per semester. A student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), as defined and certified by his or her eligible postsecondary institution.

The postsecondary credit hours taken as a Dual Credit Enrollment student, for which Dual Enrollment payment was made, are not counted as Attempted-Hours nor are they included in the Combined Paid-Hours limit for purposes of HOPE Scholarship or Zell Miller Scholarship eligibility. However, hours for which a student may have received payment from the Accel Program (through FY2011), are included in the combined paid-hours limit.

To participate in SCTC’s Dual Enrollment Program, students must submit a Dual Enrollment Program Application, SAT scores, ACT scores, PSAT scores, PACT scores, ACCUPLACER scores, or their high school GPA, and must complete any required secondary paperwork with their high school or home study program administration. Students must also submit a Dual Enrollment Program funding application each academic year. Upon receipt of the student funding application, an authorized high school or home study program official will then submit their section of the funding application, and will include each eligible high school course that student will be substituting with a postsecondary course. An authorized postsecondary official will then submit their section of the funding application, and will include each postsecondary course the student will take in place of a high school course.

A student must complete a Dual Enrollment Program Application and submit it to his or her eligible high school or Home Study Program.

The Dual Enrollment Program pays full tuition for an eligible participant. The Dual Enrollment Grant covers funding for up to a maximum of 15 hours per semester and 30 hours total. For more information on the Dual Enrollment Program, visit www.GAfutures.org.

Students who withdraw from two classes for which Dual Enrollment funding was used are ineligible for the Dual Enrollment Grant. In addition, beginning with the 2020 Summer Semester, students are not permitted to use Dual Enrollment Grant funds to retake classes for which they have previously withdrawn from or for which they received a failing grade.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS REQUIREMENTS FOR FINANCIAL AID

A. PURPOSE

To be eligible to receive Student Financial Aid (SFA) funds (Pell, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Work-study (FWS), Loans and HOPE); students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC} is required by the

U.S. Department of Education to establish minimum standards of Satisfactory Academic

Progress (SAP). Students attending Southern Crescent Technical College must be in good academic standing and making satisfactory academic progress to receive financial aid.

Notification

Each student's SAP status is evaluated at the end of each term of enrollment, regardless if the student received any type of financial aid. Students are notified if there is a change in their eligibility. The Financial Aid Department uses the SCTC student e-mail as the primary means of communication. Students may check their SAP status on BannerWeb at any time. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of SAP requirements and his or her respective SAP status. Failure to receive a notification of SAP status does not exempt a student from the requirements or consequences of their respective SAP status or any applicable deadlines.

B. RELATED AUTHORITY

State Board Policy 6.6.4. Satisfactory Academic Progress

C. APPLICABILITY

This procedure applies to all students while attending Southern Crescent Technical College.

D. DEFINITIONS

Academic Plan (AP): An academic plan is a required course of action that covers one or more terms of enrollment. It may specify courses and/or term grade point averages that need to be reached in order to continue to receive financial aid.

Completion Rate: Students must complete 66 percent of course work attempted each term.

Grade Point Average Requirement: a GPA of 2.0 or higher, on a 4.0 scale each term.

Maximum Time Frame: one and one half (150 percent) times the published length of the program in which a student is enrolled.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): the student is proceeding in a positive manner toward fulfilling their educational requirements.

Warning: financial aid warning is a status assigned to a student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress at the end of the term. Students will be allowed to continue receiving financial aid for one additional term in a warning status, in an attempt to regain SAP.

Suspension: financial aid suspension is a status assigned to a student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress for two consecutive terms, or at the end of a probationary- AP period. The student is not eligible for financial aid and must pay for tuition and fees until the SAP requirement is met.

E. PROCEDURE

Grade Point Average Requirement

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 to remain in good standing each term. A student's GPA will be verified at the end of each term. A student whose cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 is placed on financial aid warning for their next term of attendance. A student will be allowed one term to increase the cumulative GPA to the satisfactory level. If, after one term, the GPA remains below 2.0, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension.

Completion Rate

In order for students to graduate within the maximum "time frame" of hours, they are expected to have completed at least 66% of their credit hours attempted. A student who has not successfully completed 66% of his/her cumulative hours attempted (at the end of any term) will be placed on financial aid warning during the next term of attendance. A student

will be allowed one term to increase the cumulative completion rate to the satisfactory level. If, after one term, the cumulative completion rate remains below 66% the student will lose financial aid eligibility (placed on financial aid suspension).

Total hours attempted consist of all hours attempted at Southern Crescent Technical College. All transfer credits are included in the computation for the cumulative GPA

for financial aid.

Grades

Grades of W (withdrew) and I (incomplete) are not included in calculating a student’s GPA, but are counted as coursework attempted, thus they count against the 66 percent completion rate. F (Failing) grades are calculated in the student’s GPA and count against the SAP 66% completion rate. Grades received for learning support courses do not affect the GPA, but the hours are calculated in the 66% completion rate. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Z grades are used to denote unsuccessful completion due to documented COVID-19 emergencies. Z grades are excluded from attempted hours and GPA calculation. Effective AY2020 spring and summer terms and AY 2021 fall and spring terms.

Repeated Courses

All repeated courses and their grades would be included in the 66% and Maximum Allowable

Total Attempted Hours calculations.

Maximum Time Frame

There are a maximum number of hours that students may attempt in pursuing their program of study. All students must complete their educational objective within a maximum time frame of one and one half (150 percent) times the length of the program in which they are enrolled. This means that once a student has attempted one- and one-half times the minimum number of credit hours necessary for completing program requirements, the student is ineligible to receive financial aid.

Example of maximum time frame calculation for a program:

o If a program requires 62 credits for completion

o Then, 62 x 150% = 93 attempted credits is maximum time frame.

If a student graduates from a program and wishes to seek an additional degree or diploma then the cumulative hours for completion of the previous program will be added to the cumulative hours for completion of the second program plus 50 percent of the total will be used to establish maximum time frame. Students who has an approved max timeframe appeal can continue to receive aid for the approved program as long as he/she maintains a 2.0 GPA and 66% completion ratio. If the student changes major, a new appeal may be required.

Example of maximum time frame calculation for an additional program after graduation:

o If the completed program and current programs require 116 credits for completion (62 credits for previous program and 54 credits for current program)

o Then, 116 x 150% = 174 attempted credits is maximum time frame.

Attempted hours include all attempted hours at SCTC and all accepted transfer credits. If the student qualifies for graduation in a particular major but makes a personal decision to remain in school and take additional classes, the student is no longer entitled to receive Federal Title IV Aid. If the time limit is exceeded, aid eligibility ends. The student shall be placed on financial aid suspension status.

Maximum Timeframe Suspension

Students who attempt more than 150% of their current program of study will be required to submit a Maximum Timeframe appeal before receiving financial aid. To include a copy of their DegreeWorks for their current program.

Transfer Students

Transfer students accepted by SCTC, not previously enrolled at SCTC, will be classified as maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress for the first term enrolled. Only classes transferred in will be used in the completion rate calculation. At the end of the first term, the student's grades will be measured in accordance with the college's Satisfactory Academic requirements.

Financial Aid Probation

Financial Aid probation is assigned to students whose SAP appeal has been approved. The probation status is good for only one term to allow the student time to make SAP. During the probationary period, the student must maintain a 2.00 GPA and a 66% completion ratio. Withdrawing from any classes while on probation will change the student's status to Financial Aid Suspension. In order to receive financial aid after the probation period, a student must meet all SAP requirements or meet all requirements of an Academic Plan that has been established for him/her by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Students who are on Financial Aid Probation and fail to meet SAP requirements or the requirements of an Academic Plan after one term on probation will result in the student being placed on financial aid suspension. Students who are on Suspension are not eligible for financial aid.

Financial Aid Warning

A student who fails to meet SAP (excluding maximum timeframe) at the end of an enrollment period will be automatically placed on “financial aid warning,” not to exceed one enrollment period. During the “financial aid warning” enrollment period, the student may receive federal financial aid despite the determination that the student is not meeting SAP standards. The student must meet SAP standards at the end of the financial aid warning period or will be suspended from further financial aid until such time as the student meets SAP standards (student must pay for any additional course enrollment after the financial aid warning period through personal or private funds) or the student must appeal and have the appeal granted.

Financial Aid Suspension

A student becomes ineligible for all federal student aid funds if a SAP review indicates he or she does not meet the required GPA, is not maintaining the required pace. Students who lose their aid eligibility have an opportunity to appeal.

Maximum Timeframe Suspension

Appeal of Financial Aid Suspension

Students have the right to appeal their suspension of financial aid if they have mitigating circumstances that prevented them from making satisfactory academic progress. A student wishing to appeal financial aid suspension must do so in writing with supportive documentation. The form may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office or Southern Crescent Technical College's financial aid website.

The Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Committee will review appeals prior to the beginning of each semester. The Financial Aid Office will notify the student of the committee's decision as soon as possible. Decision results will also be available on Banner Web. The committee's decision is final. If approved, the student will be placed on financial aid probation status for the subsequent semester(s) and given an academic plan to follow. While at this status, the Financial Aid Office may require the student to maintain a specified percentage of semester coursework, cumulative GPA, and tutorial assistance. If any of the prescribed conditions are not met during the semester, eligibility will be denied and the student will be placed back on financial aid suspension at the conclusion of the semester.

Academic Plans

Students who successfully appeal a financial aid suspension and are placed on probation may be required to follow an Academic Plan as determined by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee in order to continue receiving financial aid. Students on an Academic Plan are required to meet all requirements of the Plan each term. The fulfillment of these requirements will be evaluated at the end of each term. Failure to meet all requirements of the Academic Plan will result in the student being placed on financial aid suspension. A student has the rightto appeal the financial aid suspension, if there were mitigating circumstances that prevented him/her from meeting the requirements of the Plan.

Academic Plans require students to complete all attempted courses with a grade of C or better. Students who receive a D grade during this period may be required to submit a new appeal. In addition, students cannot withdraw from any course while on an Academic Plan. The components of a student's Academic Plan may include, but are not limited to:

a requirement to meet with the student's academic advisor and/or a member of Student Affairs Retention staff
a requirement to enroll as part-time
to participate in a specific workshop on campus, or
any other requirement mandated by the Appeals Committee

The Financial Aid Office will verify that all requirements of the Academic Plan have been met prior to posting aid for the next term.

GRADE CHANGES

Upon receiving notification from the Registrar’s Office of students with grade changes (including I grades). The Financial Aid Office will recalculate the student’s SAP status. This new calculation could have an impact on the student’s future financial aid eligibility.

Incomplete (I) Courses

Any course with 'I' is counted in hours attempted (quantitative). When a grade of 'I' is changed to an actual grade, the course will be considered completed (qualitative). The student has four weeks in the next semester to complete the work. If the incomplete work is not completed by the fourth week of the following semester, the (I) grade converts to an F.

*Special Covid-19 Note:

The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) was signed into law on March 27, 2020, as a direct result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, giving institutions increased flexibility in financial aid regulations. In accordance with Executive Orders issued by Governor Brian Kemp on March 16, 2020; March 26, 2020; April 1, 2020; and April 2, 2020, to stop the spread of COVID-19, all TCSG colleges, including Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC), closed its campuses to students/guests, requiring students to complete the rest of the Spring 2020 term via remote learning technology.

Due to the COVID-19 health emergency, students who withdraw from class(es) after March 13, 2020 and prior to the last day of classes may be eligible to receive a Z grade. Z grades are used to denote unsuccessful completion due to COVID-19 emergency. Z grades are excluded from attempted hours and GPA calculation. Note: Effective AY2020 spring and summer terms and AY 2021 Fall and Spring terms.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) - In accordance with Federal regulations, financial aid recipients are required to meet SAP requirements. The CARES Act allows institutions to exclude from SAP calculations any attempted credits that were not completed due to a qualifying COVID-19 emergency beginning with the Spring 2020 term without requiring an appeal from the student. Students who withdraw or fail class(es) on or after March 13, 2020, due to the COVID-19 health emergency, will not have the withdrawal/ failing grade(s) counted against their quantitative SAP calculation, and may be eligible to continue to receive financial aid. Please note that this exception does not apply to the qualitative component of SAP. Students not meeting the 2.0 GPA SAP requirement or students who withdrew or failed classes prior to March 13, 2020 will have their financial aid suspended. These students will be allowed to submit a SAP appeal and must provide documentation of a qualifying emergency before aid can be restored.

Revised 4/19//2021

Dual Majors

Students may add a second major to his/her existing program as long as both majors have the same level and the same cost.

Same level - the primary and secondary area of study will have to be the same level, for example, diploma to diploma, degree to degree, certificate to certificate
Same cost - the cost per credit hour for the required courses of both majors will have to be the same.

Dual major for unlike program levels may be granted to students on a case by case basis

NOTE: Some financial aid may not cover courses in unlike dual program levels. Students may be responsible to cover any out-of-pocket expenses that accrue from registering for unlike dual program level courses.

WITHDRAWAL AND RETURN TO TITLE IV POLICY

Title IV funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds that the student was originally scheduled to receive.

If a recipient of Title IV grant or loan funds withdraws from a school after beginning attendance, the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance earned by the student must be determined. If the amount disbursed to the student is greater than the amount the student earned, the unearned funds must be returned. If the amount disbursed to the student is less than the amount the student earned, and for which the student is otherwise eligible, he or she is eligible to receive a Post-withdrawal disbursement of the earned aid that was not received (FSA Handbook, Volume 5, p. 5-4) (See R2T4 Examples & 2) through the end of the ninth week of fall and spring semesters and through the fifth week of summer semester, a student may withdraw from any or all courses on his or her schedule. Students are responsible for withdrawing themselves from classes. Students are able to withdraw themselves through BannerWeb or with assistance from the Academic Affairs Office. Following the policy that is set by the Technical College System of Georgia, withdrawals that occur after day three of the semester receive no refund. No charges are reduced for withdrawals that occur beginning day four of the semester.

No withdrawals will be processed after the "W" period ends as defined on the academic calendar for the applicable term. Students who choose not to withdraw from classes will be assigned the grade(s) earned. Any student receiving federal student aid (Unsubsidized loans, Subsidized loans, Pell, and SEOG) who completely withdraws from all classes during a given period of enrollment and completes less than 60 percent of the term (based on the determination of last date of attendance) may be required to return funds to Southern Crescent Technical College and/or the U.S. Department of Education.

Unofficial Withdrawals

A student who earns all Fs in a given term or a combination of Fs and Ws (meaning the student withdrew from a class) may be considered an 'unofficial withdrawal.' Unofficial withdrawals are those who simply cease attending class(es). Faculty must enter a last date of attendance for students who earn a grade of 'F' for the class. Once grades are submitted and faculty rosters are verified at the end of a term, unofficial withdrawals (those who earned the F due to ceasing attendance) may be required to return funds to Southern Crescent Technical College and/or the U.S. Department of Education. Students who truly earned Fs that were not due to ceasing attendance are not considered to have withdrawn; therefore, those students' aid is not recalculated for the class(es) in question.

The institutional refund policy and federal aid refund policy (Return to Title IV) are found at on the college’s Consumer Disclosure page. We encourage students to be aware of these policies and how they can affect if they should withdraw or otherwise cease attendance before a term concludes-officially or unofficially.

Attendance

Southern Crescent Technical College does not take attendance except for those programs where attendance is required by an outside entity. The following programs are currently required to take attendance:

• Culinary Arts
• Radiology Technology
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Cosmetology
• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)

Order Funds Returned

SCTC is required to return funds in the following order:
• Unsubsidized Loa ns
• Subsidized Loans
• Federal Pell
• Federal SEOG

End of Term:

At the end of each term the Financial Aid Office will review all federal financial aid recipients with all "F", "W", “I” and/or "NR" grades. These students will be considered as unofficially withdrawn.
If no last date of attendance is known, it is assumed to be the 50% point of the term - A, B or C (as allowed by federal regulations). Exception: students reported on the non-attending list are dropped at 100% from those classes.

Once the withdrawal date is determined, the Financial Aid Office will calculate the amount that must be returned to aid programs by the College and the student, in accordance with federal regulations and College policy.

It is strongly recommended that any student receiving financial aid who is contemplating
withdrawing from the college first contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine the financial impact of that decision.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursements

When the total amount of the Title IV grant and/or loan assistance earned as of the withdrawal date is more than the amount that was disbursed to the student, the difference between the two amounts will be treated as a post-withdrawal disbursement. If a post-withdrawal disbursement includes Loan funds, the school must get student permission before it can disburse them. If a post withdrawal disbursement includes Grant funds, the school may automatically use all or a portion of them for tuition, fees, and room and board charges (as contracted with the school). The school needs student permission to use the post-withdrawal grant disbursement for all other school charges. If a student does not give permission, the funds will be offered. In both cases it may be in the student’s best interest to allow the school to keep the funds in order to reduce any debt owed to the school.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement of Grant Funds

A post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds will be applied towards outstanding semester charges on the student's account and may pay up to the amount of the allowable charges (i.e., tuition and fees).

Any remainder of grant aid will be paid to the student. The student will be notified within 30 days of the date of determination of withdrawal of the post-withdrawal disbursement. Student has 14 days from the date of notification to respond to college. A refund will be sent within 45 days of the date that the college determined that the student withdrew.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement of Loan Funds

A post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds may be paid if the student is eligible to receive the funds. The student (or parent if a PLUS loan) will be notified within 30 days of the date of determination of withdrawal of the opportunity to accept all or a part of the post-withdrawal disbursement. Upon receipt of a timely response from the student (or parent) (14 days from date of notification), the College will disburse the loan funds within 180 days of the date of determination of the student's withdrawal date. Loan funds will be applied towards the outstanding semester charges on the student's account and may pay up to the amount of the allowable charges (i.e., tuition and fees). Any remainder will be paid directly to the student (or parent).

Note: There are some Title IV funds that a student was scheduled to receive that cannot be disbursed to the student once the student withdraws because of other eligibility requirements. For example, if a student is a first-time, first-year undergraduate student and has not completed the first 30 days of the program before withdrawing, the student will not receive any Direct Loan funds that would have been received if the student remained enrolled past the 30th day.
The College maintains the right to decide whether or not to make a post-withdrawal disbursement in the event that the student responds after 14 days of the date that the notification was sent. If the College decides not to make this post-withdrawal disbursement, it will inform the student in writing.

*Special Covid-19 Note:

Return to Title IV (R2T4) Calculations - Federal law specifies how Southern Crescent Technical College must determine the amount of Title IV program assistance that students earn if they withdraw from school. If a student withdraws due to a COVID-19 related emergency, the student will not owe a repayment for the withdrawn class(es). However, students receiving all W or F grades prior to March 13, 2020, will be required to return any ineligible funds received due to the R2T4 calculations. Students who unofficially withdrew (stopped attending) from classes prior to March 13, 2020, will also be responsible for returning any unearned funds, unless they can provide documentation of a qualifying emergency.

Foundation Scholarships

The Southern Crescent Technical College Foundation, Inc., offers scholarship opportunities to students. Foundation scholarships are reviewed by a panel of faculty and staff and awarded to a currently enrolled part-time or full-time SCTC student. Scholarship funds are NOT paid directly to the student. Please read all application materials carefully—some restrictions apply. Scholarship descriptions and application deadlines can be found at https://www.sctech.edu/foundation/foundation-scholarships/.

For additional information on scholarships contact:

Advancement Division

(770) 229-3466

Email: scholarships@sctech.edu

Veterans Assistance

Veterans’ assistance is available to qualified veterans and dependents of disabled or deceased veterans. Applicants needing information about VA Education assistance may contact the Southern Crescent Technical College VA Certifying Official at (770) 229-3095, Mobile 6A, Griffin Campus or the Veterans Administration at 1-888-GIBILL (1-888-442-4551).

Recruitment and Enrollment Policy

Scope and Purpose

Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) strives to be an institution of high integrity and is committed to ensuring that recruitment and enrollment activities conducted at the college promote such an environment. SCTC adopts this policy to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations. All SCTC divisions, departments, schools, officials, faculty, and staff are subject to and must comply with this policy.Federal law, regulations, and the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prohibit SCTC from providing incentive compensation to employees and third parties based, in any part, on their success in securing student enrollments or awarding Title IV, HEA program funds.

Definitions

A "commission, bonus, or other incentive payment" means a sum of money or something of value, other than a fixed salary or wages, paid to or given to a person or an entity for services rendered.
"Securing enrollments or the award of financial aid" means activities that a person or entity engages in at any point in time through completion of an educational program for the purpose of the admission or matriculation of students for any period of time or the award of financial aid to students.

These activities include contact in any form with a prospective student, such as, but not limited to - contact through preadmission or advising activities, scheduling an appointment to visit the enrollment office or any other office of the institution, attendance at such an appointment, or involvement in a prospective student's signing of an enrollment agreement or financial aid application.

These activities do not include making a payment to a third party for the provision of student contact information for prospective students provided that such payment is not based on: (1) any additional conduct or action by the third party or the prospective students, such as participation in preadmission or advising activities, scheduling an appointment to visit the enrollment office or any other office of the institution or attendance at such an appointment, or the signing, or being involved in the signing, of a prospective student's enrollment agreement or financial aid application; or (2) the number of students (calculated at any point in time of an educational program) who apply for enrollment, are awarded financial aid, or are enrolled for any period of time, including through completion of an educational program.

"Entity or person engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions about the award of financial aid" means: (1) with respect to an entity engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions about the award of financial aid, any institution or organization that undertakes the recruiting or the admitting of students or that makes decisions about and awards Title IV, HEA program funds; and (2) With respect to a person engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions about the award of financial aid, any employee who undertakes recruiting or admitting of students or who makes decisions about and awards Title IV, HEA program funds, and any higher level employee with responsibility for recruitment or admission of students, or making decisions about awarding Title IV, HEA program funds.
"Enrollment" means the admission or matriculation of a student into an eligible institution.
An "inducement" means any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item have a monetary value or more than a de minimis amount to any individual, entity, or its agents including third party lead generators or marketing forms.

Responsibilities

In accordance with federal laws, regulations, and the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), SCTC prohibits the payment of any commission, bonus, inducement, or other incentive payment based in any part, directly or indirectly, upon success in securing enrollments or awarding financial aid to any persons or entities, engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, decision-making regarding the award of Title IV, HEA program funds. This prohibition shall apply to SCTC itself as well as any third party contractors.

SCTC employees and third party contractors shall refrain from using high-pressure recruitment tactics intended specifically to secure military enrollment, such as making multiple (three or more) unsolicited contacts by phone, email, or in-person. SCTC shall also refrain from engaging in same-day recruitment tactics and registration for the purpose of specifically securing military enrollments.

Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits, Tuition and Fees

Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e) School Compliance Policy
As part of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 3679 of title 38, Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) complies with the requirements as outlined below:

Note: A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.

SCTC permits any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to SCTC Veteran Center a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33, or a Statement of Benefits from the VA website e-benefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

The date on which payment from VA is made to SCTC.

90 days after the date SCTC certified tuition and fees following receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

SCTC will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to SCTC due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.

In addition, the statute allows SCTC to require chapter 31 and chapter 33 students to take the following additional actions:

1. Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance no later than the first day of a course of education.

2. Submit a written request (Certification Request Form) to use entitlement.

3. Provide additional information necessary to SCTC for the proper certification of enrollment.

4. Make payment for a difference between the amount of the student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefits disbursement.

SCTC will hold a student responsible for any portion of tuition and other fees not covered by the VA by the published fee payment deadline. A
late fee may be assessed for account balances not covered by the VA education benefit disbursement. Students may contact the SCTC Business Office to discuss available payment options if needed.

If students do not turn in a COE, or Statement of Benefits, and/or CRF by the first day of class, a late fee may be assessed.
VA payment reversals are due within 5 business days. Balances over $300 are subject to late fee assessment.

VA Chapter 30 and 35 students will follow standard student guidelines for payment or payment arrangements by the fee payment deadline.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs(VA).

Return of Unearned Military Tuition Assistance (TA) to Department of Defense (DOD)

Policy Statement

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded. To comply with the Department of Defense (DOD) policy, Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) will return any unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending.

In instances when a service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, SCTC will work with the affected service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion in compliance with the DOD policy.

Rational or Purpose

This policy serves to fully inform students receiving military tuition assistance (TA) of the required actions the College must take to comply with the DOD Memorandum of Understanding Return Policy for Military Tuition Assistance (TA) funds rules and align with the return of unearned student aid rules applicable to the Federal Student Aid as required under section 484B of the Department of Education Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Scope

This policy applies to all students receiving Military Tuition Assistance (TA) for the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Definitions

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. Congress has given each branch of service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its member. Each branch of service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application processes and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual branch of service. This policy only applies to this type of educational benefit. The TA program is a benefit that is available only while the student is in the service. This policy does not apply to Veterans or Veterans benefits.

Procedures

To remain in compliance with the Department of Defense’s policy, SCTC will return any unearned TA funds through at least 60% of the semester on a prorated basis. The amount of unearned TA that is returned is based on the date of withdrawal from the course.

After 60% of the semester has passed, TA will not be evaluated for a return to the DOD.

Below is the schedule for returning unearned TA (bold type identifies the 60% complete point):

5-Week Course: Withdrawal Submitted

Day 1-7	100% return
Day 8	77% return
Day 9	74% return
Day 10	71% return
Day 11	69% return
Day 12	66% return
Day 13	63% return
Day 14	60% return
Day 15	57% return
Day 16	54% return
Day 17	51% return
Day 18	49% return
Day 19	46% return
Day 20	43% return
Day 21	40% return (60% of course is completed)
Day 22	No Funds will be returned

*Note: The educational institution’s week of instruction is counted as 7 days

8-Week Course: Withdrawal Submitted

Before or During Week 1	100% return
During Week 2	75% return
During Weeks 3-4	50% return
During Week 5	40% return (60% of course is completed)
During Weeks 6-8	No Funds will be returned

10-Week Course: Withdrawal Submitted

Before or During Weeks 1- 2	100% return
During Weeks 3-4	75% return
During Weeks 5-6	50% return
During Weeks 7-8	40% return (60% of course is completed)
During Weeks 9-10	No Funds will be returned

16-Week Course: Withdrawal Submitted

Before or During Weeks 1- 2	100% return
During Weeks 3-4	75% return
During Weeks 5-8	50% return
During Weeks 9-10	40% return (60% of course is completed)
During Weeks 11-16	No Funds will be returned

For courses that have durations differing from those listed above:

Unearned TA funds will be returned on a prorated basis, depending on the length of the course. To determine the amount of TA that needs to be returned, the institution will determine the date the withdrawal was submitted, and then divide that by the number of days in the term to determine the percentage of TA that was earned by the student.

Example: The service member is enrolled in a course scheduled to meet for 30 days. The service member submitted a withdrawal on the 14^th day. The institution would perform the calculation to determine how much TA was earned by the student’s attendance: (14 divided by 30 equals 46.6%. 47% of the TA authorized was earned by the student, which means 53% of what was authorized will be returned to the DOD).

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation cooperates with Southern Crescent Technical College by providing additional funds and services to students who have handicaps or disabilities. Applicants needing information should call the local Vocational Rehabilitation office.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services provide assistance to students that are unemployed or underemployed. Individuals eligible for WIOA services must lack a marketable skill, be in an approved WIOA training program, and have the ability to complete successfully a training program as a full-time student. Financial assistance is available for tuition, fees, books, required equipment, tools, uniforms, required certificate exams for employment, and all other requirements that assist in successful return to the workforce. A participant may also be eligible to receive assistance with childcare needs and daily travel allowance. A WIOA Coordinator is available to assist students with individualized career counseling, budgeting, financial planning, intensive job search assistance, and vocational assessments. Interested individuals may contact WorkSource Three Rivers, WIOA Coordinator at 770-229-9799 for more information.