Petitions

Although the process of determining your eligibility for federal student aid is basically the same for all applicants, there is some flexibility. In some cases the Financial Aid Office may adjust the information used to calculate your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) to take into account circumstances that might affect the amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your educational costs. Please keep reading to determine if any of the conditions below might apply to you or your family.

2007-2008 Parent's Special Circumstances

• Parent's loss of job or other income in 2007
• Death, divorce or separation in 2006 of a parent whose income you originally reported
• Parent's one-time income received in 2006 that will not be received in 2007
• Parent's financial hardship due to recent natural disaster (i.e., earthquake, fire, flood, etc.)

2007-2008 Student's Special Circumstances

Your student contribution (the amount we expect you to contribute toward your educational costs) is based on a standardized federal need-analysis formula. This petition allows you to request a review of your student contribution due to extraordinary circumstances that were not addressed on your 2006-2007 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Situations that justify review are limited to:

• Loss of job or other income in 2007
• Death, divorce or separation in 2007 of a spouse whose income you originally reported
• One-time income received in 2006 that will not be received in 2007
• Financial hardship due to a recent natural disaster (i.e., earthquakes, fire, flood, etc.)

2007-2008 Academic Progress Appeal

Any student who has failed to maintain a cumulative 2.00 Grade Point Average or failed to complete contracted units may submit an appeal to the Financial Aid Office for possible reinstatement of financial assistance. This applies to all students, not just prior financial aid students. Examples of circumstances include:

• Illness of student
  
• Death of an immediate family member
• Other extraordinary circumstances

Prior to completion of your petition, we strongly recommend that you read the VCCCD Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards. You must also submit an Educational Plan before your appeal can be reviewed.

2007-2008 Request to Reinstate Financial Aid 

Financial aid students must complete their stated educational goal with the "Maximum Time Frame" as defined in the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.  Some students exceed that time frame due to:

•  
  • Change of major
  • Change of educational goal

Any student who has reached this status must submit an appeal to be determined if an exception may be granted.  Attached to your petition must be a copy of your Educational Plan, completed by your academic counselor, to the Financial Aid Office.