As a student receiving financial aid, you have a number of rights and responsibilities that support
your educational goals. Financial aid recipients are obligated to use the funding they receive in an ethical manner to support their educational goals. Whether you receive scholarship funding, federal and/or state grants, or loans, you are receiving assistance that carries with it an obligation to use the funding as it was intended.

Rights

As a financial aid recipient, you have the right to:

  • Know what financial aid programs are available and how to apply for them;
  • Know procedures and deadlines for submitting an application for financial aid;
  • Understand how your cost of attendance and your financial need are determined;
  • Receive a breakdown of the type and amount of assistance you will receive, and have access to information on obligations to repay any portion of that assistance;
  • Have your information treated in accordance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);
  • Understand the eligibility criteria for awarding financial aid;
  • Understand how aid eligibility is affected by Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards;
  • Have your financial need reviewed if your circumstances change during the academic year;
  • Appeal your offer of financial assistance if you feel that it is unfair or unreasonable or a financial aid decision;
  • Contact the Federal Student Loan Ombudsman if the Office of Financial Aid did not address and/or resolve any dispute you brought forth in regard to the terms of your federal student loans (Stafford loan or Parent PLUS loan). You can contact the Ombudsman toll free at: 1.877.557.2575.
  • Have access to campus security and crime statistics.

Responsibilities

When seeking or receiving aid, you have the responsibility to

  • Use financial aid only for educational expenses related to attending the college;
  • Submit all forms required to complete the financial aid process in a timely and accurate manner;
  • Read, understand, and retain copies of all information sent to you and all documents signed or received as part of your financial aid package;
  • Report any additional financial aid (scholarships, grants or loans) you receive that is not listed on your current award letter from Reynolds Community College;
  • Perform satisfactorily in any work assignments accepted through Federal Work-Study;
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP);
  • Register and attend classes for the number of hours required for your financial aid disbursement;
  • Ensure all enrollment transactions are completed timely, accurately, and in accordance with college policies;
  • Understand the withdrawal process and the refund policy; and
  • Keep the college informed of any change of address, name or marital status while you are a student, and until all loans have been repaid in full.

Receiving aid is a partnership. The Office of Financial Aid works with you to help you achieve your educational goals while you work to comply with the requirements of the aid programs offered.