Appeal Procedures For Student-Athletes

Appeal Procedures For Student-Athletes

When athletic institutional aid has been reduced, canceled, or not renewed, the student-athlete may choose to formally appeal. To appeal, he or she submits a written request to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid that includes name, ID number, year in school, and sport. In addition, the student-athlete should state the reason he or she believes the reduction, cancellation, or non-renewal is unfair, and whether a hearing is requested (see options below). Any relevant documentation should also be attached. The appeal and related information must be submitted by the student-athlete to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid within ten calendar days of the date of the notification letter. Those who fail to submit a written appeal within this timeframe forfeit the opportunity to appeal. The appeal options are set forth below:

Option 1: If the student-athlete elects not to have a hearing, the committee will notify the Athletic Department of the appeal and provide adequate time for a response, should they elect to respond. Upon review of the appeal and the response from the Athletic Department, the committee may request additional information as necessary. The Athletic Department will also be given the opportunity to meet with the committee to present their response and answer questions. The committee will decide whether to deny the appeal or reinstate some level of aid to the student-athlete, based on how consistent the original action was with applicable NCAA bylaws and institutional policies. The chairperson will issue the committee's decision to both parties in writing as soon as possible. The committee's decision is final.

Option 2: If a hearing is requested, the committee will schedule a time and place, then notify both the student-athlete and the Athletic Department, again providing adequate time for the latter’s written response. Each side presents its arguments to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee as determined by the chairperson. The committee will decide whether to deny the appeal or reinstate some level of aid to the student-athlete, based on how consistent the original action was with applicable NCAA bylaws and institutional policies. The chairperson will issue the committee’s decision to both parties in writing as soon as possible. The committee's decision is final.

The Financial Aid Appeals Committee shall consist of the following three members: the Executive Director of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (or designee), the current Faculty Athletics Representative (or designee), and one other member who holds either a faculty, administrative, or classified staff position, but is not affiliated with the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.