Appeals

In certain situations, a student or parent may request special consideration for circumstances that are out of the ordinary or do not fit into the standard parameters of determining financial aid eligibility. There are three main types of appeals:

1. Reinstatement of Aid Appeal
2. Special Circumstances Appeals
3. Unusual Circumstances Appeal

Please be aware that UW-Green Bay employees are required to report incidents of child abuse and neglect. For more information on the Governor's Executive Order 54, see UW-Green Bay's Policy on the Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect.

Reinstatement of Aid Appeal & Probation

When you are ineligible for financial aid due to not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, you can submit an appeal for consideration of exceptional and documented circumstances. You should review the full SAP policy prior to submitting an appeal.

To ensure you receive a decision prior to the 100% refund period, submit a complete appeal form and supporting documentation prior to the start of classes for the term you are seeking reinstatement of financial aid. If you receive a notice of ineligibility after classes start, please submit your appeal within two weeks. The SAP Appeals Committee will not consider late appeals without proof of extenuating circumstances that prevented a timely submission.  

You will be asked for reasons for failing to meet SAP standards and what circumstances have changed to allow you to regain and maintain eligibility after one term. Some examples of reasons for appeal may include health related issues, death of an immediate family member, etc. Documentation related to your situation will be necessary, and should be submitted with the appeal form. An appeal that lacks adequate documentation may result in denial. Appeals will be reviewed by committee. You will be notified of the committee's decision through campus email. The committee's decision is final.

If your appeal is granted, you will receive one semester/term of probationary financial aid. After that term, you are expected to be meeting all SAP standards or you will remain ineligible.

If your appeal is denied, you will be responsible for self-funding your educational cost. That may include using a University offered payment plan, personal resources or other funding sources you are able to locate.

Reinstatement Of Aid Appeal Form

Special Circumstances

The Financial Aid Office can take into consideration changes to a student's or family's financial situation (e.g. loss of job, etc.) by submitting one of the following appeals. Submission of an appeal does not guarantee a financial aid adjustment. 

Reduced Income Appeal

If a student's or family's income has changed substantially from what was reported on the FAFSA, this form will assist the Financial Aid Office in determining any possible aid eligibility changes.

Additional Expense Appeal

The Financial Aid Office calculates a standard cost of attendance for students to include tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation and miscellaneous expenses. This form can be used to ask for consideration of other educationally related expenses such as child care for students with children, the one-time purchase of a computer, higher than average transportation costs, etc. In the event of high medical/dental expenses not covered by insurance, you can also request an evaluation of those costs. Submitted expenses and documentation will be reviewed and the determination made by committee will be final.

Ineligible Circumstances

These circumstances are not eligible for appeal:

• Costs associated with lifestyle choices such as mortgage payments, vehicle payments/purchases, vacations, cell phone plans, pet costs, etc.
• Payment of private primary or secondary school tuition
• Costs for weddings
• Changes in asset values after the FAFSA was filed
• Consumer debt including credit card debt, vehicle loans, legal fees, etc.

Unusual Circumstances Appeal

The Department of Education determines if a student is dependent or independent based on how the student answers specific questions when completing the FAFSA. If FAFSA deems a student dependent, but if the student is not able to provide parent information on the FAFSA due to a documented extenuating family circumstance, they can submit an appeal for a dependency override.

To receive more information on what is required for the appeal or what options the student may have, please contact one of our Financial Aid Officers for guidance.