Important Financial Aid News for 2008-2009
Awards
Awards take the form of a "package" of financial aid, usually consisting
of grant money and work-study, depending on the financial need of the
applicant and the available funds. Awards may be adjusted at any time upon
notice of receipt of resources not previously reported or a change in
enrollment status. Revisions to awards are always possible because
personal financial circumstances are so unpredictable. If funding is
available, aid for valid educational expenses not already covered in the
student cost budget may be increased.
Financial aid checks are
usually ready for disbursement approximately four or five weeks after the
start of classes. Pell Grant disbursements are based on enrollment levels
at time of payment and will not be adjusted. However, SEOG and Cal Grant
payments will be adjusted according to enrollment status. If you withdraw
from classes after aid has been disbursed to you, you may be required to
repay all or part of this aid. An automated system is available in the
college bookstores to allow students to use a portion of their Pell Grant
to purchase books and supplies two weeks prior to the start of the
semester. Funds will be set aside from each student's Pell Grant and
placed in a special account in the bookstore. This account may be used for
the purchase of books and supplies until the funds are exhausted. The
account is valid at the City, Mesa, and Miramar College and ECC
bookstores, regardless of where students are taking classes.
Students who elect not to
purchase books from the college bookstore, or have any funds remaining on
account, will receive the funds in the mail with the remainder of their
Pell Grant award.
Students must be making
satisfactory academic progress as determined by the Standards of
Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Recipients. Copies are
available in the Financial Aid Office.
Return of Title IV Funds
Beginning 2000-2001, Federal law requires that if a student receives a
grant and then drops/withdraws from all his/her classes, he/she will owe
money back to the Federal Government. Note that the earlier a student
drops/withdraws, the more money he/she will have to pay back.
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If a student receives LOAN
money and withdraws, he/she must pay back the money according to the
normal rules of the loan program.
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If a student receives
WORKSTUDY money and withdraws, he/she does not owe anything back and may
keep the salary earned.
For more detailed
information, contact the Financial Aid Office.
