Financial Aid Policies and Disclosures

• Be enrolled at Kaskaskia College in an eligible program of study. You must be pursuing a degree or certificate. The following courses are not eligible for financial aid: HEC/Adult Basic Education Classes, and most remedial classes. Check with the Office of Financial Aid if you are unsure your courses or programs are eligible.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) The application is online at fafsa.gov List Kaskaskia College, federal code number 001701, as your college of choice.
• Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED to be eligible for federal and state aid. Home-schooled students must provide a secondary school completion credential. If the state in which the student was home-schooled does not provide a transcript, or the equivalent, signed by a parent or guardian, that lists the secondary school courses you completed and documents the successful completion of a secondary school education in a homeschooled setting.
• Meet all eligibility requirements of the Kaskaskia College Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Policy.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Not be in default on student loans or owe a refund on any Title IV funds.
• Provide all requested documentation to complete the verification process. Failing to provide requested documentation will result in being ineligible for financial aid.

Use all funds received from Title IV financial aid programs for expenses related to study at Kaskaskia College.

Financial Aid will be calculated on the number of credit hours a student is enrolled at the end of the two-week refund period, enrollment will be reviewed before disbursement. If a student’s file is not completed by the end of the refund period, the enrollment status will be determined the day the file is completed.

For courses not conducted following the regular calendar terms, Financial Aid Awards shall be calculated on the fractional number of credit hours a student is enrolled at the end of the two week refund period. The remaining financial Aid Award shall be computed on the remaining fractional number of credit hours a student is enrolled at the end of the remaining classes refund period. When the 1/8 of the class time is used the Financial Aid Award will be disbursed.

During fall and spring semesters, early applicant first disbursement refund checks (excluding loan checks) will be mailed the seventh week of the semester to the address on file with the Admissions Office. Late applicant refund checks will be mailed the third week of each month after the first disbursement of the semester. If possible, the Business Office and Office of Financial Aid may coordinate earlier disbursement. First disbursement summer term refund checks will be mailed the fourth week of the summer term.

A change in enrollment may affect your financial aid. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Financial Aid when you make any schedule changes.

Institutional Policy:

Refunds are calculated based on the student’s withdrawal date. The responsibility for withdrawing from classes rests with the student.

• During the First Week of Class 100%
• During Second Week of Class 100%
• After Second Week of Class 0%

For courses not conducted following the regular calendar terms, the tuition refund shall be completed on the fractional part of the class time used before the classes are dropped. When 1/8 of the class time is used, no tuition will be refunded.

Kaskaskia Financial Aid Policy:

Refunds are credited back to the financial aid programs from which the funds were received.

The refund policy for financial aid recipients applies only to tuition, fees, and book charges. (Book charges are considered institutional charges.)

After the first two weeks of classes, there will be no refund of tuition and fees UNLESS a student is a Title IV financial aid recipient who withdraws completely from all his/her courses. Students who withdraw from all classes during the enrollment period may be eligible for a federal refund.

Federal Refund Policy:

Students who withdraw completely at any point during the semester could be required to repay financial aid funds that were paid as checks or charges to the bookstore.

REPAYMENTS

Students who have received Title IV funds for non-institutional expenses such as books, living expenses, and transportation and who completely withdraw from college may owe a repayment of a portion of these funds that have been disbursed. Repayment of financial aid funds owed by the student will not be used by the college to satisfy unpaid charges, but will instead be returned to the Department of Education. If the college cannot collect the repayment from the student, the student is reported to the NSLDS as being in overpayment status. Students owing a repayment are ineligible for any Title IV assistance at any school until the repayment is made and will be referred to the Department for collection.

Repayments will be made in the following order:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Grant
• Other federal, state, or institutional sources of aid
• Student

Federal Refunds of Funds Policy

Students who receive Federal Title IV Funds (Pell Grant, FSEOG Grant, and/or funds from other Title IV aid programs) and stop attending classes, withdraw from all classes, receive all failing grades, or receive a combination of withdrawals and failing grades are subject to a Return of Title IV Funds if the student's last date of attendance and/or withdrawal date is on or before the 60% point in time of the enrollment period. The Financial Aid Office uses faculty-reported last dates of attendance or the date a student officially withdraws from the course(s) to determine the withdrawal date. This is evaluated during all semesters; Fall, Spring, and Summer. This may result in the student owing a refund to the college, the Federal Student Aid Program, or both, and the Financial Aid Office calculates the student's liability using the formula provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

The distribution of any return of funds is prescribed by law and regulation:

• Federal Pell Grant
• FSEOG
• Other Title IV aid programs
• Other Federal sources of aid
• Other state, private, or institutional aid

Federal programs that Kaskaskia College does not participate in are not included in the distribution. Kaskaskia College does not participate in the Federal Direct Loan program.

Within 30 days of being notified that a student stop attending or withdraws from all courses, Kaskaskia College will send the student a statement indicating any balance owed to the school and repay the school portion of the balance. This will also be billed to the student.

Within 45 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew, the student should repay the full liability of Pell to Kaskaskia College. If the student does not repay the liability within 45 days, Kaskaskia College will refer the student's liability to the U.S. Department of Education, and the student will lose federal Title IV aid eligibility.

Return of Title IV Funds Example: A student’s financial aid consists of a Pell Grant of $1,500, and the student’s tuition is $672. The student withdraws on the 26th day of a 118-day semester. The student is eligible for 22% of $1,500 or $330. The college would return $1,170 ($1,500 - $330) to the U.S. Department of Education, and the student would owe the college $342 ($672-$330).

If a student is owed grant funds after current charges on the account are paid, Kaskaskia College will issue the student a post-withdrawal disbursement. The disbursement will be made within 45 days of the school being notified of the student's withdrawal. Funds will be disbursed through whichever option the student selected through BankMobile. For more information about BankMobile, visit this link: http://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices/. 

Students who withdraw completely at any point during the semester could be required to repay financial aid funds that were paid as checks or charges to the bookstore.

I. Authority
In accordance with the U.S. Department of Education and State of Illinois student aid regulations, Kaskaskia College (KC) is required to establish minimum standards of Academic Progress to qualify for federal and state financial aid. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that students are making progress toward the completion of their educational program of study. Students who do not attend or withdraw from classes, defer grades, and perform poorly will not maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their program of study and will become ineligible for financial aid. Minimal standards are subject to change in accordance with the U. S. Department of Education and State of Illinois regulations.

II. Financial Aid Programs Covered
The Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy applies to students who are requesting or receiving funds from the following federal and state financial aid programs: » Federal PELL Grant » Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant » Federal Work Study » Federal TRIO » Federal Veterans Educational Benefits » ISAC, Monetary Award (MAP) » ISAC, Illinois Veterans Grant » ISAC, Illinois National Guard » MIA/POW III. Minimum Academic Standards Requirements. 

III. Minimum Academic Standards Requirements
The SAP policy measures a student’s academic progress in three ways. Students must meet all three standards to be in good status. Below are how certain situations are handled:

• Incompletes – if a student receives an Incomplete grade after a semester their aid will be pended until the class is completed. Once a grade is processed the student’s SAP will be re-evaluated.
• Withdraws – if a student withdraws from a class or classes after the add/drop period they will receive a W on their transcript and they will be counted as attempted credits toward completion.
• Repeat Courses – if a student repeats a course it will be calculated into the completion rate as an attempted class. The highest grade achieved is used to calculate the overall grade point average.
• Change in Degree/Certificate – once a student has had an appeal granted either for cumulative grade point average or maximum timeframe and they change their degree or certificate they will be required to re-appeal to evaluate new degree or certificate.
• Second Degree – students may pursue a 2nd degree but all previous credits will be calculated for new degree. If a student reaches maximum timeframe they will be required to appeal. If it is determined it is mathematically impossible for the student to complete 150% of its length the appeal will not be granted.

A. Cumulative Grade Point Average
You must achieve and maintain at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all credit hours attempted at KC.

Grading System
At the end of each semester, the student will receive a grade for each class in which he or she was enrolled. Kaskaskia College has adopted a 4.0 grade point system. The following letter grades and grade points are used in computing a grade point average:

B. Cumulative Completion Rate (CCR) KC’s CCR measures the pace a student is progressing through his/her program. Each student must pass a minimum of 67% of program-required courses attempted to ensure the student will complete the program within the maximum time frame. The CCR is calculated by taking the total credit hours earned and dividing them by the total credit hours attempted. The CCR is calculated for each student after each semester. A student's GPA and pace are affected by course incompletes, withdrawals, repetitions, or transfers of credit. For CCR purposes all hours are counted for all terms, even those for which the students did not receive financial aid as well as those usually waived under Academic Renewal Policy. The only courses that will be used to calculate the CCR are courses as follows:

1. Courses that are required for the student's program with a grade of ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, or ‘D’
2. All accepted transfer credits
3. Remedial coursework is accepted if the credit hours earned apply toward the degree or certificate program and no more than 30 credit hours will be allowed for financial aid benefits

Following is an example of how a student might fail to meet the 67% unit completion requirement: A student awarded financial aid based on full-time (12) credit hours must complete 8 credit hours during the term to meet SAP standards. This student met SAP standards in the fall but failed in the spring and summer.

C. Maximum Time Frame
You must complete your program of study within 150% of attempted credit hours relative to the credit hours required to complete the program. Transfer credits from all other institutions are counted toward the maximum time frame for graduation. Example: A degree-seeking student may attempt no more than 90 credit hours to complete a 60-credit-hour program; a certificate-seeking student may attempt no more than 45 credit hours to complete a 30-credit-hour program.

Note: If during the SAP review, it becomes clear that you cannot mathematically complete your program within the maximum time frame, you become ineligible for financial aid.

IV. Frequency of Evaluation

The SAP of degree-seeking and certificate-seeking students will be evaluated at the end of each semester: fall, spring, and summer. After each semester, students will be placed in the appropriate status as outlined in Section V.

V. Initial, Satisfactory, Warning, Suspension and/or Maximum Time Frame and Probation Status

1. Initial Status: Students who have no academic record at the College and are applying for financial aid for the first time are placed in initial status. Students in initial status may receive financial aid if otherwise eligible.
2. Satisfactory Status: Financial aid applicants who meet the standards in Section III are in satisfactory status. Students in satisfactory status may receive financial aid if otherwise eligible.
3. Warning Status: When financial aid applicants are in satisfactory status and do not meet the standards in Section III, they are placed in warning status. Students in warning status may receive financial aid if otherwise eligible.
4. Suspension Status and Maximum Time Frame Status: When financial aid applicants who are in warning status do not meet the standards in Section III, they are placed in suspension or maximum time frame status and are not eligible to receive financial aid.
5. Probation Status: When financial aid applicants who are in suspension and/or maximum time frame status submit an appeal and the appeal is granted, they are placed on probation status for one semester.

Note: Students who have an academic record at the College, including transferred classes, and are applying for financial aid for the first time at the College will be evaluated according to the SAP policy in Section III and placed in the appropriate status.

VI. Appeal of Suspension and Maximum Time Frame

Status Students who are in suspension and/or maximum time frame status may appeal their eligibility for financial aid to the SAP Appeals Committee based on extenuating or special circumstances, such as death of a relative, injury or illness. Financial need is not sufficient criteria on which to base your appeal. There must be reasonable expectation that a student can regain eligibility if reinstated. The appeal process is completed online using your MyKC.

The SAP Appeal Committee meets on a regular basis. Students will be notified of the Committees decision by email within 30 calendar days of submission. The decision of the committee is final.

VII. Notification of Status

The Financial Aid office will notify you when you are in warning, suspension, and/or maximum time frame and probation status. However, it’s the student’s responsibility to know their status and if eligible for financial aid.

VIII. Notice

The College’s SAP policy is subject to change without notice to comply with federal or state regulations, or Kaskaskia College Board of Trustee policy or action. For the most current Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, visit Financial Aid.

An announcement letter listing your financial aid will be sent to you after your file has been completed and your financial need determined. New announcement letters are not automatically sent when enrollment status changes.

Your announcement letter will include an estimated cost of attendance budget. Please be reminded that these estimates are not charges to you but are an estimate of attendance charges for use in determining educational need.

1. Budget Adjustments - A student’s budget can be adjusted for dependent care if the student is paying for dependent care expenses. Documentation is required to claim dependent care. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for a Dependent Care Form. Computer costs may be considered if the program of study mandates the purchase of a computer.

2. Unusual Circumstances - If a student or a student’s family has unusual circumstances, such as death, divorce, unemployment, or medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance, contact the Office of Financial Aid and request a Special Circumstances Appeal Form.

Overawards - When financial aid received is greater than the Cost of Attendance, aid must be reduced in the following order: 1) Loans, 2) Work Study, 3) Scholarships, and 4) Grants.

• Never take any action for his or her personal gain or benefit.
• Never take any action that he or she believes is or might be contrary to law, regulation, or the best interests of students and parents we serve.
• In every circumstance ensure that the information given to students and parents is accurate and unbiased and does not reflect any preference arising from actual or potential personal or institutional gain.
• In every instance be objective in making decisions and advising the college regarding any institution involved in any aspect of student financial assistance.
• Never solicit or accept anything from an entity involved in the making, holding, consolidating, or processing of any student loans, including anything of value, including reimbursement of expenses for serving on an advisory board or as part of a training activity of or sponsored by any such entity.

Always disclose to the college any involvement with or interest in any entity involved in any aspect of financial aid.

Prohibition against remuneration to Kaskaskia College

• Kaskaskia College will not solicit, accept, or agree to accept anything of value from any Lending Institution, Guarantee Agency, or Servicer in exchange for any advantage or consideration provided by the Lending Intuition related to its student loan activity. This prohibition covers, but is not limited to:
  • Revenue Sharing Agreements
  • Any computer hardware that Kaskaskia College pays below market prices
  • Any computer software used to manage loans unless the software can manage disbursements from all lenders
  • Any printing costs, postage or services
• This does not prevent Kaskaskia College from soliciting, accepting, or agreeing to favorable terms and conditions where the benefit is made directly to student borrowers.

Prohibition against remuneration to Kaskaskia College Employees

• Kaskaskia College will require and enforce that no officer, trustee, director, employee, or agent of the college will accept anything more than a nominal value on his or her behalf or behalf of another during the 12 month period from, or on behalf of a Lending Institution, Guarantee Agency or Servicer.
• This prohibition will include, but not be limited to a ban on any payment or reimbursement from any Lending Institution, Guarantee Agency, or Servicer to College employees for lodging, meals, or travel to conferences or training seminars.
• This does not preclude any officer, trustee, director, employee, or agent of the college from receiving compensation for conducting non-college business with a Lending Institution, Guarantee Agency, or Servicer or from accepting compensation that is offered to the general public.
• This prohibition does not prevent the college from holding membership in any non-profit professional associations.

Ban on Gifts

• No Kaskaskia College employee involved in the affairs of the college’s financial aid office shall solicit or accept any gift from a lender, guarantor, or servicer of educational loans.
• “Gifts” are defined as but not limited to:
  • Any type of gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, or other item having more than a token monetary value. The term includes a gift of services, transportation, lodging, or meals, whether provided in kind, by purchase of a ticket, payment in advance, or reimbursement after the expense has been incurred.

The following items would not be considered to be “Gifts”:

• Standard material, activities, or programs on issues related to a loan, default aversion, default prevention, or financial literacy, such as a brochure, a workshop, or training.
• Food, refreshments, training, or informational material furnished to any officer, trustee, director, or college employee, as an integral part of a training session that is designed to improve the service of a lender, guarantor, or servicer of education loans to the institution, if such training contributes to the professional development of the officer, trustee, director or employee.
• Favorable terms, conditions, and borrower benefits on an education loan provided to a student employed by the institution if such terms, conditions, or benefits are comparable to those provided to all students of the institution.
• Entrance and exit counseling services provided to borrowers to meet the institution’s responsibilities for entrance and exit counseling as required….” as long as”:
  • The institution’s staff are in control of the counseling (and)
  • Such counseling does not promote the products or services of any specific lender.
• Philanthropic contributions that are unrelated to education loans or any contribution not made in exchange for any advantage related to education loans.
• State education grants, scholarships, or financial aid funds administered by or on behalf of a State.

Ban on gifts to family members

• Gifts to family members of any officer, trustee, director, or college employee will be considered a gift to any said officer, trustee, director, or college employee if:
  • The gift is given with the knowledge and acquiescence of the officer, trustee, director, or university employee or
  • The officer, trustee, director, or college employee has reason to believe that the gift was given because of the official position of said officer, trustee, director, or university employee

Limits of college employees participating on lender advisory boards

• Kaskaskia College will require and enforce that no officer, trustee, director, or employee of the college will receive any remuneration for serving as a member or participant of an advisory board of any Lending Institution, Guarantee Agency, or Servicer or receiving any reimbursement of expenses from said participation.
• This does not preclude any officer, trustee, director, or employee from participating on any lender advisory board that is unrelated to student loans.
• This does not preclude any Kaskaskia College employee not involved in the affairs of the college’s financial aid office from serving on the Board of Directors of a publicly traded or privately held company.

Contracting arrangements prohibited

• Any officer, trustee, director, or employee is prohibited from accepting any payments of any kind from a lender in exchange for any type of consulting services related to educational loans.
• This does not prevent anyone else in the institution who has nothing to do with student loans from entering into these agreements.
• This does not prevent anyone not employed in the financial aid office who has “some” responsibility for student loans from entering into these agreements if that individual in writing, recuses him or herself from any decision regarding educational loans.
• This does not prevent anybody from serving on a Board of Directors or trustee of an institution if the individual recuses him or herself from any decision regarding educational loans.

Revenue-sharing agreements prohibited

• Kaskaskia College will not enter any revenue-sharing agreement where:
  • a lender provides or issues a loan that is made, insured, or guaranteed under this title to students attending the institution or to the families of such students; and
  • the institution recommends the lender and in exchange the lender pays a fee or provides other material benefits

Prohibition on offers of funds for private loans

• Kaskaskia College will not request or accept any agreement or offer of funds for private loans in exchange for concessions or promises of:
  • A specified number of loans made, ensured, or guaranteed
  • A specified loan volume
  • A preferred lender arrangement

Ban on staffing assistance

• Kaskaskia College will not request or accept from any lender any assistance with call center staffing or financial aid office staffing.
• This does not include Professional development training for financial aid administrators.
• Educational counseling materials, financial literacy materials, or debt management materials to borrowers, provided that such materials disclose to borrowers the identification of any lender that assisted in preparing or providing such materials.
• Staffing services on a short-term, nonrecurring basis to assist the institution with financial aid-related functions during emergencies, including State-declared or federally-declared natural disasters.

Interaction with borrowers

• Kaskaskia College participates in the Preferred Outside Lender program and all student and parent borrowers are packaged under that program.
• Kaskaskia College will not, for any first-time borrower, assign, through award packaging or other methods, the borrower’s loan to a particular lender.

Kaskaskia College will not refuse to certify, or delay the certification of, any loan based on the borrower’s selection of a particular lender or guaranty agency.