Can I get help filling out my FAFSA? The Financial Aid Office offers regular workshops to assist students with completing the FAFSA. To view a schedule or sign up for a workshop, go to www.sunywcc.edu/finaid and select ‘Workshop Schedule’. Alternatively, you can also call a Federal Student Aid Customer Service Representative at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800433-3243). Or go to www.sunywcc.edu/finaid and select ‘Resources’ and then ‘FAFSA Videos’. What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)? What if I’m not meeting it? Students receiving financial aid must make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in order to continue to receive assistance. In other words, students receiving financial aid have to get good grades and complete enough credit hours to keep them moving toward the successful completion of their degree in an acceptable time period. The standards for financial aid eligibility are not necessarily the same as the College’s requirements for Academic Standing. It is possible to be on probation for academics but not for financial aid (and vice versa). Federal and state aid each have different progress requirements. It is possible to be eligible for one and not the other. Students who inquire about why they are not meeting SAP should speak with a financial aid counselor. A one-time waiver may be granted to students with documented extenuating circumstances who fail to meet the federal and /or NY State satisfactory academic progress standards. A waiver is not automatic. The decision to grant a waiver is based on the extenuating circumstance, the belief that the extenuating circumstance was a one-time situation, and the likelihood that the student will be able to make up the deficit and successfully complete the course of study. This decision to approve a waiver application is made on a case by case basis. In order to apply for a one-time waiver, students should follow the instructions on the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form (located at www.sunywcc.edu/finaid – click on ‘Procedures’, then on ‘SAP and SUNY Smart Track’, and then on the ‘Appeals’ tab) and submit the completed form with supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Office for consideration. What does TAP ‘Pending’ and ‘Certified’ mean? Please note that a TAP award in Pending status can be used toward your balance due. TAP Certification requires two steps - academics and attendance. A 'Pending' status means that you have met all academic requirements, but still need attendance verification. Attendance is not due from all faculty until a certain date approaching the midpoint of the semester. Final certification will begin after all attendance is received, and then your status will change from 'Pending' to either 'Certified' or 'Decertified'. Why was my TAP decertified? There are different reasons. One common reason for TAP to be decertified is that the student is not enrolled full-time. Once the student enrolls full-time, the TAP award will update and show up on his/her account if they are otherwise eligible. State certification/decertification of TAP is coordinated by the Financial Aid Office. Students should reach out to the Financial Aid Office to confirm their reason for decertification. Can I receive Financial Aid for the summer? Students may eligible to apply for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and APTS (Aid for Part Time Study) during the summer. Students who would like to be considered for summer aid must be taking at least 6 credits over the summer. They must also complete the FAFSA for both the previous and upcoming academic years. In addition, each student must be evaluated for Satisfactory Academic Progress standards at the end of spring semester to determine his/her eligibility. Students interested in summer aid are recommended to speak with a representative in the Financial Aid Office regarding questions.
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