Financial Aid Rights and Responsibilities

As a participant in the U.S. Department of Education aid programs, WCTC is required to provide a list of students' rights and responsibilities as they pertain to aid programs.

Students have the right to know the following information:

• Types of available financial assistance programs
• Application deadlines for each financial aid program
• Attendance costs
• Policies on refunds for students who withdraw
• Criteria used to select financial aid recipients
• How financial need is determined
• Resources considered in calculating a student's need
• How much of a student's financial need (as determined by the institution) has been met
• How and when funds will be disbursed
• Various programs in a financial aid package. If a student believes he or she has been treated unfairly, he or she may request reconsideration of the award which was made.
• Whether a student meets satisfactory academic progress (SAP), and the consequences for not meeting SAP
• What portion of financial aid must be repaid, and what amount is grant aid. For loans, a student must know:
  • The interest rate
  • Total amount to be repaid
  • Payback procedures
  • Length of time to repay the loan
  • When repayment begins

Student responsibilities include:

• Reviewing all college program information prior to enrolling.
• Accurately completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and filing it in a timely manner. Intentional misreporting of information on application forms for federal financial aid is a violation of law, considered a criminal offense and subject to penalties under the U.S. Criminal Code.
• Providing all documentation, corrections and/or new information requested by the Financial Aid office or the agency to which the application was submitted.
• Reading, understanding and keeping copies of all forms.
• Accepting responsibility for all signed agreements.
• Understanding and complying with deadlines for application or reapplication of aid. Students must reapply for aid each academic year.
• Understanding and complying with WCTC's refund procedures.
• Understanding that financial aid awarded is to be used solely for expenses related to attendance at WCTC.
• Notifying the Financial Aid office:
  • Of changes in enrollment status, name, address and aid obtained from private sources. A student must inform the office and any lender informed of withdrawal or graduation.
  • Of entrance criteria (no high school diploma or equivalent; not having passed an ability to benefit test).
  • If you are serving a criminal sentence in a federal, state or local penitentiary, prison, jail or similar correctional institution.
  • If you expect to receive any financial assistance not included on your award offer (such as DVR, employer tuition assistance, scholarships, veteran benefits or others).