Financial Assistance Information

The Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services at Lansing Community College is committed to providing students with financial resources for higher education. An objective method of need determination approved by the federal government is used to award need-based programs. Some scholarships are available based on academic achievement or talent, and low-interest loan programs are also available.

Students are eligible to apply for financial assistance if they have graduated from high school, have completed a GED, or have demonstrated, through testing, the ability to benefit from courses or programs at Lansing Community College. They must enroll in LCC programs of study leading to an approved educational credential and must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. A student enrolling in a program of study abroad that is approved for credit by Lansing Community College is eligible for federal student financial aid consideration.

Students who served, are serving or are dependents of those who were 100% disabled while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to activate their benefits through LCC. Please see “Veterans Information” for additional information.

sources of financial aid | how and when to apply | rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial aid | need and financial aid package | expected family contribution | selection criteria | falsification of information | credit hour load | short course eligibility | student budgeting of the financial aid package | check distribution | changes in enrollment level | financial aid tuition refunds/withdrawals/return to title iv | repayment of grants | satisfactory academic progress policy for financial aid eligibility | appeals | rights to information | renewal of financial assistance | veterans information | credit for prior training and experience

SOURCES OF FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid programs are funded from federal, state, college, and private sources. The four major sources of financial aid are scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study employment. Most students receive a combination of these forms known as a financial aid “package.” Need-based programs require the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please see How and When to Apply.

Scholarships and Awards

Resources that do not have to be paid back, usually awarded for academic achievement or talent that may or may not be based on need.

• Board of Trustees Awards are awarded to outstanding district high school graduates. One recipient each year is selected by each in-district high school.

• Divisional Awards are awarded to outstanding students who are residents of the district and who apply directly to the College division or department in which the student wishes to study. Students may contact the Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services for a Lansing Community College Scholarship application book.

• Athletic Scholarships are awarded through the Athletic Department. Talented athletes should contact coaches in their respective sport areas.

• Michigan Competitive Scholarships are based upon a qualifying ACT examination given during the junior and senior years in high school. Students may receive an “honorary” award not based on need or a monetary award based upon need.

• Private Scholarships are available through the College or private organizations. Please contact the Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services Office for a LCC Scholarship application book and information about private scholarships, grants, loans, employment, and college transfer scholarships available to LCC students.

• Foundation Scholarships are provided through the Lansing Community College Foundation Office.

• Michigan Merit Award Scholarships are based upon successful completion of all relevant sections of the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP test) for high school seniors graduating prior to July 1, 2007, or upon successful completion of all relevant sections of the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) for high school seniors graduating after July 1, 2007.

• Michigan Promise Scholarships are available to Michigan high school students, beginning with the graduating class of 2007, who achieve qualifying scores on the State Assessment Test or complete two years of post-secondary education with at least a 2.5 GPA.

Additional information on these as well as a free scholarship search service is available at: http://www.lcc.edu/finaid/.

Grants

Money that does not have to be paid back, usually based upon need. (Also see Repayment of Grants and Financial Aid Tuition Refunds/Withdrawals/Return to Title IV.)

• Federal Pell Grants are based on need and range from $400 to $4,050 (subject to change).

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to high-need students who receive Federal Pell Grants.

• Academic Competitive Grants (ACG) are awarded to full-time students who are U.S. citizens, eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education.

• Michigan Educational Opportunity Grants (MEOG) are awarded to high-need students who have been Michigan residents for at least 12 consecutive months.

• Michigan Adult Part-time Grants (MAPTG) are awarded to self-supporting, part-time (3–11 credits), high-need students who have been out of a high school program for at least two years and who have been Michigan residents for at least 12 consecutive months.

• Michigan Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) pays in-district community college tuition and fees for students from low-income families who meet the basic criteria and low-income financial guidelines. Eligible students must be U.S. Citizens and residents of Michigan according to institutional criteria, must be under 20 years of age, and must apply for certification to the State of Michigan prior to graduation from high school or completing the General Education Development (GED) Certificate.

• Lansing Community College grants are awarded to high-need students on a funding-available basis.

• Lansing Community College’s Women’s Resource Center Grants are available for tuition and child care for displaced homemakers and special populations. Students apply through the Women’s Resource Center, in the Counseling and Advising Center, Room 204, Gannon Building, (517) 483-1207 or (517) 483-1904.

Loans

Money that must be repaid beginning six months after graduation or enrollment of less than half-time (six credits for Fall and Spring semesters, three credits for Summer semesters), with the exception of the PLUS loans which must begin repayment sixty (60) days after the final disbursement, and alternative loans, which begin repayment in accordance with the promissory note signed by the borrower. (Also see Financial Aid Tuition Refunds/Withdrawals/Return to Title IV.)

• William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program includes both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans and the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). Specific guidelines pertaining to eligibility and the application process are available in the Enrollment Services/Student Financial Aid Office.

1. Subsidized and Unsubsidized William D. Ford Direct Stafford Student Loans are available for students who meet eligibility requirements. Students apply by completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), an LCC Admissions Application, and an LCC application for William D. Ford Direct Student Loans.

2. Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are available to parents of undergraduate dependent students to pay college costs not covered by other financial aid. This is a credit-based loan. Students apply by completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and an LCC Admissions Application; and parents and students must submit an LCC Direct PLUS Loan application.

• Alternative loans are credit-based loans. Additional information about Alternative Lenders offering credit-based loans is available at the website http://www.lcc.edu/finaid/.

• Lansing Community College encourages students to borrow responsibly.

Work Study (Student Employment)

Both the Federal Work Study and the Michigan Work Study programs provide access to student employment opportunities – both on- and off-campus. Students may be eligible for either the federal or state Work Study award, by indicating their interest on the FAFSA. The Work Study award is actually a “maximum eligibility amount” that the student may earn if they secure a qualified student employment position. The award is then paid-out to the student in the form of wages. These Work Study “earnings” may be used to assist with various education-related expenses. Once the student attains their maximum eligibility amount (through gross earnings), employment may be terminated; it is considered to be temporary, part-time employment only.

Student employment is based upon skills and abilities – not necessarily financial need. Therefore, Work Study eligible students are not guaranteed a job. However, Work Study eligibility does provide unique opportunities for either on-campus student employment offered by the College or for off-campus Work Study employment offered by qualified non-profit organizations and/or local/state/federal public agencies. Contact the Center for Employment Services (CES) in room 218 Gannon Building (GB), visit the web site http://www.lcc.edu/ces/, or call (517) 483-1172 to explore available opportunities. CES also provides both on- and off-campus employment opportunities to students who have not received a Work Study award.

Special Situation Funds

The Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services has information regarding the availability of funds and application procedures for the following programs:

• Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs

• Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver

• Michigan Rehabilitation Services

• Clubs, Organizations, and Business Scholarships

• Private Donor Scholarships

(See Veterans Information for Armed Services, Veterans’ Benefits, and Children of Disabled or Deceased Veterans programs.)

HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY

Students wishing to receive financial aid at Lansing Community College must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The federal central processor must receive the student’s completed FAFSA by March 1st for priority State aid consideration and at least three months prior to enrollment for all other aid programs. Federal income tax information is necessary to complete the FAFSA. FAFSA forms are available at LCC or from high school counselors. There are two options available for submission:

1. The completed FAFSA may be submitted via the Internet at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. All necessary instructions are provided. Please note all signature requirements. The STARLAB, located in the Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services, is available for students to submit the application. Staff is available to assist students with filing the online application. The Student Aid Report (SAR) results are then mailed to the student. Processing time is approximately 14 to 21 working days after the student submits the application. Call (517) 483-1200 to schedule a STARLAB appointment.

2. The completed FAFSA may be mailed in the envelope provided with the form to the federal processor. In four to six weeks, the federal processor will send a Student Aid Report (SAR) to the student. The Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services must receive these results to award aid. LCC must be listed as a college choice on the FAFSA in order for LCC to electronically receive the information. The Title IV code to list LCC as a college of choice is 002278.

FAFSA must be submitted each academic year that a student plans to attend college and wishes to receive financial aid. To apply for financial assistance at the College, new students must also complete the LCC Application for Admission online at http://www.lcc.edu. All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit the completed FAFSA to the federal processor prior to being awarded. All students must submit a complete FAFSA each year that the student is requesting federal student aid.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS) are available by completing the aforementioned forms and the loan application form. Loan application forms are available in the Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services.

LCC Board of Trustees Scholarship forms are available through district high schools’ counseling offices. Scholarship forms are also available at the Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services.

Divisional Scholarships are available from the respective College division or department of the student’s major area of study.

The LCC Foundation has scholarships available throughout the year. Please consult the Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services or call the LCC Foundation Office at (517) 483-1985 for additional information.

Processing of the student’s application for financial assistance will begin when the student has submitted the LCC Application for Admission and the results of the FAFSA have been received by the Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services. The student will receive an award notification within two to four weeks after all requested information has been received and checked for accuracy.

Students transferring from other colleges mid-year must cancel aid at their previous colleges when they apply for financial assistance at LCC, and must submit any additional documents requested by the Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services.

The amount of the student’s financial assistance award will be based on a standardized cost of attending LCC, less the expected student’s and family’s contribution. The College will attempt to meet a student’s need based upon available funds. All financial assistance applications are confidential and subject to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) regulations.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID

As a recipient of financial aid, a student enters into an agreement with Lansing Community College which affects the receipt and continuation of assistance. Therefore, students should be sure to read this information carefully.

Students receiving financial aid are required to report any additional income or assistance received during the year to Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services.

Students are responsible for paying all charges that are not covered by financial aid.

NEED AND FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE

Financial need is determined by subtracting the expected family contribution (as determined by the FAFSA) and other financial resources from the appropriate College budget. The College will attempt to meet the student’s need within the limitations of available resources. Should any major changes occur in the student’s financial circumstances or should other aid be provided to the student, the student will report these changes to the Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services.

EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION

If a student is a dependent student (as determined by the FAFSA), the College and the federal government assume that parents and students have the primary obligation to provide for the student’s cost of education to the extent that they are able, based on a standardized method of determining parental contribution. The second obligation falls upon the student to contribute to his or her own education from personal assets and earnings which may include the use of student loan funding.

If a student is a self-supporting or independent student (as determined by the FAFSA), the College assumes that since a student is the prime beneficiary of education, the student has a primary obligation to provide for the cost of education to the extent the student is able, based on a standardized method of determining student contribution. The student’s expected contribution will come from personal earnings, spouse’s earnings, if applicable, savings and assets which may include the use of student loan funding.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Students are awarded need-based financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Students with the highest need are selected first until available funds are exhausted. Students with bachelor’s degrees are not eligible for Pell Grants and some other federal and Michigan grants, but may receive Federal or Michigan Work Study if funds permit. These students may also apply for Federal Direct Student Loans.

FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION

Falsification of information submitted by the student or parents for the purpose of receiving financial assistance may result in cancellation of assistance, billing back for assistance received, and referral to the appropriate federal authorities. If you purposely give false or misleading information, you may be fined $10,000, sent to prison, or both by the federal government.

The Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services may be required to verify information provided on the FAFSA form by requiring income tax statements or other documentation of financial status.

CREDIT HOUR LOAD

Financial aid is offered to students based on enrollment as a full-time student, 12 credit hours or more per semester. However, if a student enrolls for fewer than 12 credits, certain awarded grant funds may be prorated to meet lower enrollment costs. For example, if a student enrolls for 9–11 credits, he or she would in most cases receive 75 percent of his or her Pell award. If a student enrolls for 6–8 credits, he or she would usually receive 50 percent of his or her Pell award. If a student enrolls for fewer than six credit hours, he or she may be eligible for some federal programs. An independent student enrolled for 3–11 credits may be eligible for the Michigan Adult Part-time Grant.

SHORT COURSE ELIGIBILITY

Payment for courses that are less than a semester in length is permitted. Students who enroll in a short course, receive payment for the course, and then do not attend will be required to repay any financial assistance attributed to that course. In addition, students who receive payment for a short course that is subsequently canceled will be required to repay any financial assistance attributed to that course.

STUDENT BUDGETING OF THE FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE

The student is responsible for properly budgeting all financial aid offered for each semester. Federal financial aid funds are disbursed directly to a student’s account in accordance with federal regulations. The financial aid package will be distributed to the student in the following manner:

1. All student financial aid will be applied toward tuition and fees during registration; and

2. If sufficient funds are available after tuition and fees are paid in full, the student will receive any remaining balance of grants, loans, or scholarships approximately 14 days after the first day of the semester or the date the award is transferred to the student’s account, whichever is later.

The student must be prepared to meet his or her living and educational expenses during the period prior to check distribution and for paying all charges not covered by financial aid. Lansing Community College cautions students applying for financial assistance to be prepared to pay their tuition and fees by the payment due date of each semester. The payment due dates are published each semester on http://www.lcc.edu and in the Semester Course Schedule.

CHECK DISTRIBUTION

If the total amount of the student’s financial aid award for the semester exceeds the student’s tuition and fees owed to LCC, a refund for any remaining credit balance will be mailed to the student’s home. Credit balance checks are mailed at the beginning of the first week of the semester, and on a weekly basis as student financial aid applications become completed, awarded, and/or accepted. Please note that receipt of a credit balance check does not guarantee that the student’s student account is at a zero balance. Credit Balance checks are based on the number of hours in which the student is enrolled at the time disbursement is made to the student’s account. If the student drops or adds hours, the student’s aid may be subject to adjustment. If the student drops hours, the student may also owe the college money, and will be billed accordingly.

CHANGES IN ENROLLMENT LEVEL

When the student adds or drops a course during the refund period for that course, disbursed financial aid will be adjusted to the student’s new enrollment status. Current semester refund period dates are listed in the Schedule for Drops, Adds, Refunds and Audits, published each semester on http://www.lcc.edu and in the Semester Course Schedule.

When the student’s enrollment level changes as a result of:

• Adding a course after the 50% refund period end date for that course, the financial aid disbursed to the student will not be increased.

• Dropping a course during the 100% or 50% refund period for that course, the financial aid disbursed to the student will be decreased.

• Dropping a course after the 50% refund period end date for that course, the financial aid disbursed to the student will not be decreased. However, dropping a course after the 50% refund period may affect the student’s ability to meet the completion ratio requirement of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy and, if the student drops all courses, may result in a Return to Title IV Funds calculation.

Enrollment levels are defined as follows:

• .25 – 5.99 credits: Less than Half-Time

• 6.0 – 8.99 credits: Half-Time

• 9.0 – 11.99 credits: Three-Quarter-Time

• 12 or more credits: Full-Time

FINANCIAL AID TUITION REFUNDS/WITHDRAWALS/RETURN TO TITLE IV

Tuition refunds for financial aid students are based on federal regulations.

Students who receive Title IV Federal Financial Aid and withdraw completely on or before 60 percent completion of the enrollment period, or who do not pass at least one course during the term, will be required to repay a pro-rated portion of their aid to the federal government based on the last date of any academically-related activity. The federal law requiring this is called the Return to Title IV. Funds included in the Return to Title IV process are: Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Loans; Federal Perkins Loans; Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS); Pell Grants; Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG); Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG); and other Federal Grants.

Tuition refunds and Return to Title IV Funds are returned in the following order for any programs received that semester:

1. Unsubsidized FFEL loans

2. Subsidized FFEL loans

3. Unsubsidized (other than parent loans) Federal Direct loans

4. Subsidized Federal Direct loans

5. Federal Perkins loans

6. FFEL PLUS loans

7. Federal Direct PLUS loans

If excess funds remain after repaying all outstanding loan amounts, then the remaining amount is credited to grant programs in the following order:

8. Federal Pell Grants

9. Federal SEOG

10. Academic Competitiveness Grant

11. Other Title IV assistance for which a return of funds is required

12. State financial aid awards

13. Institutional financial aid awards

14. Private or public donor awards

15. Other institutional awards

16. Student

The College will hold an administrative fee of the lesser of five percent of the refund or $100.

REPAYMENT OF GRANTS

If a student withdraws from Lansing Community College or is withdrawn by the College because of nonattendance, a portion of any grants paid to the student may have to be repaid, and grades received for these courses may affect continuation of aid. Failure to repay could result in your account being referred to a collection agency and credit bureau. (See Financial Aid Tuition Refunds/Withdrawals/Return to Title IV.)

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY FOR FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY

To receive or continue on financial assistance, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) each semester. Qualitative (cumulative GPA) and quantitative (hours attempted and earned) progress is measured. SAP rules are applied uniformly to all students for all periods of enrollment whether or not aid has been received previously. Students are held responsible for knowing SAP eligibility criteria and their status at the end of each semester.

The SAP standard for students receiving financial assistance is defined as follows:

1. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of a 2.0 or above. Note: Some types of aid such as scholarships require above a 2.0 GPA for eligibility.

2. Students must earn 70 percent or more of all credits attempted. Credit “earned” is defined as a grade of 1.0 or higher or P; all other grades are considered attempted and not earned for determining financial aid satisfactory academic progress. All courses designated as repeated are counted as credit attempted, but only count once if passed as credit earned. Audit and non-credit classes are ineligible for financial aid and do not count in SAP calculations.

3. Students must complete all requirements for their educational program within 150 percent of the minimum number of credit hours required for their educational program. This limit is further explained below under the heading Maximum Eligibility.

Financial Aid Termination for Unsatisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations state that an Academic Progress Policy must include a review of all periods of enrollment whether or not aid was received. Students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress required for financial assistance may have their financial aid terminated and lose eligibility for further aid. (See Appeal of Unsatisfactory Academic Progress.)

Appeal of Unsatisfactory Academic Progress

A student who has had his/her financial aid terminated for failing to maintain satisfactory academic progress may appeal this action. To appeal the student must submit a legible letter and a completed Academic Appeal for Financial Aid form to the Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services. The student’s letter of appeal should explain why he/she failed to meet the minimum academic standards, what unusual and/or mitigating circumstances caused the failure, and how the situation has improved. Such circumstances may include personal illness or injury, serious illness or death within the student’s immediate family, long-term absence from school, or other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the student. A letter from a physician, attorney, social services or law enforcement agency, licensed therapist or counselor, or clergy, or an obituary notice or divorce decree must document the condition or situation. The condition or situation must have existed or occurred during the period the student was enrolled at Lansing Community College and must no longer exist. All periods of enrollment in which the student failed to maintain satisfactory progress must be addressed in the appeal.

A designated financial aid advisor, in consultation with at least one other financial aid advisor or administrator, will review the written appeal and supporting documentation. The Student Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services will notify the student in writing of the decision. Results of an appeal may include denial of reinstatement, probationary reinstatement with restrictions such as limiting credit load to part-time status or requiring 100 percent completion of enrolled credits, up to full reinstatement if the student has regained satisfactory academic progress.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility

Students who have had their financial aid terminated may continue to attend classes using their own funds for payment. Eligibility is reinstated if the student’s appeal due to unusual and/or mitigating circumstances is approved. Eligibility may also be reinstated after the student improves his/her academic record to meet the minimum SAP standard at his/her own expense. Students who raise their cumulative standards to equal or exceed the minimum SAP requirements should contact the Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services to see if they may be reinstated to SAP Good Standing status. Reinstatement is subject to all maximum eligibility requirements.

Maximum Eligibility

Students who have attempted 150 percent of the credit hours required for their program of study at Lansing Community College are not considered to be making satisfactory academic progress and are no longer eligible for financial assistance beyond this maximum time frame. Transfer students will not be awarded financial aid beyond 150 percent of the credit hours required for their program of study, including credits transferred into the College.

Exceptions to Maximum Eligibility time frame: Students requesting financial aid consideration for semester(s) beyond 150 percent of their program will be required to submit a legible letter and a completed Academic Appeal for Financial Aid form to the Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services. The letter of appeal must explain the reason(s) why the student needs additional credits to complete his/her program of study and include supporting documentation.

Since many programs of study require substantially more than the minimum number of credit hours for a general associate degree, financial aid applicants will be reviewed on an individual basis if and when they approach 150 percent of their program, including any transfer credits. Students who have had to complete prerequisite, developmental or English as a Second Language (ESL) course work as part of their regular academic program requirements may be eligible to have some of these credits excluded in the measurement of the 150 percent maximum time frame.

APPEALS

It is the student’s right to appeal in writing any decisions made regarding the financial assistance application or package. The student may meet with a financial aid advisor to discuss his or her package. The student may meet with a financial aid advisor to discuss extenuating circumstances to above policies or any other policies affecting the student as an assistance recipient. Extenuating circumstances are those considered beyond the student’s control and must be documented.

RIGHTS TO INFORMATION

It is the student’s right to obtain information pertaining to financial aid programs available through the College and to discuss with a financial aid advisor information pertinent to the student’s assistance application, file folder (records), and assistance package. However, all student information is confidential and will not be released over the telephone or to anyone other than the student.

RENEWAL OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial assistance is not automatically renewed. Awards are granted for one academic year only. The student must reapply for assistance for the following year by completing all required application forms by stated deadlines on the application. For renewal, the student must be eligible for student financial aid consideration.

To continue on financial assistance, the student must not be in default on any past educational loans at LCC or other colleges. Also, the student must not owe any repayments for educational grants due to withdrawing from college or being withdrawn from college because of nonattendance.

A student will not be awarded federal financial assistance at Lansing Community College beyond the maximum time frame of 150 percent of the credit hours required for his or her program of study. A transfer student will not be awarded federal financial assistance beyond the maximum time frame of 150 percent of the credit hours required for his or her program of study, including transfer credits accepted by LCC.

VETERANS INFORMATION

Veteran Services Office (VSO) in Enrollment Services is designed to serve the needs of veterans who qualify for education benefits. The staff helps veterans or veteran-related students file applications for educational benefits, counseling, loans, tutorial assistance, and/or any other entitlements allowed through the Veterans Administration. Lansing Community College is approved as a school for veterans of military service under provisions of Chapters 30, 31, 32, 35, 1606 and 1607 of the U.S. Code.

Students must complete, sign and submit an Enrollment Intent Form to the VSO each semester that they plan to attend. The Enrollment Intent Form requested is available at the VSO in Enrollment Services or online at www.lcc.edu/finaid/forms.htm. The average processing time from the point of applying for educational benefits to the receipt of monetary funds is 30 to 90 days.

Lansing Community College cautions students applying for educational benefits to be prepared to pay their tuition and fees by the payment due date of each semester. The payment due dates are published each semester on www.lcc.edu and in the Semester Course Schedule. Once the student’s application is approved and the award processed by the Office of Veteran Affairs, monthly checks will be issued if the student does monthly enrollment verification with the Office of Veteran Affairs in St. Louis, Missouri. Enrollment verification can be done by phone by calling (877) 823-2378 and online at www.va.gov.

Advance Payment

Students who are eligible for veterans’ educational benefits may be eligible for advance payment. Advance payment is a pro-rated amount for the first month of attendance of the semester and a full payment for the second month. Advance payment checks are normally issued prior to the beginning of the semester for which they are being requested. The check is delivered to the VSO in Enrollment Services. Veterans are notified by mail upon receipt of the check. Advance payment should be requested at least five (5) weeks prior to the beginning of a semester.

Advance payment cannot be requested if the student is continuously enrolled or enrolled less than half time.

Educational benefit payments provided for by the G.I. Bill vary according to the chapter and the enrollment status at which the veteran is pursuing an academic program as indicated by the following schedule:

Advance payment cannot be requested if the student is continuously enrolled or enrolled less than half time.

Educational benefit payments provided for by the G.I. Bill vary according to the chapter and the enrollment status at which the veteran is pursuing an academic program as indicated by the following schedule:

ENROLLMENT STATUS	REQUIRED CREDIT HOURS
Full time	Minimum of 12
Three-quarter time	9, 10, or 11
Half time	6, 7, or 8
One-quarter time	5 or less credits - Tuition and fees reimbursement only

After enrollment, veterans should direct their inquiries concerning eligibility to the Office of Veterans Affairs in St. Louis, Missouri at (888) 442-4551.

Lansing Community College, in recognition of the special needs of active-duty service persons in having access to and completing programs, has been designated as a Servicemember’s Opportunity College.

In addition, the College participates in the Army College Fund, Michigan National Guard Co-op, Air Force ROTC Program, Army ROTC Program, and USMC Open Admissions Program.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Veterans Educational Benefits Recipients

A student receiving educational benefits is required by the Veterans Administration to maintain regular class attendance and satisfactory academic progress. In compliance with Veterans Administration statutory requirements of sub-paragraph 56, section 1775/1776 of chapter 36, Title 38 U.S. Code, Lansing Community College veteran educational benefits recipients will not be certified as eligible for benefits when their cumulative grade point average places them in the academic warning range (probation) beyond two semesters of enrollment. Re-certification of eligibility for benefits will not be considered unless the veteran submits a Success Contract or regains academic good standing (see Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy). Success Contracts are mailed to those students who fall into this situation. Veterans must schedule an appointment to meet with an Academic Counselor to discuss the requirements of the Success Contract.

Certification Policy for Veterans Educational Benefit Recipients

Students must be following a chosen curriculum. Lansing Community College will notify the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs if a student receiving veterans’ educational benefits is awarded a grade of 0.0, “I”, “W” or “Z” for course work pursued each semester. The student must provide a written statement indicating the last date of attendance for any course that they earn a grade of 0.0, “W” or “Z”. VSO is also required to report all “I” (incomplete) grades to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. VSO uses the last day of the semester in which the “I” grade is earned as the last date of attendance. Once the course that the “I” grade was earned in has been completed, the grade change is reported by the VSO.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the VSO in Enrollment Services of all enrollment changes (drops) including the non-attendance of any or all courses. In the event that a student fails to report these changes and in the absence of documentation, the College will report the first day of the certified semester as the last date of attendance.

Students who wish to appeal this determination must provide documentation of attendance. Documentation may include a statement signed by the instructor verifying course attendance, deployment orders, and a signed statement by the student, indicating the last date of attendance, medical statements or any other corresponding documentation.

CREDIT FOR PRIOR TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Students who receive veterans’ educational benefits must have prior educational training and experience evaluated by the end of the second semester of attendance. The evaluation will include training and experience received while the student was on active duty and for course(s) taken at an approved educational institution even if the training/course(s) were not paid by the Office of Veteran Affairs.

Students who fail to submit official academic transcripts for credits earned at colleges other than Lansing Community College and for active duty military service will not have their enrollment certified beyond their second semester of attendance.