STUDENT APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS There are many ways for TTC students to informally or formally appeal or complain.  The nature of your appeal or complaint determines what type of action you as a student should take.  Many appeals require extenuating circumstances
*Definition of an Extenuating Circumstance* An extenuating circumstance is an uncontrollable event such as a serious health condition, illness or injury; a traumatic event such as a natural disaster;  divorce, sexual assault; criminal assault; a family emergency; employment changes such as military duty; mandated work schedule changes or involuntary lay-off/unemployment. Not included in this definition are issues such as transportation, roommate problems, incompatibility with faculty, difficult course load, dislike of a course, etc.
ACADEMIC
Academic Complaints If you have concerns about a grade, the availability of textbooks, course content, the classroom environment or the instructor, follow the Academic Complaint process in the Student Code in the Student Handbook  by first attempting to resolve the matter with the faculty member involved.  If the matter cannot be resolved with the faculty member, then file an Academic Complaint form with the instructor’s supervisor and academic dean.  The form is available in all academic division offices. Academic Misconduct A student placed on suspension or expulsion for academic misconduct (Student Code in Student Handbook) may appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within two business days after receiving notification of the suspension or expulsion	Late Withdrawal If you have an *extenuating circumstance* that prevented your withdrawal from a course(s) by the last date to withdraw during the semester, you can submit a late withdrawal appeal to the academic dean for your program of study.  Go to http://www.tridenttech.edu/Registrar_5420.htm.            Academic Suspension When a student goes on Academic Suspension, the right to appeal exists.  You must complete the on-line Suspension Appeal form and submit appropriate documentation to the Registrar’s Office, Main Campus by the published deadline for each semester. Go on-line to Current Students>Registrar>Academic Appeals. http://www.tridenttech.edu/apps/appeal/request/agreement.aspx
FINANCIAL AID
Financial Aid Suspension When a student goes on Financial Aid Suspension, the right to appeal exists.  You must complete the on-line Suspension Appeal form and submit appropriate documentation to the Registrar’s Office on Main Campus by the published deadline for each semester.  Go to your TTC Express account or to Financial Aid Forms at http://www.tridenttech.edu/financial_aid_4559.htm Life Scholarship A Life Scholarship recipient who did not meet academic requirements to continue receiving the LIFE Scholarship because of an extenuating circumstance may file an appeal by the annual deadline directly to the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education at http://www.che.sc.gov/StudentServices/Appeals/AppealsHm.htm.    Lottery Assistance If you did not receive the Lottery Tuition Assistance award, but feel you meet all the requirements to receive the LTA award, submit the Lottery Assistance Appeal form.  Go to your TTC Express account or to Financial Aid Forms at http://www.tridenttech.edu/financial_aid_4559.htm	Multiple Attempts/Developmental Studies To request financial aid for a course that you already attempted two times with financial aid awards, or to request financial aid for developmental studies courses after you already attempted 31 or more hours at TTC, go to your TTC Express account>Financial Aid on-line forms and submit the  Request for a Multiple Attempt or Developmental Studies Course Review.   Go to your TTC Express account or to Financial Aid Forms at http://www.tridenttech.edu/financial_aid_4559.htm Special Circumstances A student can request consideration for financial aid award adjustments when special circumstances occur that changes the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Examples include layoffs and wage/hour reductions, costly medical situations, changes in dependent status, or losing a home to foreclosure.  Submit the Request for Special Circumstances Review form on-line at http://www.tridenttech.edu/Special_Circumstance_Rev.pdf      Student Loan Review To appeal the denial of a student loan for reasons other than Financial Aid Suspension, submit the Student Loan Request for a Stafford Loan Review appeal form.  Go to your TTC Express account or to Financial Aid Forms at http://www.tridenttech.edu/financial_aid_4559.htm
OTHER
Residency A student’s residency classification occurs during the admissions process. To appeal residency classification, submit the required Residency Appeal forms to the Admissions Office/Main Campus http://www.tridenttech.edu/admissions_admresidency.htm. Sexual Harassment The College does not tolerate sexual harassment of students or employees. To express any sexual harassment concerns, contact a TTC official http://www.tridenttech.edu/4958_5634.htm. South Carolina Tax Commission Debt Collection The South Carolina Tax Commission supports state agencies by collecting on delinquent accounts through garnishment of state tax refunds. TTC’s Finance division annually notifies any students with delinquent balances due and provides instructions for appealing to the College’s Hearing Officer in writing by the announced deadline to appeal. Student Discipline A student placed on suspension or expulsion from TTC may appeal and request a hearing within two business days after receiving written notification from the Vice President for Student Services about the suspension or expulsion.  Students in this situation must contact the Vice President for Student Services Office to appeal and request a hearing. See the Student Code in the Student Handbook.	Student Discrimination Complaints If a student has concerns about discrimination based on age, gender, color, race, disability or other conditions, preferences or behavior excluding sexual harassment, which is a separate appeal process, follow the process in this handbook (see index) by first attempting to resolve the situation with the faculty or staff member involved.  If the matter cannot be resolved with the TTC employee, the student then has the option of filing a formal complaint with the Vice President for Student Services. See the Student Code in the Student Handbook. Extenuating Circumstances – Non Academic  To appeal a TTC policy due to an extenuating circumstance, complete the Student Services Appeal form and provide relevant documentation at the Registrar’s Office, Main Campus, or the Admissions Office at Berkeley or Palmer Campuses.  To appeal an academic matter, follow the appropriate academic processes outlined above.