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Student Appeals

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Student Appeals: A formal request for reconsideration of a college policy or procedure decision. In most cases, an appeal requires evidence of an extenuating circumstance.

Student Complaints: A written statement about dissatisfaction with an academic, discrimination or Title IX matter.

Extenuating Circumstance: An extenuating circumstance is an unforeseen, 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 or orders; and mandated work schedule changes or involuntary lay-off/unemployment.

Issues that do not meet the definition of an extenuating circumstance include, but are not limited to, lack of transportation, roommate problems, incompatibility with faculty, difficult course load, dislike of a course, textbook concerns, lack of childcare, or technology issues (personal computer problems).

Academic Appeals

Academic Misconduct

A student charged with Academic Misconduct can appeal the sanction by following the appeal process in the Student Code - Click on Student Code – SBTCE (State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education) – Policy 3-2-106.1 – Student Code>Section IV B>Student Disciplinary Procedures>Academic Misconduct.

Late Withdrawal

Students can withdraw from a class until the last day of the class.

Students are encouraged to speak with their instructor(s), academic advisor or success coach (formerly navigator) prior to making changes to their schedule. Reducing the number of hours attempted may have an impact on the student’s financial aid package or on the eligibility requirements of certain scholarships.

Please see your instructor, advisor or success coach for assistance with a late withdrawal. After consultation students can access the Late Withdrawal form.

Financial Aid Appeals

Financial Aid Probation Ineligible

A student with a financial aid ineligible status can submit an appeal for review by the TTC Appeal Committee. Click Academic and Financial Aid Appeals for instructions and deadlines about the appeal process and requirements for providing required documentation.

Enrollment History

Federal regulations limit the availability of Federal Title IV aid for students with unusual enrollment patterns at multiple institutions. Students in this situation receive notification about enrollment history on the Student Aid Report (SAR). TTC’s Financial Aid office must review all transcripts from previously attended colleges to assess overall academic progress. Go to my.tridenttech.edu > Financial Life > My Financial Aid.

SC LIFE Scholarship

A SC 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 or call 1-877-349-7183 to request an appeal packet. Students appealing continuance of the LIFE Scholarship must mail their completed appeal to South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, 1333 Main St, STE 200, Columbia, SC 29201 or fax to 803-737-2297.

Special Circumstances for Financial Aid Awards

A student who experiences a change in their financial status can request consideration for financial aid award adjustments when special circumstances occur that change the financial 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. Contact the TTC Financial Aid office for details at 843-574-6110.

Other/Non-Academic

Residency

A student’s residency classification occurs during the admission process. To appeal residency classification, submit the required Residency Appeal form to the Admissions office at any campus or fax to 843-574-6483 or mail to Admissions Office, Thornley Campus at the TTC mailing address below.

South Carolina Tax Commission Debt Collection

The South Carolina Department of Revenue supports state agencies by collecting on outstanding accounts through the garnishment of state individual income tax refunds. Annually during Fall Semester, TTC’s Finance department mails a letter to all TTC students with delinquent balances about the tax garnishment program. The letter includes instructions for students to appeal in writing by U.S. mail to the college’s hearing officer within the 30-day deadline stated in the notification letter.

Student Discipline

A student placed on a disciplinary sanction for student misconduct may appeal the sanction and request a hearing by filing a written appeal within the timeline outlined in the SC Technical Colleges Student Code – SBTCE Procedure 3-2-106.1.

Transfer Credit

A student may appeal a decision of transfer credit not awarded by submitting a course syllabus and/or other pertinent documentation to the appropriate academic department that is responsible for teaching the course at TTC. If the department head denies the student’s request, the student has the right to appeal to the academic dean.

Late Drop or TTC Policy Appeal

To submit an appeal for consideration that a specific course or courses be dropped late based on documented extenuating circumstances (as described above), complete the Late Drop or TTC Policy Appeal form with relevant documentation.  You must clearly explain or show how the extenuating circumstance prevented you from dropping the course(s) prior to the published drop deadline for the academic term.

Academic Complaint

A student with a concern about a grade, the availability of textbooks, course content, the classroom environment or instructor should follow the Academic Complaint process in the TTC Student Handbook by submitting the Academic Complaint form to the academic dean responsible for the course.

Discrimination Complaint

A student with a complaint about alleged discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability or pregnancy, submit the Student Services - Discrimination Complaint form. You may email your form to the Assistant Vice President for Student Services or call 843-574-6368.

 

Title IX Complaint

Title IX Complaint: A student or TTC employee with a complaint about any aspects of sexual violence, sex/gender harassment, sexual discrimination, or sexual misconduct should submit the Title IX Incident Report or submit a concern via email at TitleIX@tridenttech.edu.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (Distance Education)

CHE serves as the state's portal agency for SARA and is the final authority for SARA-related complaints. If an out-of-state student enrolled in an SC institution via distance education wishes to file a complaint, he or she may complete and submit the CHE Student Complaint and Procedures Form.