Financial Assistance Information

The Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services at Lansing Community College (LCC) is committed to helping students obtain the financial resources needed to meet their educational goals. An objective method of need determination approved by the federal government is used to award need-based programs. Scholarships are available based on academic achievement or talent, and low-interest student loan programs are also available.

The Financial Aid Office will communicate important, time-sensitive information to students via their LCC Student email and Banner Self Service accounts. It is important that students check their LCC Student email and Banner Self Service accounts on a regular basis to make sure they receive information relative to their financial aid. The Financial Aid Office frequently updates its web page to share important information. Please visit www.lcc.edu/fa to stay informed.

Students are eligible to apply for financial assistance if they have graduated from high school, have completed a GED, or have demonstrated, through testing, their 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. Student must not be in default on any past educational loans or owe any repayments for educational grants. A student enrolling in a program of study abroad that is approved for credit by Lansing Community College is eligible for federal financial aid consideration.

SOURCES OF FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid programs are funded from federal, state, college, and private sources. The four main sources of financial aid are scholarships, grants, loans and work-study. Most students receive a combination of these forms known as a financial aid "package."

Scholarships

Resources that do not have to be paid back, usually awarded for academic achievement or talent that may or may not be based on financial need.
• Athletic Scholarships are awarded through the Athletic Department. Talented athletes should contact coaches in their respective sport areas.
• Board of Trustees Awards are offered annually to one graduating senior in each high school within the College district.
• Foundation Scholarships are through the Lansing Community College Foundation. The Foundation offers numerous scholarships, funded by the contributions of businesses, non-profit entities, and individuals, to students who meet the criteria established by the scholarship donors. Students will be considered for any Foundation Scholarship especially those most aligned with their career and academic goals. Students may contact the Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services for a Lansing Community College Award and Scholarship Programs application book.
• Honors Program Awards are offered each year to new, currently enrolled, or returning students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and plan to complete a two-year transfer curriculum at LCC and then transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree. Students may contact the Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services for a Lansing Community College Award and Scholarship Programs application book.
• Occupational Program Awards are offered each year to new, currently enrolled, or returning students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and plan to complete a one-year certificate of completion or a two-year occupational degree at LCC. Students may contact the Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services for a Lansing Community College Award and Scholarship Programs application book.
• Student Leadership Academy Service Scholarships are offered each year to new, current and returning students who are interested in gaining additional leadership and community service experiences through a two-year leadership curriculum while concurrently following a primary college program of study. Students may contact the Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services for a Lansing Community College Award and Scholarship Programs application book.
• 2+2+2 Engineering Program Awards are offered to students who have been in the Engineering Program since the beginning of their junior year of high school. The 2+2+2 Engineering Program is a cooperative venture between the Lansing School District, Lansing Community College, and Michigan State University. It is for students from Lansing Eastern, Everett, and Sexton High School who are interested in pursuing an engineering degree.
• Michigan Competitive Scholarships are available to undergraduate students pursuing their first degree at an approved Michigan postsecondary institution. Students must demonstrate both financial need and merit by achieving a qualifying ACT score prior to entering college.
• Michigan Nursing Scholarships are awards available to Michigan residents enrolled at least half time in a program leading to a Licensed Practical Nurse certification, Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or Masters of Science in Nursing. Students must be participating in LCC’s Nursing Program to be considered for an award. Students receiving the scholarship have to agree to work as a direct patient care nurse in an eligible Michigan facility, or as a teacher of nursing at an eligible Michigan postsecondary institution, one year for each year of assistance. Failure to fulfill the work commitment will result in the scholarship becoming a loan that must be repaid.
• The Michigan Promise scholarships are available to high school graduates who successfully complete two years of postsecondary education. All students must take the Michigan Merit Exam to have the opportunity to receive the scholarship. Students who receive qualifying scores (Level 2 or above) in each of the required test components are eligible to receive up to half of their scholarship in the first two years of postsecondary.
• Native American Tuition Waivers are awarded to student who are at least ¼ Native American and have lived in Michigan for the last 12-consecutive months. Students must provide official documentation, usually from a tribal authority, stating their blood quantum and Michigan residency.

In addition to these scholarship opportunities, online scholarship search services help students locate scholarships, grants, and fellowships that are found separate from federal, state, and institutional sources. This is a personalized search that links the student to a scholarship database. The search service will conduct a matching process of the student’s personal profile to the award criteria set by the sponsoring organization of the scholarship. The student’s personal profile is obtained by answering a questionnaire about the student’s background and interests. For information on scholarship search services, visit www.lcc.edu/fa.

Grants

Money that does not have to be paid back, usually based on financial need.
• Federal Pell Grant is a need-based program that awards funds to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is awarded to students with exceptional financial need. Students must qualify for the Federal Pell Grant in order to be considered for the award. Due to limited funding, priority is given to students with the lowest EFC who apply by the priority deadline.
• Academic Competitive Grant is a federal grant for students who meet the rigorous secondary school program requirements approved by the federal government. Students must be a U.S. citizen, be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, and enroll in an eligible program to be considered for an award.
• Michigan Educational Opportunity Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Students must be enrolled at least half-time and be a Michigan resident for at least 12 consecutive months.
• Michigan Adult Part-time Grant is awarded to independent undergraduate students who have been out of high school for at least two years. Students must demonstrate financial need, be enrolled part-time (3-11 credits), and be a Michigan resident for at least 12 consecutive months.
• Michigan Tuition Incentive Program is an incentive program that encourages eligible students to complete high school by providing tuition assistance for the first two years of college and beyond. Students must have (or have had) Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36-consecutive-month period as identified by the Michigan Department of Human Services. The Tuition Incentive Program covers in-district tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students enrolled in an associate degree or certificate program.
• Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Act is designed to provide undergraduate tuition assistance to certain children older than 16 and less than 26 years of age who have been Michigan residents for the 12 months prior to application. To be eligible a student must be the natural or adopted child of a Michigan veteran. The veteran must have been a legal resident of Michigan immediately before entering military service and did not later reside outside of Michigan for more than two years; or the veteran must have established legal residency in Michigan after entering military service.
• Lansing Community College Grant is awarded to high-need students on a funding-available basis.
• Lansing Community College's Women's Resource Center and Returning Adult Program offers grants for tuition, fees, textbooks, transportation, and child care to single parent/displaced homemakers and non-traditional career/special populations. Students apply through the Women's Resource Center in the Counseling and Advising Center.

Loans

Loans are money you can borrow from either the Federal government or private lending agencies such as banks, which must be repaid.
• Federal Subsidized Stafford loan is a need-based loan borrowed through the U.S. Department of Education. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and be enrolled at least half-time to be considered for the loan. Students are not responsible for the interest payments while enrolled at least half-time. Repayment of both principal and interest begins once the student drops below half-time for six-consecutive months.
• Federal Unsubsidized Stafford loan is a non-need-based loan borrowed through the U.S. Department of Education. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and be enrolled at least half-time to be considered for the loan. Students are responsible for the interest payments while attending college and during repayment. LCC encourages students to make their interest payment while attending college. If the student can not afford to make the interest payments while in college, the interest will be capitalized, which will result in a higher monthly payment. Repayment of both principal and interest begins once the student drops below half-time for six consecutive months.
• Federal PLUS loan is a credit-based loan parents of dependent undergraduate students can borrow to assist their child with educational expenses. This loan is borrowed through the U.S. Department of Education. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and be enrolled at least half-time. Repayment of principal and interest begin 60-days after the loan is fully disbursed. Parent borrowers have the option to postpone the repayment of the principal for up to six months after the student ceases to enroll at least half-time.
• Alternative (Private) Loan is a credit-based student loan offered by private lenders. These loans are designed to assist students who need funds in addition to their federal aid to meet educational expenses or for those students not eligible for federal aid. Alternative loans are largely based on the applicant's creditworthiness. Repayment on most of these loans starts six months after the student leaves school. Loan terms vary from lender to lender with each lender using its own formula for calculating interest. The interest rate is generally higher than the Federal Stafford loans and interest may be capitalized more frequently. Some lenders charge fees and each company has its own definition of creditworthiness. LCC encourages students to borrow responsibly. Also, it is critical to understand all of the terms and conditions of the loan.

Work-Study (Student Employment)

Both the Federal Work-Study and the Michigan Work-Study programs provide access to on-campus and off-campus student employment opportunities. Students apply for either the federal or state work-study by indicating their interest on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 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 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 earns their maximum eligibility amount (through gross earnings), employment may be terminated at the discretion of the hiring department. Work-Study is considered to be temporary, part-time employment only.

The hiring of student employees is based upon the skills and abilities of the applicant not on the applicant’s financial need. Therefore, work-study eligible students are not guaranteed a job. However, work-study eligibility does provide some 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 local, state and federal public agencies. For more information on work-study and other student employment opportunities, visit the Center for Employment Services (CES) website at www.lcc.edu/ces.

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 Student Aid Processing Center must receive the student's completed FAFSA by March 1st for priority consideration for state aid and at least six weeks prior to the payment due date for all other aid programs. Federal income tax information is necessary to complete the FAFSA. In addition, FAFSA worksheets are available at LCC, on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or from high school counselors. Students have two options to complete the FAFSA.

1. Students can submit the FAFSA via the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For assistance in completing the online application, students should visit the STARLAB, located in the Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services. Once the FAFSA is processed by the Federal Processing Center, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Processing time is approximately 14 to 21 working days after the student submits the application. The 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.
2. Students can submit the FAFSA via a paper application. A paper FAFSA may be obtained by contacting the Federal Student Aid Processing Center. The completed FAFSA may be mailed in the envelope provided with the form to the Federal Processing Center. In four to six weeks, the federal processor will send a Student Aid Report (SAR) to the student. The 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. An academic year at Lansing Community College begins with the fall semester and ends with summer. In addition to the FAFSA, new students must also complete the LCC Application for Admission online at www.lcc.edu.

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 Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services. The student will receive an award notification after all requested information has been received and processed.

DETERMINING FINANCIAL NEED

Financial need is determined by subtracting the expected family contribution (as determined by the FAFSA) from the appropriate cost of attendance (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 Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance is based on the average educational and living expenses for a student attending LCC. It does not represent an individual student’s actual costs. The cost of attendance includes:
• Tuition and fees
• Books, supplies, and equipment
• Room and board
• Transportation
• Miscellaneous personal expenses
• Loan fees
• Study abroad costs
• Expenses associated with a disability
• Dependent and elder care expenses
• Cooperative education program costs

Expected Family Contribution"

If a student is a dependent student (as determined by the FAFSA), the federal government assumes 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 an independent student (as determined by the FAFSA), the federal government 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.

Calculating Need

Cost of Attendance
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
= Financial Need

FINANCIAL AID REFUNDS

ALL FINANCIAL AID Refunds WILL BE made electronically beginning Spring Semester 2010. STUDENTS MUST KEEP THEIR ADDRESS CURRENT. Details regarding refund options can be found at http://www.lcc.edu/studentfinance/lansingccdebitcard/.

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 issued. Credit balance refunds are processed 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 the receipt of a credit balance refund does not guarantee that the student’s account is at a zero balance. Credit balance refunds are based on the number of credits in which the student is enrolled at the time disbursement is made to the student’s account. If the student drops or adds credits, the student’s aid may be subject to adjustment. If the student drops credits, or becomes ineligible for a part or all of their financial aid the student may also owe the college money.

ENROLLMENT LEVELS

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 awards 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 grant awards. If a student enrolls for 6-8 credits, he or she would usually receive 50 percent of his or her grant awards. If a student enrolls for fewer than six credit hours, he or she may be ineligible for some financial aid programs.

CHANGES IN ENROLLMENT LEVEL

• During A Refund Period
If a student drops any or all courses in a semester during a refund period, then financial aid eligibility will be recalculated based on the final enrollment level. A student who has received a credit balance check prior to dropping any or all courses during a refund period will likely have to immediately repay funds to LCC. If the student is enrolled in the FACTS Installment Pending Aid Payment Plan payments will be automatically withdrawn from the student’s designated account. For more information visit http://www.lcc.edu/studentfinance/payment_options.aspx.

• Dropping A Course After A Refund Period
If a student drops one or more, but not all courses after a refund period, then financial aid eligibility will not be recalculated. However, students with Stafford Loans who fall below 6 credits of enrollment will enter either their Grace Period or Repayment.

• Total Withdrawal From All Courses
If a student completely withdraws from all courses before the 60% point of the semester (roughly week 10 of a 16 week course), then a Federal Refund Calculation will be completed to determine what portion of disbursed aid must be returned to the federal government LCC will immediately return the portion of aid due to the federal government and send a bill for that amount to the student. The student must immediately repay the billed amount to LCC. If the student is enrolled in the FACTS Installment Pending Aid Payment Plan payments will be automatically withdrawn from the student’s designated account. For more information visit http://www.lcc.edu/studentfinance/payment_options.aspx.

• Failure Of All Courses
If a student fails to pass or earn credit in at least one course, then a Federal Refund Calculation (See Return to Title IV Funds) will be completed to determine what portion of disbursed aid must be returned to the federal government. LCC will immediately return the portion of aid due to the federal government and send a bill for that amount to the student. The student must immediately repay the billed amount to LCC. If the student is enrolled in the FACTS Installment Pending Aid Payment Plan payments will be automatically withdrawn from the student’s designated account. For more information visit http://www.lcc.edu/studentfinance/payment_options.aspx.

Return to Title IV Refunds

If a student completely withdraws from all courses before the 60% point of the semester (roughly week 10 of a 16 week course), then a Federal Refund Calculation will be completed. In addition, if a student fails to pass or earn credit in at least one course, then a Federal Refund Calculation will be completed. A Federal Refund Calculation determines what portion of aid must be repaid and returned to the federal government. LCC will immediately return the portion of aid due to the federal government and send a bill for that amount to the student. The student must immediately repay the billed amount to LCC.

Return to Title IV Funds are returned in the following order for any programs received that semester:
a. Federal Unsubsidized Stafford loans
b. Federal Subsidized Stafford loans
c. Federal 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:
a. Federal Pell Grants
b. Federal SEOG
c. Academic Competitiveness Grant
d. Other Title IV assistance for which a return of funds is required
e. State financial aid awards
f. Institutional financial aid awards
g. Private or public donor awards
h. Other institutional awards
i. Student

VARIABLE START COURSE ELGIBILITY

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.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)

Federal regulations require the Financial Aid Office to monitor the progress of all students toward the completion of a degree. This monitoring process is called Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). The Department of Education requires that a school monitor SAP both quantitatively and qualitatively. Satisfactory Academic Progress is essential to remain eligible to receive funds from any federal, state, or institutional aid programs. Please note that some scholarships may have different Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements.

Once a year after spring semester grades are posted, the Financial Aid Office will monitor each undergraduate student's academic progress to determine financial aid eligibility. The following applies to all students regardless if the student received financial aid during his or her academic career. To receive financial aid, students must have a:
• Cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or better in all courses attempted at Lansing Community College.
• Cumulative completion ratio of 70% or better of all courses attempted at Lansing Community College (incompletes, audits and repeated courses and all attempted courses are reflecting into the calculation).
• Completion of the declared program of study within 150% of the credit hours required for the educational program (including all credits transferred into the College).

Limiting Financial Aid Eligibility

Once students attempt more than 30 remedial/developmental credits, the Financial Aid Office will begin limiting federal financial aid eligibility based on enrollment of courses that are not considered to be remedial/developmental credits. For example, if a student attempted 30 remedial/developmental credits and the following semester register for a total of 12 credits with 4 out of the 12 credits being considered remedial/developmental, the financial aid package will be based on 8 credits. To view what courses are considered to be remedial/developmental visit www.lcc.edu/fa.

Students enrolled in a program that consists solely of English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction are eligible for Federal Student Aid funds only from the Federal Pell Grant program.

Extenuating Circumstances Appeal

There may be extenuating circumstances which cause students to not succeed academically. If extenuating circumstances exist, students may appeal the suspension of their financial aid by completing an appeal form. There are two appeal forms.
1. Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal for Less than a 2.0 GPA and/or 70% Completion Ratio Appeal.
2. Academic Appeal for 150% Maximum Timeframe

Students must review the appropriate appeal form to determine if they meet one of the criteria eligible for appeal. If so, please complete the form and include the required supporting documentation. All SAP Appeals are reviewed by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee and students will be notified in writing of the committee’s decision.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal for Less than a 2.0 GPA and/or 70% Completion Ratio

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 the appeal to the Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services. The student's letter of appeal must be a legible letter of appeal that addresses all periods of enrollment in which the student failed to maintain satisfactory academic progress and which explains all of the following:
a) why you failed to meet the minimum academic standards, AND
b) what unusual and/or mitigating circumstance(s) caused the failure, AND
c) how the circumstance has improved (no longer exists/being managed), AND
d) your college and career goals

Such circumstances must have documentation that 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.

A Financial Aid Appeal Committee will review the written appeal and supporting documentation. The 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, requesting information of how the student is performing in classes at the mid-point of the semester, or full reinstatement. An approved appeal requires that the student must earn a minimum 2.0 overall and complete 100% of the courses attempted each semester to retain eligibility.

Academic Appeal for 150% Maximum Timeframe

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 the maximum timeframe. 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. Special consideration will be given to students who:
a) Are enrolled in a program of study which requires substantially more than the minimum number of credits for a general associate's degree.
b) Have completed prerequisites, remedial/developmental, or English as a second language (ESL) course work as a part of their regular academic program requirements.
c) Have earned a degree and are continuing on for a second degree.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility

Students who have had their financial aid terminated may continue to attend classes using their own funds for payment. Financial aid eligibility is reinstated if the student's appeal due to unusual and/or mitigating circumstances is approved. If a student’s appeal is approved they will be reinstated for the payment period in which the appeal was received. The Payment Period is the first day of the semester through the day before the next semester.

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 their financial aid can be reinstated. Reinstatement is subject to all maximum eligibility requirements.

FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION AND REQUESTING 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 students purposely give false or misleading information, they may be fined $10,000, sent to prison, or both by the federal government.

The 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. In addition, if the Financial Aid Office has received conflicting information or reason to believe that student information may not be valid further investigation will occur prior to financial aid being awarded and/or refunded.

STUDENT'S RIGHTS

It is the student's right to appeal in writing any decisions made regarding their financial aid application or package. All appeals should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services.

It is the student's right to obtain information pertaining to financial aid programs available through the College and to discuss information pertinent to the student's financial aid application. However, all student information including the financial aid application is confidential and subject to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) regulations and will not be released over the telephone or to anyone other than the student.

VETERANS INFORMATION

The 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, 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill), 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 is available at the VSO in Enrollment Services. 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.

Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill) may not be eligible for advance payment.

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                 Less than 6 - 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 Service members 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 veteran 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 veteran 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.

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