Enrollment History Appeal

The U.S. Department of Education found that some students who were attending many colleges and not earning credit were only going to college to receive the financial aid, and never planned to earn a degree. They made regulation based on these enrollment patterns to prevent fraud and abuse of federal financial aid. Ozarks Tech may ask about your enrollment history in order to comply with these rules.

Who Gets Reviewed

The Department of Education reviews the enrollment history of every student who submits a FAFSA. If they indicate that the student has a possibly unusual enrollment pattern, they will require Ozarks Tech to review that student’s academic history. If you’ve been to multiple colleges in the last few years, Ozarks Tech, may ask to see if you made progress toward your degree. 

Review Process

If you are selected, Ozarks Tech will review your enrollment and past financial aid use. Sometimes we need more information about your enrollment history and will contact you with instructions on how to submit that. If you received financial aid, but there were at least 2 payment periods in which you didn’t earn any academic credit, you will be marked ineligible for federal financial aid. However, you can file electronically appeal to explain why and to prove you will be successful in the future.

Steps to Appeal

1. Confirm your program of study is correct in MyOTC. If you need to change your degree, contact your college navigator.
2. Plan the courses you will take by completing a degree plan in your MyOTC account. As always, your college navigator is happy to help you.
3. Complete the electronic appeal in your Student Forms account
   • The explanation should detail the reasons you did not earn any academic credit at the colleges you attended during the years listed on your appeal.
   • Submit third party documentation to support the reasons you listed in your appeal.  Examples could include military deployment orders, death certificate or doctor’s note of illness or hospitalization.
   • Submit by the Financial Aid Appeal Deadline. Appeals received after the deadline will be reviewed for the upcoming semester and your financial aid status will be updated at the end of the current term.