Financial Information

All fees are payable at the time of registration each semester. Refer to the Cashier’s Office Web page at www.pstcc.edu/departments/business_finance/cashier for payment information and due dates. Student schedules are deleted if the schedule is not confirmed and fees are not paid by the applicable due dates. Registration is incomplete until the schedule is confirmed and all fees are paid, and no student may be admitted to classes without having met all financial obligations.

There is a $30 charge for any check returned to Pellissippi State. A student who has not redeemed a returned check for fees within 10 days after being notified by the Business Office will be administratively dismissed from school for failure to pay fees.

No student may re-enroll, graduate or receive a transcript or grades until all accounts are settled. The term “account” includes any indebtedness to Pellissippi State. All charges are subject to subsequent audit. Errors will be corrected by refund or additional charge. All unpaid accounts submitted to an outside agency for debt collection services will be charged collection costs in addition to the original debt.

The Cashier’s Office is located on the first floor of the Goins Administration Building at the Pellissippi Campus and in the main offices at the Division Street Campus, Blount County Campus, and Magnolia Avenue Campus.

Go to www.pstcc.edu/bursar for dates and times of extended Cashier’s hours during the registration period.

Semester Costs

College credit and audit course costs

Students are charged maintenance fees, a campus access fee, a student activity fee, a Student Recreation Center fee, an international education fee and a technology fee each semester. They also are charged a sustainable campus fee fall and spring semesters. In addition, if the student is not a resident of Tennessee, the student is charged out-of-state tuition.

All fees are subject to change at any time by action of the Tennessee Board of Regents. Visit the Cashier’s Office Web page at www.pstcc.edu/departments/business_finance/cashier or call (865) 694-6605 to confirm current rates.

A $20 nonrefundable late fee is charged to all students who enroll after the registration period or after classes begin.

Regents Online Degree Programs costs

Fees for Regents Online Degree Programs courses are charged separately, and charges are in addition to fees for other courses. Maintenance and online degree fees are charged for RODP courses. Out-of-state tuition charges also may apply.

Out-of-state tuition

Students are classified as resident or nonresident by Enrollment Services for the purpose of assessing tuition charges. The definition of residency as determined by the Tennessee Board of Regents will apply. A student once classified as an out-of-state student will continue to be thus classified unless a change of legal residence is established by evidence other than presence as a student. The burden of proof of all conditions pertaining to residence is placed upon the student, including the responsibility for submission of documentation required by Pellissippi State. If there is any question as to in-state residency at the time of registration, the student will be classified as out-of-state and will be charged out-of-state tuition. The out-of-state tuition for that semester will be refunded only if the student submits the required documentation within six weeks after registration.

Information about residency classification may be obtained from Enrollment Services. Students have the right to appeal the assignment of residency status to the assistant vice president of Enrollment Services.

Registration and enrollment fees

Application fee. This fee must accompany the initial application form submitted to Pellissippi State prior to a student’s acceptance. This is a one-time fee and is not refundable even though the student does not enter Pellissippi State.

Student medical insurance. This nonrefundable fee is charged to all international students under F1 status.

Tuition. This maintenance fee is charged to all students enrolled in credit, audit or Regents Online Degree Programs courses. It is calculated based on the number of hours for which the student is enrolled.

Out-of-state tuition. This is an additional fee charged to students classified as nonresidents of Tennessee who are enrolled in courses for credit, audit or RODP. It is calculated based on the number of hours for which the student is enrolled.

Campus access fee. This nonrefundable fee is for access to the campus and its facilities. This fee is charged to all students enrolled in courses for credit or audit. This fee is also charged to all faculty and staff.

Student activity fee. This nonrefundable fee is charged to all students enrolled in courses for credit or audit. This fee was adopted by the Student Government Association to provide funds for a variety of student activities.

International education fee. This nonrefundable fee is charged to all students enrolled in courses for credit or audit. This fee supports international education.

Student Recreation Center fee. This nonrefundable fee is charged to all students enrolled in courses for credit or audit. The charge will be $8 per semester for fewer than 6 hours or $15 per semester for 6 or more hours.

Technology fee. This fee is charged to all students enrolled in courses for credit or audit. The funds are used to maintain and upgrade student lab equipment, library automation, and other instructional technology.

Sustainable campus fee. This nonrefundable fee is charged to all students enrolled in courses for credit or audit during the fall and spring semesters. This fee was approved by the students to fund green and recycling projects on campus.

Online degree fee. This fee is charged to all students enrolled in Regents Online Degree Programs courses. It is calculated based on the number of credit hours for regents courses only.

Course fees

Activity fees:

Music fee. This fee is charged to all students who receive individual instruction. The charge is $55 per credit hour.

Bowling fee. This fee, charged to all students enrolled in a bowling course, covers the charge to Pellissippi State from the bowling facility.

Golf fee. This fee, charged to all students enrolled in a golf course, covers the charge to Pellissippi State from the golf facility.

Swimming fee. This fee, charged to all student enrolled in a swimming course, covers the charge to Pellissippi State from the swimming facility.

Nursing fee. This fee, charged to all students enrolled in a nursing course, offsets the cost for course supplies.

Culinary arts fee. This fee, charged to all students enrolled in culinary arts courses, covers the cost for lab usage.

Test fees:

Confirmation test fee. There is currently no fee to take the College’s placement exam.

ACT test fee. This fee is charged to everyone who takes the ACT test. The fee is paid at the Cashier’s Office when the ACT packet is received by the student.

GED test fee. This fee is charged to everyone who takes the GED test. The fee covers all five parts of the test and must be paid in full before sitting for the test. Please call the Testing Center at (865) 694-6752 for testing dates or additional information.

GED retest fee. This fee is charged to anyone who wishes to retake sections of the GED test because of low scores.

OPAC test fee. This fee is charged to all non-Pellissippi State students who take the Office Proficiency Assessment and Certification test. The fee must be paid before taking the test.

CLEP test fee. This fee is charged to anyone taking the College Level Examination Program test. The fee must be paid before taking the test.

DANTES test fee. This fee is charged to anyone taking the DANTES test. The fee must be paid before taking the test.

CIW test fee. This nonrefundable fee is charged to all students enrolled in a Certified Internet Web Professional course. It covers the charge to Pellissippi State for the test and scoring services.

Miscellaneous fees and fines

Traffic fines. Students and employees parked illegally, speeding, or not properly displaying a Pellissippi State parking permit will receive a parking violation ticket. All fines must be paid within 14 calendar days from date of ticket. A late penalty of $5 is added to the cost of the ticket after the 14 calendar days have passed. For specific information concerning parking regulations, brochures are available from the Safety and Security Office.

Late payment fee. This nonrefundable fee is charged to all students who enroll in courses for credit, audit or Regents Online Degree Programs after the registration period or after classes begin.

Deferred payment service charge. This nonrefundable fee is charged to all students electing the payment plan for fee payment.

Deferred payment late fee. This nonrefundable fee is charged to each payment that is received by the College after the due date established by the payment plan.

Returned check fee. This nonrefundable fee is charged to all students who write checks that are later returned to Pellissippi State from a financial institution because payment has been refused.

Collection cost. This fee is added to accounts submitted to an outside agency for collection. The fee is 23-40 percent of the delinquent account amount.

Identification card replacement charge. The first student identification card is issued to all entering students at no charge. There is a replacement charge of $10 for lost or damaged cards.

Library fine. This fee is for the replacement cost of library materials lost or deemed lost due to an overdue status. The fee consists of the replacement cost of the books, periodicals or other items, plus a $15 nonrefundable per item processing fee.

Library repair fine. This nonrefundable fee is for the actual cost of repair (re-binding) of books and materials. An additional $5 is charged to offset overhead costs to repair the items.

Telecourse fines

Audiovisual equipment. This fine is the replacement cost of lost audiovisual equipment plus a $5 nonrefundable processing fee.

Telecourse materials. This fine is the replacement cost of telecourse materials plus a $5 nonrefundable processing fee.

Fee Payment Options

Schedule must be confirmed and any outstanding fees paid by the established deadlines or the class schedule will be deleted. Students will not receive a bill in the mail. Refer to the current semester’s Student Enrollment Guide or visit www.pstcc.edu/bursar for fee payment deadlines, confirmation instructions and other fee payment information.

Personal check, money order or cash. Checks should be made payable to Pellissippi State and include the student’s ID number on the face of the check.

Web check. Students may go to www.pstcc.edu and log into their myPellissippi account to confirm their schedule and pay fees with check.

VISA, Mastercard, Discover or American Express. Students may go to www.pstcc.edu and log into their myPellissippi account to confirm their schedule and charge fees to VISA, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express.

Financial aid credits. Payment of fees with financial aid is authorized by the student’s confirmation of his or her schedule and payment of any remaining balance due. All financial aid is credited to the student’s account, with the exception of student loans received in check form and Federal Work Study payroll checks, which are released at the Cashier’s Office. Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Foundation scholarships and academic work scholarships are credited to the student’s account within three working days of award acceptance. Student loan funds received by electronic transfer will be credited to the student’s account within three days of receipt of funds. Scholarships from outside sources are not automatically credited to the student’s account. Students must go to the Cashier’s Office to process those scholarships. Refer to Financial Aid in this section of the Catalog and Handbook, or contact the Financial Aid Office with questions.

Reduced rate registration (student 60+ years of age/permanently disabled). Under T.C.A. Section 49-7-113, people with permanent disabilities and Tennessee residents 60 or older are eligible to enroll in courses on a space-available basis for audit without payment of maintenance, campus access, student activity, international education, Student Recreation Center, technology, sustainable campus and late fees. The application fee and all applicable special course fees are charged.

People with permanent disabilities and Tennessee residents 65 years of age or older are eligible to enroll in courses on a space-available basis for credit without payment of maintenance, campus access, student activity, international education, Student Recreation Center, technology, sustainable campus and late fees. A service fee not to exceed $70 per semester will be charged. The application fee and all applicable special course fees also will be charged.

People with permanent disabilities must contact the Services for Students With Disabilities Office to be certified as eligible for either program. Senior citizens must go to the Cashier’s Office to be certified as eligible.

Discounts for people with permanent disabilities and senior citizens do not apply to continuing education programs.

Fee waivers and PC 191s. Fee waivers are available for full-time employees of the Tennessee Board of Regents and University of Tennessee systems and the state of Tennessee executive, judicial, and legislative branches.

The waiver allows enrollment into one course per semester on a space-available basis, provided the employee registers for the course after the registration period as defined by the College. Eligible employees can register during the last week of the registration period (Refer to the Academic Calendar) through the first day of the class. Employees registering into a course prior to the end of the registration period are not eligible for fee waiver payment.

A completed Fee Waiver form should be submitted each semester to meet fee payment deadlines but must be submitted within the first two weeks of classes to be accepted for the semester.

Fee waivers do not apply to continuing education programs.

Tuition discounts. Spouse and dependents of employees of the Tennessee Board of Regents and University of Tennessee educational systems may register at any time and receive a 50 percent discount on fees, provided the dependents are 26 years or under in age. Appropriate forms to request this discount are available at the employee’s work location.

Dependents of employees of the state of Tennessee and dependents of certified public school employees (Note: Spouses do not receive discounts) may register at any time and receive a 25 percent discount on maintenance fees, provided the dependents are 23 years or under in age. Appropriate forms to request this discount are available at the work location or at www.pstcc.edu/bursar.

A completed fee discount form should be submitted each semester to meet fee payment deadlines but must be submitted within the first two weeks of classes to be accepted for the semester.

Fee discounts do not apply to continuing education programs.

Sponsored payments. Upon receipt of authorization from a third–party sponsoring agency (i.e., Vocational Rehabilitation, TRA, armed forces, Veterans Affairs, private companies, etc.), the College will post a payment to the student’s account. Once the payment appears, the student must log into the myPellissippi account and complete the schedule confirmation process. The schedule must be confirmed by the fee payment deadline or the schedule will be deleted.

Deferred payment plan. Pellissippi State offers deferred fee payment options to eligible students. The deferred payment plan applies to all fee charges and requires an initial payment equal to a $20 service fee plus 50 percent of the student’s account balance (after deducting “authorized” financial aid). The remaining balance due is payable in two equal installments later in the semester. There is a late charge of $25 per payment if payments are not received by the College by the due date. Note: Students may still owe a balance even after completely withdrawing from all classes.

The deferred payment plan is not offered during summer sessions.

To enroll in the deferred payment plan, students must make the required initial payment to meet fee payment deadlines. For more information, visit the Cashier’s Web page at www.pstcc.edu/bursar.

Refunds

Pellissippi State will refund a portion of the maintenance, out-of-state, technology, special course and Regents Online Degree Programs fees to any student who officially drops, withdraws or is dismissed from a course(s) within the drop/withdrawal deadline. Refunds are disbursed at the end of the refund period. Refund checks of more than $5 will be mailed approximately the fourth or fifth week in each semester. Refunds of $5 or less must be claimed at the Cashier’s Office at any campus. Refunds totaling $5 or less will not be mailed. All fees except maintenance, out-of-state, technology, special course fees and RODP fees are nonrefundable. Refer to the Student Enrollment Guide published each semester or visit www.pstcc.edu/bursar for specific refund periods.

Pellissippi State complies with the federal laws concerning refunds and repayments. Pellissippi State follows the Return of Title IV Funds regulations published by the federal government on November 1, 1999, to calculate and process the return of Title IV funds when students officially withdraw or quit attending class. Refunds will be credited to the Title IV accounts as appropriate and may not be disbursed to the student. In some situations, students who do not complete classes may owe repayments to both Pellissippi State and the federal government. Students may obtain further information and examples of refund and return calculations in the Financial Aid Office. In addition, Pellissippi State will distribute refunds to sources of other aids (i.e., Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Affairs, PIC, waivers, scholarships, etc.) to the extent fees were paid by other aids prior to any disbursement to the student.

Students may appeal a refund by completing a Refund Appeal form outlining the basis for the appeal, attaching supporting documentation when applicable and submitting the form to the Pellissippi State bursar. Refund requests will be decided by the Cashier’s Office. The student will be notified of the decision within 30 working days of receipt of the request. The Refund Appeal form can be accessed on the Cashier’s Office Web page at www.pstcc.edu/bursar or at the Cashier’s Office at any campus. The Refund Appeal form, with supporting documentation, can be delivered to the Cashier’s Office at any campus, mailed to the College, faxed to (865) 539-7207 or emailed to businessoffice@pstcc.edu.

Students may appeal the decision by submitting a written request for a refund appeal review to the Office of the Vice President of Business and Finance. The student will be notified in writing of the decision within 15 working days of receipt of the request for refund appeal review.

Refund amounts will be calculated per the following provisions:

Maintenance fee refund.

1. Full refunds (100 percent) are given for courses canceled by Pellissippi State.
2. Dropping and adding an equal number of credit hours for the same term and session at the same time requires no refund or payment of additional maintenance fees.
3. The fee adjustment is calculated as the difference between (1) the cost of originally enrolled hours and (2) the per credit hour cost of the courses dropped. Adjustments are calculated at the full per credit hour rate less the fee adjustment credit at the applicable fee adjustment percentage (regardless of the original number of hours enrolled) For students dropping courses resulting in a change from full-time status to part-time status, a fee adjustment in the tuition and fees will result only if the new calculated charges are less than the original charges. Not all drops/withdrawals will result in a fee adjustment.
4. The basic refund for withdrawals or drops during regular terms (fall and spring) is 75 percent from the start of classes through the 14th calendar day. From the 14th day up to 25 percent of the length of the term, the refund is 25 percent. There is no refund after the 25 percent period ends.
5. For summer sessions and other short terms, the 75 percent refund period and the 25 percent refund period will extend a length of time which is the same proportion of the session as the 75 percent and 25 percent periods are of the regular terms.
6. All refund periods are rounded to whole days, and the date of the end of the refund period will be included in publications or available at www.pstcc.edu/bursar. In calculating the 75 percent period for other than the fall or spring, and in calculating the 25 percent length of the term in all cases, the number of calendar days during the term will be considered.
7. A full refund (100 percent) is provided on behalf of a student whose death occurs during the term. Any indebtedness will be offset against the refund.
8. A full refund (100 percent) is provided for students who enroll during Registration but who drop or withdraw prior to the beginning of classes.
9. A full refund (100 percent) is provided to students who are compelled by Pellissippi State to withdraw when it is determined that through Pellissippi State error they were academically ineligible for enrollment or were not properly admitted to enroll for the course(s) being dropped. In each case, an appropriate official must certify in writing that the provision is applicable.
10. When a course is included in a regular term’s registration process for administrative convenience but the course does not begin until later in the term, the 75 percent/25 percent refunds will be based on the particular course’s beginning and ending dates. This provision does not apply to classes during the fall or spring terms that may meet only once per week. Those courses will follow the same refund dates as other regular courses for the term.

Nonresident/out-of-state tuition refund. This fee is refundable under the same provisions as the maintenance fee.

Campus access fee refund. This fee is nonrefundable.

Student activity fee refund. This fee is nonrefundable.

Student Recreation Center fee refund. This fee is nonrefundable.

Technology fee refund. This fee is refundable when the student drops below 8 hours or completely withdraws from all hours. When the above conditions are met, the fee is refundable under the same provisions as the maintenance fee.

Sustainable campus fee refund. This fee is nonrefundable.

Special course fee refund. This fee is refundable when the student drops from the course that generated the fee. When the course is dropped, the fee is refundable under the same provisions as the maintenance fee.

Regents Online Degree Programs fee refund. This fee is refundable when the student drops a RODP course. When the course is dropped, the fee is refundable under the same provisions as the maintenance fee.

Continuing education (Business and Community Services) program refund. Refunds are given only if the class is canceled by Pellissippi State or if notification of desire to withdraw is received two days before the starting date of the class. No refunds can be made after the class starting date, because the classes are started on the basis of enrollment and accompanying fees.

Books and Supplies

The College Bookstore makes available all books and supplies on a cash basis or through charges to approved credit cards or personal checks. (A state-issued photo ID is required for the acceptance of checks). There is a $30 service charge for any check returned unpaid. Charges to approved Financial Aid accounts require a Pellissippi State photo ID or, if that is unavailable, state-issued photo ID and Pellissippi State student ID number.

Bookstore hours:

Bookstore operating hours are frequently updated and posted at each campus and on the Bookstore Web site: www.pstccbooks.com.

• Pellissippi Campus: (865) 694-6642
• Division Street Campus (TTCK): (865) 673-5023
• Blount County Campus: (865) 981-5311
• Magnolia Avenue Campus: (865) 329-3114

Extended hours are available during peak registration and buy-back periods.

Textbooks and required supplies may be purchased online via credit card from the Bookstore Web site, www.pstccbooks.com. Orders can be picked up at the Pellissippi Campus Bookstore or shipped to the customer via UPS. Textbook prices, store hours, general merchandise, software special orders and store specials also are available on the Web site.

Bookstore refund policy:

New textbooks. Textbooks that were purchased wrapped in shrink-wrap and/or containing one-time use access codes or PINs are not returnable if the original shrink-wrapping has been removed. Customers must present the corresponding dated cash register receipt.

Used textbooks. Used textbooks may be returned for a refund or exchange within 14 calendar days (five calendar days in summer semester) of the start of classes each term, provided that the books are in the same condition in which they were purchased. Customers must present the corresponding dated cash register receipt.

Trade books. Calendars and trade books may be refunded or exchanged within 14 calendar days of purchase if defective at the time of purchase.

Non-book merchandise. Supplies, clothing, gifts, and sundries may be returned for a refund within 14 calendar days of purchase, provided the merchandise is not soiled, damaged, or showing signs of use; was not purchased with a promotional sales discount; was not imprinted for the customer; and is returned in its original sales wrapper with dated cash register receipt.

Special orders. Special orders may not be returned for refund or exchange unless defective at the time of purchase.

Additional services:

The Bookstore also offers copy, fax, and UPS shipping services; postage stamps; and special orders for books, computer software, and supplies.

The Bookstore will buy daily, at guidebook prices, current edition textbooks with national resale value. During the last week of each semester (finals week), the Bookstore will pay up to 50 percent of the selling price to buy back books that will be required for the next semester, unless the Bookstore already has enough of that particular title. If the latter situation arises, the student will be informed at the time he or she attempts to sell the book. The Bookstore does not repurchase textbooks, workbooks or study guides that have fill-in or tear-out pages that cannot be reused or access codes or PINs that cannot be reused or textbooks with excessive cribbing or highlighting that would make the textbook useless to the next potential purchaser. Instructor, international and desk copies are not accepted.

Financial Aid

The student financial aid program at Pellissippi State is designed to assist students who find it difficult to attend college without financial assistance. Pellissippi State offers a comprehensive program of financial aid through scholarships, part-time employment, grants and loans. Major emphasis is placed on financial need, academic achievement, character and promise of future success. Students may apply for either one or a combination of types of financial aid.

The basis for determining financial need is the result of an analysis of the parents’ and/or student’s resources as provided by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application may be completed on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or the paper form is available in most high schools and the Financial Aid Office at Pellissippi State.

Eligibility for financial aid is based on financial need, availability of funds and ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress. To qualify a student must

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov,) to determine financial need.
2. Apply for admission to Pellissippi State as a regular, degree-seeking student.
3. Submit documentation (tax returns, verification forms, etc.) to the Pellissippi State Financial Aid Office if requested.
4. Have official academic transcripts sent to Pellissippi State’s Enrollment Services from all postsecondary institutions previously attended.
5. Meet Pellissippi State’s satisfactory academic progress standards for financial aid recipients.

Pellissippi State encourages students to apply early for financial aid. There are priority deadlines for each semester as outlined in the Academic Calendar. Financial aid files completed as of the priority deadline will be given first consideration in the allocation of institutional and federal campus-based funds. Files completed after the priority deadline will be accepted and awards made to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available.

Federal and state grants and scholarships

Federal Pell Grant. The Federal Pell Grant is a federal aid program designed to provide financial assistance to those who need it to attend post-high school educational institutions. These grants are intended to be the floor of a financial aid package and may be combined with other forms of aid in order to meet full costs of education. The amount is determined on the basis of student and family financial resources. Application is required each year by completing the FAFSA. Grants are limited to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and certain other non-citizens.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a program of direct grants available to entering freshmen, transfer and enrolled undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The amount of financial assistance received depends upon need—taking into account financial resources of the student and parents and costs of attending Pellissippi State. Application is required each year by completing the FAFSA and is limited to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain other eligible non-citizens.

Tennessee Student Assistance Award. The Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA) is a state grant program established to assist eligible Tennessee residents who will be enrolled as undergraduate students at eligible Tennessee colleges and universities. The grant is based on financial need, and in NO case may the grant be more than the amount of tuition and fees assessed by the institution. The grant is administered through the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation.

Students wanting to be considered for this grant must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in time for the application to be processed before the priority deadline. Due to limited funds for the past few years, the state has exhausted grant funds in mid-February; therefore, students should complete their applications no later than the first week of February.

Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship. Students attending Pellissippi State may be eligible for the Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship. For more information on this program, visit the Web site at www.collegepaystn.com/mon_college/lottery_scholars.htm.

Work-study

Federal Work-Study Program. The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time employment opportunities to students. To be eligible, a student must be accepted to the College or be currently enrolled. If currently enrolled, the student must be in good standing academically. Student eligibility further depends upon financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, with preference given to applicants from low-income families. Students interested in participating in the Federal Work-Study Program should contact Financial Aid.

Loans

William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford Loan. The William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford Loan is a low-interest loan initiated by the student. Application is required each year and MUST be certified by the Financial Aid Office prior to being submitted to the lender. All recipients must be enrolled at least half time (6 semester hours).

In addition to a master Promissory Note (MPN), entrance loan counseling, and loan request form, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA to apply for a William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford Loan. The FAFSA information will determine whether the student is eligible for a subsidized or unsubsidized Stafford Loan (or a combination of the two).

Students are eligible to receive no more than two full loans at freshman status and two full loans at sophomore status. Loans received at previous institutions are included in the total. Students must have completed a minimum of 30 regular hours, including transfer hours accepted, to be considered a sophomore.

Subsidized Direct Federal Stafford Loan. Awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government pays interest on the loan while the student is in school.

Unsubsidized Direct Federal Stafford Loan. Not based on financial need. Student must pay the interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.

Federal regulations stipulate that entrance counseling must be conducted before release of the first disbursement of the first Federal Stafford Loan made to a borrower at Pellissippi State. Federal regulations also state that first-time, first-year borrowers cannot pick up (or have credited to their account) the first disbursement of their student loan until 30 days following the first day of class.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Parent Loan. The Federal Parent Loan Program (PLUS) makes loan funds available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to assist with educational expenses. Parents may borrow up to the cost of education minus any financial assistance that the student is already receiving.

Student Emergency Loan Program. The Student Emergency Loan Program was established by the Pellissippi State Foundation to make privately donated funds available as loans to students whose financial needs are such that they will be forced to drop out of school without this assistance. These loans are to be paid back within the semester.

Students must file a written application with the director of Financial Aid. Priority is given to students showing academic promise. The amount varies with the individual need. The loans are awarded only as long as funds are available and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Institutional scholarships

Pellissippi State awards numerous scholarships based on talent, academic achievement and/or financial need. In order to be considered for scholarships at Pellissippi State, applicants must first submit an application for admission and an official high school transcript or the equivalent, and then submit a Pellissippi State scholarship application. By submitting this application, applicants will be considered for any scholarship for which they qualify.

Upon completion, scholarship applications must be submitted to Financial Aid, along with recommendations and essays, if required. High school graduates must submit a Scholarship Letter of Recommendation Form from their high school guidance counselor, a teacher or a recognized professional person such as their employer. Returning students must submit a Scholarship Letter of Recommendation Form from their faculty advisor, a teacher or a recognized professional person such as their employer. Some scholarships may require two Letter of Recommendation Forms and a written essay. In addition, many scholarships require completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Priority deadline for scholarship applications is April 16. Applications received after April 16 will be considered if funds remain available. For applications and information on specific scholarships, visit the Financial Aid Office or the Financial Aid Web site: www.pstcc.edu/departments/financial_aid.

Pellissippi State Academic Service Scholarships. Academic Service scholarships are tuition-fees-only scholarships based on scholastic achievement and the fulfillment of a 75-hour work obligation. They are available as funded for tuition and mandatory fees to first-time, full-time students who graduated from high school within the previous 12 months with a minimum grade point average of 2.9 or the equivalent. Awards to GED and home-school students will be based upon evidence of comparable scholastic ability.

Scholarships are limited to two years and continuation is evaluated at the end of each semester. Priority is given to applications received by April 16. Applications received after that date will be considered only if funds remain available.

Pellissippi State Foundation Scholarships. The Pellissippi State Foundation provides numerous scholarships on an annual basis to students currently enrolled or preparing to enroll at Pellissippi State. These awards are made possible through donations from the community, faculty and staff. To learn more about Foundation scholarships, visit the Pellissippi State Foundation Web page: www.pstcc.edu/foundation/index.html.

Return of Title IV funds

Pellissippi State monitors class attendance. Failure to attend class could affect a student’s evaluation for satisfactory academic progress. It could also result in a student’s being required to repay all or a portion of the financial aid received for a semester. The following attendance policies apply to Title IV financial aid recipients for the return of the Title IV funds:

• Any student who never attends one or more classes will have aid reduced by 100 percent accordingly.
• Any student who drops hours between the first day of class and the last day to add a class will have aid reduced by 100 percent accordingly.
• Adjustments of financial aid for any student who officially withdraws will be calculated based on the percentage of Title IV aid earned as determined by the date the student began the withdrawal process.
• Adjustments of financial aid for any student who stops attending all classes but does not officially withdraw will be calculated based on the midpoint of the enrollment period.

A copy of the complete Return of Title IV Funds Policy and examples are available upon request in the Pellissippi State Financial Aid Office.

Satisfactory academic progress policy for financial aid eligibility

All students who receive Title IV financial aid must be working toward a degree at Pellissippi State. In order to assure that the student is making satisfactory academic progress (in terms of number of hours attempted, number of hours completed and cumulative GPA), Pellissippi State will evaluate students at the end of each semester using the following satisfactory progress policy. NOTE: Non–Title IV aid, such as the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship, may have additional requirements.

Progress standards:

1. A student must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
2. A student must pass two-thirds (.67) of the hours attempted each semester. Satisfactory grades are A, B+, B, C+, C, D or P. Unsatisfactory grades are F, E, AU, NP or W. A grade of I is considered unsatisfactory until changed to a passing grade.
3. A student must successfully complete two-thirds (.67) of the overall attempted hours to maintain pace for program completion.
4. Students are allowed to receive financial aid for up to 90 hours attempted toward a degree program.

Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress

A student that does not meet satisfactory academic progress standards will be placed on a financial aid “warning.” If a student has not reestablished satisfactory academic progress at the end of the “warning” semester, all forms of financial assistance (including student loans) to the student will be suspended.

Reinstatement of eligibility

Progress standards are evaluated at the end of each semester. Students may reinstate their eligibility for financial aid for future semesters by achieving satisfactory academic progress standards.

Time limit for financial aid

A student may be eligible to receive financial aid for a maximum of 30 hours attempted development coursework.

A student may be eligible to receive financial aid for a maximum of 90 hours attempted toward a degree.

Transfer hours accepted by Pellissippi State will be counted toward the maximum number of hours allowed to be eligible to receive financial aid.

Lifetime limit. A student may receive the federal Pell Grant for a maximum of 12 full-time semesters (or its equivalent).

Financial aid appeals

Termination of financial aid may be appealed to the Financial Aid Committee. The student must be able to prove extenuating circumstances for an appeal. Financial Aid Committee decisions are final.

Any student whose appeal is granted will be placed on financial aid probation for the subsequent semester. Failure to maintain satisfactory progress at the end of that semester will again result in termination of financial aid. An academic plan may be developed to assist students as a condition of an approved appeal to help a student achieve satisfactory academic progress.

Veterans Educational Assistance

Pellissippi State maintains a Veterans Affairs Office at the Pellissippi Campus in the Financial Aid Office. Personnel cooperate with the Veterans Administration in providing educational opportunities for veterans and eligible people under appropriate public laws. The office is responsible for maintaining veterans’ needs related to educational benefits, assisting in recruitment of prospective veterans as students, providing information to organizations concerned about veterans’ benefits, and for counseling and tutorial assistance to eligible people on campus. Upon accepting veterans educational assistance, the student assumes responsibility for all rules and regulations of the Veterans Administration.

Veterans wishing to apply for educational benefits (except students who transfer from regionally accredited schools) must submit high school/GED transcripts and/or transcripts from accredited colleges attended. All veterans and Guard/Reserve recipients must submit a DD-214 copy to Enrollment Services and the school certifying official for transfer credit evaluation. These documents must be submitted within the first semester of attendance or further registration for courses will not be permitted.

VA forms. The VA Form 22-1990, Veterans Application for Program of Education or Training and Enrollment Certification, must be completed at www.gibill.va.gov. If benefits have previously been used for educational assistance, veterans must complete VA Form 22-1995 and submit the DD214. The application and all supporting documents should be submitted for processing to the Financial Aid/Veterans Office at least eight weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which the veteran wishes to attend and course registration should be complete. Advance pay is available to early applicants except those using the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Veterans Administration policy. VA regulations forbid the school certifying official from certifying for benefits any course that has been transferred from another school. Veterans may not be certified for a course for which they have received an I grade unless the I converts to an F grade. Veterans may repeat courses with pay only if the previous grade is an F. Veterans should consult with the Veterans Affairs Office staff prior to changing course load or majors and then complete the actual change. Veterans should renew the benefits certification during June of each year and during April if enrolling for the summer session.

Advance payment. Veterans who make application for admission and veterans benefits at least 30 days before the starting date of the semester of attendance and who are registered for eligible courses may receive at least one month’s pay at the beginning of that semester. This check is disbursed by the College. Following this disbursement, the regular monthly pay amount may be deposited directly to the student’s bank account or received by mail. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office for a request form. The amount of pay varies with different programs. Call Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551 to determine pay amounts. Enrollment hours determine the percentage of full pay—12 or more hours of eligible classes allows full pay, 9-11 hours allows 75 percent of full pay, 6-8 hours allows 50 percent of full pay and less than 6 hours allows only the amount of tuition and regular fees.

Eligibility for deferment of payment of tuition and fees by certain eligible students receiving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or other governmentally funded educational assistance benefits. Service members, veterans, and dependents of veterans who are eligible beneficiaries of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits or other governmentally funded educational assistance, subject to the conditions and guidelines set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated 49-7-104 as amended, may elect, upon formal application, to defer payment of required tuition and fees until the final day of the term for which the deferment has been requested. Application for the deferment must be made no later than 14 days after the beginning of the term, and the amount of the deferment shall not exceed the total monetary benefits to be received for the term. Students who have been granted deferments are expected to make timely payments on their outstanding tuition and fees balance once education benefits are being delivered, and eligibility for such deferment shall terminate if the student fails to abide by any applicable rule or regulation, or to act in good faith in making timely payments. This notice is published pursuant to Public Chapter 279, Acts of 2003, effective July 1, 2003.

Pellissippi State’s Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs Office can provide additional information and the required forms. Students may also apply for a Student Emergency Loan to assist with the purchase of books.

Advisement. Veterans should work closely with advisors in selecting and scheduling courses since courses not listed under a major are generally not payable by the VA.

Note: Generally, veterans should not enroll in physical education courses, since credit from the DD-214 will satisfy the P.E. requirements for graduation.

Miscellaneous:

• Veterans can be paid for learning support courses if testing determines a need for the courses. The VA requires that students attend classroom instruction for learning support courses. Distance learning for these courses is not payable. Selected independent study courses approved by the dean are payable. Credit by examination will not be counted as a course eligible for benefits pay. Most co-op courses are not payable by VA benefits.
• Veterans may have dual majors in certain combinations; questions may be directed to Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs for the specific majors.
• VA tutorial benefits and veterans work-study are available to certain veterans and dependents of veterans. Students should see the Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs Office for more information.
• Veterans should also apply for other financial aid.
• All benefits recipients should obtain a copy of Pellissippi State’s Veterans Educational Benefits Information brochure at the Financial Aid Office.
• VA benefits are paid for accelerated classes only during the enrollment dates for that class.
• Benefits recipients must call 1-877-823-2378 (or use the W.A.V.E. link at www.gibill.va.gov) at the end of each month that benefits are to be received. This contact will cause the monthly check to be deposited in the recipient’s account.
• Veterans benefits recipients may be eligible for tuition assistance in addition to regular benefits. Check with the Financial Aid Office for this application procedure.

Attendance. Regular attendance is required to receive veterans’ benefit pay. Instructors are required to report non-attendance of veterans to the Veterans Affairs Office, which reports non-attendance to the Veterans Administration Regional Office. Payments are adjusted or canceled if attendance is not regular.

The Veterans Administration Regional Office in St. Louis may be contacted toll-free by calling 1-888-442-4551. Veteran benefits recipients may also use the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Web site to correspond about benefits concerns or to find current regulation information. The Web address is not case-specific: www.gibill.va.gov or www.va.gov. Hours carried during a semester must be reported to the VA at 877-823-2378 at the end of each month for which pay will be received.

Services for Students With Disabilities

Please see the Student Services  section for complete information.

Continuing Education Program Costs

For non-credit information and policies see the Business & Community Services  section of the Catalog and Handbook.

Other Assistance

Vocational Rehabilitation assistance is available to qualified applicants. The Services for Students With Disabilities Office can provide application information.