Financial Aid Problems?

Question

What does it mean when they say first supension

Answer 1

The note about it being a "first" suspension would indicate that you have not previously been suspended. However, even a "first suspension" is still a suspension -- and if you have been suspended from school you will probably be ineligible for Financial Aid. Suspension is patently different from, say, a *probation* in the sense that students on probation are usually still eligible for financial aid. It goes like this...

In order to be eligible for Federal Student Aid, a student must maintain "Satisfactory Academic Progress" (SAP) as determined by his/her school's SAP policy. At most schools, this means that you need to either...

(a) pass a a certain percentage of your classes,
(b) pass a certain number of classes,
(c) maintain a certain GPA or
(d) a combination of 1 or more of the above

Since you were already suspended (instead of being placed on probation), you should have been (or will soon be) notified of the effect that this action has on your financial aid. Quite simply, if you aren't in school, you can't receive financial aid. But when you come back to school, if you do well enough to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, you will once again be able to obtain federal aid (and probably anything else, too).

Keep in mind that, for suspended students, regaining "good standing" usually entails attending school for a little while (e.g. a semester) *without* the assistance of financial aid. You need that first semester to prove that you have made SAP.

So, to "get yourself back on track," you will need to focus on your academics above all else. Now that you understand *why* you did poorly, you have a chance to improve. Sometimes taking a break is good, but don't stay away too long. As soon as you are able, petition to return from suspension. Only once you bring your grades up can the financial aid issues be resolved.

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All that said, many schools will also have procedures in place for you to appeal a financial aid suspension/probationary status. In general, in a letter appealing a financial aid probation/suspension, you would probably want to explain why you failed your class and what you plan to do to remedy this situation. If there were personal issues that contributed to your less-than-ideal performance, mention these (if you are comfortable doing so).

Answer 2

It means you still have a chance to get it back with a LOT of effort. It also means you need to speak to both your academic advisor and your financial aid counselor.

Answer 3

Because of a failure to meet certain conditions to continue receiving federal aid, many schools put that student on suspension or probation wherein they are inelgible to receive federal funding. This can be reversed if you show cause (at least it could at my undergrad institution).

Answer 4

when you recieve financial aid there are a list of respondsibilities that you must meet -like maintaining grade point averages and such. did you fail any classes or are failing any? -that could be why.