Academic & Tuition Appeal Information

Students may file a written appeal for an exception to academic policy by submitting a completed Appeal for Exception to College Policy form. The request will be reviewed by the appropriate College Office/Academic Division and the student will be notified of a decision through their Middlesex College email account. Students should review the Submission Requirements and Information for guidelines on Academic Appeal submission.

• Read the Academic Appeal “Submission Requirements and Information”.
• Attach documentation, if appropriate, that supports your appeal (medical documentation, police reports, etc.).
• If a non-academic (financial) request is also associated with the academic appeal, a separate Appeal for Exception to College Policy – Tuition Appeal must be submitted subject to the policies/procedures of Tuition Appeals.
• Maintain copies of all documentation submitted for your records.
• Appeals are generally reviewed and decisions made within 10 business days of receipt. If consultation with Chairperson, instructors or other College officials is required, it may extend longer.
• You will be notified through your Middlesex College email of the decision.

Note: Appeals for a Grade Change or Retroactive Withdrawal from a Course Must be Received within One Year of the end of the semester for which the appeal is being submitted.

Note 2: Students seeking to request Academic Amnesty need to meet the criteria outlined: Academic Amnesty Appeal

Appeal for Exception to College Policy

Students may file a written appeal for an exception to the tuition and fee refund schedule by submitting a completed Appeal for Exception to College Policy form. The Middlesex College Tuition Appeals Committee will review a request for a tuition/fee refund provided all of the filing requirements as outlined below are met.

Tuition appeals must be submitted within 60 days of the end of the semester being appealed. Appeals received after the deadline may not be reviewed.

Appeals may not be approved for the following non-extenuating circumstances:

• Incomplete submission of an appeal (i.e. lack of detailed explanation and/or supporting documentation)
• Misinterpretation or lack of knowledge of Middlesex College procedures or the published refund/ withdrawal schedule
• Dissatisfaction with instructor, course content, delivery of instruction, or academic progress in the course
• Non-qualification, late application, or loss of eligibility for financial aid or scholarships
• Changes in transportation
• Non-receipt of mail, e-mail or other Middlesex College communications

Extenuating Circumstances for Filing an Appeal and Acceptable Supporting Documentation:

* The dates indicated on all supporting documentation must coincide with semester/time period being appealed

Serious Physical/Mental Illness or Injury to the Student:*

Statement from your health care provider or hospital admission documentation on letterhead, including applicable dates of onset or treatment and severity of illness, including any required information and details that will support your appeal statement and how this circumstance precluded you from completing the semester.

Serious Physical/Mental Illness or Injury of an Immediate Family Member for Which Primary Care Responsibilities can be Documented: *

Statement from your health care provider or hospital admission documentation on letterhead, including applicable dates of onset or treatment and severity of illness, including any required information and details that will support your appeal statement stating that you are the primary care giver for that immediate family member and how this circumstance precluded you from completing the semester If applicable, please submit formal documentation that demonstrates your family relationship.

Death of an Immediate Family Member:*

Death certificate

Military Service:*

Military orders

Childcare Issues: *

• Letter or statement from your licensed childcare provider on official letterhead verifying closure dates, reduced hours, or termination of services.
  • Daycare center
  • Before- and After-School Programs
  • Private Licensed Childcare Homes (registered/licensed in-home childcare providers)
  • Childcare agencies (Companies that place nannies or babysitters, if the student uses an agency-based arrangement)

• Change in custody or legal guardianship responsibilities: Court orders, custody agreements, or legal documentation showing a change in your childcare responsibilities.

Domestic Violence/Safety-Related Circumstances: *

• Court or legal documents, such as a restraining order, protective order, or police report.
• Documentation from a licensed healthcare provider, mental health counselor, or social worker on official letterhead, describing the impact of the domestic violence or safety-related circumstance. The documentation should include all relevant information and details that support your appeal statement, specifically explaining how this circumstance prevented you from completing the semester.

Homelessness: *

• Letter on official letterhead from a homeless shelter, transitional housing program, or social service agency confirming the student’s housing status.
• Letter from the College’s Counseling/Wellness Center if they have assisted the student with housing insecurity.
• Eviction notice or foreclosure paperwork with relevant dates within the term being appealed.
• Written statement on letterhead from a case manager, social worker, licensed counselor, or clergy member directly involved with the student’s housing situation.

Mandatory Work Schedule Adjustments/Job Loss: *

• Letter or form documenting work schedule adjustment from your employer. Documentation should be on company letterhead and confirm a mandatory schedule change including any required information and details that will support your appeal statement and how this circumstance precluded you from completing the semester.
• Letter or form documenting separation from employer. Documentation should be on company letterhead and include last date of work;
• Termination, layoff, or suspension notice that is dated and on company letterhead.
• Unemployment Benefits determination documentation.

Filing the Appeal

• Complete the Appeal for Exception to College Policy form. Be sure that you have signed the form.
• Include documentation to support your appeal. (Note: The dates indicated on all supporting documentation must coincide with semester/time period being appealed.)
• Make copies of all documents being submitted for your records.

Important Notes

• You must be officially withdrawn from the semester for which you are appealing before an appeal can be reviewed. Note: Submission of this appeal does not constitute official withdrawal. Please refer to the website for the semester withdrawal/refund schedule.
• When applicable, acceptable supporting documentation must accompany the Appeal for Exception to College Policy form. Appeals without supporting documentation may not be reviewed. (Note: The dates indicated on all supporting documentation must coincide with semester/time period being appealed.)
• Tuition appeals must be submitted within 60 days of the end of the semester being appealed. Appeals received after the deadline may not be reviewed.
• If you received Financial Aid, please note that the decision of the Tuition Appeals Committee could impact your Financial Aid and result in money owed. It is recommended that you discuss these implications with the Financial Aid Office before submission by calling 732.548.6000 ext 3520.
• If you are a recipient of Veteran’s Benefits, it is important to discuss your appeal with the school certifying official in the Veterans Services Center before submission. Email: vets@middlesexcc.edu Phone: 732.906.7770
• Be advised that filing a tuition appeal does not exempt your account from the assessment of monies owed to the College. Please pay tuition and fees when due.
• Please note that filing an appeal does not guarantee approval of your request.
• If an academic (non-financial) request is also associated with the financial appeal, a separate Appeal for Exception to College Policy – Academic Appeal must be submitted subject to the policies/procedures of the Academic Appeal process.

Committee Review Process

• The Tuition Appeals Committee meets approximately every 4–6 weeks. Students will be notified of the Committee’s decision within 15 business days of the meeting at which the appeal was reviewed. This decision will be sent to the student’s Middlesex College Outlook e-mail address. Please be advised that the decision of the Tuition Appeals Committee is final.
• Approvals may result in either a reimbursement adjustment to the student account or a credit for future enrollment at Middlesex College at the discretion of the Tuition Appeals Committee.
• For any questions regarding your appeal status or the process of your appeal review, email the Tuition Appeals Committee from your Middlesex College Outlook e-mail account at: tuition_appeal@middlesexcc.edu.

Appeal for Exception to College Policy