Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Admissions

Admissions information in this section is expanded upon and regularly updated on the Admissions web pages: https://www.hws.edu/admissions/.

Academic Preparation

Candidates must offer a strong and well-balanced secondary school record. Candidates for admission are expected to complete a secondary school program with a minimum of four academic subjects each year, and that program should include four years of English, three or more years of mathematics, three or more years of social science, three or more years of science, and two or more years of a foreign language. 

We recognize that school criteria vary and are willing to consider applications from students whose preparation for college differs from the suggested plan of study where there is clear evidence of continuity in the study of fundamental subjects and readiness for college. 

Application Process

Application is done online at: https://www.hws.edu/admissions/apply/default.aspx.

Campus Visit

To plan a visit, please see the Admissions online resources: https://www.hws.edu/admissions/visit/.

Early Decision Plan

Students who have selected Hobart and William Smith Colleges as their first choice are encouraged to apply under the Early Decision plan. The Early Decision plan is a binding agreement. If a student is admitted under this plan they agree to enroll and withdraw all other applications. The Colleges offer two deadlines to those students who wish to exercise this option: Nov. 15, with notification December 15; or January 15, with notification February 1.

Students who seek financial assistance under the Early Decision plan should submit the FAFSA by the appropriate admissions deadline (either November 15 or January 15).

Early Admission

Particularly strong students who intend to complete their secondary-school preparation and graduate in three years are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office for information about special application requirements.

Deferred Admission

First-year or transfer students who have been admitted to Hobart and William Smith Colleges may request to defer their enrolment for a future term for up to one year.

Students wishing to defer should submit an official request by visiting the Application Status Page and submitting the Reply to Offer Form and Deferral Request Form. Students are required to submit the enrollment deposit to confirm the intent to enroll at HWS.

HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program)

New York residents who meet the state-mandated guidelines may apply to Hobart and William Smith under the Higher Education Opportunity Program for economically and educationally disadvantaged students: https://www.hws.edu/admissions/academic-opportunity-programs.aspx.

Advanced Placement Program and International Baccalaureate

Enrolled students who have achieved scores of four or five on an Advanced Placement test may receive course credit toward graduation. Scores of five, six, seven or higher on International Baccalaureate exams generally receive credit. The amount of credit is determined after an official copy of the results has been received by the Registrar's Office. More information can be found below under the section titled Transfer and Course Credit for Non-HWS Learning Experiences.

International Students

The Colleges welcome applications from international students. More information can be found here: https://www.hws.edu/admissions/apply/international-students.aspx.

Transfer Students

The Colleges annually receive applications from qualified students who wish to transfer from either two-year or four-year institutions. Transfer students may be admitted at the beginning of either the fall or spring semester. More information can be found here: https://www.hws.edu/admissions/apply/transferring-to-hws.aspx.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges accept a maximum of 16 courses, on a course by course basis, with a minimum grade of C-. Most transfer applicants possess at least a solid B grade average. Transfer credits are used to determine placement in the curriculum. Transfer students must spend a minimum of two years in residence at the Colleges. More information can be found below under the section titled Transfer and Course Credit for Non-HWS Learning Experiences.

Lifelong Learners

This program provides an opportunity for adult learners to attend college, either full- or part-time, with services geared to their special needs. It is designed for students who have interrupted or delayed their college careers, for those in need of refresher courses prior to entering a new field, and for those pursuing further education. Students are incorporated into the regular academic program of the Colleges and take their courses for academic credit. An on-campus admissions interview is required for consideration. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions.

Alum Attendee Program

Graduates of Hobart and William Smith Colleges who are five or more years beyond graduation are eligible to take one or two courses per semester tuition free. Most courses are open to graduate attendees, by permission of the instructor, except for the following: first-year seminars, bidisciplinary courses, the teacher certification program, applied music courses, self-instructional language programs, and off-campus programs. Courses are available on a space-available basis only after regular undergraduates have pre-registered for the next semester, inclusive of seats in introductory courses held for entering first-year students. 

Interested alums and alumni should direct inquiries to the respective Dean's Office no later than six weeks prior to the intended first semester of registration. 

Alum attendees are registered, enrolled students, subject to all policies governing students' academic conduct generally, including the Colleges' grading and withdrawal policies. Alumni attendees are responsible for all course work, including written work and examinations, attendance, and required out-of-class field trips, projects, etc. Courses must be taken for credit, and an official transcript of all work attempted is maintained by the Registrar. Work so certified is generally treated by other institutions as fully transferable credit, subject to their own policies and procedures. 

Visiting Students

The Colleges welcome students from other institutions who wish to spend part of their academic careers at Hobart and William Smith. Visiting students are admitted as space allows. Inquiries should be directed to the Dean of Hobart College or the Dean of William Smith College.

Non-Matriculated Students

Students who are not candidates for a degree are admitted to courses only with approval of the respective college's dean and permission from the instructor, who determines their qualifications to undertake the work. Financial aid is not available to non-matriculated students, and they may not register until all matriculated students have selected their courses. 

Non-matriculated students who wish to work toward a degree must go through formal admissions procedures and matriculate when their dean indicates that it is necessary. 

Students admitted to Hobart and William Smith Colleges on a non-matriculating or "visiting" basis are not actively working towards completion of an undergraduate degree or enrolled in a degree program at HWS. Students wishing to be considered for non-matriculating status must complete and submit the Non-Matriculated Student Application Form available on the HWS Online Forms webpage. Forms should be submitted to the respective Dean of the College (Smith Hall, Geneva, NY 14456). For students in the Foreigh Language Teacher/Scholars Program, the form should be submitted to the Associate Provost (Coxe Hall, Second Floor, Geneva, NY 14456).

The following may apply for Non-Matriculated Undergraduate enrollment:

• Students who are currently enrolled in high school and wish to take a college level course.
• Students who are enrolled in the HWS Alumni Attendee Program and who are five or more years beyond graduation.
• Students enrolled as Foreign Language Teacher/Scholars.
• Students enrolled in the HWS Educational Second Chances Program.
• HWS employee or spouse/dependent son or daughter of employee (consult with Office of Human Resources for tuition and fees).
• Students who have graduated from high school and are or have been matriculated at another college or university and wish to take courses to transfer to their home institution.
• Adults who wish to take courses for personal enrichment or career advancement but are not seeking a degree at HWS.

Non-matriculated students are strongly recommend that students discuss plans with the appropriate Dean of the College (or with the Associate Provost for students in the Foreign Language Teacher/Scholar Program) before taking any classes. 

Complete the Registration Form during the week of drop/add. Non-matriculated students register for classes on a space-available basis and require the written permission of the instructor of the course. HWS reserves the right to deny entry to a class if a non-matriculated student does not meet the prerequisite or other established registration criteria.

Tuition and Expenses

Tuition information in this section is expanded upon and regularly updated on the Student Accounts web pages: https://www.hws.edu/offices/student-accounts/.

Students will receive a bill (electronically via email) in early July for the fall term, and early December for the spring term, and April/May for summer term if enrolled in summer courses. Students agree to pay any and all collection costs should the account be transferred to a third party collection agency due to non-payment. Contact the Students Accounts Office at (315) 781-3343 or studentaccounts@hws.edu with any questions about billing.

The following table contains standard tuition and fees established in April 2023 for the 2023-2024 academic year. Note that other fees and deposits may be established from time to time by action of the Board of Trustees. Books, personal expenses, travel, recreation, laundry, and incidentals vary with the individual. Charges of the Colleges are subject to adjustment, as authorized by the Board of Trustees. In such cases, due notice is given.

Annual Standard Tuition and Fees

Tuition: $61,858
Room and Board: $16,516*
Technology Fee: $518
Health & Wellness Fee: $380
Student Activity Fee: $512

Total: $79,784

*A meal contract is mandatory for all students. Refer to the meal plan webpage for options. The rate for the Seneca meal plan is included in the above rates.

Fees

The Colleges reserve the right at any time to amend or add to the policies governing payment of fees, rents, charges, and deposits and to make such changes applicable to students presently in the Colleges, as well as to new students.

Health and Wellness Fee - $380 annually. The Health and Wellness Fee is required of all full time students and provides support for a broad range of services including mental health counseling, drug and alcohol counseling programs, and wellness activities at Bristol Field House. Please note that this fee is not associated with the domestic Student Health insurance option, which is an opt-in program at an additional cost.

Technology Fee - $518 annually. The Technology Fee is required of all full- and part-time students. This fee enables technology-related student services like help desk support, wireless networking, access to instructional technology tools and software, and training classes.

Student Activity Fee - $512 annually. The Student Activity Fee is required of all full-time students. The student government has established a student activities fee that is billed and collected by the Colleges on behalf of student government. This fee covers the expenditures of student organizations and is subject to change by student referendum.

Lock replacement fee - $30-75

Replacement of One Card - $25

Car Registration Fees - $175/year or $125/semester

Enrollment Down Payment for Entering Students - $500
Payable on the candidates reply date by May 1. the enrollment down payment is posted to the student's upcoming first term and is applied as a payment to their first semester bill. Should a student decide not to matriculate into the Colleges, the enrollment down payment is forfeited.

General Payment Schedule

The charges for the fall semester are billed on July 1 and are due by August 1, unless on an active Nelnet payment plan contract. The charges for the spring semester are billed on December 1 and are due by January 5, unless on an active Nelnet payment plan contract. The Student Accounts Department also sends out periodic billing statements during each semester, reflecting additional incidental charges and other account activity.

Payments of fees, room and board charges, and deposits can be paid by the following methods: (1) online via the student or authorized party's Nelnet account, (2) mailed or (3) wired directly to the school account. Checks, bank drafts, or money orders should be drawn to the order of Hobart and William Smith Colleges for the exact amount due. All payment options are described on the Student Accounts webpage (https://www.hws.edu/offices/student-accounts/), which also includes the detailed wiring instructions and international payment options.

Monthly Payment Plans

Another payment option is to pay monthly by enrolling in a tuition payment plan administered by Nelnet Campus Commerce. As a reminder, do not include work study in the calculation for a payment plan contract. (Work study is not credited as a payment to the student account; rather paychecks are issued instead.) More information on payment plan options is available at mycollegepaymentplan.com/hws.

Past Due Accounts

Tuition and other charges not paid when due may be subject to a late payment charge. A minimum monthly penalty of $100 may be assessed upon any late account. Should the student account become past due, the Colleges reserve the right to place the student account with a third party collection agency or attorney. If this collection process were to commence, the student will be responsible for all fees for collections, including, without limitation, attorney fees, court costs, and other fees. Fees for collection are in addition to the past due balance, and the debt will be reported to the appropriate consumer reporting agencies.

A student who fails to pay the fees and other charges, in accordance with the Colleges' payment terms, may be dropped from the Colleges' rolls and excluded from classes, laboratories, examinations, and occupancy of residence halls until payment is made. The student will be held accountable for all absences through the operation of this rule and, for continued delinquency, will be dropped permanently from the Colleges. Enforcement of this regulation does not relieve the student of the obligation to pay fees and other charges due. Until the outstanding accounts are settled, no transcripts or records will be issued by the Colleges.

Tuition Stabilization Plan

In order to provide a means of stabilizing tuition expenses for certain undergraduate students, the Colleges are willing to accept payment in full of such student's remaining tuition at the Colleges' tuition rate for the next full school year.

The Colleges will accept payments for students (i) who are enrolled full time, and (ii) who have remaining prior to graduation not less than four nor more than eight terms for which tuition is unpaid commencing with the next full school year. Students who receive institutional need or merit based scholarships, awards, and grants do not qualify for this program.

Refund Policies

Notification of withdrawal requests must be made in writing and addressed to the appropriate Dean's Office. A full refund will be given to students who withdraw after tuition, fees, room and board have been paid, but who withdraw prior to registration and prior to the first day of classes. After the beginning of classes, the refund of tuition, room, board, and return of federal and institutional financial aid and education loans and other sources of payments, are prorated based upon the percentage of the semester that the student is enrolled. If the student is enrolled past 60% of the semester, there is no refund of costs of attendance, and no financial aid or loans will be returned to the grantors. The official withdrawal date used to determine the enrollment period is determined by the appropriate Dean's Office. This policy applies only to charges processed by the Colleges on the student's account. The student activity fee, technology fee, health services fee, student health insurance premium, and vehicle registration fee are also excluded from refunds.

Tuition Insurance

The Tuition Refund Plan offered by A.W.G. Dewar, Inc., is an optional insurance plan to protect your tuition and fees if a withdrawal is necessary due to personal illness or accident. Details are mailed to home addresses during the summer months. We highly recommend this valuable, affordable insurance. Coverage and application information is also available at http://www.collegerefund.com. Please visit their website for application deadlines.

Financial Aid

Hobart and William Smith Colleges are committed to working with our students and families to ensure they can reach their educational goals. Students and their families assume primary responsibility for their educational costs. However, more than 94 percent of our students receive some form of financial aid.

The Office of Financial Aid reviews the qualifications of each accepted applicant's demonstrated financial need as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile to determine each student's financial aid package. The Colleges realize the limitation of standardized forms and encourage parents and students to provide additional information unique to individual situations directly to the Office of Financial Aid.

Procedures

Financial aid applicants must complete the FAFSA or, if an international student, the College Board CSS Profile. The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.gov. Our school code for the FAFSA is 002731.The Profile is available online at profileonline.collegeboard.com, and the school code for Hobart and William Smith Colleges is 2294.

Accepted students are provided a financial aid package with their admission notification provided all required documentation has been received by the Financial Aid Office. The enrollment deposit is required by May 1 and we will assume acceptance of all awards unless notified in writing to the Office of Financial Aid or finaid@hws.edu.

Returning student financial aid awards are generally renewed each year, provided the student demonstrates continued eligibility both financially and academically. Awards may be adjusted if additional outside assistance is received or if the family's financial situation changes. Students must also maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges subscribe to the student self-help concept of financial aid. The student is expected to work during summers, contribute to expenses from savings and if necessary to borrow through low-cost federal loan programs as part of a financial aid award. Students may also have an opportunity to work during the academic year through on campus employment.

Standard of Satisfactory Progress for Determining Eligibility for Financial Aid for Hobart and William Smith Colleges Baccalaureate Degree Programs
In compliance with federal and New York State regulations and HWS policies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges have established satisfactory progress standards for financial aid. Students must meet these standards to be eligible to receive HWS, federal or state financial aid payments. Please note this is separate from academic progress as monitored by the Deans’ Offices.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Requirements for Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Federal Financial Aid Programs
To be eligible to receive financial assistance under any institutional or federal grant, loan, or work program, students must demonstrate minimum qualitative and quantitative academic measurement standards. The qualitative and quantitative standards used to measure SAP are cumulative and encompass all enrollment periods, including periods of enrollment during which the student did not receive federal aid. Evaluations are conducted at the end of every semester.

Qualitative Measurement
The qualitative measurement standard is expressed as a minimum cumulative grade point average (CUM/GPA). The minimum requirement for Hobart and William Smith students to remain eligible for federal financial aid is a CUM/GPA of 2.0 (‘C' average) for undergraduate students and a CUM/GPA of 3.0 for graduate students.

Quantitative Measurement
The quantitative measurement standard has two considerations: a maximum time frame in which the student is expected to finish a degree program; and a comparison of the number of courses the student attempted with the number of courses the student successfully completed to determine whether the student is progressing at a rate which will allow the student to finish the program within the maximum time frame. This is referred to as the minimum completion ratio.

Maximum Time Frame: The maximum time frame in which a student is expected to finish a baccalaureate degree program is defined as 150% of the published length of the program measured in attempted courses. For example, according to the HWS catalogue, the Colleges require 32 courses to complete a degree. Therefore, the maximum time frame for which a student may be eligible for aid is the period during which the student attempts 48 courses (32x1.5= 48).

Minimum Completion Ratio: The percentage of attempted courses a student must successfully complete to demonstrate SAP is the minimum completion ratio. For the baccalaureate degree program at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, this percentage is 67%. The minimum completion ratio is determined by dividing the program courses required for graduation by the maximum time frame courses.

The application of the completion ratio is cumulative. Therefore, a student must successfully complete 67% of all courses attempted to demonstrate SAP for financial aid. For example, if a student attempted 16 courses during the first four semesters of enrollment, this student would need to successfully complete a minimum of 10 courses to satisfy the SAP minimum completion ratio requirement (16 X .67 = 10.7).

Grades of Incomplete: Grades of incomplete are only acceptable if changed to a standard passing or failing grade before completion of the next semester of study.

Grades of W (withdrawal): Grades of W do not constitute grades which indicate that the student passed, failed, or completed all work in a course and cannot be counted toward meeting either qualitative or quantitative standards of the federal policies however they are included as courses attempted.

Repeated Courses: Repeated courses are allowed only for those with a grade of D or lower, those required for the degree, and must have the student’s Dean’s approval. Approved repeats will replace the previous grade with a recalculated GPA. Additional information on repeated courses can be found in the Academic Policies section of this publication.

Evaluation Periods and Frequency of Measurement
The review of a student's SAP is done each semester after grades are posted by the Registrar. All students are reviewed regardless of the student's enrollment status or number of semesters attended during the academic year.

Cumulative Grade Point Average (CUM/GPA)
The CUM/GPA is the CUM/GPA as determined and recorded by the Colleges' Registrar on the student's official HWS academic record. Grades earned at other institutions for transfer credits are not taken into consideration when determining a student's HWS CUM/GPA or for SAP CUM/GPA requirements.

Attempted Courses
For purposes of SAP, a course is considered attempted unless the student's academic record indicates it is non-credit bearing. Courses transferred into Hobart and William Smith Colleges are also considered attempted courses.

Earned Courses
A course is considered successfully completed and earned if the student's academic record reflects a CR, or an A through D grade for that course. Transfer courses are also included as earned courses.

Transfer Courses
Courses transferred into Hobart and William Smith Colleges are considered as both attempted courses and earned courses for the SAP quantitative measurement standards, maximum time frame, and minimum completion ratio.

Failure to Demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students who do not meet the standards listed above will be placed on a Financial Aid Warning Status for one semester. Students in a warning status will be notified in writing by the Office of Financial Aid and will be allowed to receive HWS and federal aid for that semester. If the student fails to be in compliance the following semester, they will lose eligibility for all HWS and federal aid. Students who fail to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress may appeal for a waiver based on extenuating circumstances and if approved, will be placed on Financial Aid Probation for the following semester.

Financial Aid Appeal Process/Financial Aid Probation
If at the end of the financial aid warning term, a student is still not meeting SAP requirements, the student may submit an appeal based on extenuating circumstances only. Extenuating circumstances would be considered personal illness or injury, a death of a close relative, or other special circumstances. Students who believe their extenuating circumstances may qualify for an appeal should meet with the office of financial aid staff to review their situation and the appeal process. The completed SAP Appeal Form must be sent to the Financial Aid Office within three weeks of the receipt of the SAP failure notification and it must explain why satisfactory progress was not met and what has changed that will allow the minimum standards to be met. If the student requires more than one semester to regain eligibility, the appeal must also include an academic plan approved by their academic advisor and Dean. Academic plans should include a list of courses to be completed as well as specific information concerning academic and College resources that will be utilized. Late or incomplete appeals may not be considered. Appeals will be reviewed by the student’s Financial Aid counselor, SAP coordinator in the Financial Aid Office, and where necessary, the appeals committee.

Appeals containing significant coursework outside of the major or minor, extenuating circumstances which lack significant merit, and personal plans which fail to address the original cause of the SAP problem are subject to denial. Appeals are not approved for the sole purpose of pursuing an additional major, minor, or elective. If the appeal is denied, the student will not be eligible for federal or HWS financial aid in subsequent semesters until SAP standards are met.

A student who successfully appeals will be placed on financial aid probation and will be awarded federal and institutional aid for a subsequent semester. After this financial aid probationary period, the student’s satisfactory academic progress will be reviewed.

An academic plan may extend beyond one semester for a maximum of three semesters. However, SAP review is conducted at the conclusion of each semester. If the student does not follow the academic plan in the first semester, they will not be eligible for financial assistance the following semester unless an appeal for a waiver based on additional extenuating circumstances is submitted and approved.

Additionally, understand that a student who has been on Financial Aid Probation, regained SAP, who then later fails to meet SAP may appeal again based on additional extenuating circumstances.

A student may appeal to have their SAP status recalculated due to a grade change including an incomplete, between official evaluation periods by submitting their request to the Office of Financial Aid. The request must include the course(s) that had the grade changed as well as the original grade and the new grade. Requests will be denied if the grade has not been updated in Student Records prior to the request. It is important to note that, if upon requested recalculation of SAP the student is no longer meeting satisfactory academic progress standards, the new calculation will stand as the current SAP status and will not be reviewed again until the next official evaluation at the end of each semester.

Note: The Colleges’ policies regarding academic probation differ from Financial Aid Probation for SAP purposes and are separate from appealing to be readmitted to the Colleges after suspension. See the Academic Policies section for additional information.

Financial Aid Academic Plans
Upon successful appeal for reinstatement of federal aid, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation with an academic plan that will outline how the student will re-establish good standing within no more than three semesters/payment periods. If the student is able to regain eligibility within one semester, an academic plan may be waived. If the student does not follow the academic plan and is unable to regain good standing after this timeframe (no more than three semesters), federal and HWS aid will be suspended. The student may appeal a second time with extenuating circumstances that are different than the first appeal that resulted in their inability to regain eligibility and a new academic plan will be required.

Reinstatement of Aid Eligibility
If a student fails to meet the standards of SAP for HWS or federal awards, they are not allowed to receive further financial aid unless an appeal has been granted or until the student is again meeting minimum standards.

New York State Progress Standards
New York State has established progress standards for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other State aid programs. For New York State, the student is subject to three progress standards: program pursuit, satisfactory academic progress, and a ‘C' average requirement.

Program Pursuit
Program pursuit is defined as receiving a passing or failing grade in a certain percentage of a full-time course load, in each semester for which a State aid award is received in order to be eligible for the next semester's payment. The percentage increases from 50% of the minimum full-time course load (three courses) in each semester of study in the first year for which an award is received, to 75% of the minimum full-time course load in each semester of study in the second year for which an award is received, to 100% of the minimum full-time course load in each semester thereafter.

The following chart illustrates the program pursuit requirements for New York State aid. The chart defines the number of courses a student must complete during the semester for which a State aid payment was received according to the student's cumulative number of State aid payments received.

Number of State Aid Payments Received:	Minimum Courses:
1	2
2	2
3	2
4	2
5 and above	3

For program pursuit, a course is considered completed if the student received an A through F or CR grade.

Grades of I (Incomplete): Grades of incomplete are only acceptable if changed to a standard passing or failing grade before completion of the next semester of study.

Grades of W (Withdrawal): Grades of W do not constitute grades which indicate that the student passed, failed, or completed all work in a course and therefore cannot be counted towards the pursuit of one's program.

Repeated Courses: Repeated courses are allowed only for those with a grade of D or lower, must be required for the degree and must be approved by a Dean. Approved repeats will replace the previous grade with a recalculated GPA. Additional information on repeated courses can be found in the Academic Policies section of this publication.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
The New York State satisfactory academic progress measurement defines the minimum number of earned courses and the minimum CUM/GPA which must be met for each term of study in which a State award is received. The following charts illustrate these standards. A course is considered successfully completed and earned if the student's academic record demonstrates a CR or A through D grade for that course.

Students receiving their first NYS award in 2007-08** through and including 2009-10 and opportunity program students first receiving aid in 2007-08 and thereafter

Before being certified for this payment number:	A student must have successfully completed (earned) at least this many courses:	With this minimum CUM/GPA:
1st	0	.0
2nd	2	1.1
3rd	4	1.4
4th	7	1.7
5th	10	2.0
6th	13	2.0
7th	17	2.0
8th	20	2.0
9th*	24	2.0
10th*	28	2.0

Students receiving their first NYS award in 2010-11 and thereafter**

Before being certified for this payment number:	A student must have successfully completed (earned) at least this many courses:	With this minimum CUM/GPA:
1st	0	.0
2nd	2	1.5
3rd	3	1.8
4th	8	1.8
5th	12	2.0
6th	15	2.0
7th	19	2.0
8th	23	2.0
9th*	27	2.0
10th*	32	2.0

*Only students enrolled in an approved Education Opportunity Program may receive a fifth academic year of payment.
**New regulations enacted with the 2011 New York State budget.

‘C' Average Requirement
Students who received their first NYS award payments prior to 2007-08 and have received the equivalent of two or more full years (four semesters) of New York State-funded student financial aid payments must have a minimum CUM/GPA of 2.0 (‘C' average) to be eligible for subsequent State aid payments. Students who received their first NYS award payment in 2007-08 and thereafter and have received the equivalent of four semesters of New York State-funded student financial aid payments must have a minimum CUM/GPA of 2.0 (‘C' average) to be eligible for subsequent State aid payments.

Evaluation Periods and Frequency of Measurement
New York State SAP and program pursuit standards are measured at the end of each semester for which the student received State aid. Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements will be notified, in writing, by the Office of Financial Aid. Letters will also be sent to the appropriate Dean's office and Student Accounts.

Reinstatement of New York State Aid
Students who have lost good academic standing and payment eligibility under New York State SAP, program pursuit, or ‘C' average requirements may regain eligibility in one of the following ways:

• Make up the academic deficiencies without the benefit of New York State aid.
• Apply for and be granted a waiver (see below) based on extenuating circumstances.
• Be readmitted to the institution after an absence of at least one calendar year (and without receiving State student aid at another institution) by meeting the institution's academic requirements for readmission.

Waivers
The satisfactory academic progress requirements for State aid may be waived for undue hardship based on: 1) the death of a relative, loved one or student; 2) the personal injury or illness of the student; 3) other extenuating circumstances.

The waiver is intended only to accommodate extraordinary or unusual cases directly related to academic performance and the student's failure to meet the minimum requirements. Documentation must show the relationship of circumstances to the student's failure to achieve the requirements and the waiver will be granted only when there is a reasonable expectation that the student will meet future satisfactory academic progress requirements.

Process for Obtaining a Waiver: The written notification sent to students who do not meet the minimum requirements for satisfactory academic progress outlines the process for obtaining a waiver. The student must complete the SAP Waiver Request Form and return it to the appropriate Dean's office within two weeks of receiving notification. Students on Leave of Absence or Withdrawn who plan to return for the fall semester must submit the request for waiver by March 1 or Nov. 1 for the spring semester. The waiver request must include 1) letter from the student explaining the extenuating circumstances for failing to meet SAP, 2) supporting documentation, i.e., doctor's statement, and 3) an academic plan approved by the Dean/academic advisor that will bring student back into SAP compliance. The Dean will make a recommendation to the Office of Financial Aid to approve or deny the request. The Office of Financial Aid will notify the student in writing within 10 business days of receipt of the recommendation whether or not a waiver is granted.

Note: A waiver for financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress is different than an appeal to be readmitted to HWS. See the Academic Policies section of this publication for additional information on the process for readmission.

Appeals: A student can submit a letter of appeal within five business days to the Office of Financial Aid after being denied a waiver. The Office of Financial Aid will review the appeal in conjunction with the appropriate Dean and will promptly notify the student of the decision. New York State aid regulations state that a student may receive an extenuating circumstance waiver only once for the Satisfactory Academic Progress and program pursuit requirements. An extenuating circumstance waiver of the ‘C' average requirement may be granted more than once.