Student Handbook - Iowa Lakes Community College

“official withdrawal” process or provides notification to the institution of their intent to withdraw,
the date the institution determines that the student withdrew would be the date the student began
the official withdrawal process or the date the student notified the institution, whichever is first. If a
student did not begin the official withdrawal process or provide notification of his or her intent to
withdraw, an “unofficial withdrawal” occurs and the institution establishes the withdrawal date as
either the midpoint of the semester or the last date of attendance at an academically-related activity.
If a student earns a passing grade in one or more of their classes, an institution is permitted to make
the presumption that the student completed the course requirements and may consider the student
to have completed the period.
If a student fails to earn a passing grade in at least one class the student is enrolled, the withdrawal
date is either the midpoint of the semester or the last date of attendance at an academically-related
activity. In addition, a student who unofficially withdraws and receives failed grades (Fs) recorded
on their academic transcript, may be placed on financial aid probation or extended probation.
REFUND OF TUITION
Refund of Tuition (When there is no Federal Financial Aid Resources): In the event a student withdraws
from a course, the student will receive a refund based on the dates of the courses enrolled.
Refunds are calculated on the total tuition paid; fees are not refunded, except for complete withdrawals
during the first week. Refunds for courses shorter than a standard term in length or for courses
on non-standard calendars may be prorated. If a student received Federal Financial Aid, please read
the next section. (Please refer to the calendar or go online www.iowalakes.edu/registrar/academic_
calendar.htm for specific dates.)
Complete withdrawal during first week of classes: 100% tuition and fees refund
Partial withdrawal during first week of classes: 100% tuition refund
Withdrawal during second week of classes: 60% tuition refund
Withdrawal during third week of classes: 40% tuition refund
Withdrawal after third week of classes:
0% tuition refund
College by Cassette/Telecourse, eCollege/online courses, Ed2Go/Gatlin Education and other special
course schedules differ; beginning dates and refund dates vary. Fast Track course drops are cancelled
with refund only before second class meeting starts. No partial refunds are granted on Fast Tracks. A
student who registers but later is unable to attend must notify the college before the last date to cancel
the course(s) or program to avoid charges and/or grades. Some exceptions may apply.
Refund of Tuition (Federal Financial Aid/Title IV Funds) Refunds of tuition and fees will be calculated
based on the refund policy. But the student’s account balance may be affected by the financial
aid adjustment that occurs after the Return to Title IV calculation. “Return to Title IV Funds”
(Federal Financial Aid) formula dictates the amount of Federal Financial Aid that must be returned
to the government by the student. This formula is applicable to any student receiving any type of
federal aid other than Federal Work Study if that student withdraws before the 60% completion
point of the semester. If funds are released to a student or their account, the students may be
required to repay some of the federal grants and loans. Generally the law states (section 485 of the
Higher Education Amendments of 1998 – P.L./ 105-244) that the amount of assistance the student
has received is determined on a prorated basis, in relationship to the specific term and the amount
of the term completed. Students can calculate their liability by logging on to www.r2t4.com and
selecting the “continue” button. Students need to contact the financial aid office for an exit inter-
42