The Office of Financial Aid at Nicholls State University is committed to making professional judgment adjustments when special or unusual circumstances warrant a review of a student’s financial aid eligibility. In accordance with federal regulations, we have established the following policy and procedures for professional judgment requests:

Public Disclosure

Information about the availability of professional judgment will be made available to all students through:

• Our webpage
• Award Information
• Orientation sessions and other learning opportunities
• Counseling appointments with financial aid staff

Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss their unique financial situation and determine if a professional judgment review is appropriate.

Professional Judgment Categories

The Office of Financial Aid makes professional judgment determinations based on special circumstances or unusual circumstances:

• Special circumstances are defined as significant changes to a family’s income, assets or expenses that impact the student’s financial need. Examples include loss of employment, separation/divorce, unusual medical expenses, etc.
• Unusual circumstances are defined as conditions that justify an adjustment to a student’s dependency status based on a unique situation. Examples include parental abandonment, incarceration, abusive family environment, etc.

Policy

• All professional judgment requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Thorough documentation will be required to substantiate each request.
• Final determinations may result in an adjustment to the Cost of Attendance or Expected Family Contribution/Student Aid Index.
• Inconsistent or conflicting information must be resolved before making any adjustments.
• The submission of a request does not guarantee a change to your financial aid awards.

Procedures

To request professional judgment consideration:

1. Contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your circumstances.
2. Submit a Professional Judgment Request Form along with supporting documentation. Examples of documentation include letters from employers, court documents, medical bills, bank statements, etc.
3. Allow 3-4 weeks for review. Additional documentation may be requested.
4. You will receive written notification of the decision and any applicable changes to your financial aid award.

All documentation related to professional judgment requests will be retained for a minimum of three years after the end of the award year.

Please contact the Office of Financial Aid with any questions about professional judgment policies and procedures. We are committed to reviewing all requests thoroughly and making adjustments when warranted.