In compliance with the Illinois Student Debt Assistance Act, students may appeal for physical or financial hardship withdrawal in emergency cases that make it impossible for the student to continue the semester. Physical or financial hardship is defined as:
- Serious illness or injury to the student
- Chronic illness of the student
- Medical issue of a family member in which the student must become a part-time or full-time caretaker of that family member (spouse or partner, child, parent or guardian, grandparent, or sibling)
- A mental health condition of the student
- A sudden or consistent lack of transportation issue that bars student presence in in-person-only classes
- A significant, non-elective cost of living increase for the student
- Military orders
Students may apply for a physical or financial hardship withdrawal from their academic enrollment due to the extenuating circumstances listed above with supporting documentation only after the withdrawal period. The deadline to withdraw is noted on the academic calendar. Students have up to two weeks after the end of the semester to submit the physical or financial hardship withdrawal form to the Office of the Registrar.
Hardship withdrawal submissions will be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar in conjunction with the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Financial Office. Students will be forgiven for any charges owed at the time of the withdrawal. Outcomes will be based on the information submitted along with university records including but not limited to enrollment, financial aid, and billing. Students will receive communication regarding the outcome or any requests for further information within three weeks of submission.
Ineligibility
This appeal only pertains to students who are enrolled from the start of the term and until after the withdrawal period.
The appeal is ineligible if a student drops or withdraws before or within the appropriate deadlines.
The appeal is ineligible if a student completes the final and/or course.
A student receiving federal (FAFSA) or state aid should contact College Financial Aid officers for appropriate policies and guidance.
A student who files a fraudulent application for a hardship withdrawal (e.g. to avoid a poor or failing grade, or avoid potential or pending disciplinary action) will be considered in violation of the academic affairs policies and student code of conduct and thus will be subject to disciplinary actions.
Questions about the policy should be emailed to registrar@aicusa.edu.