Like, my friend told me to file as independent? Professional Judgment 101

What is Professional Judgment? Basically, any adjustment you make to a student’s record –Dependency status –Income –Budget –SAP

Dependency Overrides: Acceptable Instances Domestic abuse Abandonment by parent(s) Other extreme/unusual situation “Unusual situation” can be a subjective term.

Dependency Overrides: Unacceptable Instances Parent refusal to complete FAFSA Parent refusal to pay for college Student no longer residing with parent* Student earning enough to support himself “Like, if I just claim myself on my taxes... ?”

Dependency Overrides: Procedures Obtain documentation –Letter from the student –Letter from third party (the more, the merrier) –Documentation supporting claims (e.g., court documents) –Documentation of means of financial support Since a dependency override does not carry over from one academic year to the next, the student must provide this information each year

Income Adjustments: Acceptable Instances Loss of income Retirement* Private elementary/secondary school tuition Parent college expenses Unreimbursed medical expenses One-time income distribution Death of parent Divorce Homelessness Other extreme circumstances. An example of an extreme circumstance.

Income Adjustments: Unacceptable Instances Car payments Other personal debt (e.g., mortgage, credit card) Other voluntary lifestyle issues

Income Adjustments: Procedures Obtain documentation –Letter from employer –Paystubs/W-2s/Tax Returns –Medical/Dental bills –Tuition bill Change in income can be based on either a calendar or a fiscal year

Ok, this goes without saying, but don’t forget to make the appropriate adjustments to your financial aid software!

Abide by These Rules: Get everything in writing Document, document, document Be consistent Make sure your Policies & Procedures Manual addresses professional judgment

Questions??? Send compliments & complaints to: Vince Frank Harrisburg University of Science and Technology