Third-Party Documentation

As part of the appeal process for financial aid, students must provide qualified third-party documentation that supports the student's personal statement regarding the extenuating circumstances that prevented the student from being academically successful.

Acceptable documentation must:

1. Address or have dates that fall within the period(s) in which the student was having academic difficulties;
2. Come from an official third-party such as a physician, therapist, counselor, clergy member, law enforcement, or court official;
3. Be signed and dated by the third-party official providing the documentation; AND
4. Be on official letterhead.

Below are some examples of third-party documentation that can be accepted for the outlined extenuating circumstances.

Medical condition such as student injury, illness, or mental health diagnosis

• Written statement from a health care provider (signed and dated on official letterhead) OR
• Medical documentation confirming that the student was seen for the medical condition, including dates of service

Medical diagnosis of family member or close friend

• Written statement from a health care provider (signed and dated on official letterhead) OR
• Medical documentation confirming that the family member or close friend was seen for the medical condition, including dates of service

Death of a family member or close friend

• Copy of the death certificate (preferred) OR
• Obituary with the student's relationship to the deceased written on the document (e.g. grandparent, parent, sibling, significant other, friend, etc.)

Birth or adoption of your child

• Copy of your child's birth certificate OR
• Court documents or adoption paperwork

Divorce or separation

• Court documentation (if available) and/or a written statement from a counselor, clergy member, employer, or attorney

Personal difficulties

• Written statements from a physician, therapist, employer, counselor, clergy member, law enforcement, or court official
• Police reports