Enrollment Services

Admissions Policy

Ozarks Technical Community College has an open admissions policy in keeping with its open door, full-service community college philosophy. While admission to the college is not based on minimum academic qualifications, skill building may be required prior to enrollment in credit classes, and particular programs have required standards for admission.

Individuals are eligible for admission to OTC if they are high school graduates or the equivalent (GED/HSE), or if they are 16 years of age or older and able to benefit from a program at the college.

As of September 2015, OTC no longer requires students to take a placement exam in order to be eligible to take entry level English, Math, and Reading courses. Instead,  students will be allowed to choose which entry level English, Math or Reading course is right for them.  OTC is committed to providing students with the guidance and information they need to make appropriate self-placement decisions.

As a student, it is important for you to make informed and wise self-placement decisions. Innapropriate self-placement decisions may effect the time it takes you to complete your certificate or degree, and may impact your ability to receive financial aid.

Before registering for courses, students must be admitted to the college. Students may apply for admission at any time during the year and applications and credentials may be submitted as early as one year in advance of the first semester of enrollment. Applicants should contact Student Services, (417) 447-6900, for specific information.

Selective Admissions Programs

Certain programs and courses established a standards of admission to assure students have the necessary aptitude and background for success. Students applying for a program with selective admissions criteria (Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, EMT-Basic, Intermediate or Paramedic, Medical Laboratory Technician, Practical and Registered Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapist Assistant, Surgical Technology, Hearing Instrument Science and Occupational Therapy Assistant) may be required to take additional tests for admissions purposes and/or meet certain requirements to continue in the program. Contact the department or an academic advisor in Student Services for program-specific information.

Admissions Categories

First-Time Freshman

A student shall be admitted upon proof of graduation from an accredited high school (official transcript sent from the high school to OTC) or upon submission of an official High School Equivalency (GED/HSE) Certificate. The ACT or COMPASS test will be required. The COMPASS is a placement test consisting of three sections (reading, writing and numerical skills) to determine whether the student is ready to take college level math and English. Skill building may be required prior to taking credit classes.

College Transfer

Admission as a college transfer student to degree programs requires official copies of transcripts from all higher education institutions previously attended (sent from each college to OTC). If a student is on academic probation or suspension from another college or university, he/she needs to visit with an advisor at that institution regarding the appropriate classes to take at OTC. The ACT or COMPASS test may be required if the student has not completed the equivalent of OTC mathematics and English requirements.

Readmitting Students

Former OTC students who have not attended for a semester or more may re-activate their file by completing a new Application for Admission. It is also necessary that transcripts of all college work not currently on file with OTC be sent to the Admissions office.

A student applying for readmission is required to meet the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of re-admission unless waived by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

OTC reserves the right to refuse readmission to a former student who has unsettled financial obligations with the college.

Visiting Students/Concurrent College Enrollment

If a student is enrolled at another college/university and desires concurrent enrollment at OTC, that student must complete an OTC admissions application. Visiting students are responsible for ensuring they meet all prerequisites for the classes in which they enroll and for confirming the classes will transfer back to their home institution.

International Students

International students who wish to enroll at OTC need to contact Student Services for more information.

The following items are required for international student admission:

• International Student Application for Admission
• Processing Fee
• Academic Transcripts
• Financial Sponsor Letter
• Bank Statement
• Tuition Deposit
• English Proficiency
• SEVIS Fee
• IPO Approved Medical Insurance
• Immunization Requirement prior to enrollment
• Placement Testing

For complete details and instructions, please visit otc.edu, keyword international student, or contact the International Program office at (417) 447-6941.

Individual Approval Students

A student eighteen (18) years of age or older who has not graduated from an accredited high school or completed a GED/High School Equivalency Certificate may be admitted by individual approval of an OTC admissions official for one semester only. The student must complete the High School Equivalency Certificate during this semester or receive permission from an OTC admissions official to continue college course(s). Permission will include verification of participation in an accredited High School Equivalency preparation program. OTC offers a program through the Adult Education and Literacy office which helps prepare students for the High School Equivalency Certificate exam. This office is currently located at OTC’s Graff Hall and can be reached at (417) 447-8860.

Home School/High Schools Not Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Home schooled, non-accredited or correspondence high school students shall be admitted to OTC upon meeting the following criteria:

1. Submission of a transcript of all high school work which indicates specific grades, graduation date and meets state law requirements;
2. Meets the age of compulsory attendance for the state of Missouri, which is 17 years old;
3. Requires the student to complete coursework intended to be college preparatory.
4. Students seeking admission to any Allied Health program under this category must submit a High School Equivalency (GED/HSE) certificate.

High School Student Enrollment Options

Admission and enrollment opportunities for students 16 years of age and older are varied and specific to what each home high school district supports. Currently, there are six high school options, including:

• Career Center
• Middle College
• Health Professions Academy
• Dual Credit
• Early Start
• FAST-Track

Enrollment in high school programs is limited and selective. Students who would like to be considered for admission are encouraged to see their high school counselor to review specific criteria and program options supported by their district. Each program requires a parent or guardian’s signature of approval to participate, as well as permission from the home high school administration team. Specific programs require a parent/guardian release form to enroll. Home school students may participate in eligible programs based on the school district where the student resides. Interested students must fill out an OTC application and submit copies of the student’s educational record, including grades, attendance, and, when applicable, the IEP and 504 Plan. Additional information may be located online at www.otc.edu/highschool or by calling the High School Office at (417) 447-6997.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The college complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which affords you certain rights with respect to your education records. Please read below and address questions to the Registrar’s
office.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) was enacted to protect student privacy and to provide for the right to inspect and review education records. In compliance with FERPA and with Board Policy 4.02, Ozarks Technical Community College has established the following with respect to students’ education records:

1. Students are guaranteed the right to inspect and review their education records. A student should submit a written request to OTC’s Registrar that identifies the record the student wishes to inspect or review. The Registrar will make arrangements for access to the record and notify the student of the time and location where the record may be inspected within 45 days of receiving the request.
2. Students have the right to seek amendment of education records that they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. A student should submit a written request to OTC’s Registrar that identifies the part of the record the student wishes to have changed, and the reason the student believes the record is inaccurate or misleading. If the request is not granted the student has a right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
3. Students are guaranteed the right have some control over the disclosure of information from their education records. Personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records is not released, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
4. Basic directory information is identified by OTC and made available upon request. Directory information is information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes, (1) student’s name; (2) mailing address; (3) major field of study; (4) academic classification (freshman, sophomore and enrollment status- part-time or full-time); (5) participation in recognized activities, including photographs of sponsored activities; (6) dates of attendance (including matriculation and withdrawal dates); (7) degrees, certificates and awards received, including academic honors, departmental honors and membership in honor societies; and (8) inclusion of an individual in a group photo. Further, OTC may release lists of students who qualify for academic honors, as well as lists of graduates to newspapers which cover the permanent address of record.
5. Any student who wishes to restrict the release of his/her directory information must file written notification to this effect with the Office of the Registrar.
6. Certain exception to the release of information exist when the disclosure of information from an education record is disclosed to school officials with legitimate educational interest, to other schools to which a student is transferring, to specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes, to appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student, to organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school, to accrediting organizations, to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, to appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies, or in other circumstances allowed by FERPA.
7. Students have the right to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920 which handles FERPA complaints. For additional information contact the OTC Registrar’s office at registrar@otc.edu.

Residency Classification for Students

For tuition purposes, your residency status is determined at the time of admission to the college. Questions regarding initial residency classification should be directed to Student Services. It is the responsibility of each student to pay fees and tuition due the college according to the student’s initial residency classification. If a student believes their residency classification should be changed after initial enrollment, a Petition for a Change of Residency Classification form is available in the Student Services area of each OTC campus and center. All petitions must be submitted prior to the first day of classes or the tuition adjustment may not go into effect until the following term of enrollment. Reclassification of residency is not retroactive to any prior terms of enrollment.

The following individuals shall be charged the in-state rate, or otherwise considered a resident, for tuition purposes:

• A Veteran using educational assistance under either chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill - Active Duty Program) or chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in the State of Missouri while attending a school located in the State of MIssouri (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. 3319) who lives in the State of MIssouri while attending a school located in the State of Missouri (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholardship (38 U.S.C. 3311(b)(9)) who lives in the State of Missouri while attending a school located in the State of MIssouri (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the Service member’s death in the line of duty foloowing a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone described above while he or she remains continously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between course, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three year period folling discharge or death described above and must be using educational benefits under either chapter 30 or chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.

Evaluation of Transfer Credit

Applicants for admission, who have attended other colleges or universities, are responsible for having an official transcript from each institution submitted directly to the Admissions office. OTC will consider credit from institutions accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in addition to accepting all credit from regionally accredited institutions. Questions concerning acceptance of college credit shall be directed to the Registrar.

Auditing a Course

Students may enroll on an audit basis at the time of registration or addition of a course. This decision cannot be made or reversed after the first week of classes. Requirements for receiving an audit grade (AU) will be determined by the instructor.

Change of Schedule

Students are allowed to make add/drop adjustments to their course schedule for a period of time during the beginning of each term. Please refer to course schedule and college calendar for deadlines. Please refer questions to Student Services at any OTC campus or center or visit the OTC website for detailed procedures.

Withdrawal from All Classes

If a student wishes to discontinue enrollment in all courses for a semester, it is necessary to officially withdraw from the term. The last day to withdraw from classes is published on the college calendar. Please refer questions to Student Services at any OTC campus or center or visit the OTC website for detailed procedures.

Transcript Services

Official transcripts of grades and credits earned at OTC are issued by the Registrar’s office. Requests for academic transcripts may be made at any OTC location. The mailing address is Office of the Registrar, OTC, 1001 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO 65802. The phone number is (417) 447-6900.

Transcripts may be requested in person or by writing directly to the Registrar’s office. Written requests should include semester and last year of attendance, name under which you were enrolled, and student identification number or Social Security number. Also include the complete address of where the transcript is to be mailed. Information on requesting transcripts and a copy of the transcript request form can be found on the Registration and Records page of the OTC website.

Degree Audits

Students may access a degree audit via AccessOTC, or request an unofficial degree audit from Student Services in the Information Commons West of the OTC Springfield campus.

Tuition

For the current tuition and fee schedule, click here.

Tuition Policy

By registering for classes, each student accepts financial responsibility for payment of all tuition and fees due to the college. Every student must make tuition payment arrangements by the appropriate payment deadline posted at ww2.otc.edu/finance/final-tuition-and-fee-payment-deadlines/

Refund Policy

To obtain a tuition refund, students must complete an official withdrawal form. The forms are available in the Student Services office or online. Students must submit the completed form to Student Services by the appropriate published deadlines to be eligible for any refund. A withdrawal form is not considered official until it has been received and processed in Student Services. The following list provides additional information regarding refunds:

• Class section cancellations initiated by the college will result in a 100% refund of all associated tuition and fees to the student.
• Refunds include paid tuition and course-specific fees only. All other fees are not refundable.
• For courses operating on a different schedule than the regular fall/spring semester (summer, block, intersession, etc.), deadlines and refunds will be prorated. All procedures for schedule change or withdrawal apply.
• All refunds will be disbursed only to the student.
• Refunds created during the semester will be disbursed to the student within 30 days of refund date. Refunds created prior to the first day of classes will be disbursed to the student 30 days after the semester begins.
• Failure to attend class/es does not constitute a schedule change or withdrawal and does not entitle the student to a refund.
• In the case of national emergency, any student called to active duty during the course of a semester shall be entitled to a withdrawal from all courses at 100% refund. A student must present a copy of the order to active duty to be eligible.
• Refund policies and procedures for Workforce Development courses vary. See otc.edu/workforce for details.

Refunds for Withdrawal From All Classes

A student who withdraws (drops all classes) may be eligible for a refund. Semester refund schedules are posted at ww2.otc.edu/finance/tuition-fee-refunds-appeals/

A student who receives federal financial aid may be required to repay some or all of the financial aid, if the student withdraws from all classes. Please check with the Financial Aid Office for information.

Refunds for Schedule Changes (After First Day of Semester)

If a student-initiated schedule change reduces the total amount of tuition and fees, the student may be eligible for a refund. Semester refund schedules are posted at ww2.otc.edu/finance/tuition-fee-refunds-appeals/

Dropping classes could result in a repayment obligation of federal financial aid. Please check with the Financial Aid Office for information.

Fee Appeals

Students shall have the opportunity to seek an appeal, in writing, contesting or petitioning any outstanding balance due to OTC. Petition For Fee Appeal form is available at Cashier Services, second floor, Information Commons building and online at otc.edu/currentstudents/finance-refunds-appeals.php. Once an appeal has been submitted, the Coordinator of Cashier Services will review the appeal situation and the documentation provided. Any individual who fails to appeal, in writing, within the thirty-day timeframe, by default waives all rights to appeal.

Procedure

The student must complete and submit a Petition For Fee Appeal form and all pertinent written documentation to Cashier Services within 30 days following the end of the term. In cases of incapacitation, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Each written appeal must be dated and include the student’s name, I.D. number, signature, statement describing specifically what is being requested and for what term, statement of any extenuating circumstances and why the request should be honored.

Failure to attend class or incomplete course withdrawal does not constitute grounds for appeal.

Failure to complete registration transaction with AccessOTC will not be grounds for appeal. Students are ultimately responsible to verify that registration transactions are completed. Exceptions must meet one or more of the following criteria to be considered and approved.

1. Written documentation of an illness, accident, injury, or situation which could not be influenced, planned for, or prevented by the student and which subsequently caused a change in the class schedule, thus changing the assessment. This provision specifically excludes conditions or chronic illnesses that remain static and are known to the student at the time of registration. (This applies to student or immediate family only. Immediate family includes spouse, children, parent, step-parent, grandparent, and step-grandparent.)
2. Written documentation of substantiated circumstances involving deadlines where a student has in good faith relied on information provided by a named college official, or the official’s interpretations of the text of a college document or publication, and was consequently misled or mistaken about its terms.

Decisions will only address whether an adjustment of fees will be made. Grade assignments and other academic issues are not within the scope of these procedures and should be addressed to the appropriate vice chancellor.

Financial Aid

What is Financial Aid?

Student financial aid is money received from an outside source to assist the student in paying for the costs of higher education. Financial aid is available from the college, state and federal governments, the OTC Foundation and private organizations. International (visa) students and undocumented students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid.

Staff members at each OTC location are available to provide information and assistance with financial aid programs.

Please begin the financial aid application process by applying online at fafsa.gov. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is processed by the Department of Education and is the first step to determining your eligibility. You must list Ozarks Technical Community College on the FAFSA in order for us to receive your results. The school code for Ozarks Technical Community College is 030830.

Students with the appropriate aid-eligible FAFSA results may use this information to defer the costs of tuition, fees and books at OTC. Tuition, fees and books not fully covered by financial aid must be paid prior to the published deferred payment deadline. Financial aid refunds for students who have financial aid in excess of tuition, fees and books will receive a refund according to a published schedule each term. More information on the financial aid programs is available on the Financial Aid section of the OTC website.

The process of applying for and receiving financial aid at OTC is continually reviewed and improved to help students. We encourage students who have questions regarding these procedures to contact Student Services or check the website at www.otc.edu for updated information.

Students who want to defer the amount of tuition, fees, and books owed to OTC based upon aid eligibility are required to use the online MyPay MyWay payment process accessible at ww2.otc.edu/finance/mypay-myway/

High School Diploma/GED/High School Equivalency Requirement

Students wanting to receive financial assistance at Ozarks Technical Community College must have an official high school transcript or GED/High School Equivalency Certificate on file in the OTC Registrar’s office.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

In accordance to Federal Student Aid regulations, Ozarks Technical Community College has established both quantitative and qualitative measures for evaluating the progress of Federal Student Aid recipients. Evaluation of the academic progress of students will occur after each semester.

Students granted an Academic Fresh Start will continue to have all coursework included in calculations for Satisfactory Academic Progress, including coursework dismissed for reasons of Academic Fresh Start.

In order to allow for the appropriate due process, an appeal procedure is included to allow for extenuating circumstances.

PACE (Quantitative)

Federal Student Aid regulations provide for assistance up to 150% of program length, i.e. there is a maximum timeframe in which Federal Student Aid can be awarded. Students pursuing an associates degree or certificate program may attempt up to a maximum of 150% of the required hours for their program of study. For example, to calculate the 150% limit, if a program requires 62 credit hours to complete it, then 62 x 1.5 = 93. So, the student could attempt up to 93 hours in the program of study.

Students must successfully complete two-thirds (67%) of their total credit hours attempted. Credit hours transferred from other colleges and universities will be included in the total credit hours attempted at OTC and will be counted in the credit hours toward the PACE maximum. Students who graduate and/or complete their degree will be considered to have met the PACE maximum. To better explain attempted and completed hours, assume a student enrolls in 12 hours for a semester, the 12 hours is the attempted hours. During the semester, the student drops or fails 6 hours so the hours completed is 6. Therefore, the completion percentage is 50% (6 divided by 12).

Note: No additional time will be allowed for program of study completion if a student changes majors or programs. All courses in all semesters are counted in the PACE maximum.

All classes with a grade of A, B, C, D, F, W, NA, NB, NC, ND, NP, I, AG, BG, CG, DG, FG, NAG, NBG, BCG, NDG, and NPG are counted in the PACE calculation, including any classes which are repeated. Participants in the Fresh Start Academic Program will have all credit hours counted in their total hours attempted, including any hours attempted prior to their Fresh Start program.

Grade Point Average (Qualitative)

Unless placed on an academic plan by the college, following a financial aid appeal, students receiving Federal Student Aid must maintain a cumulative grade point average as follows in order to continue to receive Federal Student Aid.

Grades of A, B, C, D, and F are counted when determining a student’s cumulative GPA. Grades of I, N, P, AU, NP, S, NA, NB, NC, ND, NP, W, AG, BG, CG, DG, FG, NAG, NBG, NCG, NDG, and NPG are not counted when determining a student’s cumulative GPA. Grades for credit hours transferred from other colleges and universities will not be included when determining the cumulative GPA.

New Financial Aid Recipients and Transfer Students

Students who attend OTC without financial aid and then apply for assistance will be required to meet the satisfactory academic progress standards as if they had received Federal Student Aid from the beginning of their attendance at OTC. For Satisfactory Academic Progress purposes, students who transfer to OTC will be eligible for Federal Student Aid during their first semester of attendance and will have their eligibility evaluated at the end of the first semester they receive Federal Student Aid. Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree and apply for financial aid will be considered to have met the PACE maximum. These students will be classified in an over maximum timeframe status and must submit a financial aid appeal (as designated below) in order to request an extension of Federal Student Aid.

Financial Aid Warning

Students who fail to meet either the PACE or GPA requirements will be placed on Financial Aid Warning in the succeeding academic term. The Financial Aid Warning does not preclude a student from receiving Federal Student Aid.

Financial Aid Probation

Students with a Financial Aid Warning who fail to meet either the PACE or GPA requirement will be placed on Financial Aid Probation in the succeeding academic term. The student is then ineligible for Federal Student Aid. Once a student regains a satisfactory GPA and meets the PACE requirement of 67% completion of the total credit hours attempted, they may regain eligibility for Federal Student Aid. Students who exceed the maximum number of allowable credit hours for their program of study will be placed on Financial Aid Probation in an over PACE maximum status. Students who have completed their degree will be placed on Financial Aid Probation in a graduated status. Both of the aforementioned statuses will deem the student ineligible for Federal Student Aid.

A student may appeal the loss of Federal Student Aid benefits in accordance to college policy.

Conditions for Appeal

Students who lose, or are not eligible, for Federal Student Aid may submit a written online appeal for consideration by the college.

An appeal may be submitted due to the following conditions:

Loss of aid following the Financial Aid Warning period and the student is now on Financial Aid Probation.

Loss of aid following graduation and/or completion of a degree.

Loss of aid due to exceeding the maximum number of allowable attempted credit hours (PACE maximum) for the student’s program of study.

Appeal Process

The process to appeal the loss of Federal Student Aid benefits will be maintained by the Financial Aid office and communicated to the appropriate students at the end of each semester, or as deemed necessary on an individual basis. The appeal process will require a written online appeal from the student and completion of studetn plan in OTC Central online in order to establish an academic plan for coursework.

If a student’s appeal is reviewed and Federal Student Aid is not reinstated by the Financial Aid Committee for the initial Financial Aid Probation period, the student may appeal the decision in accordance with college policy.

Subsequent to review and approval, students whose aid eligibility is reinstated will be subject to following an established academic plan.

If a student has already been placed on an academic plan following a successful Financial Aid Probation appeal, then loses eligibility, the student is required to regain eligibility by meeting the college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. Therefore, the student must meet the academic requirements for a completion ratio of at least 67% as specified above, meet GPA requirements, and have not met the maximum allowable hours for their program of study.

Scholarships/Grants-In-Aid

OTC offers a variety of scholarships. Each scholarship has a specific deadline as well as other qualifications that must be met. Application does not guarantee an award. Most scholarships are awarded in the spring and summer for the fall semester. Visit otc.edu/scholarships for more details and an application.

Federal Work Study Program

OTC is eligible to award Federal Work Study to students who qualify. OTC will assist students in obtaining paid work assignments on campus. The work hours will be limited. For more information, please contact Student Services or visit otc.edu, keyword work study.

Financial Aid Refund Policy (Return of Title IV Funds)

If a student withdraws or is withdrawn or dismissed from OTC, the school or the student may be required to return some of the federal funds awarded to the student. The student may also be eligible for a refund of a portion of the tuition and fees paid to OTC for the semester. If the student received financial assistance other than federal funds, a portion of the refund may be returned to the program from which the assistance was received.

Refunds to all Title IV recipients (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Direct Loans) who withdraw during an enrollment period for which they have been charged will be identified and processed to comply with federal regulations.

If a student withdraws (or stops attending classes) from the college at any time during the semester, the student may be required to repay a portion of the aid received. The amount of repayment due is calculated based on the student’s last day of attendance. Funds shall be returned to the programs from which the student received them, as specified by the U.S. Department of Education.

If a student wishes to withdraw, the student should contact Student Services and complete a withdrawal form to begin the withdrawal process. This procedure will enable OTC to properly calculate a refund in order to refund the maximum possible institutional charges. The date used when calculating the refund will be the date of withdrawal documented by Student Services. The exception would be in instances when the student’s last documented date of attendance was significantly earlier than the withdrawal date.

If required, all items needed for verifications should be turned in at the time of withdrawal. Submitted documents received will be reviewed and eligible student aid awarded.

All students who enroll and are federal financial aid recipients must attend all classes for which they are originally enrolled. Dropping classes could result in a repayment obligation. If you fail to attend one or more of your classes and do not officially withdraw, you may still be required to repay some or all of your financial aid.

If a student stops attending all classes before completing at least 60% (approximately 12 weeks of a 16 week semester) of the semester, they will probably owe money back to the federal financial aid program(s). Repayment is made to federal programs based on the Department of Education Return of Title IV funds formula.

The following example is provided to illustrate how a Return of Title IV (Federal Student Aid) calculation can impact a student:

A student enrolls with tuition, fees and books totaling $1160.00. The student decides to withdraw from all classes. How does the decision impact the student’s original charges? The student should first look toward the Refund Policy to determine if he/she is eligible for a partial refund of charges for the semester. If the student has Federal Student Aid (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Loan, FSEOG), the student should review how the withdrawal will impact eligibility for Federal Student Aid by determining how long they attended classes for the semester.

For this example, we use a date of withdrawal which is 13 calendar days into the semester, which is 121 calendar days long. If you divide 13 days by 121 days, the percentage of the semester the student attended is 10.743%. The Return of Title IV Policy indicates a student must attend more than 60% (approximately 10 weeks of a 16-week semester) of the semester if the student wants 100% of their Federal Student Aid eligibility. If financial aid has been paid to this student, a large portion must be returned to the appropriate Federal Student Aid programs. If Federal Student Aid has not yet paid, a small portion may be paid to the student’s account charges.

For this example, let’s say the student received $1875.00 in Federal Pell Grant and $1313.00 in Federal Direct Loans. If the student withdrew on the thirteenth day, the student would be required to return approximately $2800.00 to the college.

If a student withdraws before the end of a semester or quits attending all classes, he/she could create a balance at the College, which may negatively impact future enrollment or receipt of Federal Student Aid.

A+ Scholarship Program

With funds made available through the Missouri A+ Scholarship Program, qualified graduates of participating high schools are eligible for scholarship grants to OTC. Students must fulfill A+ Scholarship Program requirements at their high schools before applying for grants. Students should contact high school counselors for eligibility requirements. Details regarding OTC’s A+ Scholarship Program processes and procedures may be found in the Financial Aid area of the OTC website.

VIP Tuition Waiver

For in-district students 60 years of age and older, the VIP Program offers one credit class each term, tuition-free, on a space available basis only, after open registration has ended. Students in the VIP Program must pay all fees and other costs (books, supplies, and all fees, if applicable).

Veterans Affairs-Certification of Benefits

Ozarks Technical Community College is approved for certification of students eligible to receive educational assistance from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Students eligible to receive Veterans’ benefits must be enrolled in a program leading to a Certificate, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science. Monthly benefit rates are set by Congress and the DVA and vary according to students’ benefits categories and credit hour enrollment for each term.

OTC is approved for the enrollment of veterans, survivors and dependents under Title 38 of the U.S. Code, and selected reservists under Title 10 of the U.S. Code. Students who qualify may receive additional information and assistance in Student Services. All persons seeking VA education benefits are required to comply with OTC’s satisfactory academic progress standards.

Veteran students who have not attained satisfactory progress by the end of two consecutive probationary semesters will be reported to the Veterans Administration (VA) for unsatisfactory progress, causing termination of benefits, unless there are mitigating circumstances.

For more information, contact the Veteran and Military Services office at otc.edu/veteran, call (417) 447-6968 or email gibill@otc.edu