Business Office

Benedictine University Financial Appeal

This process is designed to address extenuating circumstances that occurred during a given semester that prevented a student from receiving a partial or full refund for a course(s). If you believe your situation should be reviewed write a letter of appeal describing the reason(s) and justification for seeking an exception to the University’s withdrawal and refund policy.

You must have withdrawn from the course(s) before you can appeal. The burden of proof shall be upon the student to prove his or her case by a preponderance of evidence in the written appeal. Be specific with extenuating circumstances, dates, the name of persons contacted and any steps you took to address the problem at the time it occurred. Attach appropriate documentation from your instructor, medical provider or other professionals as needed. Appeals over 1 year old will not be reviewed by the Committee.

Tuition and fees must be paid by respective due dates, regardless of appeals. If the student’s appeal is granted, a refund may be provided.

Students who have received financial aid should be aware that approval of your appeal may affect your financial aid status and does not necessarily relieve you of any financial obligation to the University. If an appeal results in a return of funds to the federal government, you will be responsible for repaying those funds immediately. This includes any refunds that you have received from the University and/or bookstore charges.

Email:
FinancialAppealsCommittee@ben.edu
Students may also email their appeal (and accompanying information) to the Business Office at SAR@ben.edu, who will then forward it on to the Financial Appeals Committee.

Mail to:
Benedictine University
Attn: Financial Appeals Committee
5700 College Road
Lisle, IL 60532

Send a Fax:
Financial Appeals Committee
(630) 829-6501

1. Student writes a letter documenting the justification for the appeal.

2. Student obtains supporting documentation:

   • Family Related
     • Death in the family – must provide obituary or funeral notice
     • Student taking care of ill or disabled family member – must provide documentation of illness and need for continuing care
   • Medical
     • Must have signed documentation from a physician’s office stating the severity of the condition, dates of office visits and treatment and the general circumstances or nature of treatment. The letter or documentation must also note the impact of the condition on the student’s ability to attend class and/or perform class requirements, the duration of the problem (how long student will be unable to attend class) and if the student will be capable of resuming their academic studies.
     • If hospitalized during the term being appealed, student may provide a copy of hospital bill and/or discharge papers
   • Military Deployment
     • Must provide a copy of military orders
   • Work Related
     • Involuntary changes in employment schedule or job transfer – must provide letter from supervisor using the letterhead of your organization verifying in writing the reasons for which you are requesting an exemption.
   • Transfer to or attendance at another institution
     • Official enrollment verification by a member of the Office of the Registrar or other official at the enrolling institution on institutional letterhead or other official document, stating the start and end dates for the appropriate quarter/semester in question.

3. Student submits the appeal to the Financial Appeals Committee by email, mail or fax.

4. The Financial Appeals Committee generally meets twice a month. Once the committee has reached a decision about an appeal, the student will be sent a letter or email stating the decision and action to be taken next by the University or student.

If the appeal is APPROVED, the student's account and/or academic record will be adjusted accordingly. An administrative fee of $250 may be charged to your student account to offset the costs of registration, billing and the committee's time to investigate your claim.

If the appeal is PENDING ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, the committee is requesting additional documentation in order to make a final decision. The student will have 30 days to submit the additional documentation or the appeal will be denied.

If the appeal is DENIED, the student will have 30 days to submit additional documentation to support the circumstances.

 

Tuition appeals will not be approved in the following instances:  

Student's failure to confirm a drop made using MyBenU. Student errors in judgment or irresponsibility involving transportation, availability of finances, academic ability or time management. Misinterpretation or lack of knowledge of published University policies and procedures. Dissatisfaction with course content or delivery of instruction or a personal conflict with the instructor. These appeals should be brought to the attention of the dean.  Dissatisfaction with academic progress in course. These appeals should be first brought to the instructor and if unable to resolve, brought to the dean. Request for reimbursement of non-refundable fee. Non-attendance or minimal attendance of class. Appeals for non-attendance will only be considered if the student did not attend any classes for all courses during the given semester. This type of appeal requires the student to provide supporting documentation from the instructor(s) confirming non-attendance in the course(s). Lack of knowledge of course requirements prior to registration and attendance. Non-qualification, late application, or loss of eligibility of financial aid or scholarships. Non-receipt of account statement prior to payment due date (account information is available online at mybenu.ben.edu). Student errors resulting in the delay of administrative processes relative to registration or the delivery of financial aid status or funds. Voluntary acceptance of employment or other activity impacting ability to attend classes.