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Student Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities for Federal Student Aid

At Independence Community College (ICC), students receiving Federal Student Aid, institutional aid, or outside aid are expected to understand and comply with all relevant policies and procedures. Below is an overview of key responsibilities every student should be aware of.

Communication and Email Responsibility

The Office of Student Financial Aid communicates primarily through your ICC student email address and secondarily to the email listed on your FAFSA.

It is your responsibility to activate and regularly check your ICC email. Not checking your ICC email does not excuse missed communications.

Monitoring Your Aid & Account

  • You are responsible for reviewing your Online Financial Aid System and Pirate Portal for details about your financial aid status and billing.

  • Any discrepancies must be reported to the Office of Student Financial Aid promptly.

Address Updates

  • Keep your address current in Self-Service.

  • Returned mail due to an outdated address will result in a $10 bad address return fee on your student account.

Required Transcripts

  • A final high school transcript or GED (with graduation date) must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the end of the term to receive federal or institutional aid.

  • Official college transcripts from any college previously attended must be on file with the Registrar’s Office. Failure to report prior college enrollment is considered academic dishonesty and may result in loss of financial aid or denial of enrollment.

Notifications and Appeals

  • Notices regarding Financial Aid Denials or Academic Plans will be sent to your ICC and FAFSA email addresses, by USPS mail, and through the Self-Service stop notification system.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

  • Students must meet SAP standards to remain eligible for aid.

  • The SAP policy is available online and in print upon request. Students are responsible for reading and understanding this policy.

Changes to Academic Major

  • For financial aid purposes, you may change your academic major a maximum of three times during your time at ICC.

Class Attendance & Withdrawals

  • You must be enrolled and actively attending classes to receive any financial aid disbursements.

  • If you stop attending all classes in a term (fall, spring, or summer), you must officially withdraw through the Office of the Registrar. Failure to do so may affect your refund or require repayment of financial aid.

Disbursement Schedule

  • Federal Grants and Loans are typically disbursed 2–3 weeks after Certification Day each semester.

  • If enrolled in late-start or mid-semester classes, you may receive aid in multiple disbursements.

Returned Funds

  • If financial aid funds (via check or EFT) are returned due to incorrect addresses or closed accounts, and delivery attempts are unsuccessful, the funds may be forfeited and returned to the Department of Education.

Impact of Dropping or Failing Classes

  • Withdrawing, failing, or dropping classes may result in partial or full repayment of your aid to ICC or the Department of Education.

Signature Certification & Academic Honesty

  • All documents submitted to the Office of Student Financial Aid, either on paper or electronically, must be signed by the student or designated individual.

  • Forgery is considered academic dishonesty and may result in denial of financial aid and enrollment.

Student Loan Code of Conduct

ICC follows a strict Student Loan Code of Conduct for its employees and affiliated organizations to ensure ethical practices in financial aid services.
Learn more about ICC’s policy here: Student Loan Code of Conduct

NASFAA Ethical Principles

ICC’s Office of Student Financial Aid is a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) and adheres to its Statement of Ethical Principles.

As Financial Aid Professionals, We Commit To:

  • Removing financial barriers for students.

  • Assisting all students with financial need.

  • Advocating for students at institutional, state, and federal levels.

  • Encouraging early planning for higher education.

  • Providing clear and helpful financial aid information.

  • Respecting and protecting student privacy and confidentiality.

  • Ensuring fairness and equity in all aid decisions.

  • Offering services without discrimination.

  • Pursuing ongoing professional development.

  • Fostering diverse viewpoints and ethical practices.

  • Avoiding conflicts of interest and upholding professionalism.