In order to process athletic grant-in-aid awards, it is the policy of the Financial Aid department that students complete the financial aid process. All financial aid documents must be completed and turned in to the satisfaction of the Financial Aid office. All students are required to complete this process, unless it has been determined (within the student’s first year) that he/she does not qualify for any other aid.

In order to receive athletics’ grant-in-aid, a student athlete must meet all eligibility standards set forth by the NCAA and the University (refer to section on academic eligibility). Failure to meet eligibility standards will result in the Athletics Department revoking your grant award. All student-athletes receiving athletics’ grant-in-aid will receive a grant-in-aid form from the athletics department stating the amount of aid awarded and terms of the contract. Please read this contract thoroughly before signing.

Coaches and/or the Athletic Director will make the decision to renew, reduce and/or cancel athletics' grant-in-aid. Students-athletes will be notified by July 1. All student-athletes will have the opportunity to appeal the grant-in-aid decision. A student who wishes to appeal any decision related to his or her financial aid shall submit a written request to the Grant-In-Aid Appeals Committee (GIAAC). The request should include the following information.

*The student's name, student ID number, year in school, sport;

*Type and amount of previous financial aid;

*Reasons for believing that the decision was unfair, including names of institutional staff members (e.g., coach, financial aid officer) with whom the student has discussed the aid; and*Copies of any relevant documents (e.g. letter regarding initial award of athletics grant).

The student should submit these materials to the Director of Financial Aid within 15 business days after the student receives notification that the grant is being canceled. If a written request has not been received within the 15 days, you will forfeit your opportunity to appeal. The student may request an in-person hearing before the Grant-in-Aid Appeals Committee (GIAAC). The appeal is reviewed by the committee, and its decision is final. There is no appeal beyond the GIAAC. The student receives a written response within 10 business days after the Grant-In-Aid Appeals Committee meets.

Students who are Kentucky residents may apply for a grant from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. They must complete a FAFSA, which is available from the University’s Student Financial Aid Office. To receive this grant, students must meet the state deadline of March 15th of each year.

The Federal Pell Grant Program is the largest federal student aid program available to undergraduate students. It provides gift assistance to eligible students and is the “foundation” of financial aid packaging. Student eligibility is based on financial need, which is determined